AACHEN, Germany--The World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, cannot take place on May 29 - June 7 as planned this year.

The organizers have decided to cancel the event due to the corona crisis.

“People’s health takes top priority,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV).

He went on to say that against the background of the national and international developments as well as the measures adopted by the Federal Government, it was decided to cancel the CHIO Aachen 2020.

“This was a very emotional and very difficult decision for us,” said Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART).

 

“FOR QUITE some time now, we have already been in intense communication with the International Equestrian Federation FEI, the German Equestrian Association, the authorities and our partners,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), organizers of the CHIO Aachen, and Michael Mronz, General Manager of the CHIO marketing company, the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART).

Taking the current Coronavirus crisis into account, the aim behind these discussions is to weigh the options of what is the best solution for the CHIO Aachen and for all of the visitors, athletes with their horses, partners and staff of the show.

The original venue date at the beginning of June cannot be adhered to.

“It makes no sense to stick to the planned date, the current and future health and safety of all persons involved in the show has absolute priority for us,” said Kemperman. "Our primary goal is thus now to organize the CHIO Aachen at a later date in the year."

According to Mronz, in spite of the fact that the CHIO Aachen is well-aligned thanks to its strong, reliable partners and the great support of its loyal spectators, the situation still presents a huge challenge.

However, the fans and friends of the CHIO Aachen won’t have to completely miss out.

“We will organize a virtual CHIO Aachen 2020,” said Michael Mronz.

It will at least be possible to experience the legendary CHIO Aachen atmosphere in digital form.

The organizers will present more details about the project over the next few days.

The corona cancellation is the first time that the CHIO Aachen has ever been cancelled.

The history of the largest equestrian event in the world began in 1898.

The Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein was founded, initially horse races, subsequently smaller horse shows were organized.

International equestrian events have been staged in Aachen since the 1920s, the only time the event didn’t take place was during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1945.

However, competitions were held at the showgrounds at the Aachen Soers in 1946 already again, from 1947 onwards on an international basis.

In the meantime, each year around 350,000 guests from all over the globe visit the traditional competition grounds before the gates of Aachen in the course of the10 days of the event.

And they evidently identify themselves strongly with the CHIO Aachen, because the organizers are currently experiencing an extraordinary phenomenon.

“The solidarity of the people with their CHIO Aachen is immense during these difficult times,” said Carl Meulenbergh, the ALRV President.

Many of the ticket holders have already explained that they have decided to forego having their ticket price reimbursed.

“We are sincerely grateful to them for this generous gesture,” said Meulenbergh, because: “As a non-profit making organization, the ALRV is reliant on this support.”

Donors will of course receive a donation receipt.

Tickets that have already been purchased can be converted into tickets for the CHIO Aachen 2021, June 25 - July 4.

All information and further options can be found at chioaachen.com/tickets.

The CHIO Aachen team will now go about contacting all registered ticket customers and kindly asks everyone to currently refrain from placing telephone enquiries, because it will take some time to set up the technical requirements needed for the purpose.

The offices of the CHIO Aachen remain closed to the public until further notice.

For all information see: www.chioaachen.com | www.chioaachen.com/tickets