Since its first edition in 1995, the World Championships have grown into one of the most important international platforms for young showjumpers. Every new generation that competes in Lanaken represents studbooks and breeding programs from all over the world, standing as the result of years of breeding decisions, careful training, and sport. For breeders, the World Championships serve as an international benchmark for those choices. For riders and owners, it is an opportunity to showcase exceptional young horses on the global stage. And for the sport, Lanaken offers a first glimpse of the horses and bloodlines set to make their mark in the coming years.

“For more than three decades, Lanaken has been the place where breeders see the results of their breeding choices come together with international sport. What makes these World Championships so special is that we not only see today's finest young horses in action, but also look ahead to the generations that will define the future of our sport,” said Judy Ann Melchior.

Five days centered around breeding and sport

The battle for the three world titles forms the core of the event, culminating in the finals for five-, six-, and seven-year-old horses on Sunday, 20 September. In addition, the program includes the following events:

  • Belgian Showjumping Championship: Belgian combinations compete for the national title.

  • FEI Sires of the World: An international class for approved stallions.

  • Z-Ranking: The official awards ceremony honoring top-performing Z-registered horses in international sport.

  • Studbook Zangersheide Stallion Licensing: The evaluation and selection of a new generation of potential breeding stallions.

Three auction evenings: Zangersheide Quality Auctions (17–19 September)

From 17 to 19 September, selected horses, foals, and genetics from international showjumping bloodlines will be auctioned during the Zangersheide Quality Auctions:

  • Thursday 17 September: This auction evening marks a first in the history of the World Championships. For the first time, seven exclusive embryos offering access to high-caliber genetics will be auctioned. They will be offered alongside a selection of three-year-old free-jumpers.

  • Friday 18 & Saturday 19 September: A total of 86 foals will enter the auction ring. The collection features offspring from Grand Prix and championship bloodlines, including 17 foals bred directly from mares that competed at 1.60m level or higher. Together, the three auction evenings look forward to future generations in showjumping.

Practical information and event details

  • Motto: "Where Passion meets Breeding, where Breeding meets Sport, where Sport meets Passion"

  • Event: FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses

  • Date: 16–20 September 2026

  • Location: Domein Zangersheide, Lanaken (Belgium)

  • Admission: Free

The full program, visitor information, and further event details can be found on the Zangersheide website.