Cross-country gallops, jumps, and the pinnacle of equine sport! The Aachen CHIO equestrian event unfolds.
Laidback Equestrian Trip-Off in Aachen's CHIO Starts Rolling## World's Top Horse Show, CHIO Aachen, Kicks Off Its Action
Get your boots on, it's CHIO time in Aachen! 27.06.2025, all day. Hang out until 27.06.2027, check out our site.
Status: 27.06.2025, 6:39 PM
After an agonizing wait, equestrian enthusiasts worldwide, it's finally here! The prestigious CHIO Aachen, the largest equestrian event globally, has commenced this Friday. It's a year's long anticipation gone wild as the city of Aachen prepares for a summer filled with equestrian sports.
"We can hardly contain our excitement," shares a security service crew member on the grounds. Despite the initial tournament weekend being more laidback, sport-wise, it serves as a warm-up for the grand opening ceremony on Tuesday.
...cooling off with a friendly picnic amidst the tourney grounds
Vaulting competitions are already underway on Friday, but for the casual younger crowd, it's a perfect chance for a careless picnic by the grass. They trade fancy coolers for homemade sandwiches and lounging rugs instead. The vaulting competitions carry on until Sunday, culminating in the Nations Cup.
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Spain Steps into the Spotlight
The relaxed tournament atmosphere is best experienced at the "Horses and Symphony" event happening Friday and Saturday evenings. Be ready to groove to the beats of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra, specially tailored for the equestrian spirit, along with beautiful dancing and show acts. Sip on a chilled white wine or a Tinto Verano (red wine with zesty lemonade) under the warm summer night. This year's partner country is Spain – enchanting performances and traditional Spanish vibes await!
Cha-Cha-Cha through Aachen's Gleaming Sights
Apart from the thrilling equestrian action, catch plenty of free spectacles on Saturday. Equestrian history unfolds in front of your eyes as restored, vintage carriages parade around Aachen, far from the tournament grounds. Join the Aachen-Laurensberger Racing Club in celebrating a traditional carriage driving tournament with historic carriages and old-fashioned attire. At 11:30 AM on Sunday, gather in the Dressage Stadium for an open-air service, a spectacle featuring countless animals officially kicking off the famous "Soerser Sunday."
The Spanish Sun Grazes Aachen's Grounds
First-time visitors at the CHIO can look forward to a fairground, filled with carriages and carriage drivers. Marvel at the invitation-only competitions for talented young riders at the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS, while the presentation of old crafts, Mustangs, and Spanish horses will keep you entertained[1].
What's Happening Next?
If you missed the action this Friday, don't worry! The WOTAX-Prize (Intermediate I) Dressage battle takes place around 2 hours into Saturday, followed by the exciting Lindt-Prize (Grand Prix Dressage of Aachen with Individual Final Grand Prix Freestyle to Music CDIO5*) approximately 3 hours later, featuring the top 18 riders/horses from qualification, with a maximum of 3 riders per country[1].
At the end of a laidback day at CHIO Aachen, one could unwind by enjoying the Horses and Symphony event, where the beats of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra harmonize with equestrian spirit, Spanish performances, and refreshing drinks under the warm summer night.
In between the exhilarating equestrian sports, take a detour to explore the vintage carriages parading around Aachen on Saturday, a delightful spectacle presenting a unique blend of history and tradition.
