On 10 and 11 December, Elmshorn will once again become the meeting place for the international equestrian world. Secure your tickets now and be there in person to see the stars of tomorrow take to the big stage.
The equestrian highlight of the Holsteiner calendar is fast approaching: just before Christmas, the Holsteiner Verband’s facilities in Elmshorn will be all about outstanding young horses, thrilling moments and the future of Holsteiner breeding. Tickets for the Holsteiner Young Stallion Approval and Elite Riding Horse Auction are now on sale.
Anyone wishing to experience these decisive moments not just via a live stream, but in person, should secure their tickets now. Because when the young stallions enter the Fritz-Thiedemann Hall for the first time, the elite riding horses are auctioned off and, finally, the new Holsteiner Champion Stallion 2026 is crowned, excitement is guaranteed.
The event kicks off on Wednesday 9 December with the arrival of the stallion candidates in Elmshorn. They will take up residence on the association’s grounds and familiarise themselves with the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle. At the same time, the elite riding horses will be presented live on site and via livestream, offering a first glimpse of the upcoming auction. Admission is free on this day.
On Thursday 10 December, the official licensing begins. During the traditional pavement inspection, the stallion candidates will be assessed for the first time in front of an audience, breeders and experts. In the first free jumping test, they will then have the chance to demonstrate their ability, technique and attitude.
In the evening, all eyes will then turn to the elite riding horse auction: which horse will captivate the audience? Which horse will fetch the top price? Celebrations will follow immediately afterwards.
Friday, 11 December, is all about the decisions. After the second free jumping session, the tension mounts: which stallions will be awarded the coveted ‘approved’ status? And above all: who will be the Holsteiner Champion Stallion of 2026?
The event concludes with the stallion auction, where stallion owners and competitive riders can secure their chance at a future sire or competition horse. The event draws to a close together at the subsequent after-auction party.
Pre-Christmas atmosphere meets the international equestrian world
Alongside top-class horse breeding and sport, visitors can look forward to the special Holsteiner atmosphere: an atmospheric Christmas market and pre-Christmas spirit make a visit to Elmshorn a special experience, even away from the licensing events.
“The Holsteiner Licensing and Elite Riding Horse Auction are far more than just a breeding event. They are a meeting place for breeders, riders, equestrian fans and horse lovers from all over the world. Anyone who has experienced the special atmosphere in Elmshorn knows what makes this event so unique,” says breeding director Stephan Haarhoff.
Secure
your tickets now Whether you’re a breeder, rider, equestrian sports fan or lover of exceptional horses: the 2026 Holsteiner Licensing & Elite Riding Horse Auction promises three eventful days full of tradition, sport, breeding, the auction and shared celebrations.
Tickets are now on sale. Secure your tickets now directly via the Eventim online portal and experience it live in Elmshorn as the stars of tomorrow take to the big stage for the first time!
Photo: Janne Bugtrup (Dark Zuccero)
