Everyone is already talking about Aachen. As organizers, how are you experiencing this growing anticipation?

Birgit Rosenberg: We feel that very clearly – and it’s really nice. Our Head of Eventing was recently in Blenheim and reported the same thing: In interviews, in conversations with riders, the topic of Aachen comes up everywhere. Many people say: ‘We’re really looking forward to the WEG! That’s great for us to hear. At the same time, however, it also means that the expectations are high – from outside, but also from ourselves. And we want to deliver.

What goals have you set yourself for the World Cup?

Our aim is for everyone – visitors, riders, media – to say at the end: “Those were two great weeks in Aachen.” Of course, many people think back to 2006 – it was something very special back then. But the conditions are different today: The CHIO Aachen is now itself a huge event with five disciplines. Our challenge is therefore to ensure that the 2026 World Championships clearly stand out. It should not be a “slightly larger CHIO”, but an extraordinary, unforgettable experience. The World Championships thrive on atmosphere – full stadiums, enthusiasm and emotion. That’s exactly what we want to create.

What is currently at the top of your list of priorities?

This varies greatly depending on the area. Visible are the construction projects on the grounds – we are building a new stable wing, working intensively on accessibility and optimally preparing the arenas for the coming season.

In sport, there are now many organizational details: schedules, tenders, coordination with the FEI. Volunteer management is also in full swing. We are expecting around 1,000 volunteers to be involved in all areas during the World Championships – from course work to press support and catering. We are particularly pleased that we have already received many applications from abroad.

The new barn is a major project. Where exactly is it being built?

We are building in the existing stable area, i.e. on the old site. Buildings were demolished to make room for modern facilities. This allows us to make better use of existing space and at the same time offer slightly more capacity – around 430 permanent boxes, around 15 more than before. We are modernizing specifically to create optimal conditions for horses and teams.

An important aim of the World Championships is to show the fascination of horses to a broad public. How is this planned?

Equestrian sport is currently facing two major questions: How do we safeguard the welfare of the horse – and how do we get children and young people interested in the sport in the long term? We want to focus on both of these issues at the WEG. We are therefore planning the Sunday and Monday between the two WEG weeks specifically for clubs and children: with programs, school horse cups and activities that involve young riders. The kids should be able to experience the World Championships – not just watch them. We want to focus on our joint project “100 school horses plus”, not only in the run-up to the World Championships, but also during them. Horse welfare will also play a central role. A few years ago, we launched the Scientist Circle, which scientifically investigates the welfare of sport horses. We want to show what happens behind the scenes in terms of research and science and make this transparent for visitors – for example with exhibitions and dialog formats. In this way, we want to strengthen confidence in the sport and promote enthusiasm for horses.

Is there an exam that you are particularly looking forward to?

I’m not exactly known as a dressage fan (laughs), but the freestyle under floodlights in the big stadium – that’s a goosebump moment. And of course the cross-country day in eventing. That’s always a highlight – but also the day with the most tension. You just hope that everything goes as well as planned. Especially with around 100 participants in the eventing, it will be a special challenge. Our aim is to create a great day for the sport.

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Would you like to be there live at the World Championships in Aachen 2026? Tickets for the 2026 equestrian event are still available.

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