In 1968 when HRH Prince Philip was FEI President, he was so inspired by the Four-in-Hand class at Aachen (GER) that soon afterwards Driving become an FEI discipline. He also took up the sport and won team gold for Great Britain. His granddaughter, former Eventing World Champion Zara Tindall (GBR), was at the opening ceremony of Aachen 2026.
It’s 20 years since the close contest for Driving medals at the World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen. Two legendary athletes who were on that podium will compete again in 2026 – Ijsbrand Chardon (NED), who won individual silver, and Christoph Sandmann (GER), who won individual bronze.
Both are still in the top rankings, both have realistic medal hopes and both will compete alongside their talented offspring – Bram Chardon (NED) is the European Champion, and Anna Sandmann (GER) has been German National Champion.
Will Boyd do it again?
But they must take on the tough task of trying to beat Boyd Exell (AUS). Since winning his first World Championship at the Kentucky (USA) WEG in 2010, the Australian has dominated. With his record-breaking tally of titles, his legacy is already secure as he aims for his eighth consecutive individual gold in Aachen.
“My confidence is about the same as it has been before, but there’s no doubt, the opposition is strong this time. But I’ve always had to face this, and I never underestimate my fellow competitors. The Chardons bring their best to a World Championship, Dries has had a great season so far and Chester’s dressage is consistently good.
The tough Aachen courses mean we must raise our game. And on top of preparing my own horses, I am providing teams and infrastructure for another three Athletes, plus regularly coaching three more”, Boyd Exell said.
Belgian Buzz
One of Boyd’s main challengers is the current FEI Driving World Cup™ Champion, Dries Degrieck (BEL) who has achieved his best results this year. He has added new horses to his outdoor team and continued his winning streak since the Bordeaux (FRA) final in February. For nearly ten years he has won team medals for Belgium at major championships, but individual podiums eluded him until his bronze at the 2025 European Championship. Now ranked number two behind Boyd, his form indicates that he is on course for more success.
“My recent results have been helped by the great crew around me. They are so professional and their support with the horses at competitions makes a big difference. When I started competing, I had to do many of the jobs myself. Now I can concentrate on my driving, and I have improved and gained much more experience. Most of all, I will keep my feet on the ground, try not to feel the pressure and be realistic about what we can achieve in Aachen,” Dries Degrieck said.
Team Glory
Boosted by Dries’s form, Belgium may end the Dutch supremacy in the nations’ event. The Netherlands has won a record twelve times and Ijsbrand has been pivotal to their success since their first team gold in 1982 in Apeldoorn (NED).
“We are really looking forward to the special Aachen atmosphere, and the goal is to win. The Dutch team will have to show their best; we have the quality and the best is yet to come. There’s so much to fight for in front of a big audience which brings extra pressure, but we have extra motivation, too.
“The show has allowed up to five athletes per nation and it’s wonderful for the sport and the public. Both the individual and team competitions are more open than ever and it’s one of the best times I’ve witnessed in Driving – it’s like being in the football World Cup!” Bram Chardon (NED) said.
The traditionally strong German team will benefit from being on home ground, while the Australians will build on their first team medal, won in 2024. The Americans are the furthest travelled squad and have the advantage of Chester Weber’s medal-winning experience.
“Being in Aachen is always special and for me, it’s the greatest horse sport venue in the world. The atmosphere, the knowledgeable crowd and the incredible facilities are second to none, and everything is designed with the horse in mind.
We’ve had a really encouraging season leading up to the World Championship. The horses are in excellent form, and I’m planning to drive the same team that produced a record dressage score at Szilvásvárad (HUN). They’re feeling every bit as good again so we’re coming to Aachen with high expectations. It’s always a privilege to compete here, and I believe we have the team to challenge for another place on the podium,” Chester Weber said.
Bridging Generations
James Fairclough (USA) drove at the 1980 World Championship in Windsor (GBR) alongside his brother, and it is testament to his longevity and the format of the sport that he is still competing at world class level 46 years later.
The wisdom brought by Driving’s grandees filters to the next generation, especially within the families. In addition to the Chardons and Sandmanns, Czech brothers Radek and Jiri Nesvacil, and other family combinations, have entered.
The Driving starts in the second week of Aachen. There is an impressive entry of 54 Athletes and 270 horses from 19 nations, 13 of which are eligible for the team event. The Driving officials will be led by Ground Jury President Bert Jambon (BEL), Chief Steward Jan Devaere (BEL), Course Designer Alexander Flocke (GER) and Technical Delegate Jeroen Houterman (NED).
The anticipation of FEI Driving returning to where it all started is spine-tingling. The iconic Aachen showground will again provide the perfect backdrop to showcase the power and skill of four horses working together. History will be rewritten and records will be broken as the world’s best Drivers and horses share the same stage.
Follow the live results here.
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