As we await the opening of the FEI World Championships, running August 11-23 and spanning the disciplines of dressage, eventing, vaulting, jumping, driving and para dressage, the Aachen organizing team has announced the building of a brand-new stabling complex. These buildings have replaced a number of former barns, implementing updated elements such as ventilation and accessibility while still maintaining a look and feel similar to the original buildings originating in the 1930s and 1940s. The project, which provides a total of 204 stalls, was funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs, on the basis of a resolution passed by the German Bundestag.
“The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 place the highest demands in accommodation for the horses, which is why building new stables was a necessary step for us,” explained ALRV Board Member, Birgit Rosenberg. “We are thus expanding on our proven standards and creating additional opportunities to satisfy the horses’ needs as much as possible. The well-being of the horses has always been our top priority and these new stables demonstrate once again our commitment to quality and genuine animal welfare.”
Isabell Werth, the most successful dressage rider of all time, also emphasised the importance of an optimal stable environment: “It is hugely important for the horses to have a sheltered retreat where they can recover and really find peace. The temperature, ceiling height, stall size, air circulation – everything is truly Champions League quality here, promoting the horses’ well-being.”
A special focus is also being placed on accessibility: The new stable building features a modern guidance system, as well as accessible restrooms, showers and designated areas for storing electronic assistive devices. This ensures that all riders – regardless of their individual needs – can move around the stable area safely and comfortably.
Also for the grooms coming to World Championships, new facilities have been laid out to ensure a quality experience for the hardest working humans in the business. This includes exclusive dining and relaxation facilities nearby to the stabling. For us at the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, top-level sport and animal welfare have always gone hand in hand. The grooms play a crucial role in this. That is why making their stay in Aachen as pleasant as possible is a matter close to our hearts,” explained Birgit Rosenberg.
Competition opens on Tuesday, August 11 with the first dressage competition as well as the Opening Ceremony, which also promises to be next level, in true Aachen style for anyone who’s visited in the past. Aachen previously hosted the 2006 World Equestrian Games, making this 20th anniversary a proper cause for celebration.
Eventing begins with the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday August 12, followed by two days of dressage on August 13-14, cross country on August 15 and show jumping to determine our champions on August 16. You can reference this link for more specifics on the eventing schedule. Further information, including ticket availability, can be found here.
More news to come for this year’s FEI Eventing World Championships, so keep it locked right here on EN for the latest. EN’s coverage of these World Championships is supported by Kentucky Performance Products.
