Aachen Equestrian World Championships Confront Team Selections and Horse Losses

The ARD documentary series "Ride" debuted in August, following Germany's top show‑jumping riders as they vie for the limited spots on the national team for the FEI World Championships in Aachen 2026. Bundestrainer Otto Becker must choose four horse‑rider pairs, with athletes such as Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, Sophie Hinners and others featured. The series also examines injuries, public criticism of animal‑welfare practices and the financial pressures of elite equestrian sport.

In parallel, the upcoming dressage World Championships in Aachen (scheduled for August) have seen two leading German Olympians withdraw. Jessica von Bredow‑Werndl pulled out after her 11‑year‑old horse Diallo suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage, and Ingrid Klimke withdrew to protect her horse Vayron following a recent injury. Their absences force the national dressage team to rely on replacement pairs, including the late‑added Tobias Nabben and his horse Forster. Both developments highlight the fragility of horse‑rider partnerships ahead of the major international competition.