The world’s best horses and riders are heading to Aachen, Germany, for the FEI World Championships. Here’s everything you need to know, including dates, disciplines, British medal hopes and how to watch the action live.
The FEI World Championships return
The FEI World Championships represent the pinnacle of international equestrian sport, bringing together the world’s leading horse-and-rider combinations to compete for individual and team titles.
Held every four years, the championships return to Aachen, Germany, from 11 to 23 August 2026, with six FEI disciplines competing across one of the sport’s most iconic venues. Alongside world championship honours, the event offers nations a major opportunity to secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The championships will begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on the 11 August, featuring representatives from several European royal families. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange, Zara Tindall, niece of His Majesty King Charles III, and Her Royal Highness Elena de Borbón, Infanta of Spain, are among those expected to attend, while royal carriage teams from the Netherlands, Denmark and Great Britain will help mark the start of the championships.
Where are the championships being held?
The 2026 FEI World Championships will take place in Aachen, western Germany, close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands.
Competition will be staged at the world-famous CHIO Aachen Showgrounds, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious equestrian venues in the world. Often referred to as the “Wimbledon of equestrian sport”, the venue has hosted countless international championships, Nations Cups and the annual CHIO Aachen festival. Its iconic main stadium, purpose-built arenas and passionate crowds have made Aachen a favourite among riders and spectators alike.
What disciplines are included?
This year’s championships feature:
- Jumping
- Dressage
- Eventing
- Para Dressage
- Driving
- Vaulting
(Endurance will be staged separately in AlUla, Saudi Arabia later in the year.)
Championship schedule at a glance
11-16 August
Dressage
12-16 August
Para Dressage
13-16 August
Eventing
19-23 August
Jumping
20-23 August
Driving
20-23 August
Vaulting
Team GB across the championships
Great Britain heads to Aachen with a strong team and even greater medal ambitions across several disciplines.
In eventing, Britain arrives as reigning Olympic champions with Ros Canter, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen among those selected.
Dressage once again features Olympic medallists Charlotte Fry & Glamourdale, Carl Hester & Fame, Fiona Bigwood & Donna Bella and Becky Moody & Jagerbomb.
Jumping also boasts a hugely experienced squad featuring some of Britain’s biggest names as the team looks to challenge traditional powerhouses Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. You can look forward to watching Scott Brash, Harry Charles, Ben Maher and others.
Likewise, Britain’s para dressage riders will be aiming to continue the nation’s long tradition of championship success.
Take a look at the full line-up of Great Britain teams on Everything Horse here.
What is at stake?
World championship medals are only part of the prize in Aachen. For many nations, the FEI World Championships represent one of the earliest and most important opportunities to secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reducing the pressure of later qualifying events.
Beyond qualification, riders and horses will be competing for individual and team world titles, national pride and their place in the history books. A strong performance on this stage can elevate a partnership onto the world stage, strengthen selection prospects for future championships and establish combinations as serious contenders heading towards LA28.
The championships also provide a valuable benchmark for the sport’s leading nations. Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and the United States will all be looking to assert their dominance, while emerging equestrian nations have the opportunity to challenge established rivals and produce breakthrough performances on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For riders, trainers and owners alike, success in Aachen is about far more than a medal. It is the culmination of years of preparation, meticulous planning and the unique partnership between horse and rider that defines elite equestrian sport.
How can I watch?
Fans around the world will be able to watch the championships live via FEI.TV, with coverage available across every discipline.
In many countries, including parts of Europe, additional coverage will also be available through national broadcasters. The FEI has published a country-by-country broadcaster list here ahead of the championships.
The final countdown begins
As the final countdown to Aachen begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the highlights of the international equestrian calendar. With world titles on the line, Olympic and Paralympic qualification opportunities at stake, and many of the sport’s biggest names preparing to compete, the FEI World Championships are set to showcase the very best of equestrian sport. Everything Horse will be following the action throughout the championships, bringing readers the latest news, results, interviews and analysis from across all six disciplines.
