“When I am in the ring, it is down to me and my horse alone. But there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes,” the 41-year-old stated. “The entire team plays a totally decisive role in every victory I achieve.” Because the modern demands for the professional and structured management of an international competition yard are very complex, especially with regards to the logistical, commercial and equestrian sport-specific demands. Here, the health and fitness of the horses take top priority at all times.

And this is precisely what the brand-new “Equestrian Stable Management” programme of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS and the RWTH International Academy, which professionals from the equestrian industry can profit from henceforth, picks up on. Young professionals can gain optimal knowledge about the increased demands of the future in the scope of the Junior Programme and experienced industry players can take part in the Senior Programme. “The structure and the contents convince me,” reported Eckermann, who has assumed the patronage for this excellent training and further educational measure. “In order to remain competitive, equine establishments have to satisfy the modern demands and think in a future-oriented manner. It is incredibly important to further push and professionalise this development.”

After the cooperation of many international partner establishments, such as those of Isabell Werth (Rheinberg), Jos Lansink (BEL), Elisabeth Madden (USA), Andrew Hoy (AUS) or Holger Hetzel (Goch) have already been won over for the programme, the initiators are proud to be able to have such a successful top sportsman as Henrik von Eckermann at their side: “In addition to the support of the partner establishments, where our participants will have the opportunity to learn from famous equestrian sport personalities and gain insights into professional establishments, we are very happy to have won over Henrik von Eckermann, such a renowned patron, for this project,” explained Stefan Knopp, Director of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS.