Aachen World Championships 2026: Team France preview and contenders

The big day is almost here. From August 11 to 23, 2026, the legendary equestrian venue at the Soers welcomes the FEI World Championships Aachen. With 25 world titles and the first direct qualifying spots for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the line, the French delegation arrives with sharp squads and strong momentum driven by recent outstanding performances.

To check out the full day-by-day schedule as well as TV channels and live streaming options, also read our complete guide to the Aachen 2026 schedule and broadcast details.

Final Tune-Ups in Saint-Lô and Dublin: Strong Form for Les Bleus

This Sunday, August 9, just 48 hours before the World Championships kick off, the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix in Saint-Lô (Normandy Horse Show) served as the ultimate dress rehearsal for several French contenders:

• Julien Épaillard & Donatello d'Auge: Having qualified for the jump-off with a flawless initial round, the "French speedster" posted the fastest time of the jump-off (36.01s), but caught a rail to finish 6th. The speed is definitely there!
• Antoine Ermann & Floyd des Prés: Delivering a very clean round penalized only by a single time fault (finishing 17th), the young duo preserved their mount before the big trip to Germany.
• Olivier Perreau: Also competing with Himalaya du Temple (8 pts), the Olympic medalist fine-tuned the technical details with his mount.

These performances in Normandy come on top of the remarkable 5th place secured the same weekend by Nicolas Sers (riding Eleven de Riverland) in the prestigious 5* Rolex Grand Prix at CSIO Dublin. The momentum within the French camp is excellent.

Dressage & Para Dressage: Elegance on Track This Week

Dressage kicks off the action this Tuesday, August 11, in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. Team France brings a strong mix of experience and youth:

• Pauline Basquin & Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE: Riding master from the Cadre Noir de Saumur, Pauline embodies the elegance and tradition of French classical horsemanship. Their Freestyles to Music regularly captivate crowds on the international circuit.
• Alexandre Ayache & Ruling Olivia: An Olympic rider with a fierce competitive spirit, Alexandre forms a highly reliable technical pair for the team alongside this dynamic Oldenburg mare.
• Bertrand Liegard & Ginger: A seasoned rider, Bertrand makes a strong comeback at the top level with Ginger, patiently developed all the way to the 5* Grand Prix level.
• Alizée Roussel & Bel Amour: An exemplary journey for this duo, who climbed every step of the ladder from young horses to this World Championship selection.

In Para Dressage, the French team will also aim for the top in their respective disability grades (Grades I to V):

• Chiara Zenati & Zeus de Malleret IFCE (Grade III): A decorated international medalist, this young rider delivers tests of remarkable fluidity and precision.
• Vladimir Vinchon & Pegase Mayenne (Grade IV): A former jockey who lost his right leg following a racing accident, Vladimir Vinchon is a model of determination. An experienced rider and true figure on the Paralympic circuit, he shares a deep bond with Pegase Mayenne.
• Alexia Pittier & Sultan 768 (Grade IV): A European medalist, Alexia brings power and experience to the team.
• Vincent Brunet & Drazic (Grade III): Continuously progressing on the CPEDI circuit, this duo confirms their spot among the world's elite.

Eventing (CCE): Experience and Determination on the Cross-Country

Starting Thursday, Eventing takes center stage, with all eyes on Saturday's iconic cross-country course through the Soers:

• Nicolas Touzaint & Diabolo Menthe: Olympic champion and world eventing legend, Nicolas brings his trademark composure 20 years after competing at the 2006 World Equestrian Games on this very same ground.
• Astier Nicolas & Alertamalib'or: Another renowned Olympic champion, Astier relies on his horse's stamina and Anglo-Arab bloodlines to chase top honors.
• Gaspard Maksud & Zaragoza: A breakout star at the last World Championships (finishing 6th individually), this incredibly generous duo is capable of delivering clear rounds on the most demanding cross-country tracks.
• Benjamin Massie & Figaro Fonroy: Paired with a purebred Selle Français he developed himself, Benjamin has demonstrated impressive consistency in Nations Cup competitions.
• Alexis Goury & Je'Vall: Known for his iron mental toughness, Alexis gives the team a formidable offensive asset.

Show Jumping: French Stars Ready for the Main Stadium

Starting August 19, the turf arena in Aachen will host the Show Jumping competition. The French selection features a formidable lineup:

• Julien Épaillard & Fringan de Vesquerie: Alongside Donatello d'Auge, Julien also brings this powerful Selle Français gelding (by Mylord Carthago). Already 2nd in the 5* Grand Prix at Equita Lyon, this combination has everything it takes to challenge the clock in the Main Stadium.
• Olivier Perreau & GL Events Dorai d'Aiguilly: The most beautiful fairytale of modern French show jumping. Olivier Perreau is the breeder, owner, and rider of Dorai d'Aiguilly at his stables in the Loire region.
• Kevin Staut & Exquis RB: Former world No. 1, Kevin brings his leadership and fierce drive riding Exquis RB, a gelding that continues to prove himself at the top.
• Nina Mallevaey & Dynastie de Beaufour: Winner of her first 5* Rolex Grand Prix at the Stephex Masters, Nina embodies the golden new generation of French show jumping.
• Antoine Ermann & Floyd des Prés: At 24, Antoine confirms his massive potential following impressive Nations Cup performances at the CSIO 5* in Rome and his recent warm-up round in Saint-Lô.

Vaulting & Driving: The Art of Showmanship and Power

In Vaulting, France is proudly represented by:

• Océane Géhan & Barrington: A rising star in female individual vaulting, Océane stands out for her artistic grace and technical consistency. Paired with Barrington, she has a real shot at chasing top scores in the Freestyle (Kür).

In the spectacular Four-in-Hand Driving events, the French team will be led by four seasoned drivers:

• Benjamin Aillaud & Genio: A world reference in equestrian shows and driven dressage, Benjamin delivers top-tier harmony.
• Franck Grimonprez & James Bond J: A cornerstone of the discipline, he excels in technical mastery and consistency during the cones test.
• Anthony Hordé & Nigel: A fierce competitor, Anthony is a specialist in the thrilling marathon phase.
• Maxime Maricourt & Nicolaas: Representing the youth and energy of the squad, Maxime reaches a new milestone with this World Championship selection.

"Made in France": Selle Français Breeding Dominates Among Top Contenders

Beyond the riders wearing the French jacket, France will be everywhere thanks to the global influence of its breeding. The studbook Selle Français (SF) remains one of the most sought-after in the world for its athleticism, reflex, and jumping ability. While the star stallion Ermitage Kalone unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury before the German championship, French breeding excellence shines through top-tier contenders competing under foreign flags:

• Dynamix de Belheme (Steve Guerdat - SWITZERLAND): Reigning Olympic and European Champion, the Swiss star competes with this fantastic Selle Français mare (by Snaike de Blondel). Widely regarded as one of the best horses in the world, she represents the pinnacle of French breeding.
• Caracole de la Roque (Karl Cook - USA): Bred in Normandy at Haras de la Roque (by Zandor Z and Kannan), this powerhouse mare has risen to the world's elite by winning multiple 5* Grands Prix under the American flag.
• Vertigo du Désert (Luciana Diniz - PORTUGAL): Bred in Plerguer (Ille-et-Vilaine) by Laurent Aubaux, this powerful grey Selle Français (by Zirocco Blue VDL) is a pride of Breton breeding, competing at the highest international level.
• Bond Jamesbond de Hay (Grégory Wathelet - BELGIUM): Also bred in Brittany (in Plouër-sur-Rance), this son of the legendary Diamant de Semilly is a mainstay for Team Belgium, with victories on the 5* World Cup circuit.
• Unick du Francport (John Whitaker - GREAT BRITAIN): The British legend continues to challenge the clock at the top level thanks to the generosity of this Selle Français gelding.