13 August 2026

This is an Official Decision concerning the following competition at the FEI World Championships, Aachen 2026

• • Grand Prix Special, Friday 14 August 2026

The President of the Ground Jury, the Technical Delegate, the President of the Vet Commission, in consultation with the Organising Committee, have taken the unanimous decision to make the following changes to the Grand Prix Special Competition:

• • The Competition will start at 08:30 (instead of 10:50).
  • There will be break between 12:30 and 15:00.
  • Competition will resume at 15:00 and conclude at the scheduled time.

Revised start lists will be published and made available shortly. Information on training times, opening of training arenas etc. will also be shared as soon as possible.

This decision was taken based on veterinary and meteorological advice because of the expected heat conditions for Friday, 14 August. In addition, enhanced heat mitigation measures will be in place throughout the venue.

These decisions have been taken in accordance with Article 109.13 of the FEI General Regulations which states:

“Subject to the unanimous agreement of the President of the Ground Jury, Technical Delegate and President of the Veterinary Committee in consultation with the Organiser, a Competition (either before or during) can be postponed and/or cancelled, not only due to force majeure, catastrophic occurrences, extreme weather conditions but also for non-compliance with FEI Rules and in specific situations where the welfare or safety of the Horses, Athletes, Officials or the public is compromised.”

 Further to veterinary advice, Day 2 of Eventing Dressage will run as originally scheduled.

END

Update, as of Thursday, 13 August, 18:15

The schedule for the second day of the FEI Eventing World Championship – Dressage Team & Individual – DHL-Prize on Friday 14 August will remain unchanged, following veterinary advice. Eventing horses are generally fitter and leaner, while Dressage horses have a more muscular build. In addition, the Eventing Dressage test is significantly shorter and less demanding than the Dressage Grand Prix Special, which is longer and places greater physical demands on the horses.