The 2026 FEI World Championships, also known as the World Equestrian Games, will be held in Aachen, Germany, from August 11 to August 23, 2026.
2026 World Equestrian Games
This prestigious event, which takes place every four years, will bring together the top equestrians from around the world to compete across six international disciplines: Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving, Vaulting, and Para Dressage.
Return to Aachen
Aachen, often referred to as the “Mecca” of equestrian sports, is a renowned venue in the equestrian world. It has previously hosted major international competitions, including the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.
The city’s state-of-the-art facilities, passionate equestrian culture, and vibrant atmosphere make it the ideal location for the 2026 championships. Held at the famous Aachen Soers Showgrounds, the event promises to be a spectacle of athleticism and grace for both equestrians and spectators alike.
What to Expect at the 2026 World Equestrian Games
The FEI World Championships in 2026 will feature six of the eight traditional FEI disciplines. These include:
- Eventing: Often referred to as the “Equestrian Triathlon,” eventing combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, testing the versatility, endurance, and agility of both horse and rider. Importantly, the 2026 Eventing World Championship will also serve as one of two qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Show Jumping: In this discipline, horse and rider must navigate a challenging course of jumps within a set time frame, without knocking down any obstacles. Precision and speed are critical, and the stakes will be high for world-class riders aiming for the championship title.
- Dressage: Often described as “ballet on horseback,” dressage showcases the horse’s training and the rider’s ability to communicate with subtle cues. Riders will demonstrate a series of predetermined movements, scored by a panel of judges based on grace, accuracy, and harmony.
- Driving: The Driving discipline involves a team of horses pulling a carriage through various tests of skill, including precision driving, marathon, and obstacles. It’s a dramatic display of teamwork and control that captivates spectators.
- Vaulting: Combining elements of gymnastics and dance, vaulting is performed on the back of a moving horse. Athletes demonstrate impressive strength, balance, and coordination as they perform routines with music.
- Para Dressage: An adapted form of dressage for athletes with physical disabilities, Para Dressage focuses on the harmony between rider and horse. Riders are classified based on their functional abilities, ensuring fair competition across different levels of impairment.
A Key Olympic Qualifier
For the Olympic discipline of Eventing, the 2026 FEI World Championships will play a pivotal role as one of the two qualifying events ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This adds an extra layer of significance to the competition, as countries and athletes will be vying for their place on the Olympic stage.
The Evolution of the World Equestrian Games
Historically, at a single event, the FEI World Equestrian Games featured all eight international equestrian disciplines (the six featured in 2026 plus Endurance and Reining).
However, since 2022, the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) has transitioned to hosting the championships in a more streamlined format, focusing on selected disciplines.
This change allows greater flexibility in venue selection and provides a more focused experience for competitors and fans.
Conclusion
The 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, promise to be a highlight of the equestrian calendar. With world-class athletes and horses competing across six disciplines in one of the most iconic equestrian venues, the event will be a thrilling celebration of the sport.
Whether you are an avid equestrian fan or new to the world of horses, the 2026 World Equestrian Games are set to be an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for August 11-23, 2026, and prepare to witness the best of international equestrian competition!