They are never in the limelight, few people know their names. And yet they work on the frontlines – and nothing is possible in the equestrian sport without them: the people who take care of the horses, the grooms.

The assistants behind the scenes offer essential support for show horses during the everyday routine and at competitions. They are the first to arrive at the yard and the last to go home and are always ready to read the wishes from the lips of their four-legged charges. A dedication that is being distinguished with the “Prize of the City of Aachen” in the scope of the CHIO Aachen on Thursday evening: “With this prize, we would like to show who is working hard in the background to ensure that the CHIO Aachen runs as smoothly as it does. Grooms play an indispensable role in this. Their work is more than just “work” for them. You can see their passion and love for the four-legged friends,” Aachen’s Mayoress, Sibylle Keupen, explained.

An opinion that Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) totally shares: “Top sport and animal welfare have always belonged together here at the CHIO Aachen. The grooms make a decisive contribution here,” the President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), stated. “It is extremely important to us that the work of the grooms is honoured here at the Soers.” Claire James, the groom of the dressage rider from Luxembourg, Fie Christine Skarsoe, will be presented with the “Prize of the City of Aachen” on behalf of all of the grooms on Thursday evening.