Looking back at CHIO Rotterdam 2026 with Carolien Lavooij

Challenging, successful, and enthusiastic 

We speak to our passionate Chair a week after the event, and we hear the warmth in her voice when she answers our first question. Carolien: "CHIO 2026 in three words? Challenging, great success, and enthusiasm. I took on a very big challenge. On one hand, I had to figure out exactly what my dual role entailed, whether the combination would work, and if there would be any gaps. On the other hand, I knew I would be entering a 'warm bath,' and I had full confidence in the board, the management team (MT), and the rest of the staff.

I got to know our processes even better, which was great. I was involved in many things, both before and during the event. This really suits me: I like being involved, being hands-on, and being someone who participates and gets things done. I did many more things than before; my role is now much more intensive. I have much more contact with all the employees, and shorter lines of communication were established between the board and the MT.

Due to circumstances, I also took on the volunteer portfolio, which led to a close contact with that group of staff members as well. I find that very valuable. It allowed us to achieve more as a group than ever before. It was an exciting choice we made, but it turned out very well. For me personally, but also for the rest of the team. I think I have helped more people share in what is involved in running the CHIO."

Feelings come together in the arena 

"I have been walking around the Kralingse Bos for almost forty years now, and I am still a volunteer. What do I think is the most beautiful thing about all those years? Standing on the field. That is where everything comes together: the audience, the sport, the sponsors, the officials, and all the people who make the CHIO possible. On the field, I really feel at home. For me, that is still the ultimate CHIO feeling."

Sport, rich history, and hospitality 

"What makes the CHIO different from other shows? I am realizing that more and more. We really have things incredibly well organized in Rotterdam. We have a fantastic location, offer quality and service, and have an eye for detail. Many people have been involved with the CHIO for a very long time, which naturally benefits the event enormously. That expertise is incredibly valuable, from suppliers to volunteers.

We simply have a fantastic event; I am becoming increasingly aware of that. Of course, we are an outdoor show, which brings fewer practical conveniences, but that is exactly what makes it different from other shows. We have a beautiful, rich history, absolute top-level sport, and we are a hospitality event. Sport and hospitality are two worlds side-by-side, but we have been proving for years that they go together very well. The CHIO breathes that history, and I am very proud of that."

More than a full-time job 

Our Chair speaks enthusiastically and sounds energetic, which surprises us somewhat. We know how hard she worked, both before and during the show. Isn't she tired, we wonder? Carolien laughs: "The CHIO was indeed a full-time job for me for quite some time. More than that, even; I got up with it and went to bed with it. In addition to the 'normal' work, my position also involves many invitations. From other shows, for example, but also from the business world, the municipality, and the province. I think it is very important to accept those. It takes time, but it is also fun and valuable for the CHIO. It makes the CHIO more visible."

"We actually made it" 

"It might sound strange, but the best moment of CHIO 2026 for me was Wednesday evening. The night before the CHIO really started. I went home and everything was ready. I thought, 'Wow, it’s all set up, and we actually achieved this together.' Of course, there were many beautiful moments during the competition, but that moment was very special. I realized then that this is what we do it all for. Because the build-up was intense. I do go to bed during the CHIO, but sleeping is different. I am on-site around 8:00 AM and don't leave until the Stroodorp is empty. I make those long days consciously because I feel responsible. At home, my head just keeps going, and when I wake up, I immediately start again."

Visit from the Princesses 

"A very beautiful moment of the last edition was, of course, the visit from Princesses Beatrix and Amalia. Princess Beatrix is a regular guest, a faithful visitor every year. Equestrian sport is truly her sport, and she knows a great deal about it. The same applies to her granddaughter, Amalia. She certainly doesn't come only in her official role, but also out of love for the sport. She also knows many riders. The CHIO has a rich history with the Royal House, and we are proud of that. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were with the Dutch national team in America, and the grandmother and her granddaughter were with us—how beautiful is that?!"

Severe weather on Friday evening

The CHIO is an outdoor show; our passionate Chair already said as much. Friday evening, after the Longines League of Nations, the program in the Stroodorp unfortunately had to be canceled due to severe weather. We asked Carolien for a reaction. Carolien: "I really thought that was a rotten moment. The party in the main arena should have had a sequel in the Stroodorp, but that was unfortunately made impossible for us. Looking back, I am satisfied with how we handled it, and I am very proud of our team: everything went flawlessly and without any problems.

In the morning, I was already informed that severe weather might be coming, so it didn't come entirely unexpectedly. Throughout the day, the weather was monitored, and when the time came, and I received the message while sitting on the honorary terrace that we had to take action, that took priority. As Chair, I am ultimately responsible for all our guests, and I had to make that decision. Together with the board and the MT, we immediately switched gears, and as I said, that went flawlessly. This showed all the more how we can rely on each other and how well prepared we are for everything."

Dura Vermeer Arena 

In addition to the Rotterdam Arena, the CHIO also has a second ring, the Dura Vermeer arena, where a full program also takes place. Carolien: "That second arena also has a very fun program. That arena is also very important, and we try to preserve it at all costs. The youth are given a stage here, as well as grassroots sport, para-dressage, and national sport. That is why it is also very good that both the province and the municipality are prepared to help us with this. The Dura Vermeer arena is very important for connection within equestrian sport. The top athletes in the main arena have to come from somewhere. I think that second arena is motivating and stimulating. The riders who get to compete there gain knowledge and experience and deserve such a platform. Incidentally, I was struck by how many spectators come to watch these classes and how much they enjoy it. Very few riders can become top riders and compete at the 5* level, and that is why we give as many groups as possible the opportunity to start with us."

Mauro Turfhorst 

As many will know, Carolien is also an enthusiastic rider herself. She does dressage, and we ask her which horse that appeared in the Rotterdam arena this year she would love to ride herself. Her answer is surprising and spontaneous: "I do dressage myself, and looking at this year's entry list, my answer is Mauro Turfhorst. He seems very willing and enthusiastic, he is tough, yet light-footed; he seems like he would be wonderful to ride."

Already busy with 2027 

As we said, our enthusiastic Chair sounds fresh and bright so shortly after the 77th edition. Carolien: "Of course, I have to recover a bit, and I am certainly enjoying the aftermath. I receive many emails and messages with almost only very positive reactions. Next week we will evaluate, and after that, we will soon continue with the following year. Not immediately with actual organizing, but certainly with the evaluation points; you are busy with that for a while. During the summer holidays, we don't do anything, but after that, we go full steam ahead to be ready for June. I haven't really been tired; I am mainly proud, truly proud. On the Sunday evening that this year's CHIO ended, I thought to myself, 'Goodness, is it over already?' I mean, you look forward to it for so long, and then it is suddenly finished. Regarding next year: we made quite a few decisions this past year, some barely visible. It was exciting in the build-up how this would turn out, but it turned out very well. We will be working on those kinds of things in the coming period to go for it again in 2027, more than ever!"

Trying to follow the sport "How much sport do I watch? That wasn't bad this year, despite my busy schedule. I saw the entire jumping Nations Cup; that is an added benefit of a visit from the Royal House. I also watched quite a few dressage tests on the screens that hang everywhere, and on Saturday evening, I was able to watch the last five freestyles while I was talking to Laurens van Lieren. I really try to follow what is happening in the arena. A whole class usually never works out for me. At other shows, I see much more sport than at our own."

Earrings, mini pancakes, and champagne

 Besides watching sport and networking, the CHIO is also known for the cozy Stroodorp, with many exhibitors, a champagne bar, and inviting food trucks. We ask Carolien if she had time for this. Again that smile and once again an enthusiastic answer: "I had someone shop for me. My sister and daughter bought some fun things for me: earrings, a bracelet, and a scarf. Eating often falls by the wayside during the event, but I love poffertjes (mini pancakes). Maison van den Boer surprised me with a bowl of poffertjes because they knew I probably wouldn't get around to getting them myself. For me, poffertjes are just part of it. In my current position, I drink little alcohol. They are very intensive days, and I feel responsible for the event. Very decadent, but very tasty: I did have a glass of champagne."

Continuity is the top priority

 Finally, we are curious if Carolien still has dreams regarding the CHIO. It remains quiet for a moment, and then an almost solemn answer follows: "Continuity is at the top of the list here. As CHIO, we want to grow with the sport and the level and maintain our enormously strong place on the equestrian calendar. Of course, we have ambitions, and we want to keep improving, but our highest priority is to preserve the CHIO Rotterdam for future generations as well, so that they can also enjoy this event just as we do. Our daughter, for example, was active as a volunteer with a group of friends, and they had so much fun; I recognize myself in that. Unfortunately, it is still not a given that a show is on the calendar every year, and we do everything we can to ensure it stays that way."

Thank you! 

Our questions are exhausted, and we give the last word to Carolien. Once again, an enthusiastic, almost solemn, and beautiful answer follows: "Thank you! From the bottom of my heart. To everyone involved: sponsors, board, MT, volunteers, participants, grooms, the audience, and everyone who makes the CHIO possible. Without you, the CHIO could not exist. We can only do it together!"