Aachen World Championships 2026: The Complete Guide to Favorites by Discipline

Aachen is set to thrill over 350,000 spectators within the magnificent setting of the Allianz Park and the Soers stadium. Twenty years after the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, the reunification of six disciplines under one banner gathers the global elite: more than 800 athletes and horses representing nearly 70 nations.

To prepare for the event, here is a detailed review of the key pairs and athletes confirmed for the 2026 program.

Show Jumping: Clash of the Titans in the Main Stadium

The show jumping competition promises to be fiercely contested. On the grass arena renowned for its selectiveness, the technical density and velocity of the courses will demand nerves of steel.

• Richard Vogel (GERMANY) & United Touch S: Competing on home soil in front of his home crowd, the German rider emerges as the clear favorite. Paired with the phenomenal Westphalian stallion United Touch S (known for his massive stride and raw power over fences), Vogel knows the Soers inside and out.
• Henrik von Eckermann (SWEDEN): Undisputed leader of the FEI world ranking for several seasons, the Swedish rider puts his titles on the line. Whether he is in the saddle with his legendary King Edward or his rising mounts (such as Minute Man), Swedish consistency remains the absolute benchmark.
• Steve Guerdat (SWITZERLAND) & Dynamix de Belheme: European champion and Olympic medalist, the Swiss pilot excels in peaking for major championships. The agility and carefulness of the fantastic Selle Français mare Dynamix de Belheme make them natural candidates for the individual podium.
• Julien Epaillard & Kevin Staut (FRANCE): On the French side, Epaillard's sheer speed combined with Staut's championship experience places the French team among the serious contenders for the team title.
• Not to mention: American standout Kent Farrington, British top gun Ben Maher, and Swiss star Martin Fuchs, all campaigning with their top string.

Dressage: Summit Clash for Individual Crowns

In dressage, the millimeter precision of the Grand Prix Special and the creative magic of the Freestyle to Music (Kür) under the floodlights of the Deutsche Bank Stadion promise to be dazzling.

• Charlotte "Lottie" Fry (GREAT BRITAIN) & Glamourdale: Reigning double world champion, the British rider returns to the Aachen arena with the majestic black stallion Glamourdale. Their presence guarantees scores soaring past 85% in the Freestyle.
• Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DENMARK) & Freestyle: A driving force for the Danish team, Laudrup-Dufour presents riding of rare lightness and harmony. Her partnership with Freestyle boasts impressive consistency at the highest level of international sport.
• Isabell Werth & Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GERMANY): The "Queen of Dressage" Isabell Werth, always formidable in front of her home crowd (notably piloting the mare Wendy), and virtuoso Jessica von Bredow-Werndl lead a German team determined to reclaim team gold.

Eventing: Twenty Years Later, the Return of the Legend

Eventing makes its grand return to Aachen two decades after the 2006 edition. The cross-country course laid out across the Soers park promises to be fast, technical, and demanding.

• Michael Jung (GERMANY) & FischerChipmunk FRH: Living legend of eventing and triple individual Olympic champion, "Michi" Jung has openly made the Aachen World Championships his ultimate goal. On home turf over terrain he masters perfectly, he will be the rider to beat.
• Ros Canter (GREAT BRITAIN) & Lordships Graffalo: 2018 World Champion and winner of the planet's biggest 5* events (Badminton, Burghley), Ros Canter forms a nearly unbeatable pair with Lordships Graffalo across cross-country and show jumping phases.
• Nicolas Touzaint & Gaspard Maksud (FRANCE): The French contingent fields experienced pillars. Nicolas Touzaint (partnered with Diabolo Menthe) brings his legendary composure to target the team podium.

Four-in-Hand Driving: Boyd Exell Facing Dutch Masters

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular disciplines in the Aachen arena, four-in-hand driving features turnouts of impressive power battling through the obstacle and marathon phases.

• Boyd Exell (AUSTRALIA): The absolute master of the discipline, the Australian driver holds an unmatched record. His precision in cones and fierce driving in the marathon make him the clear favorite to retain his world title.
• Bram Chardon & Ijsbrand Chardon (NETHERLANDS): The Dutch Chardon dynasty represents the primary threat to Exell. Young Bram Chardon sets a blistering pace on the marathon course, well-supported by the experience of his father Ijsbrand.
• Chester Weber (UNITED STATES): Always formidable in the dressage driving phase, the American driver targets an individual podium.

Vaulting & Para-Dressage: The Excellence of Symbiosis

In Vaulting, the German team and French vaulters (notably Quentin Jabet in the men's division) rank among the favorites for the highest artistic and technical scores.

In Para-Dressage, the competition gathers the international elite in Stadium 3, where movement precision and the flawless bond between horse and rider deliver moments of pure athletic emotion.