Students Design Show Jumping Obstacles for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026
The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 will not only showcase the world’s finest horses and riders, but also the creativity and craftsmanship of the local community, thanks to a unique collaboration between the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) and the Aachen Chamber of Crafts.
Ahead of the championships, which will take place from 11 to 23 August at Allianz Park, students from the Academy for Craft & Design at Gut Rosenberg were invited to design elements of the show jumping course as part of a dedicated competition celebrating the region’s artistic and vocational excellence.
The submissions embraced the official championship motto, Welcome Home, while incorporating some of Aachen’s most recognisable landmarks and cultural symbols. The result is a collection of obstacles that will not only challenge the world’s best riders but also showcase the city’s heritage to an international audience.
More than 500,000 spectators are expected to attend the championships, while millions of viewers around the globe will follow the competition on television, providing an exceptional platform for both equestrian sport and regional craftsmanship.
Five of the submitted designs have been selected for production and will feature in the official show jumping arena during the championships. Among the successful students are Conrad Bug and Martin Fredecker, whose concepts have been brought to life for the prestigious event.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our skills,” said Fredecker. “We are delighted that the ALRV involved Gut Rosenberg and the regional crafts community. Exploring the project from artistic, sporting and regional perspectives was an inspiring experience.”
Marco Herwartz, President of the Aachen Chamber of Crafts, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“When the world’s leading equestrians compete in Aachen, a global audience will watch them jump over masterpieces created by our regional craftsmen. It is a powerful demonstration that the craft sector in the Aachen region is innovative, deeply rooted in the local community and capable of achieving world-class excellence.”
Birgit Rosenberg, Member of the ALRV Executive Board, also praised the collaboration.
“Aachen is renowned for world-class equestrian sport, but it is equally recognised for outstanding craftsmanship. We are delighted to have developed this initiative together with the Aachen Chamber of Crafts. The students’ obstacles will beautifully enhance our course and provide an additional visual highlight alongside the world’s best horses and riders.”
Photo: ALRV/Lyn Stickelmann
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