A spacious grass arena, an extensive equestrian venue offering outstanding conditions for horses and riders, and almost the entire elite of international show jumping – this is not yet the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, but Riesenbeck International. From 16 to 19 July, the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League make their only German stop of the season at the Surenburg Forest. The ninth leg of the prestigious series also serves as a final major dress rehearsal ahead of the World Championships in Aachen.
Visitors will have the opportunity to watch many of the sport's leading medal contenders and World Championship stars up close. Almost the entire German squad selected for the FEI World Championships will compete in Riesenbeck, including Sophie Hinners, Richard Vogel, Daniel Deusser and Marcus Ehning. They will be joined by an exceptional international line-up featuring Scott Brash (GBR), Julien Epaillard (FRA), Willem Greve (NED), Lillie Keenan (USA), Laura Kraut (USA), Christian Kukuk, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL), Harrie Smolders (NED), Gilles Thomas (BEL) and Henrik von Eckermann (SWE).
The Longines Global Champions Tour rankings also promise world-class sport. Five of the current top ten riders are set to compete in Riesenbeck, including series leader Abdel Saïd (BEL), Max Kühner (AUT), Katrin Eckermann, Zoe Conter (BEL) and Cian O'Connor (IRL). More than 60 top riders have entered the CSI5* Tour, while over 200 athletes with more than 450 horses are expected across the event.
It is no coincidence that so many of the world's best riders choose Riesenbeck. The meticulously prepared grass arena offers conditions remarkably similar to those that will be encountered at Aachen, making it the ideal opportunity for horses and riders to fine-tune their preparations for the highlight of the season.
Home Fixture for the Global Champions League Leaders
Particular attention will be on the home team, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym. As leaders of the Global Champions League standings, the team heads into the only German leg of the season with considerable momentum. Maximilian Weishaupt aboard Zuccero HV and Marco Kutscher with Pikeur Lemar NRW made history by securing the team's third consecutive victory. Following triumphs in St Tropez and Paris, Riesenbeck International also claimed victory in Monaco to complete an impressive hat-trick.
At the halfway stage of the season, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym leads the Global Champions League standings on 161 points. The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team follow on 132 points, while the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team and the Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois share third place on 126 points.
Competing in front of a home crowd adds even greater significance to the weekend. The team will be aiming not only to build on its position at the top of the standings but also to make another strong statement in the race for the 2026 title.
The battle for the individual Longines Global Champions Tour title also remains wide open. After eight rounds, Abdel Saïd (BEL) leads the standings on 167 points, ahead of Max Kühner (AUT) on 159, with Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) third on 138.67 points. Katrin Eckermann is the highest-placed German rider in fourth on 138 points. With the decisive second half of the season now underway, every point becomes increasingly valuable.
Alongside the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League competitions, riders and spectators can look forward to an extensive international programme featuring CSI2*, CSI3* and CSI5* classes, as well as a Youngster Tour. Meanwhile, the neighbouring sand arena will once again host the German U25 Championships for the fourth consecutive year.
Among the sporting highlights are Saturday afternoon's Global Champions League team event and Sunday's Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck. In addition to substantial prize money, valuable points and qualification for the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Riyadh this November will be at stake.
There is plenty to enjoy away from the main competition arena as well. The event programme includes the inaugural Local Champions League for amateur riders, the ClipMyHorse.TV "Sattelkammer" live podcast, an exhibition area, food and beverage outlets, and a children's entertainment zone. Tickets are available as both day tickets and weekend passes, while children up to and including six years of age receive free admission. Admission on Thursday is free of charge.
Further information and tickets are available at www.riesenbeck-international.com.
