One of the highlights was the spectacular opening ceremony on Tuesday evening, which took place in front of 40,000 spectators. The event began with a stirring rendition of the US national anthem by American jazz singer Soleil Niklasson, creating a goosebump moment. The theme of CHIO Aachen 2024 was “A Perfect Match!”—a fitting motto for the USA. In his speech, NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst emphasized the deep friendship and close partnership between North Rhine-Westphalia and the United States, currently being celebrated and strengthened through the NRW-USA Year. “I warmly welcome our guests and wish for an exciting and successful World Equestrian Festival,” he said.

The spectators experienced another goosebump moment when American show jumper Laura Kraut and the most successful dressage rider of all time, Isabell Werth, officially opened CHIO Aachen 2024, accompanied by 100 children dancing to the tune of “We Are the World.”

Action enthusiasts were also in for a treat. The event featured plenty of Mustangs, country singer Danny Griego, lasso thrower Roper Kiesner, lively Haflingers with their surfboards, and off-road drivers, all contributing to the excitement in the stands. Shortly after the North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud celebrated the deep friendship between NRW and the USA with a US Western quadrille, the main stadium turned pink. Social media stars Hella Gabbert and Julia Steinbrecher, surrounded by bubbles, showcased the world’s most famous doll, Barbie, who, of course, has American roots.

And there was even more to enjoy: In the traditional chuckwagon, the recently crowned Mrs. World in Las Vegas, Dr. Julia Schnelle, visited Aachen, along with Burnie, the mascot of Rhein Fire – Düsseldorf. Burnie joined Karli up close as football players from the Rhine metropolis, along with their cheerleaders and the US national team “USA Cheer,” brought plenty of Super Bowl atmosphere to the Aachen lawn with their spectacular performances through the night sky.

Numerous Performances on Other Days

The opening ceremony was undoubtedly a highlight, but the partner country USA also played a role in other traditional events. Show acts performed at the reception at Aachen Market in the city center, delighting the local audience in front of the historic town hall. At Soerser Sunday, the open house day at CHIO Aachen, guests from the USA and representatives from NRW showcased the beauty of equestrian sports. On tournament Friday, companies from North Rhine-Westphalia operating in the United States were invited to CHIO Aachen. That afternoon, business and political representatives had the opportunity to network in a unique atmosphere.