When Alice Layher’s feet touched the ground after her dismount, the silence only lasted a fraction of a second before she leapt up into the air again, this time with joy. The 24-year-old, who had remained intensely focused and in the zone throughout the days in Aachen, let her emotions run free after her immaculate round in the Free Test. The arena erupted, the applause exploded – rhythmic and loud – until the entire crowd was on its feet, offering a standing ovation for a world-class performance that was awarded a perfect score of 10.0 for artistic impression. Layher, her horse FBW Candy, and their lunger, Daniel Zembrot, were the reason for the celebration. After attaining the highest score of the day in the Free Test, namely 9.357 points, which led to an overall total of 9.041, it was official: Alice Layher was the World Champion – the reward for tireless training. “I have put an incredible amount of work into this Free Test routine,” said Layher, visibly relieved. “And I am super happy that this effort is receiving such recognition.”

Kathrin Meyer, who had been in the lead until that point, showed great respect for Layher’s achievement and was among the first to rush over and congratulate the new World Champion. Earlier, the 25-year-old, along with her horse Capitain OLD and lunger Gesa Bührig, had delivered a performance that deeply moved her. “I have never entered such a loud arena before,” the two-time European Champion said, looking out at the packed Stadium 3 at the Allianz Park. “Everything went right in my Free Test today. I am very proud and incredibly grateful to my team.” The judges awarded her performance a score of 9.116. That brought her Silver in the overall standings (8.862) and thus in her final championship appearance, she succeeded in winning the first individual World Championship medal of her career.

Annemie Szemes completed the German domination on the podium, finishing behind Layher and Meyer. Riding her 13-year-old Westphalian gelding Rubinio, lunged by Nina Vorberg, the 24-year-old delivered a focused and expressive Freestyle on the final day. Her score of 8.814 points catapulted her up from fourth place into the bronze medal position. “I was delighted with my performance. But I didn’t expect it to suffice for a medal in the end,” commented Szemes.

Quentin Jabet’s dream comes true

He won World Championship Silver in the years 2022 and 2024. Now, a lifelong dream has come true for Quentin Jabet here in Aachen in 2026. However, on the way there the French athlete’s journey was an emotional rollercoaster. Only the day before, he had been distraught following a mistake in the Technical Test, yet in the decisive moment, the 23-year-old performed at his absolute best in the final Free Test. His recipe for success? A comment by his father. “My father told me yesterday: You perform best when the competition is tough,” Jabet recounted. He trusted those words. “Today, I really enjoyed every moment in this fantastic arena,” he said afterwards, an opinion shared by everyone, who experienced his Free Test live. With his expressive routine, charged with emotion, Jabet captivated both the audience and the judges. He received the impressive score of 9.122 points for his performance aboard the internationally experienced, Estado IFCE, lunged by Loic Devedu – more than enough to top the rankings. On a final score of 8.794 points, Quentin Jabet crowned his long journey with a magnificent victory.

The outstanding Dutch talent, Sam Dos Santos, was delighted at claiming Silver on a total score of 8.508 points. “I am super satisfied,” the 20-year-old beamed after his successful Free Test routine (8.449) with Hero and his sister, Emy, on the lunge line. “The atmosphere here is truly special. It was a fantastic experience.” Germany’s Bela Lehnen, who secured the bronze medal with a total score of 8.448 points was equally delighted. After his strong Free Test performance on Belistano HF, lunged by Alexandra Knauf, that was rewarded with 8.617 points, he struggled to find words: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” the 22-year-old admitted. “I just wanted to enjoy entering the arena in this amazing atmosphere today. It really gives you goosebumps. To be actually standing here with a medal now is just incredible.”

The German squad dominates the field

Best compulsory round on Thursday, best Free Test on Saturday – the German squad comprising six members left no doubt as to who still remains to be the undisputed World Champions in the squad competition in 2026. After an outstanding performance on their trusted horse, Ecuador NRW, lunged by Alexandra Knauf, which was awarded a score of 8.745 points, resulting in an overall total of 8.477, there was no end to the cheering for Gianna Ronca, Philip Goroncy, Larina Herpertz, Yara Jolie Scheel, Bela Lehnen and Fabio Ring. The stadium went wild; the athletes in the arena were celebrated with rhythmic clapping and euphoric cheering. “The atmosphere was truly extraordinary,” said Bela Lehnen, summing up his teammates’ emotions. “We are like a family. We cry together, we laugh together. Today, we will definitely be laughing together.” Finishing second and third behind the defending and reigning World Champions, the squads from France (8.200) and Austria (7.900) secured Silver and Bronze, respectively.