Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) are delighted to launch the dates and venues for the DAFM Autumn Development Series for Eventing, Dressage and Showjumping.This series is delivered by Horse Sport Ireland and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under National Breeding Services.The series will run throughout September and October with the first leg being a showjumping leg in Banner EC. Full list of dates are below and more information about the series can be found by clicking HEREEventingSeptember28th:Meadows EC, Lurgan, NI. (Combined Training H&P)October 11th:Coilog EC, Kilmeague, Co. Kildare. (Combined Training H&P)October 25th:Wexford EC, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford. (Arena Event H)DressageOctober 4th:Horses & Ponies: Millstreet, Co. CorkOctober 12th:Horses & Ponies: Danescroft, Northern Ireland.October 18th:Horses & Ponies:Marlton Stud, Co. Wicklow.ShowjumpingSeptember 13th 14th:Banner Equestrian Centre, Co. Clare.September 27th 28th:Emerald Equestrian Centre, Co. KildareOctober 3rd 5th:Warrington Top-Flight Equestrian Centre, Co. Kilkenny.October 11th 12th:Tubberbride Stables, Co. SligoDecember 4th 7th:Cavan Equestrian Centre, Co. CavanThese shows are one day shows taking place between the dates listed above. See SJI Live/ show schedule for exact dateThe post DAFM Development Series Dates Launched appeared first on .

Amino acids are important for muscle recovery in sport horses. | Adobe StockQ: What roles do specific amino acids play in muscle recovery for performance horses?A: This is a great question, and I will frame the answer with two general statements: First, a horses muscle is made of protein, and amino acids are building blocks for proteins. Second, exertion during physical exercise damages equine muscle tissue and the speed of muscle repair factors into the rate of muscle recovery.Exertion during exercise causes microscopic tears in the horses muscle fibers. These tears and the resultingmuscle protein breakdownmust happen for muscle strength and mass to increase. Whenmuscle fibersare damaged, satellite cells rush in to fuse the damaged fibers, creating newer, stronger, and larger muscle fibers. Satellite cells are like stem cells for muscles. These precursors to skeletal muscle cells are made of protein and essential for muscle repair. They stimulate the production of more durable muscle which leads to better equine muscle function. However, the building blocks for this repair cycle must be available, which is where dietary amino acids come into play in muscle recovery for performance horses.Animo Acids and Horse HealthAmino acids and muscle recoverygo hand in hand. Twenty standard amino acids make up all proteins in the horses body. Equine nutritionists classify amino acids as dietary nonessential, dietary essential (or indispensable), or conditionally essential, based on whether the body can produce them or not. All amino acids are necessary, but the horse can produce nonessential amino acids, either from essential amino acids or from normal protein breakdown. The body cannot produce essential amino acids; these must be supplied by the diet. Horses need conditionally essential amino acids in particular circumstances, such as times of stress, injury, or during illness.Certain essential amino acids are involved directly in muscle protein turnover, specifically the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)leucine, isoleucine, and valine. However, again, the body needs all 20 amino acids for optimal muscle recovery and function. Supplementing BCAAs alone doesnt provide the level of muscle recovery support a complete, balanced amino acid supplement provides.Protein and Amino Acids in Equine DietsFrom a dietary standpoint, protein quality describes how well a protein source meets the horses essential amino acid requirements. The highest quality protein sources for horsesthose that provide higher percentages of essential amino acidsare soybean meal and whey protein. Other protein sources, including flaxseed meal (linseed meal), sunflower meal, distillers grains, alfalfa, etc., can provide adequate amounts of total crude protein but will not provide the same essential amino acid balance as soybean meal or whey protein. However, individual amino acids can help improve the essential amino acid balance in the diet.Dietary protein sources also vary in where the horse digests them in the gastrointestinal tract. The digestion site significantly impacts the ability of that protein source to supply essential amino acids to the body. Proteins digested enzymatically in the small intestine are absorbed as amino acids, whereas proteins digested by microbial fermentation in the hindgut (which includes the cecum and large intestine) are absorbed primarily as ammonia which is excreted in the urine. Even if essential amino acids make it to the horses hindgut, no appreciable amino acid absorption occurs in that section of the digestive tract. Therefore, because horses digest forage and other high-fiber ingredients primarily in the hindgut, much of the protein in those feedstuffs cant provide essential amino acids.Take-Home MessageA diet containing high-quality protein that can be digested and absorbed in the small intestine helps meet essential amino acid needs and supports muscle recovery and function in performance horses.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition question below!(Required)CAPTCHA

Key Section Details Understanding Tiny Girths Importance for safety and comfort, range from 8 to 24 inches, crucial for Dinky Saddles. Why Proper Fit Matters Comfort, secure saddle fit, durability, and materials like PVC or leather. Measuring and Choosing Girth Use soft tape, consider saddle size, and seek adjustability with elastic ends. Material Types Options include soft cushion webbing, suede leather, and PVC with anatomical design. Where to Source Girths Specialist retailers like Tack and Turnout, Inky Dinky Saddles, and equestrian forums. Tips for Using Girths Assemble saddle first, test snugness, regular maintenance, and consider safety features. Key Facts & Figures Sizes from 8 to 24 inches, importance of accurate measurement, and benefits of elastic ends. Finding the Perfect Fit for Tiny Girths and Dinky SaddlesEvery equestrian enthusiast knows that a comfortable ride is not just about the thrill; it's about ensuring that both the rider and the pony are safe and content. This becomes even more critical when dealing with tiny girths and Dinky Saddles made specifically for small ponies and miniature horses.Understanding Tiny Girths for Dinky SaddlesThe importance of girths in equestrian equipment cannot be overstated. A girth is a key element that ensures the saddle remains securely in place. For Dinky Saddles, which are custom-made for petite equines, the girths are typically much shorter compared to those for adult horses. These girths range from as short as 8 inches to about 24 inches, depending on the ponys measurements and the saddle type [source].Why Proper Fit Matters Comfort for the Pony: An ill-fitting girth can lead to pinching or rubbing, causing sores or even behavioral issues. Choosing girths made with soft materials and a bit of elasticity is vital to ensure comfort during movement. Secure Saddle Fit: An improperly fitted saddle that moves or slips during riding can be dangerous. It's crucial for the girth to hold the saddle snugly in place without being overtightened. Durability and Practicality: Girths must be resilient yet easy to maintain. Many opt for materials like PVC or soft leather-look materials combined with stainless steel hardware for durability [source].How to Measure and Choose the Right Tiny GirthWhen it comes to selecting the appropriate girth size, a few careful considerations and measurements can make all the difference. Step-by-Step Measuring Guide Measure the Pony's Girth Area: Use a soft measuring tape around the ponys barrel, just behind the front legs where the girth will sit. For tiny ponies, getting an exact measurement (e.g., 12", 14") is crucial. Consider the Saddle Size: The base and panels of the Dinky Saddle impact the fit. Ensure the girth aligns with the specific girth strap length and position. Account for Adjustability: Seek girths with multiple holes or workable buckles. Elastic ends can further enhance comfort without jeopardizing security.Material Types and Features to SeekWhen choosing tiny girths, the material and design significantly impact both comfort and longevity.Consider These Options Soft Cushion Webbing or Suede Leather: These materials reduce the risk of chafing and sores [source]. PVC with Stainless Steel Hardware: Known for easy maintenance and reliable attachments, which are vital for safety. Anatomical Design: Some girths offer tailored anatomical shapes that better fit the unique conformation of miniatures, optimizing comfort.Where to Source Tiny Girths for Dinky SaddlesFinding specialized girths can be challenging, but several reputable sources offer targeted solutions.Recommended Retailers Specialist Equestrian Retailers: Stores such as Tack and Turnout in the UK provide luxury and cushion girths specifically for small ponies. Inky Dinky Saddles Gear: The official brand offers tailored girth products tested for their saddles. Equestrian Forums and Communities: Platforms like Horse & Hound often share valuable advice and sometimes a marketplace for pre-owned girths.Tips for Using Tiny Girths with Dinky SaddlesSuccessfully using tiny girths involves more than just slapping it on the pony and riding into the sunset. Here are some tips: Assemble the Saddle First: Before girthing up, ensure the saddles base and panels are correctly set to avoid misalignment. Test for Snugness: After fitting the girth, check if its snug enough to prevent saddle movement but doesnt pinch. Adjust if necessary. Regular Maintenance: Clean the girth regularly and check for signs of wear, replacing when necessary to ensure continued safety. Extra Safety Features: For young or nervous riders, consider girths with secure buckle designs and extra safety features.Key Facts & Figures Supporting Tiny Girth UseThe effectiveness of tiny girths isn't just anecdotal. Several facts underscore their importance. Tiny girths typically measure from 8 inches to nearly 24 inches, adroit for miniatures and very small ponies. Proper girth fitting involves accurate measurements and subtracting about 100cm for standard saddles. Elastic ends on girths contribute to comfort, allowing flex during pony movement without compromising the saddle's position [source].ConclusionSelecting the right tiny girths for your Dinky Saddles is not just about fit, but about guaranteeing a smooth, safe, and enjoyable riding experience for both pony and rider. By using these insights and ensuring proper sourcing, measurement, and maintenance of your girths, you are on your way to mastering the art of comfortable riding with your miniature companions. For all your equestrian needs, explore our extensive ranges on Just Horse Riders.Call to ActionLooking for even more equestrian essentials? Dont forget to check out our vast collections, including our Jodhpur Collection and Horse Riding Boot Collection, or accessorize with confidence from our Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Secure everything you need, from Horse Fly Protection to Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.Remember, a rider is only as good as their gear allows. Invest wisely and ride happily!

As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, autumn brings big changes to your horses environmentand their nutritional needs. Late summer grass can be lush, but as temperatures dip and growth slows, the nutritional value of pasture drops. This shift can affect your horses energy, weight, and even their mood. Heres how to adapt your feeding routine to keep your horse healthy, happy, and in top condition through the autumn months.How Autumn Affects Your Horses DietChanging Grass Quality:After a summer of rich grazing, autumn grass often looks green but contains less energy and fewer nutrients. As growth slows, fibre content goes up and sugar levels can fluctuate, especially after cool nights and rainy spells.Energy and Condition:Horses may need extra calories to maintain weight as the weather cools, especially if theyre clipped, older, or in regular work.Mood and Behaviour:Sudden changes in forage quality or routine can affect your horses temperament. Some horses become sharper, while others may seem more sluggish.Tips for Adjusting Your Horses Feed Routine1. Monitor Body Condition CloselyCheck your horses weight and condition every couple of weeks. Use a weight tape and feel for fat cover along the ribs, neck, and hindquarters. Adjust feed before you see a dramatic change.2. Balance Forage and Hard FeedIf grass is limited or quality is poor, supplement with good-quality hay or haylage.For horses in light work or prone to weight gain, a balancer can provide essential vitamins and minerals without extra calories.If your horse needs more energy, consider adding fibre-based feeds (like beet pulp or chaff) rather than jumping straight to high-starch mixes.3. Watch for Laminitis RisksAutumn flushes of grass can still be risky for horses prone to laminitis. Monitor sugar intake and restrict grazing if needed, especially after rain or cold nights.4. Support Digestive HealthChanges in routine and diet can upset the gut. Feed plenty of fibre, make any changes gradually, and consider a digestive supplement if your horse is sensitive.5. Dont Forget Water and SaltAs temperatures drop, horses may drink less. Always provide fresh water and consider offering a salt lick to encourage healthy hydration.Never Run Out: The Benefits of Feed SubscriptionRunning out of feed can be stressful for you and disruptive for your horse. Our feed subscription service lets you set up regular deliveries of your chosen productsso you always have what you need, when you need it. You can adjust, pause, or cancel at any time, making it a simple way to keep your horses routine consistent all autumn long.Explore Our Autumn Feeding RangeFrom balancers and fibre feeds to digestive supplements and haylage, our full range of horse feeds and supplements has everything you need to keep your horse healthy this season. Not sure whats right for your horse? Get in touch for friendly advice.

An unvaccinated, 3-year-old filly in Chautauqua County, New York, recently tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The filly developed clinical signs on Aug. 10, including lethargy, decreased water and feed intake, ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, inability to stand, and muscle fasciculations. She is now recovering.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

On Aug. 22, a 4-year-old Standardbred cross mare in Mercer County, Kentucky, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mare, who is unvaccinated, became severely ataxic on Aug. 19. She is still alive.This is Kentuckys fourth confirmed equine WNV case in 2025.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

On Aug. 13, an 8-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Monroe County, Mississippi, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The mare, who was under-vaccinated, developed clinical signs on Aug. 11, including altered mentation, abnormal cranial nerves, and ataxia. She was euthanized.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

Two horses in Utah recently tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The cases are located in Utah and Cache counties.In Utah County, a 15-year-old, unvaccinated Quarter Horse tested positive after developing clinical signs on Aug. 10, including ataxia, weakness, and recumbency. The horse has died.In Cache County, an unvaccinated, 7-year-old draft gelding tested positive after developing clinical signs on Aug. 13, including ataxia and weakness in the hind end. He is now recovering.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health recently confirmed that three horses have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).In Allen County, an unvaccinated, 3-year-old Standardbred mare tested positive on Aug. 18 after developing clinical signs on Aug. 15, including severe ataxia, fever, and recumbency. She was euthanized.In Adams County, an unvaccinated, 8-year-old pony mare tested positive for WNV on Aug. 21 after developing neurologic signs on Aug. 14. She became recumbent and was euthanized.In DeKalb County, a 4-year-old, unvaccinated gelding tested positive on Aug. 18 after developing clinical signs on Aug. 11, including facial muscle fasciculations, hyperesthesia, fever, and hind limb ataxia. He is still alive.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

August 11 marked one year to go until the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. They will run August 10-23, 2026 (these dates include the first horse inspections which may or may not be viewable by the general public). Essentially a mini World Equestrian Games, Aachen 2026 will include competition in six of the seven FEI sports disciplines (dressage, driving, eventing, para-dressage, show jumping, and vaulting), as well as entertainment and educational sessions. Photo courtesy CHIO AachenThe folks in Aachen are old pros at big equestrian events. The iconic venue has been home to equestrian competition since 1898 and they hosted the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, so expect a well-organized Championships next year. For nearly 100 years they have staged several international-level shows each season, most notably their CHIO Aachen in July when the riders, drivers, vaulters and spectators from around the world gather for top-level sport. Ask anyone whos been and theyll tell you, Aachen is not to be missed! Youll love it there.Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger, talked about their commitment to hold the 2026 Championships in an August 11 press conference, It is a great honor for us to host these important Championships. We will do everything in our power to offer equestrian sport a stage that will do more than justice to this international highlight. She listed some of targeted investments, partly funded by the German government, that are to be made in time for the World Championships. These include installing a cover over Arena 3 and modernization of the cross-country course (which is being designed by Italian Giuseppe Della Chiesa), to name just a few. Our goal is for Aachen to continue to be seen as the global flagship of equestrian sports in the future and to set new standards for major international events.Olympic gold medalist from Germany Julia Krajewski riding Nickle at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Hubert FischerFEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Schedule & VenueThe fourteen days of the 2026 Aachen World Championships competition is divided into two weeks with three sports each week. Week one features dressage, eventing and vaulting, then in week two show jumping, four-in-hand combined driving and para-dressage fill the calendar.There will be three competition stadiums and an outdoor course where eventing cross-country and driving marathon will be run. The Main Stadium will host the opening ceremonies, dressage, show jumping, and the final show jumping phase of eventing. Stadium 2 will be the home of the driving dressage and cones phases and eventing dressage. Stadium 3 will stage the vaulting and para-dressage classes. The Aachen Main Stadium during CHIO Aachen jumping competition. Photo courtesy CHIO AachenRave Reviews for AachenGermanys Isabell Werth, the most decorated dressage rider of all time, had nothing but praise for the 2006 Championships during a press conference to mark the one-year until Aachen 2026, The FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen were the greatest championships we as riders have ever experienced.The most decorated dressage rider of all time, Isabell Werth of Germany, riding Wendy at the 2025 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin MetznerAachen is the mecca of show jumping. Its one of the greatest shows in the world, said Olympian and U.S. Show Jumping Team Chef dEquipe Robert Ridland, after a U.S. Team Nations Cup CSIO5* win in Aachen in July. Theres truly nothing like winning as a team here in Aachen.Six-time Olympian for the USA, McLain Ward commented on his affinity for showing at Aachen while competing there in 2024, I think I came to Aachen for the first time 30 years ago, not to date myself, and it just never gets old.2024 Olympic show jumping gold medalist Christian Kukuk from Germany attended the 2006 Aachen Championships as a 16-year-old spectator on the stands and looks forward to making a bid for his countrys team in 2026. He said he had always hoped that a Championship of this magnitude would be staged in Aachen again. I have not forgotten that breathtaking atmosphere.A German vaulting squad performing at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin MetznerTickets, Travel & Housing TipsTickets for this every-four-years event are selling fast with over 50 percent already purchased, so dont wait if you want to attend in person. Ticket prices run from the 15 Euro Village Passes (with no competition seating) up to 620 Euros for a show jumping all-access pass in the Mercedes Benz Grandstand, with many affordable pricing options in between. Eventing cross-country and driving marathon tickets cost 50 and 30 Euros, respectively. Para-dressage tickets are free with the purchase of another ticket (stadium seating for another sport or a village pass). Reasonably priced standing-room-only stadium tickets are also available for dressage and show jumping. Ticket prices may also include local bus fare for the date on the ticket.The USAs Chester Weber during an awards ceremony at the 2022 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Michael StrauchClosest airports to Aachen are Cologne Bonn Airportin Germany (53 miles),Dsseldorf Airportin Germany (62 miles),Maastricht Aachen Airport(17 miles) in the Netherlands andLige Airport(37 miles) in Belgium. Aachen transportation options include trains and buses as well as car rentals, taxis, ride share companies such as Uber and FreeNow, and bicycle rentals. When looking for housing, in addition to looking in Germany, also consider hotels and rentals in Belgium and the Netherlands due to the close proximity of Aachen to those borders. The address of the Aachen showgrounds is: Albert-Servais-Allee 50, 52070 Aachen, Germany. More About AachenThe city of Aachen is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia directly borderingBelgiumto the southwest and theNetherlandsto the northwest. The city has approximately 261,000 residents and is situated in the northern foothills of theHigh Fensand theEifelMountains and along theWurm River.Links to More informationTicket Sales Ticket Sales BrochureOnline Ticket SalesTelevision CoverageThe competition will also be available live and on demand on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required).General InformationFor more information about the 2026 FEI Aachen World Championships, visit their website or the 2026 Aachen FEI page. Aachen 2026 World Championships E-Newsletter Aachen Tourism (includes housing and travel information)2026 FEI World Endurance ChampionshipsFans of the seventh FEI sport, endurance, should note that the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships will be in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on October, 17, 2026. For more information about that competition, visit here.But Wait, Theres More!Aachen 2026 also begins another exciting three-year cycle of top-tier equestrian championships with the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Gamesfollowing. Ticket sales have opened for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and should open for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games soon. (Anyone considering a trip to the Lima Pan Am Games could easily tack on a side excursion to see the historic Machu Picchu site in the Peruvian Andes too. Its well worth the effort and organized tourism packages are readily available through approved tourism vendors listed on the Games website.)But before all of those, to whet the appetite of equestrian fans for international sport here in North America, the Maryland 5* at Fair Hill Three-Day Event happens October 15-19, 2025, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event April 23-26, 2026, and then April 8-12, 2026, the USA will host FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and jumping at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Ticket sales for these events have opened as well.Watch for further updates on all of these competitions, as well as event coverage, on HorseIllustrated.com and in print in Horse Illustrated magazine.The post FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Countdown Under One Year To Go With Brisk Ticket Sales appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.