Germany and France vie for solo lead at World Show Jumping Championships in Aachen

The World Show Jumping Championships return to Aachen, where Germany and France—each with three team titles—will compete to become the sole leader in the historic tally. Germany earned its titles in The Hague (1994), Rome (1998) and Lexington (2010); France in Dublin (1982), Stockholm (1990) and Jerez de la Frontera (2002). Both nations now target a fourth gold to break the three‑title deadlock.

Aachen, the birthplace of the team competition in 1978, has seen limited success for both sides in past editions. France’s best result there was a bronze in 1986, while Germany’s most recent podium finish was third place. The French squad blends youth and experience, featuring riders such as Antoine Ermann, Nina Mallevaey, Olivier Perreaud, Julien Epaillard and reserve Kevin Staut. Germany’s line‑up includes Daniel Deusser, Marcus Ehning, Sophie Hinners and Richard Vogel, with Christian Kukuk as reserve. All French horses are bred domestically, a factor in their earlier triumphs.

The championship will showcase the sport’s elite talent and could reshape the all‑time team rankings, with the outcome likely influencing future selections and national prestige in international show jumping.