The Eventing Team podium at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Ensuring the team’s second-consecutive FEI Eventing World Championships podium finish, Will Coleman (Free Union, Va.) and Diabolo (Diarado x Aljano 2), owned by the Diabolo Group and cared for by Erin Jarboe, also finished the championships as the highest-placed U.S. combination. The impressive pair locked up fourth place overall in the final individual standings and added nothing to their original dressage score of 30.0.

Under the leadership of Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, the team stayed composed and focused on the technical show jumping course designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER), which would prove to be an influential conclusion to the competition. The winding track had a time allowed of 91 seconds and utilized much of the large grass arena of the main stadium, ultimately shaking up both the team and individual standings.

“We were quietly confident we could pull it off today,” Law commented, regarding the team’s bronze medal performance on the final day of competition. “All three guys rode to the standard we know they can ride to. They are all phenomenal riders in the show jumping phase.”

Coleman commented on the consistent performances of Diabolo, “Dabs”, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding, across all three days of competition, saying, “He was just himself all week—he is such a star. He is incredible. He knows the job and I knew he was going to do everything in his power to leave the rails up.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo on their way to a fourth-place finish, the highest placing of a U.S. horse-and-rider combination. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Coleman went on to express gratitude for his teammates after they moved up from sixth-place after dressage to land on the podium at the end of three intense phases.

“I think it’s a testament to the team. All four of us didn’t get off to the greatest start, but everybody kept a really cool head,” he said. “We kept chipping away throughout the course of the weekend. Our management, Leslie and Karyn [Schuter], exuded a certain amount of confidence and we fed off that. We made each day count as best we could.”

Coleman and Diabolo weren’t the only combination to secure a double-clear round for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team. Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Liz’s Nutcrackers’ Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R. x Cobra), cared for by Stephanie Simpson, also posted a double clear round in the main stadium to keep the team well in the hunt for a podium finish. Martin and Cooley Nutcracker produced a dressage test which placed them in the middle of the standings at the start of the week, but their clear cross-country performance,  and double clear show jumping round proved to be influential in the rankings. The pair ultimately finished in 13th place, with only added time from their cross-country trip influencing the pair’s original dressage score.

“It was an emotional week to win a medal here in Aachen,” reflected Martin, who has a special connection to Aachen through his wife, Silva, a fellow equestrian athlete hailing from Germany, as well as a nod to Cooley Nutcracker’s former rider, Liz Halliday, who was his teammate in Paris.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) made his return to Aachen for a World Championship 20 years after he competed at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, where he represented Australia at the time. Aboard the 2015 Holsteiner gelding Denim (Dinken x Ibisco) owned by Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites and cared for by Emma Yanek; Dutton showcased his experience and consistency. As the first combination in the order for the team, the pair played a critical role as they entered the electric stadium for their show jumping round, where all three scores produced by the team would count towards the final team score.

“It was a tough track, and the hardest thing is you want to be precise, but then you also have to think about the time allowed,” Dutton explained. “My mindset is obviously I want to be clear for the team, but then at the end of the day try not to overanalyze my round and then hopefully celebrate afterwards.”

Team member Caroline Pamukcu (Springfield, Pa.) and HSH Blake, the 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu and cared for by Chloe Teahan, did not compete following their unfortunate elimination on cross-country. She praised her teammates, “they carried the team. They’re unbelievable horsemen and it’s great to watch them and everything they did this week.”

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 withdrew ahead of the second horse inspection following an impressive trip across the country yesterday. Lillet 3 finished with a badly placed overreach, with Smith and team making the decision to save her for another day.

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

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The impeccably-groomed, iconic sports venue is just north of the city of Aachen, the western-most city in Germany, and is located just a few kilometers from both Belgium and the Netherlands. Aachen is not only famous for equestrian sport, but also as the home of the Frankish King Charlemagne who also managed to have himself named a Holy Roman Emperor during his reign from 768-814. He is buried in the cathedral in Aachen.  

The equestrian world is waiting to tune in for the next two weeks to see which horse and rider/driver/vaulter combinations will be crowned World Champions. In addition to bragging rights and national pride, these Championships are a way for countries to qualify individual athletes and teams to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

This year’s FEI Championships include the senior finals in six sports (dressage, driving, eventing, para-dressage, show jumping, vaulting), as well as FEI Competition in youth jumpers (CSI-Y) and Under 25 (CSNU25) jumpers. Opening and Closing Ceremonies, shopping, dining and educational events round out the roster for 2026. 

The Championships unofficially began today with the dressage first horse inspection with all 91 horses from 34 countries passing inspection this morning. Competition officially kicks off tomorrow with day one of two Grand Prix dressage. Later this week, eventing and vaulting competition begin as well. Next week, driving, para-dressage and show jumping are contested.  

Fans can watch all of the action with a paid subscription to ClipMyHorse.TV. US Equestrian members receive a 10 percent discount coupon for ClipMyHorse. There is also some flashback coverage of previous championships currently available to watch for free. Visit clipmyhorse.tv/en_US for more information.  

They may also follow the action via these website links: 

◆ US Equestrian Aachen 2026 Page 

◆ FEI Aachen Page 

◆ Official Aachen 2026 Website 

◆ Orders of Go & Results

U.S. Fields Teams In All Six Disciplines

The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team for the 2026 FEI Dressage World Championships includes the following combinations in alphabetical order:

◆ ​Meagan Davis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Toronto Lightfoot, a 2013 Oldenburg gelding (Totilas x Onassis) owned by Scott Durkin, and cared for by Inka Kalberlah 

◆ Ashley Holzer (Wellington, Fla.) and Hawtins San Floriana, a 2012 Hanoverian mare (San Amour I x Florestan I) owned by Dr. Diane Fellows and Ashley Holzer, and cared for by Allie Conti 

◆ Kasey Perry-Glass (Wellington, Fla.) and Heartbeat W.P.,a 2012 KWPN gelding (Charmeur x Olympic Ferro) owned by Diane Perry, and cared for by Meghan Laffin  

◆ Christian Simonson (Ventura, Calif.) and Fleau de Baian, a 2010 KWPN stallion (Broere Jazz x Ulft) owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, and cared for by Georgia Morga 

 The Defender U.S. Eventing Squad for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships will include the following combinations:

◆ Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Diabolo, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Aljano 2) owned by the Diabolo Group, and cared for by Erin Jarboe

◆ Direct Reserves: Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Arkansas x ARD Ohio) owned by the Off The Record Syndicate, and Very Dignified, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse mare (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet x Ricardo Z) owned by Jerome Broussard, Gloria Callen, and Elizabeth Lendrum, both cared for by Erin Jarboe

◆ Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Denim, a 2015 Holsteiner gelding (Dinken x Ibisco) owned by Anne Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites, and cared for by Emma Yanek

◆ Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R. x Cobra) owned by Liz’s Nutcrackers, and cared for by Stephanie Simpson

◆ Caroline Pamukcu (Springfield, Pa.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu, and cared for by Chloe Teahan

◆ Tamie Smith (Murietta, Calif.) and Lillet 3, a 2016 Holsteiner mare (SIEC Livello x Calidio I) owned by Molly and Jennifer Duda, and cared for by Savannah Gwin

The Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team members are listed in alphabetical order below. 

◆ Natalie Dean (Palo Alto, Calif.) and Mr Boombastic, a 2014 Selle Français gelding (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose) owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC and cared for by Luis Guarneros 

◆ Katie Dinan (New York, N.Y.) and Out of the Blue SCF, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood mare (Verdi TN x San Patrignano Cassini) owned by Grant Road Partners LLC, and cared for by Lou Beudin  

◆ Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Fasther, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Vigo d’Arsouilles STX x Farmer) owned by Chansonette Farm, LLC, and cared for by Anna Halász  

◆ Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Bisquetta, a 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., and cared for by Alex Tyler Morris and Margo Thomas  

◆ McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and High Star Hero, a 2013 Belgian Sport Horse gelding (I Am Moerhoeve’s Star x Darco) owned by Michael Smith, and cared for by Caroline Holmberg and Edwin Soto  

The U.S. Para Dressage Team will include these athletes:

◆ Rebecca Hart (Wellington, Fla.) and Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 x Rubin Royal OLD), owned by Rowan O’Riley and cared for by Mackenzie Young  

◆ Fiona Howard (Boston, Mass.) and Diamond Dunes, a 2013 Hanoverian gelding (De L’Or x Wolkentanz), owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann and cared for by Helen Claire McNulty 

◆ Kate Shoemaker (Wellington, Fla.) and Vianne, her own 2016 Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Ramiro’s Bube) cared for by Jessica Martin-Legg   

◆ Marie Vonderheyden (Wellington, Fla.) and Fan Tastico H, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Furstenball OLD x Weltmeyer), owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo  

The U.S. Vaulting Team includes the following athletes:

Individual Males 

◆ Jace Brooks (Eagle Mountain, Utah) 

◆ Daniel Janes (Standwood, Wa.) 

Individual Females 

◆ Kylynn Ghafouri (Murrieta, Calif.) 

◆ Caroline Morse (Los Gatos, Calif.) 

◆ Kimberly Palmer (Half Moon Bay, Calif.) 

◆ Traveling Reserve: Tessa Divita (Portola Valley, Calif.) 

Pas de Deux 

◆ Gracie Griffiths (Elk Ridge, Utah) and Todd Griffiths (Elk Ridge, Utah) 

◆ Daniel Janes (Standwood, Wa.) and Emily Rose (Santa Cruz, Calif.) 

◆ Traveling Reserves: Calle Davis (Spanish Fork, Utah) and Abigail Walker (Mapleton, Utah) 

 Squad – Pacific Coast: 

◆ Francesca Foster (Las Vegas, Nev.)  

◆ Clea Limbrey (Redwood City, Calif.)  

◆ Nina Limbrey (Redwood City, Calif.)  

◆ Emma Milito (Brighton, Colo.)  

◆ Naomi Morgenthaler (Menlo Park, Calif.)  

◆ Emily Rose (Santa Cruz, Calif.)  

◆ Emmalyn Rotter (Redwood City, Calif.)  

◆ Evalyn Rotter (Redwood City, Calif.)  

This preview of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The 2026 FEI World Championships will be hosted in Aachen from August 11–23, 2026, featuring six major equestrian disciplines: show jumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting. This prestigious event, held at the historical Aachener Soers grounds, will showcase world-class sport, and will attract around 350,000 spectators. 

Show jumping at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

In the summer of 2024, my horse-obsessed, then 15-year-old daughter Emily and I ventured to Aachen to experience the CHIO. We were already in Germany visiting my in-laws near Warendorf, and I had attended the CHIO a number of times as an equine journalist and wanted Emily to see behind the scenes at one of the greatest horse events in the world.  

We stayed at the home of longtime friends who live in Aachen and were incredibly gracious hosts. My friend Heidi lives upstairs from her mom, Gerlinde, who put us up in a spare bedroom and laid out a spread of fresh baked goods from the bakery, along with coffee, cheese and fruit every morning before we set off for the Soers. 

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, and with cameras and notebooks in hand, we parked our rental car, collected our media credentials and scoped out the media center. Emily was excited about the fact that Lindt, a major sponsor of the CHIO, provides an abundant supply of chocolate to keep members of the media happy. She was also starstruck when we met Esme Higgs, who was working on social media for the event. 

First we set off to explore the competition grounds. We briefly browsed the trade fair, had a little snack of pommes frites (delicious French fries), and then headed for the main stadium. One of the original structures at the Soers, the stadium was expanded for the World Equestrian Games in 2006. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, and we had arrived in time so that we could photograph the Nations Cup from inside the stadium. Photographers must stay in the photo pens, and vying for a good spot in the pack of photographers can be a challenge during the more popular events. Once you’re in place, you’re also committed to staying in the pen for the duration of the evening, so it’s best to visit the restrooms and have a snack and a drink handy. 

Standing in the middle of the stadium, under the bright lights, with the stands filled with spectators, right in the middle of the action, is an unforgettable experience. Some of the world’s best horses and riders galloping and jumping huge fences, right up close, and the entire stadium vibrating with rhythmic applause of thousands of fans, is electrifying to the senses. Team Ireland won the Nations Cup and their celebratory mood reverberated through the grounds as spectators headed to the party tents to celebrate with beer and champagne. 

It was a late night, but we were back early the next morning to catch the eventing dressage, with eventing show jumping taking place later that afternoon. Once again we positioned ourselves in the stadium for some good photo opportunities, chatting with fellow eventing journalist Tilly Berendt, who was over from the U.K., between horses. After years of working in equestrian journalism, the chance to catch up with colleagues is always a highlight of attending major competitions. Photographers Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of the US Equestrian Team, and her daughter Roya, and New Zealander Libby Law were just a couple of the other friend/colleagues that I enjoyed seeing over the weekend. 

Victory gallop at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

I also wanted to show Emily around the city of Aachen, so we left shortly after the eventing wrapped up and found dinner at a restaurant in one of the cobbled alleys in the pedestrian zone near the Aachen Cathedral, a World Heritage site. Shops around the city decorate their windows with CHIO-themes and we enjoyed looking at these as we wandered around. We also stopped in the Nobis shop for a little bag of Aachener Printen, a sweet and spicy gingerbread-type cookie that is a local specialty. 

Saturday for us meant an early morning of Grand Prix dressage, followed by one of the highlights of the weekend, the eventing cross-country. We wandered around the course, watching some of the more interesting combinations including the main water complex, and nibbling from a bag of assorted Haribo gummy candies from one of the vendors on course. We finished up inside the stadium to capture the excitement of the top finishers clearing the final fence and crossing the finish line — a dramatic photo opportunity as this was the final phase of the event. 

The individual win went to Germany’s Julia Krajewski riding Nickel 21 and the cheers from the home crowd reverberated through the stadium as Krajewski took a victory canter. Great Britain won the team competition followed by the USA and Ireland, respectively.  

Of course we also had to have a wander through the trade fair, where many high-end brands of tack and equestrian apparel are available at special prices. Emily was on a mission to buy a certain popular brand of sun shirt, and I bought a few gifts for friends back home. We met up with Emily’s cousin Jana, who proudly showed off her new collection of matching saddle pads and ear bonnets.  

Saturday evening is a popular time for the general public to visit the CHIO to shop, partake in food and beverages, and socialize. The party atmosphere was fun, but we opted for a quiet dinner at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Aachen with our hosts. You can only handle so much excitement before you start to run out of steam, and we wanted to have a good night of sleep so that we could enjoy the final day of the CHIO. 

On Sunday morning we headed to the Deutsche Bank stadium for the final dressage competition. The Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle, was won by the Queen of Aachen herself, Isabell Werth riding Wendy de Fontaine. It was Werth’s 15th time winning this class and the crowd was appropriately enthusiastic during her victory gallop.  

Isabell Werth salutes the crowd aboard Wendy de Fontaine after winning the Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle. This marked Werth’s 15th time winning this class. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Following the elaborate prize-giving, we once again headed to the main stadium. The highlight of the final day is the Grand Prix Show Jumping competition, part of the Rolex Grand Slam that also includes Spruce Meadows, Geneva and ‘S-Hertogenbosch.  

The Grand Prix was not only one of the Majors of the Grand Slam, but a chance for some of the best riders in the world to fine-tune their performances in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The year marked a number of momentous anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, as they not only celebrated 100 years of history, but also 25 years with Rolex as the main sponsor.   

Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, American rider McLain Ward, who was tenth to go, jumped the first double clear of the class and put pressure on the remaining riders in the second round. Out of those riders, only Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Germany’s André Thieme – the individual 2021 FEI Jumping European Champion – and World No. 10 Richard Vogel progressed to the jump-off. 

Ward, the two-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, jumped around the shortened course clear in a time of 41.02 seconds. Fuchs was almost two seconds faster, but it was not meant to be as the penultimate fence fell. The crowds exploded with cheers as Thieme then took the lead in a time of 39.77 seconds, with just one left to go. It looked as if the final competitor, Vogel, would claim his second Major as he crossed the line over one second faster than his fellow citizen, but heartbreakingly the final fence fell, handing the victory to Thieme. 

André Thieme celebrates the win. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

The nail-biting competition was followed by the Farewell of Nations, when competitors representing their various countries and disciplines all come together in the main stadium for a gigantic farewell party. Every year the CHIO chooses a partner country and bases the theme of their festivities around that country’s culture. The 2024 partner country happened to be the USA, and the theme featured heavily in the opening ceremonies, which we watched on TV before our arrival at the show.  

The closing ceremonies feature all of the nations that participated in the competition, with participants from every sport taking part. Show jumpers, dressage horses, eventers, and even the four-in-hand driving competitors’ parade around the arena with their riders and drivers, with a flag bearer leading the way and competitors waving white handkerchiefs, a tradition that includes spectators, who wave back from the grandstands to the sounds of the German folk song “Muss I denn zum Städtele hinaus.” Another CHIO concluded, and Emily and I wandered around the quiet grounds one last time, stopping for a celebratory toast before heading home. Because shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, I asked one of the vendors if I could purchase a small potted flower to give to our hosts, and he kindly gave it to me with a smile.  

The crowd celebrates the Farewell of Nations. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Because it was a late evening, we stayed over one more night and enjoyed one final wonderful breakfast from the local bakery, and had a short walk around the neighborhood. On the way back to the Warendorf area we stopped in Cologne to stretch our legs and took a short tour of the cathedral there. It was an exciting week and we were left happy to have enjoyed so much top equestrian sport and German culture. 

A Visitors’ Guide to the CHIO Achen

The CHIO Aachen is a huge destination event, and accommodations book quickly. An American friend who lives in Germany is planning to attend in the summer of 2026 and accommodations were already booked up months in advance. She was able to find an Airbnb in the Belgian countryside, driving distance from the Soers — the showgrounds where the CHIO is held.  

Purchase your tickets in advance. The really popular events sell out — yes, even dressage — and if there’s an event you really want to see, you’ll need to reserve tickets sooner than later.  

Wear comfortable clothing. People do tend to dress nicely for a day out at the CHIO, but you want to make sure that you are comfortable to walk long distances. Dressing in layers is also recommended — even summertime can be rainy and chilly, and while it’s fun to shop for new clothes in the extensive trade fair, it’s less fun to sit in the stands freezing and then spend a lot of money on a sweatshirt because it’s the first thing you can grab during a 15-minute break. Ask me how I know!  

Bring your appetite. The food offerings at the CHIO are extensive, and you can find everything from sushi and Thai stir fry to traditional German fare like currywurst, pretzels, pommes frites (French fries), and sandwiches. Alcohol flows freely in the evenings — be sure to return your glass to get a refund of the small deposit — and there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options. The riders tend to congregate at the Riders’ Bar on the ground floor of the grandstand near the gate to the main stadium. You’re also sure to spot a few familiar, famous equestrians strolling around the grounds.  

Horses have the right-of-way. While there is traffic control, be alert that pedestrians need to stop and wait for horses crossing at junctions of the horse paths and pedestrian walkways.  

Bring your spending money. The trade fair is not to be taken for granted: from apparel and tack to housewares and gift items, to luxury horse boxes and vehicles, the trade fair boasts something for everyone, on every budget. And be sure to grab a few souvenirs from the gift shop — you’ll really impress your friends at the barn when you show up wearing a shirt or baseball cap from Aachen. 

Pace yourself. With so much to see and do, you might be tempted to try to do it all. Better to pick a few special events and enjoy those, and give yourself time for the trade fair, food vendors, and just to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. There are also a number of entertaining performances in the main stadium featuring different breeds, demonstrations of various horses, and costumed horses and riders performing purely for entertainment. 

This article about a visit to the CHIO Aachen is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Visit to the CHIO Aachen  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy CHIO Aachen

The folks in Aachen are old pros at big equestrian events. The iconic venue has been home to equestrian competition since 1898 and they hosted the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, so expect a well-organized Championships next year. For nearly 100 years they have staged several international-level shows each season, most notably their CHIO Aachen in July when the riders, drivers, vaulters and spectators from around the world gather for top-level sport.  Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you, “Aachen is not to be missed! You’ll love it there.” 

Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger, talked about their commitment to hold the 2026 Championships in an August 11 press conference, “It is a great honor for us to host these important Championships. We will do everything in our power to offer equestrian sport a stage that will do more than justice to this international highlight.”  

She listed some of targeted investments, partly funded by the German government, that are to be made in time for the World Championships. These include installing a cover over Arena 3 and modernization of the cross-country course (which is being designed by Italian Giuseppe Della Chiesa), to name just a few. “Our goal is for Aachen to continue to be seen as the global flagship of equestrian sports in the future and to set new standards for major international events.”  

Olympic gold medalist from Germany Julia Krajewski riding Nickle at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Hubert Fischer

FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Schedule & Venue

The fourteen days of the 2026 Aachen World Championships competition is divided into two weeks with three sports each week. Week one features dressage, eventing and vaulting, then in week two show jumping, four-in-hand combined driving and para-dressage fill the calendar. 

There will be three competition stadiums and an outdoor course where eventing cross-country and driving marathon will be run. The Main Stadium will host the opening ceremonies, dressage, show jumping, and the final show jumping phase of eventing. Stadium 2 will be the home of the driving dressage and cones phases and eventing dressage. Stadium 3 will stage the vaulting and para-dressage classes.  

The Aachen Main Stadium during CHIO Aachen jumping competition. Photo courtesy CHIO Aachen

Rave Reviews for Aachen

Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most decorated dressage rider of all time, had nothing but praise for the 2006 Championships during a press conference to mark the one-year until Aachen 2026, “The FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen were the greatest championships we, as riders, have ever experienced.” 

The most decorated dressage rider of all time, Isabell Werth of Germany, riding Wendy at the 2025 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner

“Aachen is the mecca of show jumping. It’s one of the greatest shows in the world,” said Olympian and U.S. Show Jumping Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, after a U.S. Team Nations Cup CSIO5* win in Aachen in July. “There’s truly nothing like winning as a team here in Aachen.” 

Six-time Olympian for the USA, McLain Ward commented on his affinity for showing at Aachen while competing there in 2024, “I think I came to Aachen for the first time 30 years ago, not to date myself, and it just never gets old.” 

2024 Olympic show jumping gold medalist Christian Kukuk from Germany attended the 2006 Aachen Championships as a 16-year-old spectator on the stands and looks forward to making a bid for his country’s team in 2026. He said he had always hoped that a Championship of this magnitude would be staged in Aachen again. “I have not forgotten that breathtaking atmosphere.”  

A German vaulting squad performing at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner

Tickets, Travel & Housing Tips

Tickets for this every-four-years event are selling fast with over 50 percent already purchased, so don’t wait if you want to attend in person. Ticket prices run from the 15-Euro Village Passes (with no competition seating) up to 620 Euros for a show jumping all-access pass in the Mercedes Benz Grandstand, with many affordable pricing options in between.  

Eventing cross-country and driving marathon tickets cost 50 and 30 Euros, respectively. Para-dressage tickets are free with the purchase of another ticket (stadium seating for another sport or a village pass). Reasonably priced standing-room-only stadium tickets are also available for dressage and show jumping. Ticket prices may also include local bus fare for the date on the ticket.  

The USA’s Chester Weber during an awards ceremony at the 2023 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Michael Strauch

Closest airports to Aachen are Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany (53 miles), Düsseldorf Airport in Germany (62 miles), Maastricht Aachen Airport (17 miles) in the Netherlands and Liège Airport (37 miles) in Belgium. Aachen transportation options include trains and buses as well as car rentals, taxis, ride share companies such as Uber and FreeNow, and bicycle rentals. When looking for housing, in addition to looking in Germany, also consider hotels and rentals in Belgium and the Netherlands due to the close proximity of Aachen to those borders. The address of the Aachen showgrounds is: Albert-Servais-Allee 50, 52070 Aachen, Germany.  

More About Aachen

The city of Aachen is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia directly bordering Belgium to the southwest and the Netherlands to the northwest. The city has approximately 261,000 residents and is situated in the northern foothills of the High Fens and the Eifel Mountains and along the Wurm River. 

Links to More information

Ticket Sales

◆ Ticket Sales Brochure
◆ Online Ticket Sales

Television Coverage

The competition will also be available live and on demand on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required).

General Information

For more information about the 2026 FEI Aachen World Championships, visit their website or the 2026 Aachen FEI page.

◆ Aachen 2026 World Championships E-Newsletter
◆ Aachen Tourism (includes housing and travel information) 

2026 FEI World Endurance Championships

Fans of the seventh FEI sport, endurance, should note that the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships will be in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on October, 17, 2026. For more information about that competition, visit here. 

But Wait, There’s More!

Aachen 2026 also begins another exciting three-year cycle of top-tier equestrian championships with the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games following. Ticket sales for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Lima 2027 Pan American Games should open soon. (Anyone considering a trip to the Lima Pan Am Games could easily tack on a side excursion to see the historic Machu Picchu site in the Peruvian Andes too. It’s well worth the effort and organized tourism packages are readily available through approved tourism vendors listed on the Games website.)  

But before all of those, to whet the appetite of equestrian fans for international sport here in North America, the Maryland 5* at Fair Hill Three-Day Event happens October 15-19, 2025, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event April 23-26, 2026, and then April 8-12, 2026, the USA will host FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and jumping at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch for further updates on all of these competitions, as well as event coverage, on HorseIllustrated.com and in print in Horse Illustrated magazine. 

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