PRESS RELEASE
The French Equestrian Federation has entrusted the organisation of the 2026 CDIO5* of France to GL events Equestrian Sport as part of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau (77). The event, which was launched in 2022 and played host to a CDI5* in 2023, is continuing to strengthen its presence on international sporting stage. As a result, the 2026 edition will take place over two weeks. During the first week, dressage will take centre stage for 4 days, from 16th to 19th April. The second week will showcase five days of show jumping, from 22th to 26th April. All the classes at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres 2026 will be open to the public and free of charge, as they have been ever since the event was launched.
Perpetuating a key dressage event in France
In 2026, the CDIO5* of France will be organised at the Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau, as part of the fifth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, after being hosted for ten years at the Stade Équestre du Grand Parc in Compiègne. "We are honoured by the trust that French Equestrian Federation and the Fédération Equestre International have placed in us, by selecting GL events Equestrian Sport's bid to organise the Official de France for Dressage. After the first four successful editions of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, which were very popular with riders, key industry stakeholders and the general public, and the experience gained by organising the equestrian events for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are thrilled about showcasing equestrian sports at the highest level in the world once again. This major event on the international sporting calendar highlights our country’s prominent role in hosting top-tier equestrian events. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by Mrs Marini and the Compiègne Équestre association, who successfully organised this competition for ten years. “We are proud to continue this legacy and safeguard the event’s future," underlines Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport.
“The French Equestrian Federation has highlighted its commitment to excellence by awarding this 5* Dressage Nations Cup to GL events Equestrian Sport, led by Sylvie Robert and her committed and experienced teams.
This new dressage event, alongside show jumping, will perfectly enhance Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, which is now a benchmark in France and internationally,” confirms Frédéric Bouix, President of the French Equestrian Federation.
Le Printemps des Sports Équestres: two weeks of very high-level equestrian sport in France
The fifth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will feature four days of dressage and paradressage competitions in 2026, from 16th to 19th April, followed by five days of national and international show jumping, from 22nd to 26th April. So the event will host all the riders in the best possible conditions and offer spectators a programme that continues to embody the highest standards of international equestrian sport. “We are committed to bringing together as many enthusiasts and competitors as possible at all the events organised by GL events Equestrian Sport. By allowing riders to compete at major events they are able to gain experience and progress in the World rankings. As committed organisers, we aim to support all the horse and rider combinations so they can reach the highest level. We take immense pride in seeing riders and horses evolve over the years and in offering spectators a varied programme that is accessible to everyone. That is why the event will remain free of charge and open to the public throughout these two weeks,” explains Sylvie Robert.
In addition to the CDIO5*-NC, several competition labels will be showcased for dressage riders: a CDI3* and a CDI1*, a CDIYH* for 6- and 7-year-old horses, a CDIU25, a CDIY and a CDIJ for U25, Young and Junior riders.
Le Printemps des Sports Équestres actively supports para-dressage and will once again boast a CPEDI 3* and a CPEDI 2* in 2026, remaining one of the only international events for the discipline in France for the coming season.
As for show jumping, competitions bringing together the Master Pro FFE, CSI5*, CSI2*, CSI1* and CSIYH1* categories as well as a leg of the Amateur Gold Tour FFE - Vicomte A. circuit will be scheduled from 22nd to 26th April.
“With this new format, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres is the place to be in France, boasting two weeks of very high-level equestrian sport, confirming the position of the Île-de-France region, the Department of Seine-et-Marne and the Pays de Fontainebleau urban area, loyal partners of the event since it was created, as key places for equestrian sports,” confirms Sylvie Robert.
An unmissable event just a few months before the FEI World Championships
With just a few months to go before the FEI World Championships in August 2026 in Aachen (Germany), Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will be the setting for one of only three 5* CDIO events in the world. The competition will host teams preparing for this major event and promises some great sporting moments. “The circuit is the perfect opportunity to review the combinations that could be selected for the FEI World Championships for many national selectors. We look forward to hosting the stars of world dressage at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, offering them an excellent working environment,” concludes Sylvie Robert.