ALRV-Newspaper. Number 6, March CHIO Aachen starts in three months. Official Opening Ceremony on June 30th - Tournament lasts for ten days again

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1 Number 6, March 2009 CHIO Aachen starts in three months Official Opening Ceremony on June 30th - Tournament lasts for ten days again When the whole world are our guests at the Soers, then of course we want to offer them something special," comments Frank Kemperman, Show Director of the CHIO Aachen and Chairman of the ALRV managing board. "The Opening Ceremony is going to be spectacular." Once again from June 26th until July 5th, approximately 300 of the top equestrian athletes, 500 horses and over 300,000 spectators will attend the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen. As in 2008 the competitions will be held over a period of ten days, and starting with the vaulting competitions on Friday. Following tradition, the official Opening Ceremony will take place on the Tuesday, June 30th, at 5 pm in the main stadium. Next to the parade of approximately 26 nations, this year's partner country will also present itself (more on this topic in the next issue). The exact itinerary is currently being worked out, but Frank Kemperman already reveals one thing: "It is going to be a fast-paced programme. Driving fans are ALRV President, Klaus Pavel. Riders from all of the nations will offer the spectators a spectacular show programme at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: ALRV especially going to be in their element." And of course the coveted media prize "The Silver Horse" will be awarded during the Opening Ceremony. Furthermore, after last year's success German TV-station WDR has already confirmed that it will be broadcasting the Opening Ceremony live. (rm) Always the most important news: Ticket hotline: +49-(0) "The highlight of equestrian sport" Dear ALRV-members, Dear CHIOvolunteers, Next to the European Dressage and Show-Jumping Championships in Great Britain - our event is going be the highlight in the equestrian sport schedule of With competitions in five disciplines that will captivate the spectators in the stadiums and the TV viewers, and an accompanying programme including highlights such as the "Horse & Symphony" concert or the Opening Ceremony, which is unparalleled. The best equestrian athletes and the best horses will travel to the Soers - the CHIO Aachen is well-known for this, it is admired because of it, and this is what we work jointly to achieve. We are still finalising the last details, but we are convinced that we will put together an excellent event, together with your support, for which I thank you sincerely in advance. Yours sincerely, Klaus Pavel, President of the ALRV Imprint, No. 6 responsible: Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.v. Chairman of the managing board: Frank Kemperman Editor: Ralf Mader (rm)

2 Number 6, March 2009, Page 2 Emotional event under floodlight Glance back in history: 80 years ago the Nations' Cup celebrated its premiere in Aachen By Ralf Mader At the beginning the show-jumpers' competition sounded rather menacing. The competition that was introduced to the Soers in 1929 and which for many people symbolised the beginning of the actual era of the CHIO Aachen, was originally named "Battle of the Nations". Eighty years later the team competition of the best jumping nations in the world is still one of the highlights of the event, today it is of course known as the Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup: The famous automobile company has been sponsoring the competition for more than fifty years. The Germans have notched up the most victories, with a tally of 26. Especially in recent years the home team has been almost unbeatable, winning the competition four times over the past five years. "The Germans are always the favourites in front of their home crowd," Since 2006 the Mercedes-Benz Nation s Cup is the flootlight event at the CHIO Aachen. Photo: Bronkhorst One of 26 German victories in the Nations Cup: 1955 Fritz Thiedemann, Alfons Lütke-Westhues, Walter Schmidt and Hans Günter Winkler triumphed. Individual World Champion, Jos Lansink (Belgium) commented last year - and indeed he turned out to be right. But one can also share Ludger Beerbaum's matter-of-fact point of view: "Only a team that disposes of four equally talented riders can win in Aachen." 1929 still segregated competitions Of course the teams can include both male and female riders. In the meantime it is taken for granted that amazons such as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Germany) or Jessica Kürten (Ireland) compete at top level as part of the world equestrian elite. However, in 1929 in the first year of the Aachen Nations' Cup, the competition was divided up into ladies' and men's events. Incidentally, Switzerland won the ladies' competition and Sweden won the men's competition. In the following decades the top equestrian sport legends together with their respective teams were able to enter their names in the winners' list. From Hans Günter Winkler (Germany) to Francisco Goyoaga (Spain), Piero d' Inzeo (Italy). William Steinkraus (USA) or Paul Schockemöhle (Germany) through to Beezie Madden (USA). Live on ZDF again in 2009 After the FEI World Equestrian Games Aachen 2006, the Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup was rescheduled to the Thursday evening - and thus it became a floodlight attraction, broadcast live on ZDF during prime time. So, in addition to the millions of TV viewers, approximately 40,000 spectators will once again be waving their flags and shouting loudly to cheer on their nation live in the main stadium this year. It is therefore not surprising that the tickets are extremely popular months in advance. "A thrilling experience that nobody should miss," added Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. The teams from Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA have qualified to compete.

3 Number 6, March 2009, Page 3 "An amazing atmosphere" Series: The ALRV introduces its volunteers - an interview with Nadia Zülow Having won three individual titles at World and European Championships, she is the most successful vaulter of all times: Since retiring from active sport, Nadia Zülow belongs to the organise team at the CHIO Aachen. Ralf Mader talked to her about the fascination of her discipline. Question: The vaulting competitions were a crowd-puller at the Soers last year. How do you explain the constantly growing popularity of your sport? Nadia Zülow: Of course the sporting performances are decisive. The aesthetics of several athletes displaying their acrobatic skills at the same time on top of one horse. Quite honestly: When somebody visits a vaulting competition for the first time they don't expect an awful lot. After all hardly anyone is familiar with our sport. And then the spectators get to witness acrobatic exercises that they wouldn't even dare do on the ground, let alone on the back of a galopping horse. When doing a summersault or a handstand on a horse the vaulters have to show an extremely high amount of body control. The spectators are not merely surprised by the performances, but they are actually overwhelmed by them. Question: But also by the atmosphere in the Albert-Vahle-Arena? Zülow: That is right. Last year the atmosphere was simply amazing. Everyone who walked passed must have thought the arena was being torn down. The majority of the spectators are young people, but more and more adults are joining the crowds and becoming infected by the excitement. Question: In 2007 vaulting was integrated into the CHIO Aachen as its fifth Nadia Zülow can fall back on all of her experience as a world-class vaulter as a member of the organising team of the CHIO Aachen. Photo: ALRV/ Schupp discipline. How do you assess the significance of our tournament for the vaulting sport? Zülow: It is immense. The CHIO Aachen is one of the most professional events in the world and everyone wants to compete there. This year two large tournaments are being organised in the USA and in the Czech Republic parallel to the CHIO, but the top athletes will all compete in Aachen. It is extremely important that our discipline has not only been accommodated here, but also widely accepted. Aachen offers us one of the rare platforms to present our sport on a large scale. Question: Which is also due to the TV coverage, isn't it? Zülow: Absolutely. Vaulting is seldom shown on television. Whereas, in Aachen the Nations' Cup is even broadcast live by German TV-station WDR. Things couldn't be better for us. Question: When the Nations' Cup was introduced last year, it was the first of its kind in the world. Do you find it difficult watching such highlights after retiring from the active sport in 2003? Zülow: That was the only time that was really tough for me. In the past we always dreamed of there being a Nations' Cup in vaulting one day. The atmosphere was so unique, that I actually had tears in my eyes. Not because I was envious, but rather because I was proud that this dream had come true. Question: Once again this year the CHIO Aachen will be kicking off with the vaulting competitions on the first weekend. What shouldn't the spectators miss? Zülow: Everything is tremendously exciting, whether it is the compulsory routines or the freestyle, the team competitions or the individual competitions. What particularly fascinates me is the international flair and being able to see how friendly the atmosphere among the competitors is. The spectators can observe this themselves in the left part of the arena, where the vaulters get ready for their performances. Here you can learn a very important maxim for your life - namely that despite all ambition, you should never go short on fun and friendship. All information on vaulting: programme, Keyword "Five Disciplines"

4 Great interest in tickets for CHIO 2009 "The advance sales for the CHIO Aachen 2009 are going extremely well," says Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. Already 160,000 tickets have been sold three months before the event starts. "The reaction of the visitors shows that the innovations of the last years are being well accepted." Especially the decision to offer more floodlit events is paying off. "We recommend not to wait too long to buy your tickets, since a lot of the categories may be sold out much earlier than usual," explains Mronz. Tickets for the CHIO Aachen (June 26th- July 5th) can be purchased at the ALRV Offices, Albert-Servais-Allee 50, D Aachen, phone: +49-(0) and at Number 6, March 2009, Page 4 The international equestrian elite will be in action in the main stadium of the CHIO Aachen in June and July. Anyone who wants to secure one of the coveted tickets, is advised not to wait too long. Over 300,000 people are expected to watch the five equestrian disciplines again this year. Photo: ALRV Ton de Ridder explains dressage ALRV-members and CHIO-volunteers visited the event in the Albert-Vahle-Arena Dressage clearly belongs to the most elegant horse sport disciplines, but it is sometimes difficult to understand. No wonder that hundreds of spectators wanted to witness the event "Better understanding of dressage lections" in the Albert-Vahle-Arena. Already for the 3rd time, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein invited its members and CHIO-volunteers to an exclusive event. While the renowned dressage trainer Ton de Ridder commented, his wife Johanna Raulf, presenter Volker Raulf, Alexandra Simons de Ridder, Member of the ALRV's Supervisory Board Wolfgang Mainz, Max Wadenspanner, Geertje Hesse, Ton de Ridder, Kahra Baumann, Marion Engelen and Hiroshi Hoketsu. Photo: ALRV Alexandra Simons de Ridder (Team Olympic Champion 2000), their daughter Julia and several other riders from the de Ridder's stables "Roßheide" showed the many facets of dressage sport. Now, how to find the right rhythm, and what is the best way to get into the piaffe? "In my opinion there is no such thing as the classical dressage, a term which experts often like to mention. There is simply a correct and a wrong way to deal with horses", explained Ton de Ridder. The horse should be seen as partner and should accordingly be treated with much sensitivity. With numerous dressage lections, his riders showed how to successfully realize this theory. In future, the series of exclusive events will be continued. In 2008, the reporter Hans-Heinrich Isenbart, the show jumpers Marcus Ehning and Jeroen Dubbeldam as well as course designer Professor Dr. Arno Gego had attended Aachen's Soers for exclusive lectures.

5 Number 6, March 2009, Page 5 The Sportpark Soers is growing CHIO team informs itself about the construction progress of their neighbour completed by June when the CHIO 2009 starts, however the multi-storey car park behind the new Tivoli of the Alemannia should be finished. "This compensation is urgently necessary, because our parking spaces on the Krefelder Street no longer exist," commented ALRV Chairman, Frank Kemperman. In the future, however not before 2010, the ALRV will be make use of facilities in the Alemannia stadium, probably for the ticket centre. Dressage Stadium? Stephan van der Kooi, Project Manager for the new Tivoli, explained in detail Alemannia Aachen's construction measures to the CHIO team. The hundreds of thousands of equestrian sport fans who will travel to the CHIO from June 26th-July 5th, will be confronted with a new picture of the Soers: The second division football club, Alemannia Aachen, is in the process of building its new stadium next door in the Krefelder Street. The joint "Sportpark Soers" is taking shape. the joint forecourt on the Krefelder Street. In future the visitors of the CHIO Aachen and Alemannia will be able to stroll around here, but at the moment the diggers are still busy at work. Not all of the construction work will be "Some people refer to it ironically as the new CHIO dressage stadium," joked van der Kooi during the guided tour. "However, we at Alemannia, want to do everything in our power to get Alemannia back into the first division." A so-called "Champion" balcony has already been installed on the rear side of the stadium overlooking the CHIO grounds. Perhaps so that the 2nd division club have somewhere to celebrate moving up to division one in the future. "We would be delighted for our neighbours if this happens," stated Kemperman. (rm) And a good neighbour always provides detailed information about the construction progress. So, Stephan van der Kooi, Project Manager in charge of building Alemannia's stadium, guided the fulltime employees of the Aachen- Laurensberger Rennverein and the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH around the site. The building shell is currently shooting up on the location, where the football fans will be cheering on their team as of the 2009/2010 season, just a stone's throw away from the CHIO main stadium. Work is also being carried out on This is where the new "entrance gate" to the Sportpark Soers of Alemannia Aachen (left) and CHIO Aachen on the Krefelder Street is developing. Photos: ALRV

6 Number 6, March 2009, Page 6 Three questions...ruth Crumbach-Trommler A member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein for 45 years A graduate in economics, Ruth Crumbach-Trommler has been a ALRV-member for 45 years. She was the first female member of the ALRV Advisory Board from 1995 to 1998 and was responsible for the "Sport meets friends" project of the FEI World Equestrian Games Aachen Question: Do you have a special memory about your experiences at the CHIO Aachen? Ruth Crumbach-Trommler: As an eight-year-old in 1955 my anxious parents forbade me from attending the CHIO due to a polio epidemic, since there was no polio vaccination in Germany at the time. I found this very unfair, especially since my sport idol of those days, "HGW" was defending his title on Orient at the World Championships in Aachen, and claimed the World Show-Jumping Championship title for the second time in a row. All my screaming and crying didn't manage to persuade my parents to change their minds. It was the only time I ever missed a CHIO. Ruth Crumbach-Trommler. Photo: Private Question: What is your favourite place on the show grounds? Crumbach-Trommler: The domicile of the drivers and the driving arena. This is where you find the true amateurs, who often breed their horses themselves, always train their teams themselves and live in symbiosis with their horses. The driver's whole family helps him, acting as his groom, horse physiotherapist or coach. One can sense up close their great passion for the sport, which one can relate to best if one has ever had the honour of riding on a four-in-hand carriage. Question: What must one simply have seen at the Word Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen? Crumbach-Trommler: The cross-country course in the Soers. It really demonstrates to the spectators the untamed power, the skill, the stamina and the desire to win that the horse, rider or driver possess. This applies to both the eventing and driving disciplines. One shouldn't miss the opportunity of visiting the dressage stadium on a summer evening, when the sun sets over the hills of Berensberg while excellent dressage tests are being performed to music. There is no nicer way of relaxing in peace and harmony after spending an exciting competition day on the crosscountry course, when the hills around the Soers valley fade gently away into the darkness. Polytechnic students create a further CHIO poster Every equestrian sport fan knows it: The CHIO Aachen poster with the famous horse's head on a silver background. This year a second poster will also be used to advertise the event - it is being designed by students of the Aachen Polytechnic. Thirteen young designers of the specialised area of Communication Design certainly didn't want to miss this chance of demonstrating their skills to a wide audience. Under the guidance of the Polytechnic's Professor, Christoph M. Scheller, they have over the past weeks occupied themselves intensively with the equestrian sport, they visited the show grounds at the Soers and browsed through a lot of specialised literature. Resulting in innovative drafts - some of which are colourful, some have a reduced format and some are amusing. Readers to decide The specialised jury comprised of Scheller, CHIO Show Director, Frank Kemperman and Manfred Kutsch of the Zeitungsverlag Aachen, have already chosen five of the best motifs. The readers of the "Aachener Nachrichten" and the "Aachener Zeitung" will now pick the winner. The motifs will appear in the weekend magazine on March 28th. "The drafts have even exceeded our expectations," says Kemperman. "The proposals are so manifold and original that it is difficult to say who will win." However, one thing is already certain: The creative contest of the CHIO and the Aachen Polytechnic will definitely be conducted again over the coming years.

7 Number 6, March 2009, Page 7 A lime tree for Tamina and Timon So far round about 90 people and companies have donated a tree at the Aachen Soers Cheerfully Timon holds the plate, on which his and his sister's names are engraved, towards the camera. "Perhaps the two of them will stroll around the CHIO grounds in 30 year's time and will be proud of their tree," their parents Astrid Kaiser and Leonhard Becker say hopefully. Timon (6) and Tamina (9) have donated one of the lime trees that are planted all over the show grounds. The plague bearing the names of the two children will be placed on a stone in front of the tree, where they will be eternalised. They also receive a personal certificate. Timon and Tamina are in good company as tree patrons: Approximately ninety companies, equestrian sport fans and athletes such as Nadine Capellmann already have "their" own tree at the Soers. The aim is to make the show grounds greener and greener, more and more friendly and inviting - this is the vision behind the "Garden of Eden" of the ALRV, an environmental and landscape project initiated in Since then countless trees, hedges and flowers have been planted. "We would like to teach our children what the values of life are," says Leonhard Becker, who is a member of the ALRV and a member of the Association of Breeders and Friends of the Arabian Horse. "And for me as a resident of Aachen, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein stands for a particularly high perception of value." (rm) Would you like to donate a tree? Please contact Mrs. Radermacher, phone: +49(0) Each tree costs 1,300 Euros. A donation receipt will be issued. It is also possible to become patron of a horse box in the CHIO stables, contact: Balthasar Ketteniss passed away at the age of 80 Ketteniss with the Prize of the City of Aachen. Timon proudly holds the plague, which will be placed in front of the tree, and Tamina her personal certificate. CHIO Show Director Frank Kemperman welcomed the two new patrons and their parents Astrid Kaiser and Leonhard Becker in the Aachen Soers. Photo: Mader Balthasar Ketteniss was an institution at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen and at the many Championships at the Soers: He volunteered here at 55 events since 1955 and was distinguished with the Prize of the City of Aachen in 2006 on behalf of all of the CHIO volunteers. In January Balthasar Ketteniss passed away at the age of 80. "The news of the death of one of our most dedicated volunteers has deeply affected us," says ALRV Chairman of the managing board and CHIO Aachen Show Director, Frank Kemperman. "Balthasar Ketteniss was always in action for us whatever the weather. We will never forget his fantastic commitment or his passion for the equestrian sport. We will deeply miss his experience and his compassion." Course judge Only last year Balthasar Ketteniss stood next to the water jump in the show-jumping stadium as a course judge - as a member of the Horse Tails (Pferdeschwänze) which he co-founded in the early 60 s. He was also judge at many other horse shows.

8 Number 6, March 2009, Page 8 Fast-paced Horse & Symphony Show Olympic Eventing team and Kai Vorberg have confirmed their participation When the horses literally float into the Deutsche Bank Stadium, when the dancers show their breathtaking choreographies and the whole thing is accompanied by the emotional sound of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra - then it must be Saturday evening at the CHIO. Horse choreographies accompanied by the sound of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra: Perhaps the highlight of the CHIO supporting programme. In past years the tickets were so coveted that the concert was already sold out weeks in advance. Photo: Strauch "The Horse & Symphony concert on June 27th, will make sure the grandstand is full. The demand for tickets is already underlining this", explains Show Director, Frank Kemperman. World stars have confirmed their participation including the German eventing team, the Olympic gold medallists and the two-time Vaulting World Champion, Kai Vorberg. Musical Director is Marcus R. Bosch who promises many classical highlights and Renate Dahmen is in charge of the choreography. (rm) Since Ten years on the ALRV-staff Their faces are some of the most wellrecognised at the ALRV: Gerda Goebbels and Hanny Radermacher have been working for the ALRV since Their colleagues sincerely congratulate them on this anniversary. Gerda Goebbels is particularly popular with the ticket customers, employed in ticketing she is namely responsible for making sure that everyone receives their desired seat. In her position as assistant to Frank Kemperman, ALRV's Chairman, Hanny Radermacher not only makes sure he has a free hand to take on the necessary tasks, but she is also the initial contact person for the event's CHIO-volunteers. It is therefore quite logical that Frank Kemperman and the entire team are already "looking forward to a further ten years with both ladies." (rm) Hans Kauhsen (left, ALRV Supervisory Board) and Frank Kemperman (right, ALRV Chairman) congratulate Gerda Goebbels (2nd from left) and Hanny Radermacher. Photo: Mader

9 Number 6, March 2009, Page 9 "Horse whisperer" at the Albert-Vahle Arena He calls himself "the man who talks to the horses" and he particularly became famous after the Robert Redford film with the same name: "Horse Whisperer" Monty Roberts will be hosting his show in the Albert-Vahle-Arena at the CHIO show grounds on April 16th and 17th, and will be demonstrating his sensitive way of communicating with equines. Tickets can be ordered online at and by phone: +49- (0) Abit Building Exhibition attracts to the Soers Anyone searching for his dream house, can put one together at the Abit Building Exhibition. The event will once again be organised in the Albert-Vahle-Arena from May 8th-10th. All further information is available online at You would like to hire the CHIO grounds for your private or public event? For further information, contact Gina Klaassen: +49-(0) , gina.klaassen@chioaachen.de. Annual General Meeting at the Soers on April 23rd The annual General Meeting of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein will take place this year on thursday, April 23rd, at the offices in the Albert-Servais- Allee 50. All members will receive a personal invitation by mail. On this occasion last year's champions Albert Zoer (the Netherlands, Show-Jumping) and Nicola Ströh (Hamburg, Vaulting) will be welcomed within the "Club of the Winners" and will, by way of tradition, receive the official green ALRV-jacket. CHIO-museum: Surprise for the 5000th visitor Alfred Köpke is happy about two tickets for the CHIO Aachen 2009 Initially Alfred Köpke had only wanted to hand in his tax return at the tax office vis-à-vis of the CHIO Aachen show grounds. But then he made the spontaneous decision to visit the CHIOmuseum. This brought him luck: The ALRV presented the 5000th visitor with a surprise and an exclusive guided tour. And he entered the ALRV's offices in the Soers at exactly the right moment, because almost simultaneously, two visitor groups had registered for guided tours. But museum coordinator Dr. Doris Beaujean had counted accurately and knew: Alfred Köpke is number 5,000. He received a bouquet of flowers from ALRV Vice President Carl Meulenbergh and two tickets for the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2009 (June 26th - July 5th). Hence he can also watch the famous official Opening Ceremony of the event on June 30th. "I am totally amazed. I surely did not expect something like this", comments the 60 year-old happily. Dr. Beaujean then lead him on an exclusive guided tour with many expert comments on the museum exhibits. The museum with a size of more than 130 square meters was opened on June 14th, ALRV Vice President Carl Meulenbergh, Dr. Doris Beaujean and Alfred Köpke and is situated on the 2nd floor of the ALRV offices. Thus, aside to equestrian history, the visitor can experience the view over the show grounds. Köpke was especially impressed by the saddle of Hans Günter Winkler, which is part of the exhibition, together with numerous other exhibits from one hundred years of horse sport in Aachen. "I visited the CHIO for the first time in the Fifties, together with my school class", remembered Köpke. "I have always admired the jumping stars of those years, like Winkler, Fritz Thiedemann or the Italian brothers d'inzeo." He will return to the Soers at the latest for the CHIO Aachen in summer - but probably without the detour via the tax office. Opening Hours CHIO-Museum Wednesdays noon to 5 p.m. and Fridays 9.00 a.m. to noon. The entry is free of charge. Groups are welcome for guided tours.

10 Number 6, March 2009, Page 10 First of all the most promising talents will compete at the Salut-Festival 2009 (Dec. 10th-13th) and then at the DJM in August Photo: Rüland 2010 Youth Championships at the CHIO grounds The promotion of young talents is one of the top priorities for the ALRV: Each year in December the CHIO organisers hold a show for young riders in the Albert-Vahle-Arena, the Salut-Festival Aachen. Now the German Youth Championships (DJM) are to be staged at the CHIO grounds. For the second time after 2003, the best 450 talents in jumping, dressage and vaulting will be invited to the Aachen Soers. Pony riders (up to the age of 14), Juniors (up to the age of 18) and Young Riders (up to the age of 21) can take part. The DJM will be staged from August 13th- 15th, "We are delighted at being able to offer the youngsters a platform in front of a wide audience," comments Frank Kemperman. World Champion Ströh will retire at the Soers She is the two-time and reigning World Champion in vaulting and also won at the CHIO Aachen last year: However, at the climax of her career Nicola Ströh had to announce the end of her career for health reasons. She will be attending the CHIO Aachen for one final time though: As is appropriate for an athlete of her calibre, she will officially retire from the competitive sport at the Aachen Soers. "I couldn't imagine a better setting," the 28-year-old states. Only last year Ströh won the individual ladies' competition in Aachen and was a member of the team that won the Nations' Cup. Frank Kemperman is "sad that a great athlete like Nicola ends her competitive career, but is also glad that she gives her farewell during the CHIO". Prize of the City of Aachen goes to Dr. Zetsche Daimler's chef will be honoured for his commitment for the CHIO Aachen Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG, will be awarded with the Prize of the City of Aachen in the course of this year's CHIO Aachen (June 26th - July 5th, 2009). With the prize, the city wants to honour his extraordinary commitment for the traditional equestrian event in Aachen's Soers. President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.v. "Thus we are very pleased with the decision of the City of Aachen." Since 1995, the Prize of the City of Aachen has been awarded to personalities who have extraordinarily committed themselves for the CHIO Aachen. Since 1999, Zetsche has been member of the Advisory Board of the CHIO organiser Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.v. (ALRV) and has been involved in the advancement of the event for a long time. Daimler AG has been supporting the CHIO Aachen since 1954 and is for example competition sponsor of the show jumpers' Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup. "We have a long lasting, close and faithful partnership with the Daimler AG and especially with Dr. Zetsche, a partnership that has always been characterized by mutual respect", says Klaus Pavel, ALRV-President Klaus Pavel, Matthias Hindemith, Director of the Mercedes-Benz branch office Aachen, show jumping legend Hans Günter Winkler and Dr. Dieter Zetsche. Foto: Strauch

11 Nummer 6, March 2009, Page 11 CHIO wins St. Georg Award World Equestrian Festival elected Best Horse Show by the readers The tension among the 200 invited guests was enormous. Which event had been elected as Best Horse Show by the readers of the equestrian magazine St. Georg? It the end, ALRV- President Klaus Pavel was the one who received the coveted St. Georg Award for the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen. For the first time ever, the award was bestowed in eleven categories. Aachen won the most important category with a clear margin in front of the German Masters in Stuttgart and the German Jumping and Dressage Derby in Hamburg. Alexandra Jahr, publisher of the St. Georg magazine, presented the award, a bronze with an engraved horse silhouette, personally to Klaus Pavel. For the St. Georg, the readers vote was almost predictable: Can 360,000 visitors be mistaken? The mixture of top sport Publisher Alexandra Jahr applauds ALRV-President Klaus Pavel, who is visibly overjoyed by the readers voting. Photo: St. Georg and shopping experience, of thrill and party atmosphere is unique worldwide, commented the magazine on their readers choice. From the CHIO to the circus ring of Roncalli She had not initially planned her performance, but in the end she enjoyed it: At the Circus Roncalli s premiere in Aachen, Conny Mütze from the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH sat in the front row of the audience and was chosen by the Italian star clown David Larible to play along with him. Together with other spectators, including dressage rider Jill de Ridder, Conny Mütze was supposed to give proof of her comedic and artistic talents in the circus ring. And she succeeded with it: Although the announced plate catching in the end turned out to be a plate dropping a fact that had been intended by the clown the audience was delighted. In spite of her success in the arena, This is how show stars present themselves: Jill de Ridder, Marcel Philipp, David Larible and Conny Mütze in the Roncalli circus ring. Photo: ALRV rumour has it that circus talent Mütze plans to stay to the equestrian sport. (rm)