Aachen, August 27th, 2006

Scientific survey substantiates effectiveness of therapeutic riding
Princess Haya impressed by Charity Partnership at the FEI World Equestrian Games

The German Curatorship for Therapeutic Riding (DKThR) and the Deutsche Kinderhilfe Direct (German Direct Child Aid) presented the new survey "TAPfer - Therapeutic Work with the Horse" at the FEI World Equestrian Games. The effect of therapeutic riding on autistic children was examined over a period of five years and was judged to be very valuable. "The positive changes in the language behaviour of autistic children are particularly important," commented Marietta Schulz, DKThR board member in charge of the survey. The "TAPfer" (brave) survey is the first scientific proof of the therapeutic effect of the horse.


Aim of the donation campaign: 100,000 Euros during the FEI WEG

Professor Dr. Arno Gego of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein highlighted the Charity Partnership between the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein and the German Curatorship for Therapeutic Riding. "Our joint charity campaigns go down very well with the WEG spectators," said Cornelia von Rüxleben-Plöger, Chairman of the DKThR, "in the first seven days of the WEG we already received over 30,000 Euros in donations." A nice sum of money - but not enough: 100,000 Euros is the target of the Charity Partnership after the 14 days of the FEI World Equestrian Games.

The ALRV effectively presents the integrative idea to its spectators. On Saturday evening before the dressage freestyle competition, an integrative dressage quadrille by the Dahmen's Stables and four paralympic riders not only impressed the international crowd, but also the new FEI President, H.R.H. Princess Haya of Jordan. She then went on to introduce Para Equestrian Dressage and Driving (for disabled people) as the new eighth discipline in the FEI family. Princess Haya praised the quadrille as an impressive example of this lively integration.

For further information: www.aachen2006.de, www.dkthr.de