First Round of the Nations Cup at the World Championships – The Course in Detail

With 137 pairs on the starting list and Richard Vogel and United Touch S as the last to start, the first round of the Nations Cup offers “real” challenges for the riders. Course designer Frank Rothenberger was allowed to set up jumps up to a height of 1.65 meters, and he took full advantage of that. The course features two double combinations and one triple combination. An open water jump is not required in this first round of the Nations Cup.

1 Longines Oxer

Approach from the left in front of the grandstand. An inviting oxer in the dark blue and white colors of Longines, the main sponsor of the World Championships. A pleasant start to the first round of the Nations Cup at the 2026 World Championships in Aachen.

2 Lindt Steep Jump

After a left turn comes a steep jump that’s as high as “chocolate brown.” The long-established company Lindt is easily recognizable here as the sponsor. Nine or ten strides later, the scene turns black and white.

3 Mercedes-Benz Planks

Airy and over the bars—jumps that would be set aside during training at the guardrail school because they’re still too narrow. Then continue on the right rein. Most pairs will likely need eight gallop strides here.

4 Liverpool Oxers

The landing stands look like an advertisement for an outdoor swimming pool from the 1970s. Perhaps this is a reference to the “Bad” (bath) in the name of the imperial city of Aachen. After landing, riders must make a right turn toward the center of the stadium. That’s where the first double combination is located.

5a/b Light Green Double Combination, Steep Jump/Oxer

A steep jump with no fewer than four poles, a gallop jump, then an oxer. Sechjs

6 FEI Oxer

After seven gallop strides, there is a fairly low oxer featuring the FEI (International Equestrian Federation). The white stripes on the dark purple poles are painted in a slight spiral pattern, which is a bit distracting.

7 Liverpool Sparkasse, red/white

Another Liverpool, this time as a steep jump. The ditch is located behind the baseline of the jump. Consequently, the horses land a little further behind the jump, after which the course continues to the left. Then things get interesting.

8 The Aachen Printen High Jump

A steep jump in which the horses jump more or less directly onto the grandstand where the rich, the beautiful, and the important sit. After landing over what is arguably the most creatively designed jump, the course continues into a left-hand turn.

9a/b/c Triple Combination

White poles with colorful stripes, a dark base, and the pictograms of the six equestrian disciplines—which are competing to crown their champions at these World Championships—serving as the supports. Oxer, vertical, oxer. Seven gallop strides away lies the highest jump in this first round of the Nations Cup at these World Show Jumping Championships.

10 DHL High Jump

The highest jump on the course, 1.65 meters. A narrow steep jump—and “narrow” always means lighter poles; that’s applied mathematics. And lighter poles fall faster.

11 Turkish Airlines Oxer

You have to “take on” this oxer coming out of a turn. It’s high and wide.

12 Triplebarre Alliance

An impressive Triple Barre—though not yet at its maximum height—marks the start of the final stretch. Now it’s just one leap to the finish line.

13 Mercedes-Benz Steep Jump

Just get over this steep jump—which isn’t exactly low—and you’ll have completed the 560-meter course. Hopefully within the allowed time of 84 seconds.