The FEI (international equestrian federation) will consider bids for the World Equestrian Games to be held in 2026.
The last WEG was staged in 2018 in Tryon, N.C., amid all kinds of problems (an aborted endurance race, a weather-cancelled dressage freestyle, continuing construction). The world championships cycle this year included two major joint competitions; dressage, para dressage, vaulting and show jumping in Herning, Denmark, during August, then eventing and four-in-hand driving at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, last month.
While bids may be submitted for a WEG, the FEI is also accepting bids for other world championships, whether solo or in a group (although dressage and para dressage must be run together).
The show jumping podium at the 2018 WEG: USA gold, Sweden silver, Germany bronze. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
The opening date for expressions of interest in a world championship or championships is Oct. 24. The deadline for formal submission of bids is April 14, 2023. Allocation of bids will be made in June 2023.
The WEG ran for the first time in 1990 in what was supposed to be a one-off celebration of multiple disciplines in Stockholm, Sweden. It was so successful that it continued to run every four years through 2018. Finding a location that can host all disciplines is difficult, however, since each has a variety of needs, and running the WEG is exceedingly expensive for the host.