World Championships in Aachen: German Dressage Horses Face Challenges Due to Fitness Tests; A Look at the Schedule

World Championships in Aachen: Let the competition begin—German dressage horses pass the vet check—“accepted”

Dressage 10.08.2026

from Jan Tönjes

Members of the German dressage team—fit to compete, just like the horses. Photo: sportfotos-lafrentz.de

The "Home World Championships" project has gotten off to a successful start for the German dressage horses. At the veterinary check, all of them heard the hoped-for (and expected) “accepted.” According to the schedule, two German pairs are set to compete in the Grand Prix tomorrow, even before the official opening ceremony.

Yesterday marked the first day of training in the main stadium at the World Championships in Aachen. Unlike at the CHIO Aachen, the dressage competitions will not take place in the dressage stadium, but in the main arena. The dressage arena has now been set up in the venue where the Aachen Grand Prix is usually held. Tomorrow, the first half of the dressage riders will kick off the World Championships in Aachen there.

First the vet check, then the World Cup at home

All German horses were “accepted” at the veterinary check. This means Denoix and Katharina Hemmer, Bluetooth OLD and Frederic Wandres, Great Escape Camelot and Raphael Netz, as well as Wendy and Isabell Werth are ready to compete.

The Grand Prix, which will determine the team standings, will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday is “Men’s Day”—Raphael Netz is the first German rider to compete, followed by Fredric Wandres and Bluetooth as Germany’s second pair. On Wednesday, Katharina Hemmer and Isabell Werth will take the arena. The goal, according to national team coach Monica Theodorescu, is gold—but for that to happen, everything has to go perfectly.

Michale Jung and Isabell Werth will carry the German flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony.

Schedule for the World Championships in Aachen (Dressage)

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 8:20 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Grand Prix – Team Finals & Individual Qualifying, Part 1

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 8:20 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Grand Prix – Team Final & Individual Qualifying, Part 2 – Medal Rounds

6:35–6:50 p.m. Grand Prix Team Awards Ceremony

Friday, Aug. 14, 10:50 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

Grand Prix Spécial – Individual Finals – Medal Round

Saturday, Aug. 15, 7:00 p.m.–11:15 p.m.

Grand Prix Free Skating – Singles Final Under Floodlights – Medal Decider

Aachen World Championships Homepage