41 dressurføl klar til Følauktion Jylland næste lørdag 19. september på Randbøl Dressage Academy

Katalog nr. 25 e. Secret/D´Avie -en af H2R top pris favoritterne til auktionen

Så er det auktionstid igen, denne gang på smukke Randbøl Dressage Academy.

Der er lagt op til både en hyggelig, men også super interessant aften med årets kollektion. Stemningen til auktionen på Randbøl kan noget helt særligt, hvor både avlere, potentielle købere og tilskuere får en hyggelig og forhåbentlig succesfuld aften.

I årets kollektion er der videoklip på størsteparten, hvilket giver et klart indtryk af føllet, og hvor køberne allerede på forhold kan krydse af hvilke føl de vil holde særligt øje med.

En kvalitetsmæssig stærk kollektion, hvor Blue Hors Viva Vegas dominerer kollektionen med 7 føl.

H2R har udvalgt to hingsteføl som ligner top priser. Katalog nr. 25 e. Secret / D´Avie samt nr. 28 e. Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall I.

Øvrige H2R favoritføl i kollektionen:

Her finder du link til hele kollektionen.

Et lille kig på toppen af 4 års, 5 års og 6 års championatskvalifikationerne på Vilhelmsborg

Vilhelmsborg weekenden var også med championatskvalifikation, og her gik 4 års, 5 års og 6 års klasserne på gårdspladsen, mens 7 års klassen blev afviklet på østanlægget.

Uden at have set alle ekvipager (på Clipmyhorse fra gårdspladsen) men alene enkelte udvalgte i toppen af placeringerne, giver det alligevel et billede af kvaliteten, hvor også den gode ridning skinner igennem.

I 4 års klassen er årets gennemgående kommenterende dommer berider Allan Grøn. Et job som han gør sobert, informativt og konstruktivt med overall kommentarer til hver enkelt ekvipage. Som tilskuer kunne man godt ønske sig lidt flere detaljer og kommentarer, om de point som bliver givet for hver enkelt gangart.

Toppen i 4 års klassen var super vel præsenterede og velgående ungheste. Dejligt at gense Strandagergårds McCloud under Mette Sejbjerg Martinez, som ligner en kammerat med naturligt smidigt bevægelsesforløb i alle 3 gangarter.

Placeret som nr. 4 var hoppen Schildens Columbine e. Kjento/UNO Don Diablo med Denise Kristiansen (rytter hos Barnow Dressage) i sadlen. Hoppen er avlet og ejet at Stutteri Schilden, og var i sommer udtaget til OLD Eliteskuet. En virkelig dejlig komplet hest, som vender rigtigt i alle vinkler, og som går med naturlig op ad bakke power.

5 års

De røde hopper og en enkelt vallak i toppen af 5 års klassen

Vinder med højeste score hele vejen blev Svalegårds Dicte og Liv Marie Stignæs. Hamoni pure, et virkelig skønt makkerpar som udvikler sig rigtig fint for hver gang man ser dem. Dicte bevæger sig smidigt og ubesværet i alle tre gangarter, i en god form og med fin kontakt hele vejen.

Den nykårede sølvmedaljehoppe Teglovnens Flowerpot med Teglovnen berider Caroline Møller Hansen i sadlen, får vist en flot tur med god power og balance.

Ibiza Fun I er en kæmpe stor ung dreng, som er i de bedste hænder under Susanne Barnow, som får ham vist optimalt.

Terpling´s Ever-Dream DWB og Cecilie Dybroe Jensen viser en god tur, men billedet under vejs bliver med lidt for meget justering på kontakten. En dejlig hest med tre gode gangarter, og med en naturlig op ad bakke tendens.

Josefin Nilsson (Larsen Dressage rytter) og Stenkærgårds Plasini begynder at finde rigtig fint sammen. Under vejs et par mindre ubalancer, og mangler på dagen lidt mere fremadsøgning i skridtturen. Plasini er vist i en fin form hele vejen.

I 6 års klassen var det ikke overraskende Betina Jæger som blev dominerende og som sidste startende tog hun sejren med Kiran G. Endnu en hest som Betina har fået udviklet og uddannet på bedste vis. Dejlig naturlig lukket form, god kontakt og smidig. Ligner en hest der kan lide at gå til ridning.

Igen i 6 års klassen er Cecilie Dybro Jensen med i topplaceringen. HP Vin Chaud går en dejlig tur, og ligner en super kammerat på banen, med kvalitet for fremtiden.

Betina tager også 3. pladsen med Jesti´s La Liga DWB, som oprindelig var en af de heste som Blue Hors indkøbte, og som så senere blev solgt igen på deres auktion.

Top 3 i 6 års klassen:

7 års klassen blev afviklet med østanlægget og dermed var de alene dem på sidelinien, som kunne følge ekvipagerne.

Vinder bliver Eric Guardia Martinez med hingsten One to Remember med en rekord score på 88,906 - programmet bedømt af Lene Ejby til 82,241 og gangarter bedømt af Jens Holm til 95,571. Tydeligvis en væsentlig forbedring siden ekvipagen var til start i juni måned til Falsterbo kvalifikationen på Kirstinelund, hvor parret scorede 76,6.

Top 3 i 7 års klassen:

Nadja Aaboe Sloth og Karoline Rohmann succesfulde til World Cup stævne i Polen i weekenden

Karoline Rohmann og Nadja Aaboe Sloth med succesfuldt stævne i Polen - privat foto.

International CDI2 debut med dobbelt sejr til Nadja med Bonita Gersdorf og international debut sejr i CDI1 Prix St. Georg til Karoline med Hedelunds Fellini

Mens det danske fokus var på Vilhelmsborg i weekenden, var to danskere, Nadja Aaboe Sloth og Karoline Rohmann med deres teams draget til Polen til World Cup stævne i Bialy Las.

Nadja havde taget lillesøster Bonita Gersdorf og storebror Favour Gersdorf med til Polen, mens Karoline Rohmann havde taget Hedelund Fellini og Jakas Don Louvre med.

I fredagens Inter A vandt Nadja og Bonita klassen med 71,265%, mens Karoline og Fellini debuterede sammen i CDI1 tog sejren i Prix St. Georg med 71,383%.

Karoline fortæller: “Det var en lang køreture til Polen, hvor vi havde planlagt at dele turen op med to gange seks timers køretur, med en enkelt overnatning i Berlin med super forhold. Vi ankom 1,5 dag før hestene skulle i vet-check. Hedelunds Fellini var super cool og god til at rejse, og i det hele taget god til at være til stævne. Han vandt jo Prix St. Georg med 71,3%, og det gik jo over al forventning, da det jo kun var vores 2. start sammen. Det var også meningen at jeg skulle have redet Inter I og Inter I kür, men jeg var desværre kun meldt til i küren, og kunne kun kvalificere mig via Inter I, så det var lidt en bummer kun at ride en gang, men super godt jeg også havde Don Louvre med i World Cuppen, som jeg havde to gode ture sammen med. Nu glæder jeg mig bare til at se hvad næste kapitel bliver.”

Bonita Gersdorf & Nadja Aaboe Sloth vinder af både Inter A og Inter II i Polen - photo: Instagram/Equi Festival Bialy Las

Om weekendens ture fortæller Nadja: “Bo (Bonita Gerdorf) debuterede i CDI2* Inter A om fredagen med en rigtig god tur, hun var med mig og lyttede, hun er jo stadig meget grøn, men ingen store eller tekniske fejl, med mange fine ting. Gode ture i passage og gode piaffe trin, så super tilfreds med hendes tur fredag. Lørdag kunne jeg godt fornemme trætheden, efter den første lange rejse, men hun præsterede det bedste hun kunne uden fejl, men manglede lidt mere flow i mine piaffe/passage ture, som jeg havde dagen før, men overordnet er jeg virkelig virkelig godt tilfreds med hende, hvor hun har udviklet sig godt over det seneste halve år, og glæder mig super meget til næste sæson med hende. Sjovt at prøve og et skridt på vejen mod højeste niveau.

Favour gik to fejlfrie ture. Fredagens Grand Prix var han virkelig fin blød og rund med masser power, med ekstrem mange gode øvelser. I küren var han med mig hele vejen uden fejl. Den fremgang der har været med ham de sidste måneder, er bare skønt at jeg kan få med ind på banen, når det hele er blevet mere blødt at se på, og blevet blødere at være på, og kontakten på hånden er blevet lettere. Jeg er super glad for den forandring der har været de seneste 4-5 måned, og kan mærke vi kan gøre det endnu bedre.”

Senere fredag var det World Cup tid og her sluttede Nadja og Favour som nr. 3 med 73,565%, mens Karoline og Don Louvre to 4. pladsen med 69,630%.

Toppen af CDI-W GP

I lørdagens World Cup freestyle tog Nadja og Favour 3. pladsen, mens Karoline og Don Louvre sluttede som nr. 8 med 73,030%, senere lørdag vandt Nadja og Bonita CDI2 Intermediaire II med 70,265%.

World Cup Grand Prix freestyle top

EQUILANNOO Performance Mix 20 kg. hestefoder til sportsheste

30,000 Euros for Six Seven: Successful Auction Debut at the Fichtenhof Classics

PRESS RELEASE

A thrilling bidding war, international demand, and a special award for breeder Gero Wanner

A debut with a special atmosphere: On Friday evening, the Oldenburg Elite Foal Auction at the FichtenhofClassics, hosted by Andrea and Arnaud Petit, celebrated a successful debut. The spotlight was on Lot No. 5, Six Seven by Security – For Romance I – Sion, who was sold for the top price of 30,000 euros following a thrilling bidding duel.

This impressive dancer from the world-renowned Elfen line captivated the audience with three outstanding basic gaits and a cutting-edge appearance. His dam, Elfenzauber, is a sister to the licensed Florion OLD and to Sansibar’s Floryon, who enjoyed success in Prix St. Georges competitions. The wider family includes numerous licensed stallions and successful Grand Prix horses, among them the U.S. champion Elfenfeuerridden by Alice Tarjan.

For the breeder of the top-priced horse, Gero Wanner, the auction evening turned out to be a special experience in two ways: Even before the auction began, the Oldenburg Horse Breeders’ Association honored him with the Badge of Honor for his exceptional breeding achievements.

The debut collection also generated significant interest internationally. Buyers from the Netherlands were particularly active, securing three promising young talents. Another elite foal will find a new home in the U.S., while one is headed to Switzerland.

The collection achieved total sales of 123,500 euros at an average price of 11,227 euros. The unique setting of the Fichtenhof Classics and the enthusiastic audience provided the perfect backdrop for an exciting auction evening and a successful blend of top-level sport, breeding, and marketing.

35.000 euro top price filly by Vitalis at Danish Warmblood Elite Foal Auction tonight

16 foals sold for over 10.000 euro

Many buyers online and local found their new top stars among tonight’s Danish Warmblood Elite Foal Auction.

Stutteri Pilekær presented an outstanding filly, not showing her fully sparkling movements today, but the buyer from The Netherlands will for sure have a new top stars in the stable.

34 foals were offered for sale and a total of 31 foals sold at the auction (91%).

Big congratulations to the breeders and new owners.

Here you find the full results: https://horse24.com/da/auctions/details/dwb-elite-foal-auction-dressage-2026-505

Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus: A New Chapter at Gut Einhaus

Lars Ligus and Frederic Wandres with Veuve Clicquot FRH and Bluetooth OLD © Pferdefotografie Stefan Lafrentz

PRESS RELEASE

(Hagen a.T.W./Herzlake) A new chapter is set to begin for Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus at the turn of the year. Following many successful years at Hof Kasselmann, the two dressage riders will take the step into independence in January 2027, establishing their own training and sales stable at Gut Einhaus in Herzlake.

The move marks the beginning of their new joint venture. Gut Einhaus offers exceptional facilities for their plans, allowing Wandres and Ligus to continue their work in the same spacious and professional environment they have enjoyed at Hof Kasselmann. One of Europe’s most exclusive and prestigious equestrian facilities, the extensive estate in Lower Saxony provides outstanding conditions for the training and care of horses. From the beginning of next year, Wandres and Ligus will establish their training and sales concept there, focusing on the long-term development of horses and riders for international sport.

For both riders, the decision represents a new beginning as well as a natural progression in their careers. Both look back on many formative years at Hof Kasselmann, particularly under the guidance of trainer Insa Hansen, and will now bring the sporting and professional experience gained there into their shared venture.

“Hof Kasselmann has been my sporting home for many years,” says Frederic Wandres. “I am extremely grateful to the Kasselmann family for their trust, the exceptional horses and all the opportunities that have come with them. Ulli and Bianca have accompanied me throughout my career and played a defining role in my development. Taking the step into independence now feels like the natural progression.”

Wandres is one of Germany’s most successful dressage riders. As a member of the German team, he has won gold at the Paris Olympic Games as well as at World and European Championships. The development of young horses has always been an equally important part of his work, and he has guided several talented youngsters to victories and other notable successes at the Bundeschampionate and FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses.

Lars Ligus likewise combines international competition experience with many years of developing horses and riders. At Hof Kasselmann, he has trained international clients through to championship level, successfully represented the stable at international shows and competed for Germany in Nations Cups, while also producing several horses to medal-winning performances at the Bundeschampionate.

“Frederic and I bring different experiences and strengths to the partnership, but we share exactly the same philosophy when it comes to working with horses and riders,” explains Ligus. “At Gut Einhaus, we have the opportunity to put these ideas into practice together. We are creating an environment where individual training, long-term development and professional sport come together in an exclusive setting.”

Several of their long-standing equine partners will also make the move to Herzlake. Among them are Bluetooth OLD and Veuve Clicquot FRH, who will continue their careers under the care of Wandres and Ligus at Gut Einhaus. The change of location does not mean leaving behind the close relationships built over many years in Hagen. “Maintaining our close relationship and our personal and professional exchange with the Kasselmann family, and particularly with François Kasselmann, is very important to us and will continue to be so,” Wandres and Ligus emphasise.

Ullrich Kasselmann views the next step for his long-standing riders positively: “Of course, there is a certain sense of sadness when two people who have been part of our operation for so many years decide to forge their own path. But for me, that is also part of their development. Frederic and Lars have grown both professionally and personally during their time with us and have represented Hof Kasselmann superbly on many international stages. We wish them every success, and our doors will always remain open to them.”

De danske juniorer med favoritsejr til Gozzip og Ida Bøllingtoft Asmussen

Årets junior podie - foto: screenshot/Clipmyhorse

Weekenden stod på danske mesterskaber for juniorer og ungryttere i Vallensbæk

Efter en flot international sæson var det tid for de nationale mesterskaber, og her cementerede de stærkeste juniorer og ungryttere endnu engang deres flotte ridning.

Set fra sidelinien giver den nuværende top i ungdomsrækkerne et spændende fingerpej i retningen mod fremtiden. Ikke kun resultaterne men helt set-up´et, med super hestemateriale, talentfulde ryttere og stærke teams bag - de optimale muligheder for fremtiden.

Dansk mester for juniorer

Et kig på toppen af den indledende klasse hvor Ida Bøllingtoft Asmussen og Gozzip vinder med imponerende 76,148% og som jo også tager guldmedaljen efter søndagens kür med 78,200%.

Den indledende tur med flot balance og udtryk i trav turen, ingen vendinger hvor balancen ikke er på plads, dog med en lille ubalance i den frie trav. Fin konstant kontakt i en naturlig form. Skridtturen i god takt, hvor man godt kunne ønske sig lidt mere frihed og løsgjorthed. God galoptur uden tekniske fejl, men hvor man godt kunne ønsker sig lidt mere frihed og op ad bakke tendens, momentvis lidt for meget ned i hånden, som også giver sig udtryk i changementerne som er gennemsprungne, men kunne være endnu flottere med lidt mere frihed foran og lidt mere løsgjort over ryggen. Alle tre parade mangler mere stilstand, ligesom tilbagetrædningen bliver lidt spændt.

Flot vinder kür med godt flow hele vejen uden tekniske fejl.

En virkelig dejlig og harmonisk ekvipage, som afslutter deres anden internationale sæson på flotteste vis, og samlet vinder til det danske mesterskab for juniorer. Derudover bød sommeren på team guld til EM, efterfulgt af en individuel sølvmedalje samt guld i kür.

Filippa Jæger var for første gang til start til juniormesterskabet. Senest vandt hun jo DM for ponyer samt team sølv, individuel sølv og guld i kür til EM. I år var hun klar til at tilføje et ekstra kapitel nemlig i junior kategorien, som hun gjorde hun forbilledligt flot. To stabile skarpe ture sammen med Bailey Højris var nok til årets samlede sølvmedalje.

Isabeller Struntze Torp og Vestervangs Garson red en flot kür, men havde et par små udfordringer i starten og slutningen i det indledende program, men holdt alligevel flot den samlede bronzemedalje til sidst. Parret var også del af det sølvvindende team til EM tidligere på sommeren.

Link til resultater fra mesterskabet.

Strong baby comeback from Danish Nanna Merrald

Nanna Merrald winner of 7 year old qualifier and her long time trainer Michael Søgaard came 2nd - private photo.

Nanna Merrald winning both 6 year old and 7 year old qualifier for Danish national young horse championship

Nanna was also placed 3rd with her own Sevilla Pilekær.

7 year old

For the 7 year old qualifier Nanna won with Emory by Blue Hors Emilio/Johnson scoring 77,931% for the technical performance and scoring 9,0 for trot, 8,8 for both canter and walk, and 9,0 for ride ability, potential and harmony.

Emory recently moved to Nanna’s new place. Nanna already knew Emory and his former rider Denisa Valentova, as she has been training them since he was sold from her former employer Blue Hors.

A lovely horse, super obedient, good contact, nice balanced in all three gaits with super qualities and strong hind legs.

As the sharp and close runner up Nanna’s long time trainer Michael Søgaard showed his impressive Quaterhit/Totilas son Quater Son. Harmonious picture with power and quality all the way.

Link for 7 year old results.

EQUILANNOO Performance Mix 20 kg. hestefoder til sportsheste

Eliteauktionen igen i år med høj kvalitet fra erfarne avlere

Stutteri Pilekær igen i år klar med føl til Eliteauktionen

Hvert år med føl der viser høj kvalitet, og som finder vejen til nye ejere via Eliteauktionen. I år med hele 4 føl som er udtaget til auktionen fra Stutteri Pilekær.

Blandt årets kollektion er nr 16 hoppeføllet Golden Goddess Pilekær e. Vitalis / Goldfinger, som er H2R´s absolutte top pris favorit. Hoppeføllet viser kvalitet fra første skridt op af jorden, med flot bæring og super udtryk.

Spændende hoppeføl e. Vitalis / Apache hvor Nanna Merrald ejer den 7-årige helsøster Sevilla Pilekær, som hun købte på Eliteauktionen. Klik på foto for at se video.

Velgående hingsteføl e. Erste Sahne/Vivaldi. Klik på foto for at se video.

Hingsteføl med masser hingstelook e. Secret / Romanov. Klik på foto for video.

Stutteri Worre med to føl klar til Eliteauktionen

Succesfuld hoppestamme med flere solgte føl på Eliteauktionen. Hoppeføl e. Viva Vegas / Dr. Doolittle. Klik på fofo for at se video.

Feminin hoppeføl e. Secret / Don Olymbrio med stærk hoppestamme. Klik på foto for video.

Kom med Den Danske Hannoveraner Avlsforening på tur

PRESSE MEDDELELSE

DEN DANSKE HANNOVERANER AVLSFORENING har tradition for at arrangere nogle hyggelige og informative busture til Tyske avlsarrangementer og hestesteder.

I år indbyder vi alle Jer med hesteinteresse - uanset forbund - til en forrygende weekendtur med fokus på afsætning af vore heste.

Vi skal bl.a. besøge en Hannoveraner Auktion og to større hingstestationer: Hengststation Ingo Pape, Hemmoor og

https://fromberger-hengste.de/

Du kan få mere info om pris her:

https://hannoveranerdanmark.dk/2026/08/23/tysklandstur-2026/

Vi glæder os til at se Jer til en hestemættet weekend med super sammenhold og vidensdeling.- og husk tilmelding inden 13. September 2026

Næste store event er Eliteskuet

Forberedelserne til årets avlerfest, Eliteskuet og Eliteføl auktionen er i fuld gang. De udtagne unge hopper og vallakker er udtaget fra kåringspladserne, ligesom også eliteføllene er udtaget. Derudover er føl udtaget til auktionen, og UVM deltagere også inviteret til medaljefesten.

Stutteri EVO er klar med tre hopper til eliteskuet samt et hoppeføl til eliteskuet

Hopper:

• EVO Ilaiza e. Iron / Franklin

• EVO J-Lo e. Jameson RS2 / Revolution

• Raquetta e. Revolution / D´avie

Hoppeføl:

• EVO Viva Desperada e. Viva Vegas / (Desperada: Desperados/Florencio I) - dagens bedste hoppeføl i region 3 på Stutteri ASK / Blue Hors.

CS Equestrian er igen klar med flere heste til Eliteskuet

3-års hopper

• Baunehøjens Baltimore e. Be Sure – Sezuan. Finalist ved sadelkåringen på Randbøl - region 4.

• Valeria Majlund e. Vivaldon – Destano. Dagens bedste 3-års hoppe ved sadelkåringen på Vilhelmsborg - region 5.

2-års hopper

• Springborgs Giulia e. So Perfect – Diamond Hit. Finalist på Riders Cup i Region 2

• Damgårdens Resolution e. Revolution – Dimaggio. Dagens bedste 2-års hoppe på Hillerød Sportsrideklub i Region 1

• Proud Pearl MS e. Proud James – Quaterhit. Finalist på Hillerød Sportsrideklub i Region 1

Føl

• Springborgs Spumantini BC e. V-Power – Sezuan (Fiontini). Finalist på Hillerød Sportsrideklub i Region 1

Straight Horse klar med tre afkom til Eliteskuet

• 2-års - Straight Horse La Mer e. Straight Horse Leonardo/Franklin - bedste 2 års i region 7.

• 3-års - Straight Horse Be a Lady e. Be Sure / Franklin - bedste 3 års i region 7.

Hingsteføl:

• Straight Horse Lucifero e. Straight Horse Leonardo / Franklin - region 1, Hillerød

Et tilbagekig på weekendens egnethedstest, hoppekåring og følskue hos Andresen Dressage i Norge

De smukkeste rammer hos Andresen Dressage

Årets egnethedstest, hoppekåring og følskue i Norge blev endnu engang en succes. Det norske sensommervejr viste sig fra sin flotteste side.

Præsentationen af hestene forløb fint, dog med lidt forsinkelser under vejs, men det var tydeligt at alle var godt klædt på, både til præsentation ved hånd og under sadel. Berider Jan Christensen der løbende tager turen til Norge for at hjælpe de unge ryttere, var også manden med et øje på hver finger under dagens afvikling, samtidig med at alle hjælpere og grooms var på pletten.

Traditionen tro var det Andresen Dressage direktør Ole Jørgen Jørgentvedt som præsenterede hver enkelt hest, samt under vejs guidede publikum igennem de forskellige bedømmelser af hestene. Og “behind the scene” var det Annelene Østberg som havde styr på alt andet.

Dagen sluttede af med langbord i ridehallen, hvor hele teamet, dommere og inviterede gæster blev budt på dejlig buffet.

Lidt opdateringer fra dagen ⬇️ (løbende små videoklip og andet fra dagen findes under HIGHLIGHTS på Horse2rider Instagram).

Vinder af egnethedstesten Marianne Ellingsen med hoppen Borbjergs Event.

Agria forsikring har været mangeårig hovedsponsor, og var igen i år klar med flotte ærespræmier til dagens vindere. Hør interview med Agria´s repræsentant.

A special THANK YOU to all H2R Premium Backers

Thank you to all H2R Premium Backers

As the Dressage World Championship in Aachen has come to an end, I want to express how incredibly grateful I am for your ongoing support.

Thank you for being part of H2R dressage and breeding updates from all around the world.

If you haven´t followed all updates during the days, you can easily catch up at Horse2rider Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thehorse2rider/) for posts and interviews, but also the running small stories during the days behind each picture.

Numbers during Aachen on H2R Social Media: A total of 2,9 million views in 7 days

240,000 visitors during the first week of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

The German dressage team were the first medallists to be celebrated by the audience in the city centre on the stage of the Aachen WM Special (from left to right): Isabell Werth, Frederic Wandres, Raphael Netz, national coach Monica Theodorescu and Klaus Roeser, Chef d’Equipe of the German dressage team. (Photo: ALRV/Andreas Steindl).

Press release

240,000 visitors during the first week of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

The medals for Dressage, Eventing and Vaulting have been awarded and both the athletes as well as the spectators have experienced some extraordinary days. Now, the focus shifts to the World Championship titles in Jumping, Four-in-Hand Driving, and Para Dressage. An interim summary of the event so far.

Ask Birgit Rosenberg about her favourite moment from the first week of the World Championships and you will initially encounter a thoughtful silence – followed by the realisation that there isn’t one definitive answer: “I simply can’t say,” remarked the Sports Director of the FEI World Championships. Instead, she listed the highlights that are etched in her memory from over the past few days: “The dressage competition under floodlights was a truly special moment, in terms of both the sport and the atmosphere. We also had a fantastic day on the Cross-Country Course and an incredible vibe during the vaulting events.” She could probably continue raving about many of the other classes, but ultimately, she opted for a simple, concise summary of the competitions: “In sporting terms, the performances we witnessed over the week were all extremely high-calibre.”

While the sport itself is naturally closest to Birgit Rosenberg’s heart, she also made a point of highlighting the crowd: 240,000 visitors attended the first half of the FEI World Championships. “Alongside the athletes, our spectators are the most valuable asset of these World Championships. Without them, the Allianz Park wouldn’t be the same and that unique atmosphere simply wouldn’t exist,” she emphasised. The cheers from the vibrant arenas could be heard far beyond the Soers show grounds. “You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world. It is something unique to Aachen,” Rosenberg is convinced.

But the Sports Director didn’t just mention emotional moments at the Allianz Park, the world-famous showgrounds at the Aachen Soers. It has namely become a tradition at championships for the medal winners to be welcomed and celebrated in the city itself. This year was no exception: Every evening, spectators could cheer on their equestrian heroes and watch them sign the City of Aachen’s Golden Book. “What’s happening at the Katschhof and the market square is simply wonderful. In addition to the medal winners themselves, I have seen many other athletes there, who also want to experience this amazing atmosphere in person,” Rosenberg reported. Adding that as a Board Member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, organisers of the event, she has already received countless messages across various channels. “Everyone is raving about Aachen,” she said happily.

Naturally, the aim is for this enthusiasm to continue as the best show-jumpers, para dressage riders and four-in-hand drivers compete for their medals. Looking ahead to the coming week, Birgit Rosenberg finds it hard to choose which item on the programme she is most excited about: “The Show Jumping Team Final under floodlights is always a highlight in Aachen, as is the Marathon Day of the four-in-hand drivers. But having Para Dressage on this stage for the first time is also a special milestone.”

FEI Dressage World Championship: Charlotte Fry “flies” to a second gold medal in the Lindt-Prize

Three beaming medallists (from left to right): Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Charlotte Fry and Isabell Werth. To their left (from left to right): Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission), Diana Al Shaer (FEI Board Member & Chair of the Dressage Committee), Stefanie Peters (President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein) and Ernst Tanner (Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lindt & Sprüngli AG). (Photo: ALRV/Jasmin Metzner).

Press release

FEI Dressage World Championship: Charlotte Fry “flies” to a second gold medal in the Lindt-Prize

The summer fairytale is back. Anyone, who experienced this evening in Aachen’s Main Stadium live will cherish the memory for a long time. The atmosphere: breathtaking. The sport: world-class. The feeling: pure goosebumps. The medal winners: euphoric.

When Charlotte Fry’s voice rang out over the loudspeakers at the start of her Freestyle saying  “Welcome on board – Glamourdale Airline” – it was more than just a charming greeting. It was an invitation for the audience to experience the ride with her. To be part of what was about to unfold, movement by movement, in the stunningly floodlit Main Stadium in Aachen. What followed was an immaculate performance: Precise and powerful, yet light and playful, set to moving songs that all shared the same theme: flying. And that is exactly what the 15-year-old KWPN stallion seemed to do that evening. It was a Freestyle routine where everything went right – a performance that Charlotte Fry later described as follows: “That was the test of my life. Glamourdale and I both enjoyed every second.” Long before the pair turned onto the final centreline, the entire crowd had got up from their seats. The stadium rose for a standing ovation, loud cheering erupted, as if the audience wanted to carry the pair to the finish. And in the midst of the applause, the stallion stood looking around contentedly after the final salute – almost as if he was making sure that everyone had really seen what he and his rider had just achieved. Indeed, the audience was totally thrilled and so were the judges: 91.907 percent – a dream score for a dream Freestyle.

And that wasn’t the final highlight on this special evening. Shortly afterwards, the number one in the world rankings, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and her 17-year-old mare, Mount St John Freestyle, stepped onto the holy grass and into the beautifully decorated dressage arena. For them, too, the ensuing minutes culminated in what could truly be described as the “ride of a lifetime.” The theme of their Freestyle – with the word “together” echoing repeatedly through the arena – could hardly have been more fitting: The horse and rider performed in perfect harmony and with impressive ease. They made the most difficult movements look effortless, as if they were the most natural thing in the world – togetherness, in every sense of the word. “Yesterday, I felt like I had lost Gold,” the Danish athlete said. “Today, I feel like I have won Silver. I am overjoyed.”

And precisely in that moment when it seemed like the atmosphere in the Main Stadium couldn’t possibly get any better, Isabell Werth entered the arena. Spurred on by the top scores that had previously flashed across the scoreboards at the Allianz Park, the most successful rider of all time opted for the following strategy, as she later revealed: “Go all out.” No sooner said than done. In the saddle of her successful mare, Wendy de Fontaine, the German rider played upon all her strengths: Powerful passages with the movement flowing through the horse’s entire body, alternating with expressive, perfectly executed piaffes, sweeping lateral movements and centred pirouettes – the list of highlights is almost endlessly. A minor mistake in the two-tempi changes cost a few points, but certainly not the hearts of the Aachen crowd. Isabell Werth and Wendy were also celebrated with a standing ovation as a wave of exaltation swept through the packed grandstands of the Main Stadium. Ultimately, the final score of 88.650 percent lit up the scoreboard – Bronze for the 57-year-old and another goosebump moment on an evening that will remain etched in the memories of all those, who witnessed it, for a long time to come.

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale achieve World Champion double-double

gold to the Grand Prix Special title they won the previous day at the FEI Dressage World Championship Aachen 2026.

Scoring 91.907% with their flying-themed Freestyle, they brought the packed Main Stadium to its feet. Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle took silver, while Dressage legend Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy de Fontaine claimed bronze.

Every seat in the Main Stadium was sold for a finale that saw Fry and Glamourdale repeat their Herning 2022 double, claiming both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle titles to make it four consecutive individual World Championship gold medals.

It was an exceptionally close Freestyle Final, with the eventual medallists joined by reigning European champions Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus and Great Britain’s Becky Moody and Jagerbomb among the combinations firmly in contention for the podium. The vibrant atmosphere built throughout the evening, with the crowd clapping enthusiastically through the final centre lines from the opening group onwards.

A flight to remember

Fry entered the arena immediately after reigning European champions Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus. The Belgian combination had produced their best test of the week, scoring 88.439% and bringing the crowd to its feet. As Fry and Glamourdale entered, the stallion appeared to think the applause was already for him and grew even taller.

Before they had even reached A, Fry had won over the crowd, with the words “Welcome to Glamourdale Airlines, enjoy your flight” incorporated into her Freestyle. The combination delivered a mistake-free Freestyle with a beautiful uphill frame. Their powerful canter work drew cries of admiration from the stands and the crowd was on its feet before they had even begun their final centre line.

“This was the most amazing feeling in the world,” said Fry. “We’ve never done a test like this. As soon as he goes in, he relaxes. Neither of us was sweating, we just enjoyed it. It couldn’t have been any better and I couldn’t be happier.

“In Herning in 2022, it felt as if Glammie still had to prove himself to the world. This year we put everything into this week. It has been a huge commitment from our whole team, so for this to happen is a dream come true.”

Silver won, not gold lost

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour entered immediately after Fry, with Mount St John Freestyle. The previous day, she had been disappointed with silver after mistakes in the Grand Prix Special. This time, the Danish Athlete was delighted with the same colour medal. Their fluent performance earned 91.236%, a new personal best.

“Yesterday it felt as though we lost the gold, but today I truly won the silver,” she said. “Freestyle felt fantastic. This was the ride of a lifetime. To ride into this atmosphere, in this arena, was something I have never felt before. It was only the second time we had ridden this Freestyle, but it felt as though we had never done anything else.”

Werth delivers for the home crowd

Werth had the honour of closing the competition in front of her home crowd with Wendy de Fontaine. She entered the arena in a determined mood and maintained that focus throughout the Freestyle.

“To go last here and hear all those scores that had already been posted... The only thing I could do was take every risk,” Werth said.

The home favourite kept her composure and went for everything. Her brilliantly composed Freestyle captivated the crowd, with only an error in the two-tempi changes affecting the final score. When 88.650% appeared, Werth knew immediately that she had secured bronze. It added an individual bronze medal to the team gold she had already won in Aachen.

“It was amazing today,” Werth said. “Wendy gave me everything. Our one-time changes worked. I’m very happy. With the whole crowd clapping on the final centre line, and being able to ride Wendy with just one finger on the rein in the piaffe and passage, it was amazing.”

Fine margins decide the medals

Verboomen and his black stallion Zonik Plus came extremely close to an individual medal. Their 88.439% left them just 0.211 percentage points short of bronze, but represented their best performance of the Championship.

Becky Moody (GBR) and her home-bred Jagerbomb finished close behind in fifth. Their faultless Beatles-themed Freestyle earned 87.479% and briefly placed them at the top of the standings.

The sold-out finale was held under the floodlights and watched by a distinguished audience that included Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; FEI President Ingmar De Vos; Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst; and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.

Fry and Glamourdale arrived in Aachen as the defending World Champions and left with both of their individual titles safely retained.

FULL RESULTS

FEI Dressage World Championship: Charlotte Fry defends her 2022 World Championship title

Three delighted medallists on the podium (from left to right): Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Charlotte Fry and Katharina Hemmer. Standing next to them on the left (from left to right): Jennifer Hall (FEI Vice President & Chair Veterinary Committee), Marina Meggle (Chair of the Executive Board of the Toni Meggle Foundation and of the Board of Directors of MEGGLE Holding SE) and Stefanie Peters (President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein). (Photo: ALRV/Jasmin Metzner).

Press release

FEI Dressage World Championship: Charlotte Fry defends her 2022 World Championship title

The stallion Glamourdale’s star rose at the 2022 World Championships in Herning. Four years later, he is shining brighter than ever: In the MEGGLE-Prize, he once again danced to Gold for his rider, Charlotte Fry – finishing ahead of Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle. Germany’s Katharina Hemmer, riding Denoix PCH, provided a goosebump bronze-winning medal moment, pulling off a minor sensation with her performance.

The knowledgeable Aachen crowd was already rising to its feet as the 15-year-old KWPN stallion turned onto the final centreline of the Grand Prix Spécial. Moving energetically and swinging through his whole body, he danced towards the final salute. He seemed to be soaking up the atmosphere; the rhythmic clapping of the 35,000 spectators practically carried him down the centreline. With sure certainty, no one in the packed Main Stadium had the slightest doubt that they had just witnessed a performance by the reigning – and now soon to be freshly crowned – World Champion. It was an immaculate, harmonious test: The initial halt and salute served as an impressive statement of intent. The demanding interplay between active, elastic extended trots and accentuated, expressive passages was a joy to behold. And the canter work? An absolute delight. Even after the Grand Prix, Charlotte Fry had spoken of a “feeling like never before” in the saddle of her equine partner. That feeling was undoubtedly surpassed in the Grand Prix Spécial. “He’s getting better and better," said a visibly moved Charlotte Fry. “He loves Aachen; he loves showing himself off. The more people, the better!” And that is precisely what the 35,000 spectators witnessed as the stallion strode out of the arena – completely composed and visibly relishing the cheers – satisfied with himself, his performance and the thunderous, seemingly endless applause that him and his rider were rewarded with after achieve the impressive score of 82.295 percent.

The atmosphere was no less emotional when Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH entered the arena. Having already achieved a personal best, the pair had played a pivotal role in securing Team Gold. The Grand Prix Spécial was intended merely as an encore or, as the 32-year-old put it, “the cherry on top.” And what a cherry it turned out to be! “Focus, focus, focus” – that was the mantra she kept repeating to herself, Hemmer revealed, describing her state of mind as she executed one movement after another with effortless ease. Even the final halt, which had been a little fuzzy in the Grand Prix due to an overflow of emotion – went perfectly this time. “I am absolutely speechless,” the rider said, her voice trembling, as the score of 80.866 percent lit up the scoreboard. And whenever the conversation turned to her equine partner, she found herself unable to hold back her emotions: “He is simply my best friend!” It was for this very reason that she immediately announced her decision not to compete with “Purzel” – as he is affectionately known in the stable – in the Grand Prix Freestyle (the Lindt-Prize). “We’ve achieved so much more here than we had ever hoped for. Because of a brief injury-related break over the summer, we didn't have enough time to prepare the freestyle routine.”

Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour has set herself one primary goal for this very Freestyle, which is scheduled tomorrow evening under the floodlights: To avoid repeating the errors she made in today’s Grand Prix Spécial. “My horse is in such stunning form. I really hope the rider will be too tomorrow,” said the 34-year-old with a touch of sarcastic humour. Although she lost valuable points due to mishaps during the flying changes and the right pirouette while riding her 17-year-old mare Mount St John Freestyle, she excelled in many parts of the test with an impressive silhouette and beautifully fluid transitions. Ultimately, a score of 80.927 percent secured her Silver. The number one in the world rankings will be presenting a new choreography in tomorrow’s Freestyle. “Freestyle loves the music,” the Dane is certain and at that moment, a smile flitted across her face again. “I am looking forward to it."

The top 18 pairs from the Grand Prix Spécial qualify for the Lindt-Prize, which begins on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. That is when the most successful dressage rider of all time, Isabell Werth with Wendy de Fontaine (79.544%), and the Belgian double European Champion, Justin Verboomen (79.362%) are also planning to have a say in the battle for the medals. Today, the two pairs from Germany and Belgium finished in fourth and fifth place.

Fry and Glamourdale retain world title in Aachen thriller

The podium at the FEI Dressage World Championship Aachen (GER) 2026 Grand Prix Special Individual Final: Gold - Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale, Silver - Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle, and Bronze - Katharina Hemmer (GER) and Denoix PCH ©FEI/ Leanjo de Koster

FEI PRESS RELEASE (Bettine van Harselaar)

Defending FEI Dressage World Championship title holders Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale delivered once again, retaining their Grand Prix Special world title after a thrilling battle in Aachen. Their score of 82.295% secured gold ahead of Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle on 80.927%, while Katharina Hemmer (GER) and Denoix PCH produced the ride of their lives to take bronze with 80.866%. 

The top two steps of the podium were a repeat of Herning 2022. Fry again took gold with Glamourdale, while Laudrup-Dufour claimed silver for a second successive World Championship, this time with Mount St John Freestyle after riding Vamos Amigos four years ago. Hemmer was the only new name in the medal line-up, taking bronze with Denoix PCH.

The battle for the individual medals began today, and as the highest-ranked combinations from the Grand Prix entered the arena towards the end of the competition, the tension continued to build.

Fry and Glamourdale rise to the occasion

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale were the penultimate combination to enter the arena. After winning double gold at the FEI Dressage World Championship in Herning in 2022, ‘Lottie’ pulled out all the stops to defend their Grand Prix Special title.

Apart from a slight hesitation in the transition into the first piaffe, their scores continued to rise. Their spectacular canter tour drew gasps of admiration from the crowd, and by the final centre line, the spectators could no longer contain their enthusiasm. The applause already began during the final piaffe.

Fry was greeted with a standing ovation as she left the arena, something not even one of the German athletes had yet received on home soil. Their score of 82.295% was just below their winning result from Herning in 2022, but was more than enough to secure another gold medal.

“I still can’t believe what just happened. Glammie was amazing in there. He was just giving, giving and giving. Whenever I was thinking, ‘Stay safe’, Glammie was saying, ‘No, let’s take a risk!’”

“When everything comes together after such a long preparation is amazing. I have no words for him, he’s incredible. He loves big arenas like this, with all the lights shining on him. He is 15 now, but he just keeps improving.”

Laudrup-Dufour takes silver

All eyes in Aachen were on one of the hot favourites for the title, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle. The combination had recorded by far the highest scores of the season, making gold appear well within reach.

Laudrup-Dufour was the first of the contenders to enter the arena. Freestyle started the test looking fresh and appeared to have even more spark than in the Grand Prix. However, a few small mistakes crept in, including an error in the one-time changes and a loss of balance in the second pirouette.

Their impressive score of 80.927% meant Laudrup-Dufour faced a long wait to discover whether it would be enough for gold, or even a medal. Ultimately, it secured silver.

“I’m disappointed with my ride today. We started really well and Freestyle is in amazing form. She’s fit and she likes the arena.

“I hope I can do better in the Freestyle tomorrow and do as good as ‘Free’ does. I have to let today be today, and focus on tomorrow. I’m excited to ride our new freestyle and have one more chance to show what an amazing horse she is,” a slightly disappointed Laudrup-Dufour said.

A dream medal for Hemmer

Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH were the final combination to enter the arena. After their outstanding performance in the Grand Prix, expectations were high.

The crowd erupted even before they began their test, while Hemmer calmly allowed the chestnut gelding to take in his surroundings. With plenty of swing and sharpness, while maintaining relaxation throughout, they scored 80.866% and finished just 0.061 percentage points behind Laudrup-Dufour.

“I never dreamed of winning an individual medal in Aachen. We had mainly focused on the Team Competition and the Grand Prix. Achieving a personal best there was amazing. Everything after that would simply be the icing on the cake,” she said.

“I will never experience anything like this again: winning a World Championship medal on home soil in Aachen with my best friend. Denoix is so special to me. He stayed focused, even during our final halt when the crowd was already cheering.”

Following veterinary advice, Katharina Hemmer will not compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle. As a result, Frederic Wandres and Larissa Pauluis have qualified for the Freestyle.

Fine margins at the top

The competition was extremely close at the top of the leaderboard. Legendary German athlete Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine finished fourth with 79.544%. Despite a few small issues in the flying-change sequences, their exceptional piaffe and passage work helped them to another strong score.

Reigning FEI Dressage European Champions Justin Verboomen (BEL) and his black pearl Zonik Plus followed closely behind Werth and the podium positions with 79.362%. As in the Grand Prix, errors crept into both lines of one-tempi changes.

“He is still only ten years old, and this was our first Grand Prix Special since the European Championships in Crozet. We had focused entirely on the team result,” Verboomen explained.

At 59, Carl Hester (GBR) also placed himself firmly among the leading contenders with Fame. With technical precision, he guided the bay gelding through the test to score 78.298%, keeping them within reach of the podium positions.

Freestyle places decided

The top 18 combinations from the Grand Prix Special, with a maximum of three per nation, qualify for the Grand Prix Freestyle. The final individual title of the Championship will be decided tomorrow evening, with the competition beginning at 19:00.

FULL RESULTS

FEI Dressage World Championship: German team wins Gold in the Lambertz-Prize

Here they are, the first medallists at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen: Bronze goes to the British team, Silver to the Danes and Gold to the German team. (Photo: ALRV/Jasmin Metzner).

Press release

FEI Dressage World Championship: German team wins Gold in the Lambertz-Prize

The first national anthem played at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 paid tribute to the hosts: On a total score of 235.063 percentage points, the German dressage team – comprising Katharina Hemmer, Raphael Netz, Frederic Wandres and Isabell Werth – claimed the gold medal.

A few tears of joy already rolled down Katharina Hemmer’s cheeks hours before she stood on the podium as a World Team Champion – particularly as she rode down the final centerline of her Grand Prix test at midday. In her World Championship debut aboard Denoix PCH, the 32-year-old delivered a performance that thoroughly delighted her, the audience and her team. After the final salute, the national coach, Monica Theodorescu, repeatedly flung her arms toward the brilliant blue heavens in the Aachen sky, while Hemmer’s mentor and trainer, Hubertus Schmidt, stood by, visibly moved. The experience of watching, which he had described the day before as being even more nail-biting than riding himself, turned into a magical moment for his student.

Her score of 79.224 percent – her personal best – was an impressive demonstration of what is possible when a horse places its absolute trust in its rider. “Purzel,” as the 14-year-old chestnut gelding is affectionately called in the stable, had initially looked around with awe upon entering the impressive Main Stadium. Katharina Hemmer nevertheless remained calm, gave him a quick pat on the neck and rode with focus to the first salute – a mental feat the national coach later praised as being “incredibly strong.” “I am so proud of my horse,” remarked Hemmer, visibly moved. “Every now and then an ear would swivel to the side; I would then engage him with my aids, and he was immediately back with me. He gave everything for me today.” And that “everything” was noticeable in an excellent silhouette, elastic movements, an active piaffe, effortless transitions and precise pirouettes – the list of highlights is almost endless.

After Raphael Netz and Frederic Wandres had already delivered commanding performances the day before, it fell to the most successful rider of all time, Isabell Werth, to seal the deal for the German team. If anyone knows how to handle pressure, it is certainly the 57-year-old – even if her star mare, Wendy de Fontaine, let the electric atmosphere get her a little fired up. Amidst many excellent movements, they had one slight misunderstanding during the one-tempi changes, their final score was 79.876 percent. This secured the Team World Championship title for Germany once again – eight years after their triumph in Tryon (USA), which marks the tenth World Championship Gold for Isabell Werth and the first for her three teammates. “It is not something to be taken for granted, being part of the team here in Aachen again after 20 years,” said Werth, for whom this gold medal holds a very special significance.

Silver goes to Great Britain, Bronze to Denmark

The British team rode into the Silver medal position with a total score of 229.426 percent. Carl Hester delivered a commanding performance in the saddle of Fame, leaving no points on the table in the arena (77.314%). “I’ve been riding Grand Prix for 36 years now,” the British rider said with a smile. “But it’s a challenge every single time.” He had his little recipe for success in hand that morning: “I watched the best ride of my life on my smartphone and told myself: You just have to do it exactly the same way again.” Even the seasoned veteran was surprised at how focused his 16-year-old gelding, who has had a tendency to get distracted in the past, remained in spite of the imposing atmosphere at the Aachen Soers. “It was a great feeling to sense that the atmosphere didn’t break his concentration for a moment. It was as if he were saying: ‘We are going in there now and doing our job –just like we have done a hundred times before.’”

His teammate, Charlotte Fry, also had every reason to be delighted: Together with her four-legged partner, Glamourdale, with a strong score of 80.311 percent, the 2022 double World Champion largely contributed to the team total. The jet-black KWPN stallion seems to be maturing year by year; today, he appeared to be even more relaxed and self-assured without losing an iota of his expressive power – and the final centerline, in particular, impressively demonstrated that the pair is finding the right “buttons” with increasing confidence, even in the piaffe. “I am just delighted,” the 30-year-old said, beaming. “Glammy loves Aachen; he loves the crowd. It was simply a joy riding him here today.”

The Danish bronze medal-winning team included the day’s top performer: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour – the Team World Champion from Herning 2022 – riding Mount St John Freestyle, a horse that previously won Team Bronze at the 2018 World Championships in Tryon. “We both have World Championship experience, but now we are doing it together for the first time,” said Laudrup-Dufour. And what a performance they delivered. The air of confidence exuded by the pair carried them through the entire test. Only a slight mistake during the transition out of the second piaffe marred the overall picture for a brief moment. That was the only error and the final scoreboard flashed out an outstanding 82.276 percent. “The people watching here are fair-minded horse enthusiasts; they appreciate good performances,” said the number one in the world rankings, delighted by the standing ovation following her test – a performance that, as she noted herself, revealed a few minor areas for fine-tuning in the coming days. “But for the first test in this impressive arena, I am really very happy.”

Her teammate, Daniel Bachmann Andersen, was also happy; earlier that morning, he had secured valuable points for the Danish team (74.876%). He has competed in four international Grand Prix tests so far aboard the Oldenburg gelding Flash Gordon – improving his performance each time. “He has so much expression, power and elasticity. But he has never seen an arena like this before,” said the 36-year-old. “I told myself: if he lets you ride him in there, then ride. And he did let me.”

The FEI Dressage World Championship continues on Friday with the MEGGLE-Prize—the Grand Prix Special. The top 30 athletes from the Individual Ranking presented by LONGINES are eligible to compete. In those rankings, the Belgian double European Champion, Justin Verboomen, riding Zonik Plus (80.885%), managed to squeeze in between the team medallists Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Charlotte Fry, to complete the top three.

Germany takes the lead as pressure builds on opening day in Aachen

Frederic Wandres (GER) riding Bluetooth Old, leaders after Day 1 in the FEI World Championships 2026 - Aachen (GER), Dressage Grand Prix Team and Individual Qualifier. ©FEI/ Leanjo de Koster 

FEI PRESS RELEASE (Bettine van Harselaar)

The pressure was on throughout the opening day of the FEI Dressage World Championship Aachen (GER). Germany arrived as favourites for team gold and lead after the first day on 149.301%, but nothing came easily for any of the leading nations. Even some of the favourites made mistakes, increasing the pressure on the remaining team athletes who will enter the arena tomorrow.

After the first day of Grand Prix competition, Germany lead the team standings and have two combinations inside the individual top three. Frederic Wandres (GER) and Bluetooth OLD produced the highest score of the day. The experienced partnership leads the individual standings with 75.963%.

Their assured performance, one of the most polished tests of the day, strengthened Germany’s position at the head of the team standings.

His compatriot Raphael Netz (GER), making his World Championship debut, also gave Germany a strong start with Great Escape Camelot. Their score of 73.338% puts them in provisional third place. Netz, a multiple medallist at FEI Youth Championships, had an error in the one-time changes but otherwise produced a strong test.

“I enjoyed it. Camelot gave me a good feeling. He made himself look about 15 centimetres taller than usual in the Main Stadium. I am so happy and grateful that we get to do this together,” said the 27-year-old Athlete.

German head coach Monica Theodorescu was pleased with the opening day, although she was not ready to celebrate too soon.

“Where we are now looks good. We have a clear lead. Frederic rode an amazing test, one of his best Grand Prix tests. His horse was fresh, and they were fault-free and precise. He has swing and is supple: everything we want to see. For now, it looks good, but we continue tomorrow.”

Denmark and Great Britain remain in contention

Denmark currently sits second with 144.130%. Nadja Aaboe Sloth (DEN) was the first of their team to enter the arena, riding Favour Gersdorf. With an impressive piaffe and passage and a pleasing uphill frame, they scored 71.956%.

“It was a shame about the mistake in the one-time changes. We need to practise those ahead of the Grand Prix Special. But I would like to carry the good, smooth feeling we had, particularly in the first part, into Friday,” she said.

Carina Cassøe Krüth (DEN) and Heiline’s Danciera, an experienced championship partnership, followed with 72.174% to secure Denmark’s provisional second place.

Great Britain is still well placed in third after the opening day with a team total of 143.168%. However, Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb, one of the leading individual combinations and winners of this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, made several mistakes. Their 73.820% currently puts them in second individually, but the result was way short of their best scores.

Jagerbomb was a little too excited in the arena, and mistakes crept into the test.

“Some of our test was the best we’ve done; some of it was really bad. He was a little too excited and distracted when we entered the arena, but we pulled it back and still had some really good bits,” Moody reflected.

The British team won silver at the ECCO FEI World Championships Herning 2022 and will need strong performances from their remaining combinations tomorrow if they are to catch Denmark and defend that medal.

A different look to the top ten

Sweden currently occupies fourth place in the team standings with 141.087%, followed by Portugal in fifth on 140.078% and Australia in sixth on 139.658%.

The opening day therefore produced a different look to both the team and individual standings at the FEI Dressage World Championship Aachen 2026. The high positions of Portugal and Australia in the team competition were particularly notable. Individually, Athletes representing Australia, Portugal, Ecuador and Austria all currently feature in the top ten.

The first combination to break the 70% barrier today was Austria’s Felicita Simoncic and Four Legends. With a solid test and a personal best of 70.730%, the 22-year-old athlete currently occupies tenth place.

“He really showed himself at his best in the arena. He was behaving very much like a stallion in the warm-up, so I am really pleased that everything came together in the arena.”

Simone Pearce (AUS) and Will Marq currently sit fourth individually, while their score helped Australia into an impressive provisional sixth place in the team standings. 

“This was what I had hoped for, but given our limited experience together, I had expected a few more hiccups in the test. But Will was super. He is such a positive horse.”

Team medals to be decided tomorrow

The Grand Prix team competition continues tomorrow from 08:20, with the final athlete scheduled to enter the arena at 17:50. With many of the world’s leading combinations still to come, the pressure will remain high throughout the second and decisive day of team competition. Once the Grand Prix team competition has concluded, the team medals will be awarded and the 30 individual combinations qualifying for the Grand Prix Special will be confirmed.

FULL RESULTS

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