CHIO Aachen: Ground in the jumping stadium improved

The Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) has undertaken comprehensive measures to improve the ground in the main stadium. At the last World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2009 (June 25^th-July 7^th) the footing did not reach the accustomed high standard.

Due to the extreme weather conditions in the weeks leading up to the event (extremely dry period followed by heavy rainfall) the grass roots didn’t reach their customary depth or strength. Hence, the ground was slippier than expected. During the show sand was distributed over the surface as a short-term solution for securing good competition conditions despite the problems with the grass.

Together with the experts of the Dutch specialist company Agterberg in collaboration with external specialists – for example from the football clubs PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht – the ALRV has taken comprehensive samples and analysed them. As a result of the weather conditions prior to the start of the CHIO 2009, the top layer had become too compressed, and the water balance was not right. “We have now removed the top layer of soil, loosened up the layers beneath and added sand and a mineral to them,” explained Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the ALRV. This mineral is a natural product, comprising of soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock. It is tried and tested for use on grass arenas and is already successfully implemented in football stadiums. “In order to avoid problems with the footing in the future, we will take ground samples on a more regular basis and carry out riding tests,” stated Kemperman. After the work carried out on the ground, new grass was sown, which now has plenty of time to grow until the CHIO Aachen 2010 (July 9^th-July 18^th).

Be there live in 2010!

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