The Equestrian World Comes Together

Some competitions end with a ranking. Others leave something behind.

The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 undoubtedly belong to the second category. Thirteen days of competition, six disciplines, more than 680 athletes, over 800 horses and around 500,000 spectators turned the Allianz Park in Aachen into the global centre of equestrian sport. An event bringing together jumping, dressage, eventing, para dressage, driving and vaulting, crowning 59 new World Champions and delivering a succession of moments destined to remain in sporting history.

But behind the impressive numbers are, above all, people. And for us, Aachen 2026 had an even more special meaning: among the protagonists of this extraordinary World Championship were several athletes whom we are proud to support and accompany on their sporting journeys.

The equestrian world comes together in Aachen

Aachen was not simply the venue for a World Championship. It was a celebration of equestrian sport in all its diversity. For almost two weeks, the different disciplines showcased the many ways in which the partnership between horse and athlete can be expressed: the precision of dressage, the speed and power of jumping, the versatility required in eventing, the extraordinary expression of para dressage, the spectacular nature of driving and the balance and artistry of vaulting. The result was an event that the FEI itself described as exceeding expectations, thanks to the combination of world-class sport, outstanding organisation, passionate audiences and an exceptional atmosphere. And the crowds were one of the most remarkable ingredients. Packed grandstands and enthusiastic fans accompanied the athletes throughout the Championships, right through to the Closing Ceremony on 23 August, when Aachen bid farewell to its World Champions with the traditional waving of white handkerchiefs.

Italy takes centre stage: the Road to Los Angeles begins

For Italy, Aachen 2026 represented a historic milestone. In jumping, the Italian team finished fifth in the World Championship, securing team qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It was a result of enormous significance: Italy will return to the Olympic team jumping competition after its last appearance in Athens in 2004. It was also the best team result ever achieved by Italy at a World Championship. The achievement was built through the collective effort of the entire team and, in particular, through a decisive performance by Giacomo Casadei, competing at his first World Championship. Twenty-three years old - and carrying an enormous responsibility. Riding Marbella du Chabli, Casadei entered the Main Stadium in front of around 40,000 spectators after Emanuele Camilli's withdrawal, knowing that his performance could be decisive for Italy's chances. The first fence fell. But Giacomo changed nothing. He remained focused, stuck to his plan and completed his round with the maturity of a far more experienced rider. His contribution was fundamental to Italy's fifth-place finish and the qualification ticket to Los Angeles 2028. It was a moment that perfectly captures what elite sport is all about: talent, preparation, composure and the ability to take responsibility when it matters most.

Eventing: two of our athletes on the World Championship podium

If one discipline delivered particularly memorable emotions in Aachen, it was eventing. And here, too, we had two reasons to follow every stage of the competition with special attention. Rosalind Canter claimed the individual silver medal with Lordships Graffalo, while Laura Collett finished third with London. Two outstanding results in a competition that brought together some of the biggest names in world eventing. For Laura, the Aachen bronze came after her European Championship victory and confirmed the extraordinary consistency of her partnership with London, firmly established at the very top of international eventing. For Rosalind, the silver added another chapter to an exceptional career. World Champion in 2018 at Tryon, she returned to the World Championship podium in Aachen with another performance of the highest level. And there was more. Both riders contributed to Great Britain's team gold, alongside Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens. With 84 points, the British team claimed the World Championship title, adding another major success to its record after Olympic team gold at Paris 2024. Two athletes, two individual medals and a World Championship team title: a result we are particularly proud of.

Francesca Salvadè: twice on the World Championship podium

Para dressage also gave Italy one of Aachen 2026's most inspiring stories. Francesca Salvadè, riding Escari, won two bronze medals. The first came in the Grade III Individual Test, where the Italian athlete finished third with a score of 74.767%. It was Francesca's first World Championship medal, making the achievement even more meaningful and highlighting the remarkable journey she has built together with Escari. The second came in the Freestyle, where Salvadè once again confirmed her place among the world's leading riders, returning to the podium with a score of 79.587%. Two bronze medals that represent not only the final results, but also the quality and consistency of a sporting journey built on dedication, determination and an extraordinary partnership with her horse.

Six medals for Italy

The overall Italian medal tally at Aachen was six medals. In para dressage, alongside Francesca Salvadè's two bronze medals, Sara Morganti added silver and bronze to the Italian haul. In vaulting, Italy secured a valuable silver in the Pas de Deux with Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella, as well as bronze in the Team Competition. A medal tally that confirms Italy's competitiveness across very different equestrian disciplines and, above all, highlights the depth of talent within the Italian equestrian community.

Aachen 2026: The Final Medal Table

The final medal table also provides a fitting conclusion to Aachen 2026, offering a snapshot of the extraordinary international competitiveness of this edition. Germany topped the standings with 7 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze medals, for a total of 20 podium finishes. The United States came second with 6 gold and 2 bronze medals, while Great Britain completed the podium with 4 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals. They were followed by the Netherlands and France, with 3 and 2 gold medals respectively. A medal table that reflects the strength and diversity of the international equestrian landscape, but does not fully capture the significance of these Championships. Aachen 2026 was much more than a competition for World Championship titles: it was a meeting point for the entire equestrian community and, above all, the first major milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028, where many of the protagonists of these Championships will return to compete for the greatest sporting prize.

From the World Championships to Los Angeles

Aachen 2026, however, is not the end of the journey. It was the first major milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028. The World Championships marked the beginning of the Olympic and Paralympic qualification pathway, turning many of the achievements in Germany into a first step towards the next great five-ring event. For Italy, that journey has already begun in the best possible way. The Olympic qualification in jumping is a historic achievement. The para dressage and vaulting medals confirm the depth of Italian talent. And the performances of athletes such as Giacomo Casadei, Laura Collett, Rosalind Canter and Francesca Salvadè demonstrate how the future of international equestrian sport is built on talent, preparation and partnership. Partnerships that, in our case, have a very special meaning. Supporting an athlete does not simply mean being there when a medal is won. It means sharing a journey, believing in the daily work, the sacrifices, the ambitions and the ability to turn a distant goal into something tangible. Aachen reminded us why that matters. Because behind every great result there is a story. And some stories, when they unfold on a stage like the World Championships, become part of sporting history.

Aachen 2026 is over. The Road to Los Angeles, however, has only just begun.