It has been a long tradition of the World Equestrian Festival, Aachen CHIO, to partner with a host country and honor their shared passion for equestrian sport.

Organizers of the CHIO Aachen 2023 are looking forward to this year’s partner country, Great Britain with royal splendor and Royal guest Princess Anne in a spectacular opening ceremony, June 27th.

“The partner countries always lend the CHIO Aachen a very special atmosphere,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, member of the board of the organizers, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). “Winning over Great Britain as this year’s partner country means the fulfillment of a long-standing heartfelt wish.” 

Equestrian sports and horse breeding are a highly appreciated tradition in Great Britain deeply rooted within the Royal family. Princess Anne herself became the youngest eventer to win the European Championships in 1971. HRH Princess Anne was president of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) from 1986 to 1994. Her father, Prince Philip, previously held the same position from 1964 until 1986. During that tenure he created the sport of Combined Driving, modeled after eventing the discipline his daughter and then grand daughter Zara Tindall excelled in.

Returning to Aachen and the Guest Of Honor

Anne who won three European Championship medals during her equestrian career, passing her passion to daughter Zara Tindall. In Aachen at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2006,  won the World Champion title with her mother in attendance. Now returning to the Aachen Soers 17 years later, HRH Princess Anne will occupy the Royal box in the grand stadium for the Opening Ceremonies.

The Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen 2023 traditionally impresses the crowds as a spectacular, floodlit event. “This unique atmosphere will bring many unforgettable moments,” Birgit Rosenberg is convinced. The big show before the top sport has long since proved to be a perfect entertainment show in the Main Stadium in front of 40,000 spectators.

The Beatles and Shetlands

The motto of the evening: “All you need is love”, based on the legendary Beatles hymn. Among others, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, that are well-known as the Royal Guards from the magnificent parade’s on London’s streets, will enchant the crowd with their world-famous Musical Ride Display. They will be accompanied by the Grand National Shetland Ponies, magnificent, typical British carriages and – of course – plenty of music.

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