How have preparations gone for this year’s edition of TSCHIO Aachen, and what has been the main priority for you and the team?

BR: This year’s event is different from a normal CHIO Aachen, that is for sure. However, our main focus is always the same: to prepare the venue in the best possible way and to provide the very best conditions for the riders and horses.

For us, that starts with the footing, especially for the grass arenas, as well as the stables and all the infrastructure that is needed to welcome the best horses in the world. That is always one of our main priorities.

This year, with a shortened programme, it has also been very important to create a schedule that gives riders the best possible opportunities to bring their horses here, to compete, and to prepare well for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. At the same time, we want to offer spectators a very attractive schedule.

I think we have achieved a good mixture of top sport and entertainment. On Saturday evening, for example, we have a very exciting night with the concert, Horse & Symphony, in the Main Stadium, with the Aachen Symphony Orchestra playing live while horses and riders perform to the music. I think it will be a very good combination and a really special show.

The 2026 event takes place across a compact three-day format from 22–24 May. How has this shaped the sporting programme and the build-up to Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix?

BR: A lot of thought has gone into finding the right programme. We always like to offer competitions for young horses, because riders love to bring them to Aachen and give them the experience of competing in the big arena, often for the first time. So, we will again have young horse classes as part of the programme.

There has been a lot of focus on creating the right balance. It is also different for us because, normally, our show is centred around the Nations Cup, with a different invitation model. This year, we are working with a CSI5* invitation model, so we have had to make sure that everything is in order within a new system.

There have been a few elements that are different for the team, and everyone has had to adapt. However, I think that is also a good thing. It is always positive to try new things, to develop ideas, and to come up with something different.

The Aachen Soers Showground has a unique place in equestrian sport. What is it about the venue, the arena and the atmosphere that continues to set it apart?

BR: The conditions are very important, and that is something we always try to deliver at the highest level. But I think the really special thing about Aachen is the history. The show has been here for more than 100 years, and there is a certain magic around the venue and the Main Stadium.

If you look at pictures from the beginning, in the 1920s, the arena already looked very similar to how it does today, with the permanent obstacles around the arena. That is very typical of Aachen.

The crowd is also something very special. We are very fortunate to have so many spectators, but also such knowledgeable fans. It does not matter which nation a rider comes from, they cheer for everyone. During the competition, you can hardly hear a word, and then, at the end of the round, they really explode. I think that is very special.

For the riders, everyone wants to be on the big winners’ board at the judges’ tower, which shows the winners of the Grand Prix since the 1920s. That is something very special.

As Sports Director, what does your role involve, and do you look to other events or other sports for inspiration?

BR: Yes, absolutely. I think it is very important to travel, to see other events, and to look at what other organisers are doing. You can always learn something from every event, whether that is something positive or something that perhaps you would do differently.

I also think it is important to look beyond equestrian sport. I really enjoy exchanging ideas with people from other sports and understanding how they approach certain things, particularly when it comes to engaging spectators and creating a complete experience at an event.

That is part of my role: to develop new ideas and new concepts. We are very fortunate to have a really strong team here, with a good mix of young, enthusiastic people and more experienced colleagues. Working closely with them, and keeping everyone motivated and happy within the team, is something I really enjoy. I think that is very important for success.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping links four of the sport’s greatest Majors. How important is Aachen’s place within the concept?

BR: I think the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has brought something truly unique to show jumping, and we are very proud to be part of it alongside our Major colleagues from Geneva, Spruce Meadows and The Dutch Masters.

We are close colleagues, and it is very valuable to exchange ideas with each other and to continue developing our shows. I think the Rolex Grand Slam has helped bring each event to another level, because everyone is striving for the best.

It is also very special to see riders competing on the Rolex Grand Slam circuit. A few days ago, we had a press conference here with Richard Vogel, and to see him speaking about the Rolex Grand Slam and about competing here at Aachen, you could see the smile on his face. But you could also feel that he was quite focused, because of course he would love to win here after his victory at The Dutch Masters. You can really feel that it means something very special to the riders.

Richard Vogel arrives at TSCHIO Aachen as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. What does it mean for Aachen to welcome a German rider in that position?

BR: It is very special. Richard knows exactly how to connect with the crowd. He loves the audience, and the audience loves him.

You could see that last year when he won a number of the classes here. He was encouraging the spectators, high-fiving them, and really bringing them with him. For us, it is great to have him here in this position. He is a real star of German equestrian sport not only because of his success but also because of his personality.

I was very impressed by him at the press conference. Of course, he said that Sunday is the big day and that everything this week is focused on the Rolex Grand Prix. But he also said that he is bringing a young horse and that he will compete in the additional classes, such as the MERKUR CASINO-Cup, because he feels he should give something back to the people.

I thought that was very special, and I think it says a lot about Richard. To have him here as the Rolex Grand Slam live contender is really fantastic.

What has been your proudest moment as part of the Aachen team?

BR: I have been here for many years, so there have been many unforgettable moments. I could not choose just one proudest moment.

I think, for us as a team, there is always a very special feeling on Sunday after the Rolex Grand Prix, during the Farewell of Nations. We stand together and feel proud of the team, proud that we have managed to deliver a successful show.

So, I would not pick out one single moment. But when the show has gone well, I am really proud of the team and of everything we have achieved. Let us hope that we will be able to say the same again on Sunday evening.

What would you most like first-time visitors to experience or remember when they leave Aachen?

BR: I would like them to feel that they have experienced something really special. Perhaps someone who is not already involved in equestrian sport, leaves thinking that it was fascinating to watch the horses and riders compete. I would also like them to remember the venue, the atmosphere and the feeling of being here.

For me, it is important that people go home having taken something memorable from the experience - something that makes them want to come back again in the future.