13 days full of highlights – both sporting and atmospheric – now lie behind the equestrian world. The Closing Ceremony of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 was no exception: A sea of ​​flags, 59 newly crowned Team and Individual World Champions radiant alongside fellow medallists and hundreds of other participants as well as the traditional waving of white handkerchiefs in the grandstands of the packed Main Stadium brought an unforgettable time at the Soers to a close. Half a million spectators witnessed outstanding sport across six disciplines, with the German team, in particular, writing its own summer fairytale: Having claimed seven gold, five silver and eight bronze medals, the home team are the undisputed leaders of the medal table.

“We saw exceptional performances across all disciplines and a wonderful mix of established champions and a remarkable new generation of athletes,” summarised Ingmar De Vos, adding: “The strong performances of the German team and the incredible support from the home crowd added another very special dimension to these Championships.” The President of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) could not stop raving about the events of the past two weeks: “Aachen 2026 has exceeded even our very high expectations.” He noted that the combination between world-class sport, outstanding organisation, excellent facilities, passionate audiences and six disciplines coming together created an even stronger experience than hoped for. “With Aachen 2026, we have provided a blueprint for a modern FEI World Championship, demonstrating that a major multi discipline Championship can be delivered at the highest level while creating a fantastic experience for athletes, horses, spectators and the wider community.”

Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), organisers of the event, fully endorsed this conclusion. She, too, had nothing but praise for the events that took place both at the Aachen Soers venue and in the city centre: “I have heard so often how proud people in our region are that these World Championships took place here. There is a strong sense of identification with the event, which is why guests from all over the world truly felt a sense of ‘Welcome Home’.” So many nationalities and cultures were represented, among both the athletes and the spectators. “We were able to provide a stage for the sport that was even grander than usual in Aachen.” By his own account, the warm welcome is also what Ingmar De Vos will remember most. “That warmth, enthusiasm and sense of ownership made a real difference and created an atmosphere that athletes, teams and visitors will remember for a long time,” he noted.

Stefanie Peters also highlighted the extraordinary performances delivered by the athletes’ equine partners at the Allianz Park. “What the horses achieve and how they fight for us and our sport is a special gift. They are so sensitive and intelligent, yet at the same time so strong and good-natured. Through their personalities and their interaction with humans, they deliver truly outstanding performances,” the ALRV President emphasised. She also acknowledged the incredible passion and dedication with which the approximately 1,500 staff members – many of whom are volunteers – helped shape the FEI World Championships. “That sense of togetherness that the event fosters and conveys to the outside world is something you find only in Aachen.”

First milestone for LA 2028

This year, Aachen even took on an additional layer of significance: the FEI World Championships marked an important step on the road to LA 2028. “Aachen is where the Olympic and Paralympic qualification began. This gives these Championships an impact that goes beyond the medals awarded here and makes the achievements of the athletes even more meaningful,” said Ingmar De Vos, looking ahead to the next highlight in the equestrian calendar, where history will once again be made in two years’ time.