Holsteiner Licensing & Auction 2026 in Elmshorn
Holsteiner Young Stallion Licensing and Elite Riding Horse Auction
on 10 and 11 December 2026
The equestrian highlight of the Holsteiner calendar is just round the corner: in the week before the third Sunday in Advent, Elmshorn will once again become the meeting place for the international equestrian world. At the association’s grounds, it will be decided which stallion will be awarded the coveted title of Holsteiner Champion Stallion 2026 – and which elite riding horse will fetch the highest price at the auction.
Three days packed with excitement, emotion and top-class Holsteiner horses await you. Plus: the unique Holsteiner atmosphere, a charming Christmas market and pre-Christmas cheer. Experience the Holsteiner licensing and Elite Riding Horse Auction live in Elmshorn – and be there when the stars of tomorrow take to the big stage for the first time.
Thursday, 10 December – The kick-off
The excitement begins the evening before: on Wednesday, 9 December, the stallion candidates will arrive at the Elmshorn Association grounds and familiarise themselves with the Fritz-Thiedemann Hall. The elite riding horses will also be presented – live on site and via livestream – offering a first taste of the auction.
The official licensing then begins on Thursday. Tradition meets sport as the young stallions are assessed for the first time in front of breeders, experts and the public during the pavement test. They then demonstrate their ability, technique and attitude during the first free jumping session.
But it’s not just the stallions in the spotlight: things will get exciting in the evening at the elite riding horse auction. Which horse will wow the audience? Which four-legged friend will top the price list?
And it’s far from over yet: at the party that follows, Holstein extends a warm welcome to all visitors.
Friday, 11 December – The day of decisions
On Friday, the excitement builds further. During the second free jumping session, the stallion candidates once again impressively demonstrate what they are capable of. Then things get serious: the licensing decisions are eagerly awaited.
Who will receive the coveted ‘approved’ status? And above all: who will be the Holstein Champion Stallion 2026?
Once the new Champion Stallion has been confirmed, the big stage is all his. Together with the audience, the newly crowned champion gets to celebrate his big moment.
The official finale is the auction of the approved and non-approved stallions. For stallion owners and competitive riders, this offers the chance to secure a future sire or competition horse.
Afterwards, everyone will celebrate together at the post-auction party – the crowning finale to three eventful days in Elmshorn.
Experience the
Holsteiner Appraisal. Discover the future. Celebrate together.
Whether you’re a breeder, rider, equestrian fan or simply a lover of exceptional horses: the Holsteiner Licensing & Elite Riding Horse Auction is an experience not to be missed.
Come to Elmshorn and experience the unique blend of tradition, sport, breeding and auction – all set against the pre-Christmas atmosphere of the Holstein region.
We look forward to seeing you!
Timetable
| Wednesday, 9 December 2026 | |
| 6.00 pm | Presentation of the elite riding horses |
| followed by | Get-together in the historic riding hall |
| Thursday, 10 December 2026 | |
| 10.00 | Inspection of the stallions’ hooves |
| 1.30 pm | Free jumping of the stallions |
| 7.00 pm | Auction of riding horses in the historic riding hall |
| Followed by | Party |
| Friday, 11 December 2026 | |
| 8.30 am | Free jumping of the stallions |
| 4.00 pm | Selection decision |
| followed by | Announcement of the winning stallion |
| followed by | Auction of approved and unapproved stallions in the historic riding hall |
| followed by | Post-auction party |
Tickets
Secure your tickets directly via Eventim:
