CHIO Aachen is one of the most famous and prestigious shows in international equestrian sport.
They have always worked hard to ensure grooms have a good experience at their show, and have been an IGA Show Supporter from the very beginning of the IGA.
For their 2024 edition they took the opportunity to share another huge sign of respect and gratitude for the grooms by awarding them the Prize of the City of Aachen.
For the past 29 years the Prize of the City of Aachen has been awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the show; this year it is dedicated to the special group of people who, until recently, have been very much in the background.
The prize was awarded in a moving ceremony before the Mercedes Benz Nations Cup; in front of a packed-out stadium, grooms from all disciplines entered the arena to be part of this historic moment.
They were welcomed by the Mayoress of Aachen, Sibylle Keupen, Mrs. Stefanie Peters, President of the Organising Committee and Mr. Frank Kemperman, Vice President.
Mayoress Keupen spoke in praise of the grooms saying “It is a special honour for me to present you with the Prize of the City of Aachen today. The riders and their horses are usually the centre of attention at the CHIO Aachen.
However, with this prize we would like to honour those people, who do great work in the background so that everything runs smoothly. And you, my dear grooms, play an indispensable role here!”
Receiving the award on behalf of her colleagues, Claire James said “It was a privilege to represent my fellow grooms in receiving this award. All of us are so proud and pleased to be thanked in this way.
It is amazing to see how much more recognition there is now for our work and contribution. Thank you to everyone at Aachen for dedicating this award to us.”
Grooms from all disciplines took part in the ceremony, and though they cannot all take home the award they were all given a small replica of it to keep.
Executive director of the IGA, Lucy Katan said “We were so excited to hear the Aachen organisers plan to award this prize to the grooms.
We know how committed the team at CHIO are to making improvements for grooms behind the scenes, and we applaud this great sign of appreciation and recognition for the work in the stables and their essential contribution to international horse sport.”
The grooms who were not able to attend the ceremony will all receive their keepsake and goody bag from the show organisers.
The IGA is working to ensure better recognition, conditions and provision for grooms at every level of international horse sport. Our Show Supporters, like Aachen are setting new and higher standards every year, and leading the way for other shows.
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