More transparency at the CHIO Aachen 2025: information stewards in action!

More transparency at the CHIO Aachen 2025: information stewards in action!

On July 1, 2025 it's that time again: The World Equestrian Festival, the CHIO Aachen, brings together the best horses and riders in the world. A particularly important element of this event are the information stewards of the German Equestrian Association (FN), who are available as contact persons for media representatives and spectators. Their goal is clear: to create more transparency in equestrian sports. Pferd Aktuell reports that the info stewards not only provide information, but also build a bridge between the various players in the sport and the audience.

The Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) has been working closely with the FN for several years to implement this initiative. Birgit Rosenberg, board member of the ALRV and Head of Sport at the CHIO Aachen, emphasizes that the aim is to provide the audience with comprehensive information and to promote communication. “Info stewards” are available in the warm-up areas for young and old to clearly explain the processes involved in equestrian sport. CHIO Aachen describes how the info stewards, widely recognizable by their special jackets, are supposed to relieve the official FEI stewards.

The tasks of the information stewards

The tasks of the information stewards are diverse. They talk to spectators and answer questions about the preparation of the horses and the training processes. They not only help the spectators, but also support the FEI stewards with critical questions. Thies Kaspareit, head of the FN training department, explains that the riders and officials now know the information stewards well and that this improves the dialogue. The trained team does not act as a monitor, but rather as part of a functioning network for fair and animal-friendly equestrian sport. Hooforia emphasizes that the info stewards act to optimize official communication and give viewers direct access to the action.

This year, the information stewards have set up a clearly visible stand at the spring preparation area to make communication even more efficient. Exchange with the audience is actively encouraged, and even when critical inquiries have decreased, the stewards are always ready to answer questions. Over the years it has been shown that the model is also well received at other events; Requests from tournament organizers for information steward teams when there is greater public interest are not uncommon.

A look into the future

The concept of info stewards is not limited to Aachen. They have already proven their competence at other important tournaments such as the Mannheim Maimarkt tournament and the European Championships in Riesenbeck. Kaspareit also advised on other event highlights, such as the Whitsun tournament in Wiesbaden. Supported by the German Equestrian Sports Foundation, the project will continue to play a central role in the effort to achieve greater transparency in equestrian sports.

With the information stewards on board, the CHIO Aachen 2025 will undoubtedly offer a visitor-friendly and open-minded event experience where everyone has the opportunity to better understand and enjoy equestrian sport.