Andrew Hoy: “Pride, focus, excitement” ahead of the FEI World Championships
The living eventing legend, Andrew Hoy, is travelling to the Allianz Park with many positive emotions and his long-time four-legged partner, Vassily. The 67-year-old is already highly decorated with six Olympic and two World Championship medals – but taking it easy is out of the question for the Australian rider. In the following interview, Andrew Hoy talks about his expectations for the FEI World Championships, the role his many years of experience play and how important his family is to him.
You participated at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 2006. What are your expectations for the World Championships now, 20 years later?
Andrew Hoy: It is going to be a fantastic event. That is the first thing that springs to mind. I still remember how well-prepared Aachen was for the event in 2006. So, I have no doubts whatsoever about the quality of the footing, the stables or the overall organisation of the event.
With dressage, cross-country and show jumping, the FEI Eventing World Championship – DHL-Prize combines three equally important disciplines. What are you most looking forward to?
Andrew Hoy: I know the cross-country course, designed by Giuseppe Della Chiesa, certainly won’t be a walk in the park. It will present real challenges at world championship level. Vassily and I need to be as well-prepared as possible to deliver our best performance. But what I am most looking forward to is the crowd that attends Aachen – they make everyone feel really special. You only get that in Aachen.
You have already won numerous medals. Have you, nevertheless, set yourself any goals for the FEI World Championships?
Andrew Hoy: The last time I competed at a World Championships in Aachen, we won the bronze medal. It would be fantastic to top that, of course. But it is a World Championships and there are so many riders competing who could do well. We always dream of coming home with a medal. But all I can do is perform to the best of my ability – for the Australian team, for myself and also for the team around me.
Do you think your experience will be an asset here? Or could being a young athlete without any reservations also prove to be an advantage?
Andrew Hoy: That is a very good question because sometimes, as a young, inexperienced athlete, I delivered amazing performances, but I also experienced absolute disasters. I would say that the knowledge I have now helps me most in the mental aspect. I know when I need to put pressure on myself and how to handle that pressure.
Do you have any advice for athletes competing at their first World Championships?
Andrew Hoy: What I often notice with people who are competing at their first World Championships, is that they invest so much, they dedicate an excessive amount of time to training and go into extreme detail – but it is precisely this obsession with detail that leads them to overtax both the horse and themselves. That is why I tell many people, who are heading to their first World Championships: It is just another competition, only the whole world will be watching (laughs). So, try to go there with the mindset that it is nothing different or special, simply stay calm and don’t change your routine.
How would you describe your feelings in three words when you think about the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026?
Andrew Hoy: I will have to think about that for a moment. I have many feelings, but the three most important are definitely pride, focus and excitement.
Your family will also be there. What does their support mean to you?
Andrew Hoy: My wife Steffi will be in Aachen, carrying out many different roles, but the most important role for me is that of my personal barometer, helping me balance out every situation. We have competed at so many shows together and spend a lot of time with the family, so she knows me better than anyone else. As an athlete, there are moments when you simply need time for yourself or with just one other person you are very close to, so you don’t overload your mind with too many other things. And then, of course, there are Philippa and Oscar, our little cheer group. They are six and eight years old and incredibly excited. A few days ago, they found their Australian team shirts and little Australian flags and packed everything in preparation. So, they are ready for the action – and so am I.
You would like to experience the spectacular eventing live? Then, secure your tickets for the action-packed cross-country test and the nail-biting conclusion in the final show jumping round now from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.