Eight nations set for international Dressage at Achleiten

Jul 21

4 min read

From July 23 to 26, the historic show arena at Schloss Achleiten will once again become an international hub for dressage sport. At the second international event of the year – featuring CDI3*, CDI2*, CDI1* and classes for five-, six- and seven-year-old young horses – a total of 32 riders with 45 horses from eight nations will compete. For the first time, Austrian dressage icon Victoria Max-Theurer will take over the organisational leadership of the event.

The international field, featuring Olympian and local favourite Stefan Lehfellner, Germany’s top rider Lisa Müller and numerous other international combinations, once again underlines the prestige of this long-established competition. An internationally renowned panel of judges will ensure top-class sporting standards throughout the event.

A significant change is also taking place behind the scenes. After 35 years of organising the tournament with extraordinary dedication, Olympic champion Elisabeth Max-Theurer is handing over responsibility to her daughter, multiple Olympian Victoria Max-Theurer, who will oversee the event for the first time.

“This year, I’m taking on a completely new role. Instead of competing in the arena myself, I’m responsible for helping organise the event and ensuring, together with our team, that everything runs smoothly. We’re especially delighted to welcome riders from eight nations to Achleiten – a clear sign of the growing international reputation of our event. Our goal is to provide the best possible conditions for both horses and riders and create a truly memorable competition weekend,” says Victoria Max-Theurer. “At the same time, I’m looking forward to supporting Stefan (Lehfellner) on home soil. I hope he can continue the positive momentum he has built over the past few weeks.”

Lehfellner and Strobel in the spotlight

From an Austrian perspective, much of the attention will be on Stefan Lehfellner. The Upper Austrian will compete with his Grand Prix horse L’Espoir in the CDI3* and will also present the promising Zulu GV in the CDI1*. “Competing at our home venue in Achleiten is always a great honour and at the same time a special challenge. This event has been built with incredible passion over many decades and has become a permanent fixture on the international dressage calendar. Many world-class riders who went on to achieve major international success have competed here. Being able to continue this tradition and stage a competition of this level makes me incredibly proud,” says Lehfellner.

Germany’s Laura Strobel (Gestüt Vorwerk) will also travel to Achleiten with several horses. She will compete with Valparaiso NRW and Sister Act MT OLD in the CDI3* while also presenting several young horses in the five- and six-year-old classes.“This will already be my fourth year competing in Achleiten, and I always bring several horses – from young horses through to Grand Prix level. The schedule is demanding, but that’s exactly what makes these competition weeks so valuable. The horses gain important experience, and we continue to learn and develop. The conditions are excellent every year, and I really enjoy the atmosphere here. I’m already looking forward to the week ahead,” says Strobel, currently ranked No. 55 in the FEI Dressage World Rankings.

International riders value Achleiten’s unique atmosphere

The event has long enjoyed an outstanding reputation on the international circuit. With riders from eight nations, Schloss Achleiten will once again welcome some of Europe’s leading dressage combinations.

Among the international newcomers is American rider Ellesse Gundersen, who will compete with Quintessential.

“I’m really looking forward to competing at CDI Achleiten. I’ve heard so many great things about the unique atmosphere, the fairytale setting and the outstanding organisation. It’s always a privilege to compete alongside some of Europe’s best horse-and-rider combinations. This event is truly one of a kind, with exceptional facilities, top-class sport and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere,” says the 35-year-old American.

Following a successful international event in June, which attracted numerous potential FEI World Championship contenders and promising young riders aiming for this year’s European Championships, the second competition week is expected to further reinforce Achleiten’s status as one of Austria’s premier dressage venues. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Schloss Achleiten, spectators can once again look forward to world-class international dressage.

Young riders take centre stage

Alongside elite sport, youth development remains a key focus of the event. On Sunday, July 26, at 3:00 p.m., riders from the Lead Rein and First Ridden classes will have the unique opportunity to compete in the main arena as part of the international competition.

“Supporting young riders is something we care deeply about. Those first competition experiences often stay with riders for the rest of their lives. We’re delighted to give them the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of CDI Achleiten and gain valuable experience on such a special stage,” says Victoria Max-Theurer.

Schedule 23. to 26. Julyi 2026 Friday, 24. July N°1 FEI Grand Prix (CDI3*) 08:00 N°12 FEI Intermediate A 12:15 N°6 FEI Vorbereitungsaufgabe 5-jährige 14:00 N°7 FEI Vorbereitungsaufgabe 6-jährige 15:00 N°8 FEI Vorbereitungsaufgabe 7-jährige 15:40

Saturday, 25. July N°9 FEI Finalaufgabe 5-jährige 08:30 N°10 FEI Finalaufgabe 6-jährige 09:45 N°11 FEI Finalaufgabe 7-jährige 10:45 N°13 FEI Intermediate II 11:30 N°4 FEI Prix St. Georg 13:00