Celle, Germany – The German Young Breeders Association (Deutsche Jungzüchter), in partnership with the Lower Saxony State Stud in Celle, successfully hosted the 12th World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) International Young Breeders World Championships from 16–19 July 2026. The four-day event welcomed young breeders from 19 breeding associations representing 10 nations, celebrating excellence in sport horse breeding, education, and international friendship.

Hosted in the historic surroundings of the Lower Saxony State Stud in Celle, the Championships provided an outstanding setting for the world's next generation of breeders to demonstrate their knowledge, practical skills, and passion for sport horses. The event concluded with Sachsen-Thüringen being crowned the 2026 WBFSH International Young Breeders World Champions and Irish Sport Horse Studbook reserve world champions.

The WBFSH International Young Breeders Championships are designed to challenge participants across a broad range of disciplines requiring concentration, consistency, technical knowledge, and practical ability. Competitors were assessed in theory, conformation and athleticism trait evaluation, and the professional handling and presentation of unfamiliar horses in hand. During the assessment phases, participants aimed to match the judges' scores as accurately as possible, while the in-hand competition tested showmanship, horse handling, and presentation skills under championship conditions.

Four Days of Competition and Camaraderie

The Championships began on Thursday with the theory examination, where participants completed a demanding 50-question multiple-choice test. Demonstrating the exceptional standard of this year's competitors, 20 participants achieved a perfect score. The evening's traditional welcome activities provided an opportunity for competitors to build friendships and begin the weekend's international exchange.

On Friday, senior competitors (21–26 years) showcased their horse presentation skills, beginning with grooming and turnout before competing in the in-hand presentation discipline. A special award recognised the best-presented horse and team. Junior competitors (16–20 years) focused on evaluating free movement, jumping ability, and conformation.

The day concluded with an anniversary presentation by the Lower Saxony State Stud celebrating 25 years of international young breeders' competitions. In perfect summer weather, guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening honouring the programme's founder, Dr. Ludwig Christmann, whose vision, first developed in 1986, has grown into a globally respected educational platform. Dr. Christmann was recognised by his successor, Dr. Astrid von Velsen-Zerweck, for his lifelong commitment to youth development and equine science and was invited to sign the Golden Book of the Lower Saxony State Stud.

On Saturday, both age divisions exchanged disciplines to complete the full championship programme before competitors gathered for the Championship Awards Ceremony and Celebration.

The event concluded on Sunday with visits to Famos Stud Farm and Hof Brüning, allowing participants to experience more of Germany's renowned horse breeding industry.

More Than a Competition

Beyond the competition arena, the Championships once again demonstrated their true purpose: bringing young people together through a shared passion for horses. Throughout the weekend, participants forged new friendships across cultures and languages while strengthening existing international relationships. The spirit of sportsmanship, respect, and collaboration remained evident throughout the event.

Outstanding Organisation

The Championships were made possible through the dedication of an exceptional organising team led by the German Young Breeders Association and the Lower Saxony State Stud. The organising committee—Ines Rathke, Hanna Westermann, and Lisa Kurtz—together with an outstanding team of volunteers, scorers, stewards, and officials, delivered a memorable championship. Special recognition is extended to Team Hannover, led by Lisa Kurtz, whose volunteers formed the largest contingent within the organising team. The historic State Stud, under the leadership of Dr. Axel Brockmann, provided outstanding facilities and support throughout the event.

The international judging panel included:

Bart Hengstra (Royal Dutch Warmblood – KWPN)
Vicky Nortwig (Danish Warmblood)
Flora Panchon (Selle Français)
Philip Scott (Irish Sport Horse)

They were supported by German judges Maren Schlender, Georgia Schulze-Lefert, and Walter Wadenspanner, whose expertise and encouragement greatly enriched the educational experience for all competitors.

The Championships were conducted safely and efficiently under the supervision of Chief Steward Sigrid Sollbohmer (FEI Steward), assisted by Dr. Ulrike Dressel.

Appreciation

"This World Championship has been a wonderful celebration of our shared passion for horses, learning, and international friendship. While the competition showcased exceptional talent and dedication, its greatest success lies in the connections that were made, the knowledge that was shared, and the enthusiasm for breeding that has been inspired in so many young people. These Championships have once again demonstrated the strength of our international young breeder community and the value of bringing together participants from across studbooks and nations.

On behalf of the International Young Breeders organisation, I extend my sincere thanks to the organising committee, our hosts at Landgestüt Celle, and the many dedicated volunteers whose commitment, professionalism, and hospitality made this unforgettable event possible. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the many horse owners who so generously made their horses available for the competitions, and to the numerous sponsors whose financial support and generous awards contributed so significantly to the success of these Championships.

As everyone returns home, whether with a championship title or simply with memories to treasure, new friendships, and valuable experience, they do so having been part of something truly special. We look forward to seeing the relationships built here continue to flourish and to welcoming the next generation of young breeders as their passion for horses and breeding continues to grow."

Strengthening International Leadership

In addition to the sporting and educational programme, the Championships also provided the venue for the biennial General Meeting of the WBFSH International Young Breeders Association. Representatives from the member associations met to review the organisation's activities and elect its leadership for the next four-year term. The members unanimously voted to re-elect Inge Madsen (Denmark) as President and Wendy Conlon (Ireland) as Secretary, with both continuing in their roles until 2030. They will continue to be supported on the Executive Committee by Vice President Lieve de Greeff (Belgium) together with Michaela Swärd (Sweden) and Caithlynn Hoop (The Netherlands), ensuring continuity and continued international collaboration as the organisation looks ahead to its next chapter.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships once again demonstrated the importance of investing in the next generation of breeders. Combining education, competition, and international exchange, the Championships continue to strengthen the global warmblood breeding community while inspiring future leaders in sport horse breeding.

Winners of the Disciplines

Studbook Team Standings
Gold: Sachsen-Thüringen (1.813,5 Points)
Silver: Irish Sport Horse (1.811,5 Points)
Bronze: Holstein (1.796,5 Points)

Junior Team Ranking
Gold: Selle Français (927,5 Points)
Silver: Holstein (921,5 Points)
Bronze: Brandenburg-Anhalt (914,5 Points)

Senior Team Ranking
Gold: Sachsen-Thüringen (910,5 Points)
Silver: Irish Sport Horse (902 Points)
Bronze: Swedish Warmblood (897 Points)

Junior Individual Ranking
Gold: Hilma Aldén, Swedish Warmblood (319 Points)
Silver: Henni Edler, Brandenburg-Anhalt (315 Points)
Bronze: Ambre Bouvier, Selle Français (312 Points)

Senior Individual Ranking
Gold: Julienne Freund, Sachsen-Thüringen (307 Points)
Silver: Ellen McWey, Irish Sport Horse (305,5 Points)
Bronze: Thea Karlsson, Swedish Warmblood (305 Points)

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Further information is available at IYB World Championship 2026