Isabell, you can often be found at the Soers showgrounds even when you're not at the CHIO Aachen. What motivates you to support the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS?

Isabell Werth: Aachen is my extended home – it's no secret how comfortable I feel here and at the CHIO. And as the CAMPUS developed more and more and the idea of taking over the training arose, I found it very exciting. I thought: if any organisation can get something like this off the ground, create such a centre of competence, then it's Aachen. I was very happy about it and I enjoy helping to build it up.

What is the approach of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS?

Isabell: The CAMPUS conveys that there are very different facets and areas in equestrian sports and in working with horses. The message is that there is something for everyone and that the only important thing is that the right combination of horse and rider comes together, believes in each other and develops together – regardless of the level.

On 20th September, you will be coming to the Soers for a live training session. What can spectators expect from the masterclass?

Isabell: We will be showing a cross-section from young horses to their development into Grand Prix horses. Of course, this path varies greatly because it depends very much on the horse. But during the live training session, I would like to use examples to explain how my team and I work.

So knowledge transfer is the top priority?

Isabell: Exactly, that's the goal. I've often told my employees at home and my advisors that they have the advantage of not having to make the mistakes I made. Either they witnessed them live or I told them about them. It was the same for me when I learned from Dr. Schulten-Baumer or my trainers, because they passed on their wealth of experience to me and I didn't have to make the same mistakes. At the end of the day, it's always a generational mindset and an exchange of experience. That's how humanity ultimately develops, because it learns from the mistakes of others – if you're willing to do so and remain open-minded, of course.

What do you focus on in training, what is your training philosophy?

Isabell: First and foremost, it's about developing a horse individually. And by that I don't just mean promoting its potential, but also bringing out its personality. And at the end of the day, feeling that the horse is becoming more confident and free and eventually enjoys presenting itself. Of course, there are different phases and, depending on the horse, many different facets. But in the best case scenario, the body and mind become so strong that we can achieve peak performance together with our horses.

You have been working with horses for decades. Why does this work still appeal to you?

Isabell: There are always new challenges, the work is always new, always different. And it's just the way it is: I still find horses inspiring. It's probably similar for people who work with people. Those of us who work with horses have these experiences with animals. It has fascinated me since I was a child and that fascination is still alive today.

Further information about the live training and tickets can be found here.

Info: There will be translation equipment to follow the live training in English. Please select a device in the Ticket Shop.