CHIO Aachen to Go Virtual in 2020

This year, the “O” in CHIO Aachen stands for “Online.” After being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic,  the “Concours Hippique International Officiel” is now being staged as the “Concours Hippique International Online” this year, scheduled to take place Aug. 4-9 in Aachen, Germany.

“Of course, nothing excels the real CHIO Aachen,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). But in the absence of the live event, cutting-edge technology will keep the spirit of the event alive.

The event was intended to host a Nations Cup CCIO4*-S, CCI3*S and CCI2*S. Now, “CHIO Aachen Digital” will feature a combination of virtual experiences, social media, sport and entertainment. In addition to a virtual eventing competition, there will be dressage and show jumping challenges with international top riders, plenty of fan involvement, a mobile phone game and a German vs. Dutch National Cup for four-in-hand driving. Competition highlights from past years will also be shown plus new commentary from athletes.

“We have been relying on state-of-the-art technology and innovations for many years already to present our unique sport in the best light and to also make it more transparent and thus more easily comprehensible, of course,” said Michael Mronz, General Manager of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. In this way, together with the official technology partner SAP, the organizers developed the judging app for the dressage competitions, a technology that has since been implemented worldwide and will be adapted for implementation during the CHIO Aachen Digital.

“Of course, we would have all preferred a live event at our traditional showgrounds,” said Carl Meulenbergh, President of the ALRV. “However I am convinced that we will be able to bring a great deal of the legendary CHIO Aachen atmosphere to the people’s homes in the scope of this digital event.”

Over the coming days and weeks, details about the CHIO Aachen Digital will be announced on its social media platforms and on the website at chioaachen.de.