Aachen, 25. Juni 2008

Good prospects for youths from the "Human & Horse Support Centre". Initiative is also supported by equestrian stars such as Ludger Beerbaum

Keeping the paths clean or even helping load horses onto the trailer: At the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2008 (June 27th - July 6th), six youths from the Bielefeld "Human & Horse Support Centre e.V." will be helping out in the stable area again." An initiative that was founded ten years ago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the CHIO organisers, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) with their support. The intention is to give youths with behaviour problems prospects for the future in the form of an apprenticeship as a groom. "We have only had good experiences with the youths so far," said Show Director, Frank Kemperman confirming the success of the cooperation in past years.

"It is a great honour for the youths to be able to work in Aachen," stated Ludwiga von Korff, Chairwoman of the Support Centre. "They can demonstrate their skills there, show their potential and what they are capable of achieving." The youths are often children who have grown up on the outskirts of the society, without a school leaving certificate or any future prospects. At the Support Centre they are given a basic education as a groom according to the guidelines of the German Equestrian Association in an 18-month course - with the possibility of finding an apprenticeship place thanks to a cooperation with the employment agency. "After six months in our boarding school in Bielefeld, the youths are employed in riding stables all over the country," is how Ludwiga von Korff outlines the education measures. People, who were previously considered to be impossible to place, then have a "real chance on the job market."

The initiative is also supported by top stars of the sport: Ludger Beerbaum, Hubertus Schmidt, Monica Theodorescu and also the President of the Federal Association of the German Industry (BDI), Jürgen Thumann, have been won over as "ambassadors" of the Support Centre. So, it is not at all surprising that the youths are "highly motivated," commented Yana Goddard, Stable Supervisor at the CHIO Aachen. There are often a lot of tears when the show is over and it is time to say goodbye.

For further information:
www.foerdercentrum.de

Opening Hours ALRV previous to the CHIO 2008:
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat. 10 - 2 p.m.
Ticket-Hotline: +49-241-917-1111