12 May From Rising Talents to the World Elite: Hagen a.T.W. Set for a Summer of Nations Cups
(Hagen a.T.W.) No sooner has the anniversary edition of “20 Years Horses & Dreams” concluded than attention at Hof Kasselmann turns towards the next major international highlights. With Future Champions from 10 – 14 June 2026 and the Covalliero Dressage Days from 1 – 5 July 2026, Hagen a.T.W. will once again host two of the most important Nations Cup events of the European equestrian summer and key selection trials on the road to this year’s major championships.
The season continues with Future Champions, Germany’s only youth Nations Cup event. Across the disciplines of dressage and jumping, young riders from four age categories compete in a total of eight Nations Cups. For many years, the event has been regarded as one of the most significant selection trials for the European Youth Championships and a genuine launchpad for international careers. Numerous riders who are now established championship and Olympic athletes — including Pieter Devos (BEL), Ben Maher (GBR), Christian Kukuk and Simone Blum — gained their first experience of Nations Cup competition in Hagen a.T.W. and still look back fondly on their rides at Hof Kasselmann.
Less than a month later, the focus shifts to the Covalliero Dressage Days and the FEI Dressage Nations Cup, one of the most significant dressage events in the lead-up to the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. For Germany’s dressage riders, the Nations Cup in Hagen a.T.W. serves as the second and decisive selection trial for the World Championship team. At the same time, numerous international federations will use the renowned conditions at Hof Kasselmann and the unique stadium atmosphere to test their leading horse-and-rider combinations ahead of the most important championship of the year.
World Championship Ground Jury Appointed
Particular attention will also be on the distinguished judging panel. Ulrike Nivelle (GER), Kurt Christensen (DEN), Clive Halsall (GBR), Maria Colliander (FIN), Maribel Alonso (MEX) and Alice Schwab (AUT) — all members of the Ground Jury for the FEI World Championships in Aachen — will officiate in Hagen. Their presence makes the Covalliero Dressage Days an especially compelling preview of the World Championships.
Sporting highlights include the CDIO4* Grand Prix on Friday, the CDIO4* Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday evening and the CDIO4* Grand Prix Special on Sunday. The Nations Cup is embedded within an extensive international dressage programme featuring one-, three- and four-star tours.
Para Dressage Returns to Hagen a.T.W.
Elite sport and youth development have always gone hand in hand at Hof Kasselmann. An important part of this philosophy is the consistent integration of para sport alongside able-bodied competition. For the third time, the Covalliero Dressage Days will host an international CPEDI3* for all grades. Riders from around the world will have the opportunity to compete under true championship conditions and perform in front of World Championship judges including Marco Orsini (GER) and Katherine Lucheschi (ITA).
This makes Hagen a.T.W. one of the few venues in Germany where able-bodied and para athletes compete side by side, creating space for exchange, inspiration and mutual appreciation.
With two major international events within just a few weeks, Hof Kasselmann will once again become a meeting point for the international equestrian community from rising young talents to the very top of the sport. Admission to the grounds is free for both events, offering a unique opportunity to support the German teams and experience the world’s best horses and riders up close. VIP and hospitality packages are also available.
Photo: Dressage in spectacular surroundings at the Hof Kasselmann stadium: most recently, world number ones Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle set a new personal best here © Stefan Lafrentz