As we look towards the calendar of FEI CCI5* events in 2026, preparations are already underway for the German host venue of Luhmühlen, taking place from 18th – 21st June 2026.
The programme at Luhmuhlen will feature not only the Longines CCI5*-L but also the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy (German Championships), an important selection event for many countries in the lead-up to the 2026 FEI World Championships at Aachen.
New Cross-Country Building Team
One change taking place this year will be that Luhmühlen’s Cross Country Course Designer, Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR), will now be supported by Christian Zehe, who will be responsible for building and preparing the courses. Since 2010, this role has been in the capable hands of David Evans and his team
“It has been a wonderful time!” says David “Being involved in the development of a five-star event has been a fantastic experience. Since 2010, we have been part of this dedicated team and have faced a number of challenges together – such as staging two events in both 2011 and 2019 when the European Championships were held here.
On the other hand, it’s also exciting to see Christian take on this role. I do hope to remain involved in one way or another, as I love Luhmühlen”
Julia Otto, former Event Director of TGL Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH, expressed her gratitude for the many years of collaboration with David Evans and his team.
“When the decision was made to host a five-star competition in Luhmühlen, David’s expertise proved invaluable. His professionalism, his dedication to the sport of eventing and to Luhmühlen as a venue, and his ongoing development of the cross-country courses made our cooperation truly special. We are also grateful that he will assist in ensuring a smooth transition to Christian Zehe.”
Mike Etherington-Smith also paid tribute to the work done so far: “David Evans and his team have done an amazing job in the building and preparation of the courses for many years and have set the bar very high. Now Christian has the fantastic opportunity to pick up where David has left off. I look forward to working with Christian in this next chapter in the history of this great event.”
Christian Zehe is looking forward to his new role with great enthusiasm.
“A dream come true – this is truly my absolute dream job. I live and breathe this sport and am thrilled to be working alongside Mike Etherington-Smith. Luhmühlen is a very special event for me. To now have the chance to be actively involved in the build, and to have earned the organisers’ trust, means an incredible amount to me.”
2026 Luhmuhlen Horse Trials Ticket Sales Begin on 14 November 2025
Spectators can look forward to a sporting and entertaining weekend, which will also feature some exciting new additions – for example, the shopping village will be expanded to include a new “Dogs & Hunting” section.
Advance ticket sales will open on 14 November from 2:00 p.m. via Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the event. There will be several ticket options to choose from. Families will find the new Family Ticket particularly attractive. Early birds can also benefit from a discounted Early Bird Ticket, available until 28 February 2026.
For Luhmühlen fans, there’s a special highlight: the Collector Ticket. It not only serves as an admission ticket but also as a lasting keepsake of unforgettable days at the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials – making it the perfect gift and collector’s item for equestrian sport enthusiasts.
