The Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials 2026 are set to once again welcome a world-class international field. Both the Longines CCI5*-L and the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy, which also hosts the German Championship, promise top-level sport as riders prepare for the season ahead of the World Championships in Aachen.
“The entries once again promise world-class sport,” said Ellen Jühlke, Operations Manager of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials. “In the five-star competition we expected a particularly strong British field and are delighted to welcome current world number one Harry Meade, defending champion Ros Canter, who has just secured another victory at the Badminton Horse Trials, as well as Laura Collett. In addition, Tim and Jonelle Price of New Zealand, alongside Boyd Martin of the United States, will further strengthen the international field. All three riders are among the most accomplished names in eventing and have been firmly established at the top level of the sport for many years. Overall, the field is once again highly international, but we are equally pleased to see German entries from Katharina Meyer and Heike Jahnke.”
Defending Longines CCI5*-L champion Ros Canter is equally enthusiastic about returning to the venue: “I’m delighted to be returning to Luhmühlen once again to compete in the five-star. We have had many wonderful moments there, so it is always a competition we very much look forward to.” Laura Collett is set to return with HESTER: “I’m excited to be returning to the Longines CCI5*-L with HESTER. She went so well for a top ten finish last year, so I hope we can improve on that result this year.”
The CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy is also expected to attract a highly competitive field. “Many nations are using the competition as preparation ahead of the World Championships in Aachen. We are also very pleased with the strength of the German entries. Olympic champion Julia Krajewski is planning to compete with last year’s winner Nickel as well as a second horse, so we are expecting truly exciting sport,” Jühlke added.
Julia Krajewski is looking forward to returning to Luhmühlen: “I’m planning to compete with two horses in the four-star competition this year. Luhmühlen is one of our key preparation events on the road to the World Championships in Aachen and it has always been one of my favourite events.”
Alongside the sporting highlights, the organisers are also introducing several new initiatives away from the competition arenas. Sternpartner joins the event for the first time as a main sponsor. “Sternpartner are supporting the event as automotive partner for the first time this year and we are looking forward to building a successful long-term partnership together,” said TGL Managing Director Rembert Kübel-Heising. Klaus Wessels, Head of Truck Sales at Sternpartner, added: “I competed in showjumping when I was younger and I have remained a passionate equestrian fan ever since. When we heard about the opportunity to present our brand exclusively at Luhmühlen, we were immediately enthusiastic and knew we wanted to be involved. We are very much looking forward to the event.”
The Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials are also expanding their entertainment and hospitality concept for 2026. Together with event organiser Ulrich Gustävel, the event aims to combine elite equestrian sport with live music and an enhanced visitor experience. “Ulrich Gustävel will oversee the catering across the entire event as well as the musical entertainment programme,” explained Kübel-Heising. Gustävel said: “I have worked as a concert organiser for more than 30 years, run the Jabelmannhalle in Uelzen and organised the Uelzen Open Air Festival for many years. Through discussions with Mr Kübel-Heising, we realised that there are two things that inspire people in equal measure — equestrian sport and music. Our aim is to bring both ogether.” Two stages will be installed on the showground, featuring ten different artists performing across the three days of competition, including the house band of the Atlantik Hotel, a winner of The Voice of Germany and several singer-songwriters. Sustainability and culinary diversity are also central to the new concept. “We will introduce branded reusable cups which visitors can either return or keep as a souvenir. In terms of catering, we are broadening the range significantly — from traditional German barbecue to burgers, hot dogs, Mexican and Asian cuisine,” Gustävel explained.
Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith has also introduced several tweaks to this year’s track. “It’s a privilege to design at events like this,” said Etherington. “Luhmühlen is a top-class event and that’s exactly why riders enjoy competing here. All the fences are now in place and we are working on the final details. It’s fantastic to work alongside Kai-Steffen Meyer, who brings a great deal of experience and is an excellent sounding board for ideas.” While retaining the traditional character of the course, riders can expect an increased challenge in 2026. “The course is just that little bit more demanding this year to ensure riders stay focused and continue making decisions all the way round depending on how their horses are feeling. We are also using more frangible fences throughout the course to further enhance safety.”
Visitors can therefore look forward not only to top-class international sport in the Longines CCI5*-L and the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy, but also to a significantly expanded supporting programme. Highlights include a masterclass with Kai-Steffen Meier, in which technical lines will be developed during a live training session, the show “All You Need Is Love” by and featuring Anne Krüger-Degener, as well as live music, podcasts and live talks on two stages.
