The World Horse Library in Aachen

Continuing the tradition and spirit of symposia organized in recent years—notably the one held at the Palace of Versailles as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—the World Horse Library seized the excellent opportunity presented by the World Equestrian Championships (held every four years), taking place in Aachen from August 12 to 23.

On August 17, in the heart of the old town at the Centre Charlemagne, the organization sought to understand why Germany has dominated the discipline of dressage for the past fifty years.

A panel of experts—led by Finnish Olympic medalist and Great Britain-based champion Kyra Kyrklund—attempted to address this multifaceted question. The speakers, in order of appearance, were:
- Dr. Britta Schöffmann, recipient of the German Equestrian Federation’s Gold Badge of Honor.
- Dirk Willem Rosie, Dutch journalist and publisher.
- Monica Theodorescu, former international dressage rider and a renowned trainer, following in the footsteps of her father, George Theodorescu.
- Bernard Maurel, former director of the French National Studs and dressage judge.
- And, in conclusion, Diana Al Shaer, Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee.

The day’s program also included presentations of a more cultural or strictly "bibliophilic" nature, such as a talk by Dr. Ulrich Johannes Schneider, former director of the Leipzig University Library, followed by a presentation by Pearce Groover showcasing rare German equestrian books from the prestigious Émile Hermès collection. In a more classical vein, great interest was shown in the study of a 17th-century work (1672)—*Neuer Tractat von der Reith Kunst in zwey Haupt Theil* by Georges Simon Winter von Adlersflügel—presented by Mario Gennero, a renowned Latinist and enthusiast of Italian treatises on horsemanship dating from the 13th to the 15th century. One of the most polished presentations was undoubtedly the one dedicated to Charlemagne and his relationship with the horse, delivered by the host, Professor Dr. Frank Pohle.

Find out more:

• Recordings of the presentations