Aachen 2026 is already buzzing with World Championships excitement
Por Horse TV
17.07.2026
NEWS | Eventing, Full Competition, Jumping
There is less than a month to go before Aachen once again becomes the equestrian capital of the world. From 11 to 23 August, the legendary Soers venue will bring together the world’s finest horse-and-rider pairs for a World Championships that promises to set the German city alight, both for the standard of the sport and for the spectacle of an event that now transcends the competition itself.
To speak of Aachen is to speak of one of the sport’s most iconic venues. For decades, it has hosted some of the most important World and European Championships in history, as well as the CHIO Aachen, considered by many to be the most prestigious event on the international calendar. It is here that history has been made in Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Carriage Driving, Vaulting and, as of this year, Paralympic Dressage too.
The countdown has already begun and the German city is preparing for a championship that will bring together the world’s finest equestrians. Even before the first medals are awarded, Aachen will officially open its doors with an opening ceremony designed to go beyond the usual format associated with this type of event.
Under the slogan “Welcome Home”, the organisers have designed a ceremony intended to put athletes and fans equally in the spotlight. The aim is for the public to play an active part in a moment that symbolises the unity of the entire equestrian family.
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the ceremony will be the traditional parade of nations. Rather than merely making a ceremonial entrance, the riders will make their way through the stands before entering the arena, creating direct contact with thousands of fans who have travelled from all corners of the world. The combination of lighting, music and choreography aims to turn this moment into a statement of intent, positioning Aachen as the meeting point for international equestrian sport.
It is no coincidence that the chosen slogan is “Welcome home”. Year after year, many riders describe Aachen as a place like no other. The closeness of the spectators, the atmosphere in the stadium and the respect for the sport that pervades the venue all combine to make every appearance on the arena a truly unrivalled experience. For many of them, competing at Soers represents one of the greatest dreams of their sporting careers.
Among those eagerly awaiting this event is Richard Vogel, who recently acknowledged that competing in a World Championship in Aachen would be an unforgettable experience. This sentiment is shared by dozens of riders from various disciplines who will be vying to represent their countries at one of the most demanding venues on the calendar.
Over the course of thirteen days, the world titles in Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Vaulting and Paralympic Dressage will be decided, turning the German venue into the epicentre of international equestrian sport.
On 11 August itself, in addition to the opening ceremony, Dressage will kick off the sporting programme with the first day of the Team Grand Prix, an event that will take place in an unusual setting. For the first time, the battle for medals in this discipline will be contested in the Main Stadium, normally reserved for the major Show Jumping events – a decision aimed at giving Dressage even greater visibility.
The Paralympic Dressage events will be held in Stadium 3, which will be specially fitted out for the occasion, reinforcing the organisers’ commitment to integrating all disciplines at the heart of the event. Following the success of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Aachen aims to continue driving the growth of para-equestrian sport on a stage of this magnitude.
Everything is in place for Aachen to be the epicentre of the global equestrian world for almost two weeks.
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