German Championships in Balve with record numbers of starters

The Balve Optimum in the Sauerland region has been one of the highlights of the German tournament calendar since 1948. A real classic. This is partly due to the fact that the German champions in dressage, para-dressage and show jumping are traditionally crowned here. The other reason is the idyllic setting in the middle of the Sauerland hills with Wocklum Castle right next to the showground. This is where top-class sport meets family hospitality.

For the dressage riders, Balve is a fixed inspection on the way to the WEG in Aachen. The best of the best will therefore be there. In addition, the German champions in the U25 age group and the national champions in para-dressage will be crowned. In addition, Balve is another venue for the Nuremberg Burg Cup and the Derby Stars of Tomorrow.

For the show jumpers, it’s not just about the men’s and women’s championship sashes, but also about qualifying for Germany’s U25 Show Jumping Cup.

Record number of starters, adjustment to schedule

Show director Countess Rosalie von Landsberg-Velen reports record participation in this year’s German Championships, which is certainly also due to the fact that the para-dressage riders now have a permanent place in the program. In order to ensure that everything runs smoothly, the show will therefore begin on Wednesday with vet checks and warm-ups as well as the South Westphalia Team Cup 2026.

Here is an overview of the following days

Thursday

Jumping etc.

• 12.30 pm: Prize of the Amateur Springreiterclub Deutschland e.V. (medium** class show jumping competition with faults and time)


• 2 p.m.: 1st German Show Jumping Championships (advanced (S***) level, faults/time, 1.50 m)


• 7 pm: Germany’s U25 Jumping Cup 2026 of the Stiftung Deutscher Pferdesport and Holger Hetzel (jumping class **, two-phase special, 1.45 m)

Dressage etc.

• 9.15 a.m.: DM Para-Dressage 1st competition of Grades I-III as well as IV and V (Grand Prix Tests A)


• 12.45 pm: DM Dressage Grand Prix


• 17.30 hrs: U25 DM, Piaff-Förderpreis preparation test, Intermédiaire II

Friday

Jumping etc.

• 8 a.m.: Prize of the Amateur Show Jumping Club Germany (advanced (S*) level, 1.40 m)


• 12 noon: DM Show Jumping, 1st competition (jumping competition class S****, 1.55 m with two rounds)


• 19.10 hrs: German U25 Show Jumping Cup (advanced (S**) level, 1.45 m, faults/time)

Dressage etc.

• 8 a.m.: U25 DM (U25 Grand Prix, medal decision)


• 10.45 am: DM Para-Dressage Grade I-III and IV/V (Grand Prix Tests B)


• 14.15 hrs: Derby Stars of Tomorrow (Intermédiaire II)


• 17.50 hrs: Qualification for the final qualifier for the Nuremberg Burg Cup (Prix St. Georges Special)

Saturday

Jumping etc.

• 9.30 am: Amateur Show Jumping Club Germany (advanced (S*) level, 1.40 m)


• 11.30 a.m.: German Show Jumping Championships medal decision (show jumping competition class S*** with two rounds, 1.50 m)


• 16.30 hrs: Grand Prix of Balve – Dieter Graf Landsberg-Velen Memorial Prize (CSI**, 1.45 m with jump-off)

Dressage etc.

• 8 a.m.: DM Para-Dressage Grade I-III (medal decision, freestyle)


• 10 a.m.: DM Dressage Grand Prix Special (medal decision)


• 2.45 pm: Final qualification for the Nuremberg Burg Cup (Prix St. Georges Special)


• 17.15 hrs: Derby Stars of Tomorrow (final qualification, task S7)

Sunday

Jumping etc.

• 11.15 am: Germany’s U25 Show Jumping Cup, final qualification (advanced*** level show jumping competition, 1.50 m with jump-off)


• 2.45 pm: DM show jumping medal decision (jumping competition class S**** with two rounds, 1.55 m)

Dressage etc.

• 8 am: U25 DM freestyle medal decision (Grand Prix freestyle)


• 10.45 am: DM Dressage medal decision (Grand Prix Freestyle)


• 1.30 p.m.: DM Para-Dressage medal decisions for Grades I-III and IV/V (freestyle)