Suits and ties, dirndls and leather trousers – it wasn’t just the immaculately groomed and alert horses that caught the eye at the horse inspection, but also the world’s best dressage riders, who had dressed up appropriately for the highlight of the year. One by one, they completed the mandatory vet check in front of the assembled veterinarians and stewards. The result: Without exception, all are “fit to compete” and ready to finally kick off the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 tomorrow.

But before the first medals of the FEI Dressage World Championship are decided in the Lambertz-Prize (Team Final & Individual Qualifier), plenty of preparations were still being carried out. Charlotte “Lottie” Fry posed for official souvenir photos together with her teammates – including a spontaneous dance session – before riding her jet-black stallion, Glamourdale, into the Main Stadium for her final training session. “We are both thrilled to be here. The fact that the World Championship is taking place in Aachen is simply incredible. Glamourdale is fresh, full of anticipation and happy – so we can both hardly wait,” is how the reigning double World Champion described how she felt. She said that her titles don’t put any added pressure on her. On the contrary, they motivate her: “It was absolutely fantastic to be crowned World Champion and it is a privilege to travel to Aachen as the defending champion. Glamourdale is in top form right now, so I hope we can prove that in the arena.”

One of the British defending champion’s toughest rivals will no doubt be the current number one in the world rankings, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. She has already had the chance to prepare Mount St John Freestyle nicely during her first few days in Aachen. “Yesterday we practised in the Main Stadium for the first time and I have to say, it is simply breath-taking. Just walking across the grass to the dressage arena gives you goosebumps,” she said, her eyes shining as she sat relaxed in front of Freestyle’s stall while the horse enjoyed a brief physiotherapy session. “Freestyle feels really comfortable and is totally focused. I have an incredibly good feeling and am just so proud to be here,” raved the Danish dressage rider, who also has high hopes of a medal with the team.

The German Olympic team gold medallist, Frederic Wandres can hardly contain his excitement either; he beamed at the thought of the official kick-off: “I’ve been waiting a long time for the day that I am able to ride into this Main Stadium. And now it is finally time!” A little bit of tension is natural, of course, but Wandres hopes not to get too nervous – especially because of his horse, Bluetooth. “But still, there is that inner tingle of excitement,” he admitted.

During the training in the Main Stadium, the horses appeared attentive and – at times – impressed, while their riders used fine sensitivity to help them adjust to the new setting. This was certainly true for Isabell Werth, who treated her horse, Wendy de Fontaine, to a little snack once the work was finished: Wendy enjoyed a tasty mouthful of the holy grass – a reward she gladly accepted. “We arrived safely and are in a wonderful stable. We are very pleased so far and, of course, full of anticipation and nervous excitement,” the most successful rider of all time stated on the eve of the event.

Final rehearsals for the grand Opening Ceremony

But not only training for the sporting activities took place in the world-famous Main Stadium; the final rehearsals for the spectacular Opening Ceremony were also on the agenda. Among others, the renowned French animal trainer, Laury Tisseur, practised his thrilling show act, which involves standing on two galloping horses, while waving an oversized flag. There was also a test run for the royal carriages, which promise the most regal Opening Ceremony of all time.

If you would like to experience the prelude event live, secure your tickets now from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.