You are aged between 16 and 20 and are dreaming of an international career in the equestrian sport? Then, become part of our CHIO Aachen CAMPUS Programme of Excellence and learn from the best experts in the world. From the autumn of 2023 onwards, new top talents will be given the unique opportunity to profit from this unique programme. That is namely when the fourth year gets underway for the show-jumpers and when the third round commences for the talented, young dressage riders. “With the Programme of Excellence, we aim to further educate talents by providing them professional support and making the transition into top competition sport possible for them,” commented Stefan Knopp, Director of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS. Top international dressage and show jumping talents will be given everything they need to make sure they are well-armed for the “big circus”. “This all-round package really is a unique opportunity that enables one to improve, not only as a rider, but also as an athlete,” was the positive conclusion of the Danish aspiring rider, Sara Aagard Hyrm, participant of the first season. "The workshops are very diverse and helpful, they take you further as an athlete. I am very grateful for this opportunity," reports Paul Jöbstl, participant of the current season.

It is a huge privilege that allows the talented youngsters to benefit from the experience of the head coaches Isabell Werth (Rheinberg) and Jos Lansink (Belgium), who each both look back on fantastic international careers: They are both Olympic gold medallists, World Championships and of course winners of advanced classes at the CHIO Aachen. In six training sessions in total, all of which will be held at the famous CHIO grounds, the talents can profit from the know-how and skills of the two international stars of the equestrian sport scene.

And as if that were not enough: The programme offers the assistance of many further experts, who will support the young riders in matters such as media coaching and nutritional counselling, training management, marketing, horse and stable management or career planning. Specialists from the University Clinic RWTH Aachen and from the Olympic Base for Physiotherapy located there will be responsible for the fitness check-up and the individual fitness programme. “This holistic approach that doesn’t just focus on riding ability, will help the young riders immensely on their way into the professional sport,” the head coach, Jos Lansink noted, totally convinced by the concept of the Programme of Excellence. And Isabell Werth also accentuated a further important aspect: “It is about making important contacts. New combinations or a new horse to train result therefrom.”

We have aroused your interest? The prerequisites you have to fulfil: You ride up until medium advanced level at least, are internationally victorious or at least placed and active with at least two horses in the competition sport?

Request your application documents here.