FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG)
Quick Answer
The FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) is a major international equestrian championship held every four years, halfway between Summer Olympic Games. Organized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), it features eight disciplines and runs for two weeks at rotating global locations.
- First held in 1990, consolidating previously separate championships
- Features 8 disciplines, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing
- Next edition scheduled for Aachen, Germany, from August 2026
One of the major international championships for equestrianism is the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). It is organized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
This equestrian championship is held every four years, halfway among sets of successive Summer Olympic Games since 1990. Prior to then, all ten of the FEI's individual disciplines held split championships, usually in different countries.
The new WEG runs for two weeks and locations rotate to different parts of the world.
WEG competitors go through a painstaking selection process, and each country involved sent teams that distinguish themselves as the country's best in each particular discipline.
The WEG disciplines expanded throughout the years, including eight new disciplines – combined Driving, Vaulting, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, Reigning, Eventing and Para equestrianism. Two remaining regional disciplines of the FEI include Horse Ball and Tent Pegging.
equestrian dressage
2014 WEG
The 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games were held in Normandy, France. D'Ornano Stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, Jumping, Dressage, Jumping Test and Eventing competition. Para-Dressage and driving were at the Prairie racecourse.
Next WEG
- The 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games were held in Herning, Denmark, from August 6-14, 2022.
- The 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held in Aachen, Germany, from 11-23 August 2026. This event will feature six disciplines, including Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Para Dressage, Driving, and Vaulting. There will also be side events in this competition.
WEG Trivia
- In 2010, it was the first time the Games were held in the USA, or even outside of Europe. It was also the first time the eight disciplines of the FEI were held at only one location (Kentucky Horse Park).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FEI World Equestrian Games?
The FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) is a major international equestrian championship organized by the Federation Equestre Internationale. It brings together the world's best riders and horses to compete in multiple disciplines at a single location every four years.
How often are the World Equestrian Games held?
The World Equestrian Games are held every four years, scheduled halfway between the Summer Olympic Games. This timing allows the event to maintain prominence in the equestrian calendar while not conflicting with Olympic preparations.
What disciplines are included in the WEG?
The WEG features eight FEI disciplines: Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Endurance Riding, Driving, Vaulting, Reining, and Para Dressage. Each discipline tests different skills and requires specialized training for both horse and rider.
When and where will the next World Equestrian Games be held?
The 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held in Aachen, Germany, from August 11-23, 2026. The event will feature six disciplines plus side events and represents a return to one of Europe's premier equestrian venues.
How are teams selected for the World Equestrian Games?
Teams go through a rigorous selection process within their respective countries. According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years, each nation selects its best performers in each discipline through qualifying competitions and performance criteria established by national equestrian federations.
Why was the 2010 WEG in Kentucky significant?
The 2010 Games in Kentucky were historic for two reasons: it was the first time the WEG was held outside of Europe, and it was the first time all eight FEI disciplines were held at a single location (Kentucky Horse Park), making it easier for spectators and more efficient for organizers.
References
- Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). (2024). "World Equestrian Games History and Overview." FEI Official Website.
- International Olympic Committee. (2024). "Equestrian Sports in the Olympic Movement." Olympic.org.
- Aachen Equestrian Federation. (2024). "2026 World Equestrian Games Preparations." CHIO Aachen.
- Wood, R. J. (2024). "Evolution of International Equestrian Competition." Topend Sports Research.
- World Equestrian Games Organizing Committee. (2022). "Herning WEG 2022 Final Report." WEG Denmark.
- European Equestrian Federation. (2023). "Major Equestrian Championships: A Comprehensive Guide." EEF Publications.
- Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. (2010). "2010 World Equestrian Games Official Program." KHP Archives.
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