When the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 kick off in a few days, over 500,000 visitors on-site at the Allianz Park, plus millions of TV viewers, will be routing for the world’s best riders and horses, when they battle it out for gold, silver and bronze from 11 to 23 August. In addition to the outstanding sporting performances, attention will also be drawn to the remarkable obstacles that the competitors will endeavour to jump clear without knocking a single rail. In the show jumping, the eyes of the spectators will not only be fixed on the fascinating interplay between the horses and riders, but also on the striking obstacles.

These were partly designed by the students of the Academy for Craft & Design – Gut Rosenberg. In partnership with the ALRV, the Aachener Handwerkskammer launched a competition to design elements of the jumping course at the Allianz Park. A broad selection of creative designs featuring a wide range of ideas was submitted.

A leap through Aachen’s culture

The motifs incorporate both the motto of the World Championships, “Welcome home”, as well as iconic landmarks of Aachen and its cultural heritage. Hence, not only the city, but also the region’s craftsmanship will be presented on an international stage.

Marco Herwartz, President of the Aachener Handwerkskammer, is very proud of the cooperation: “When the equestrian world elite compete in Aachen, the global audience will also watch them jump over masterpieces of our regional craftsmanship. This impressively accentuates that the craft trades from the district of Aachen are truly world-class, highly innovative and deeply rooted in our local community.”

Five obstacles for the FEI World Championships

Ultimately, five of the designs selected from the many submissions will be implemented during the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. The students Conrad Bug and Matten Fredecker are two of the lucky candidates, whose artistic creations are brought to life for the World Championships. “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to demonstrate our skills. We are delighted that the ALRV approached us and involved Gut Rosenberg and the regional craftsmen. Exploring the theme from a design, sporting and regional perspective was an exciting experience,” said Martin Fredecker happily.

For ALRV Board Member, Birgit Rosenberg, this collaborative project is a wonderful enrichment to an already unique setting: “Aachen excels at top-class sport, but it also excels at fine craftsmanship. We are thrilled to be carrying out this initiative together with the Aachener Handwerkskammer. The obstacles designed by the students will decorate our course magnificently and serve as a further visual highlight alongside the world’s best horses and riders.”

Anyone, who would like to experience both world-class sport and artisan masterpieces first-hand, should secure their tickets now. Tickets are available from the online shop, from the hotline on +49-241-9171111 or directly from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.