CHIO Aachen: Tickets, Program & History — the World Festival of Equestrian Sports

“The World Festival of Equestrian Sports” — no other title describes CHIO Aachen better. What began in 1924 as a regional riding competition is today the most important equestrian event in the world: over 350,000 visitors annually, the best riders in all disciplines, a unique atmosphere between high-performance sport and social event.

Overview hide

History: Almost 100 Years of Tradition

Disciplines: Everything the Equestrian Sport Has to Offer

The Grand Prix of Aachen

Isabell Werth and Aachen: A Love Story

Tickets and VIP Area

Aachen as a Horse Sport Mecca

Frequently Asked Questions about CHIO Aachen

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History: Almost 100 Years of Tradition

CHIO (Concours Hippique International Officiel) Aachen was first held in 1924. Since then, it has taken place — with the exception of the war years and the cancellation in 2020 due to COVID — every July. The venue, the Aachen Soers site, is one of the best-developed equestrian facilities in the world: 25 hectares, stables for over 700 horses, several competition arenas, and the famous main dressage and show jumping arena.

Disciplines: Everything the Equestrian Sport Has to Offer

Show Jumping: The highlight is the Grosse Preis von Aachen, one of the most prestigious show jumping courses in the world
Dressage: Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and Grand Prix Freestyle — Isabell Werth is at home here
Driving (Harness Racing): Four-in-hand driving on the large course, unique spectator atmosphere
Vaulting: Gymnastics on the horse, individual and group vaulting at world class level
Eventing (Multi-discipline): Dressage, cross-country, jumping — the triathlon of equestrian sports

The Grand Prix of Aachen

The jumping finale is the emotional heart of every CHIO. The course design is considered the most challenging in the world, with dimensions and combinations testing the best pairs to their limits. The list of winners reads like a Who’s Who of world-class show jumping: Hans Günter Winkler, Alwin Schockemöhle, Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning — all German Olympic champions and world champions.

Isabell Werth and Aachen: A Love Story

For the most successful rider in history, Aachen is more than just a competition — it’s home turf. Isabell Werth lives just outside Aachen and has won more dressage titles there than anywhere else in the world. Her horse Bella Rose became a living legend in Aachen: seven consecutive victories, including several world records in the freestyle.

Tickets and VIP Area

The CHIO offers ticket categories for every need:

Standard Day Ticket: 28 – 65 euros (depending on day and tribune)
Week Ticket: from 180 euros
Nations Club: Exclusive club area with catering, champagne and best tribune views — 500 – 2,000 euros/person
Corporate Hospitality (own box): upon request, four- to five-digit figures

For socially oriented visitors, the Nations Club is the heart of the social CHIO experience: Business leaders, politicians, royals and sports celebrities meet in the elegant atmosphere.

Aachen as a Horse Sport Mecca

The city of Aachen has horse sport in its DNA. The Aachen Riding Society (ALRV), which organizes the CHIO, is one of the most influential horse sport associations in Europe. The tri-border area DE/NL/BE makes Aachen an international meeting point — and the nearby top stables of show jumpers and dressage riders underline the density of elite sports in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about CHIO Aachen

When does the CHIO take place? Annually in July, usually over two weeks.
Do you need equestrian knowledge to enjoy the CHIO? No — show jumping and driving are also immediately understandable and spectacular for laypeople.
Are there parking and travel information? On the official CHIO website (chioaachen.de) — large parking areas, shuttle service from Aachen main train station.
Can you get up close to the horses? In the stable area (stall passage) there are often public hours — especially popular with families.