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Aachen, May 25th, 2008

80 Icelandic horses meet Russians, Beerbaum, Werth and Hoy
Spectacular programme at the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen

Colourful and spectacular: Together with their riders, 80 Icelandic horses rehearsed at the weekend for the Opening Ceremony of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2008. Horses and equestrian athletes travelled to Aachen from all over the country, from Belgium and from the Netherlands.

The Icelandic horses have been entrusted with a special task. They will namely be carrying the flags to represent the participating nations when the Federal Chancellor officially opens the CHIO Aachen on July 1st. "A splendid and impressive picture," commented Show Director, Frank Kemperman. Furthermore, the Olympic disciplines will also be illustrated during the CHIO Opening Ceremony, the equestrian sport will be represented by some of its most famous stars: Ludger Beerbaum, Isabell Werth and Bettina Hoy will be personifying show-jumping, dressage and eventing, whilst the many-time Paralympics participant, Angelika Trabert, will be representing sports for the disabled. "We are delighted that these big names will be partaking in the Opening Ceremony," Kemperman stated. Anyone who wants to experience the unforgettable event live at the stadium, can order tickets by telephone (+49-(0)241-917-1111) or online from www.chioaachen.de. The tickets are also valid for the show-jumping competitions on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 (accom Prize starting 9.30 a.m. and the STAWAG Prize starting at 1.30 p.m.) and cost between 6 and 35 Euros. Tickets are still available for all categories. The Opening Ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

Sacha Eckjans, who is responsible for the choreography of the Opening Ceremony, was also pleased with the successful rehearsal. He remarked that he had seen "spectacular scenes and competent riders," everything went excellently. As well as the equestrian stars and the Icelandic horses, the Opening Ceremony will be highlighted by over 200 sportsmen and women from 30 Aachen-based clubs and spectacular show performances from the CHIO partner country Russia. 450 sportsmen and women, 150 horses and numerous carriage teams are taking part in this equestrian show. The CHIO Aachen 2008 begins already with the vaulting competitions on June 27th, and runs until July 6th.

Ticket-Hotline: +0241-917-11 11.