Definite entries for FEI World Championships 2026 announced

British Equestrian and British Dressage can today confirm the athlete and horse combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our definite entries for the FEI World Championships 2026, set to take place from 11–23 August in Aachen, Germany. 

Dressage

The definite entries for the British Equestrian dressage team, announced in collaboration with the British Dressage selectors and World Class Programme principal partner Agria, are listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Fiona Bigwood (50) from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with her own Donna Bella (chestnut, mare, 10yrs, 16.3hh, Don Juan de Hus x I. P. S. Gribaldi, breeder: Fiona Bigwood GBR) and groom Sally Williams.  

Charlotte Fry (30) based in Den Hout, the Netherlands and originally from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, with Van Olst Horses and her own Glamourdale (black, stallion, 15yrs, 16.3hh, Lord Leatherdale x Negro, breeder: J. Rodenburg NED) and groom Richard Hauwaerts.

Carl Hester (58) based in Newent Gloucestershire and originally from Sark, The Channel Islands, with Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and his own Fame (bay, stallion, 16yrs, 16.2hh, Bordeaux 28 x Rhodium, breeder: V. O. F. G. oM. Gerritsen NED) and groom Lucy Scudamore.

Becky Moody (46) from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, with Jo Cooper and her own Jagerbomb (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17.1hh, Dante Weltino OLD x Jazz, breeder: Becky Moody GBR) and groom Kim Masson.

Reserves

Listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Charlotte Dujardin (41) from Newent, Gloucestershire, with Ellen McCarthy, Spencer McCarthy and Bridget McCarthy’s Brave Heart (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.1hh, Bordeaux 28 x Blue Hors Zack, breeders: Shirley and Titian Wilaras GER)

Susan Pape (63) from Hemmor, Germany, with Harmony Sporthorses and her own Harmony’s Giulilanta (chestnut, mare, 15yrs, 16.2hh, Broere Jazz x Flemmingh, breeders: A. Vogelaar and J. Knol GER)

Sadie Smith (36) from Fareham, Hampshire, with her own Swanmore Dantina (dark bay, mare, 11yrs, 16hh, Dante Weltino OLD x Charatan W, breeder: Ben St John James GBR)

Judy Harvey, International Director at British Dressage commented, "We had an extremely exciting set of entries for this year, with Carl Hester and Fame, Lottie Fry and Glamourdale, and Becky Moody and Jagerbomb all in the top five of the FEI Dressage World Rankings, which is enough to demand serious respect from their fellow competitors, and more than enough to make the judges sit up and pay attention. The decision for the fourth spot was an extremely close call, with Fiona Bigwood and her gorgeous homebred Donna Bella, daughter of her Rio Olympic team medal ride Atterupgaards Orthilia, being given the opportunity. The mare is very talented, and Fiona has a great partnership with her, so we are confident the duo will rise to the occasion. 

“With a strong pool of reserve combinations, we're incredibly pleased to have the strength in depth to rise to the challenge of competing against the Germans on home soil in Aachen and are looking forward to superb riding and horsemanship. Our main focus is on the Team Medal and Olympic Qualification, but title holders Lottie and Glamourdale have a great chance of retaining their individual World Championship title, having very nearly beaten the current European Champions Justin Verboomen and Zonic Plus this year. However, as Becky and Carl showed in Crozet last summer, they are going to be very competitive for individual honours, too.”

Darrell Scaife, Dressage Chef d’Equipe for the British Equestrian World Class Programme shared, "Four Olympians make up a mighty British squad for the FEI World Championships at Aachen, bringing together exceptional experience, talent and competitiveness.

“It is great to see Fiona Bigwood back on a championship team again, now with her talented homebred Donna Bella. She joins multi-medallists Charlotte Fry, Carl Hester and Becky Moody, who have been the backbone of the British team for the past few years with Glamourdale, Fame and Jagerbomb.

“Aachen is one of the most iconic venues in equestrian sport and the team is looking forward to the opportunity to compete on one of sport's greatest stages.”

Para dressage

The definite entries for the British Equestrian para dressage team, announced in collaboration with the British Dressage selectors and World Class Programme principal partner Agria, are listed in numerical order by athlete grade:

Grade 1

Mari Durward-Akhurst (32) from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, with Diane Redfern, Nick Durward-Akhurst and Romilly Hart’s Athene Lindebjerg (black, mare 19yrs, 17hh, Gribaldi x Diamant, breeder: Ulla and Kristian Bech DEN).

Grade 2

Jemima Green (37) from Arlesford, Hampshire, with her own Fantabulous (chestnut, gelding, 8yrs, 16.1hh, Foundation 2 x Furst Romancier, breeder: Rainer and Angelika Alhers GER).

Grade 4

Nicola Naylor (65) from Ashford, Kent, with her own Moulin Rouge (chestnut, mare, 9yrs, 16.2hh, Ferdinand x Dorado, breeder: P. Buwalda NED).

Grade 5

Sophie Wells (36) from Harby, Lincolnshire, with Emma Blundell’s MSJ Gold Standard (chestnut, mare, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Governer x Furstenball, breeder: Mount St John Equestrian LLP GBR).

The travelling grooms who will accompany the para dressage horses to Aachen are Maisie Hodge, Beth Revell and Julie Riches.

Direct reserves

Nicola Naylor: Rosalind Emery Kay and her own Humberto L (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.2hh, Cachet L x Haarlem, breeder: J. Lamers NED).

Reserves

Listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Sir Lee Pearson (52) from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with Jenson Guest, David Pearson, Linda Pearson and his own Breezer (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, s. Barcardi, breeder: Sir Lee Pearson GBR).

Erin Orford (37) from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with Carl Hester, Anne Barrott, Rowena Luard and The Lady Joseph Trust’s LJT Nutbush (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Negro x Sion, breeder: Mr A. Gregory GBR).

Sophie Wells (36) from Harby, Lincolnshire, with The Lady Joseph Trust’s LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (black, mare, 10yrs, 16.1hh, Blue Hors St Schrufo x I. P. S. Gribaldi, breeder: Anders Green Hansen DEN).

Tracy Ormrod, Para Dressage Chief Selector at British Dressage commented, "This year's team have produced a campaign of consistent and upward trending scores, reflecting the exciting future of Para dressage in Great Britain. Each of the selected combinations truly deserve their place and give us great confidence in their ability to produce super performances when needed.  We wish them all the best in Aachen.

"We are in the fortunate position to have some younger horses on the team this year who will benefit from the experience that they will gain competing at a World Championship. Looking forward to LA2028, the level of talent we’re seeing across the grades offers great hope for the future of our sport. We are continuing to focus on the development of our athletes and horses for future championships so that we can bring home more medals."

Georgina Sharples, Para Dressage Performance Manager for the British Equestrian World Class Programme shared, “We’re thrilled to have para dressage as part of the calendar at the first ever fully inclusive FEI World Championships at iconic Aachen, and credit must go to the organisers. The British team will be taking four exciting combinations to Germany, with a blend of experience and highly promising new partnerships.

“Multi-medallist Sophie Wells brings forward a new ride this year – the aptly named MSJ Gold Standard. They’re still getting to know each other, but the partnership has been growing all year and smashed the 80% barrier at their last outing at Hartpury.

“Paralympic medallists Mari Durward Akhurst and Athene Lindenberg return to the team for the third consecutive year. This outstanding mare continues to impress and is on better form than ever, regularly achieving 80%+ while being expertly piloted by Mari.

“Two European medallists on a positive trajectory complete the team. Jemima Green returns with young talent Fantabulous – these two are a wonderfully harmonious combination, who have delivered a super campaign. Meanwhile, Nicola Naylor will be donning her dancing shoes with her special mare – one we expect to see a lot more of at Championships to come – Moulin Rouge, who makes her championship debut.

“International para dressage competition has never been stronger, but we know what these combinations are capable of and we look forward to seeing them perform on the biggest stage.”

Selection decisions are subject to the athletes and horses maintaining fitness and performance.

“As we head to Aachen with one of the most competitive teams assembled for an FEI World Championships in many years, our primary focus for all disciplines is securing qualification for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games at this first opportunity,” commented Helen Nicholls, Performance Director for British Equestrian’s World Class Programme.

“However, it would be remiss not to mention the medal potential of the horse and rider combinations that are representing Great Britain. We bring together a squad that balances championship experience and previous podium placings with exciting new talents keen for success on the world stage.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic horse owners, sponsors and supporters and, of course, The National Lottery and UK Sport, whose support is critical in delivering success.

“Aachen will be a rare opportunity for equestrian fans to witness six sports competing together under one flag, as the best of British driving and vaulting represent their country alongside our World Class Programme athletes over a two-week period.

“With incredibly talented horses at the top of their game, piloted by hugely skilful athletes, we can’t wait to get going in Germany. With an exciting summer of sport across the globe already well underway, we’re quietly confident that British Equestrian really can bring it home!” 

The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.

British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.