The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) is excited to announce that the next International Young Breeders World Championships will be held from July 16th to 19th, 2026 in Germany.

This prestigious event will take place at the historic Lower Saxony State Stud Celle, known for its deep-rooted connection to the Hanoverian horse breed. Young breeders from around the globe will converge to demonstrate their skills in four disciplines aiming to champion the standards of excellence in horsemanship and handling.

The first international young breeders event of this “German invention” was held in 2001 in Verden, the center of horse breeding and equestrian sport of the Hannoveraner Verband and is now returning to its roots 25 years later with many more studbooks joined since its beginning.

The State Stud is an emblematic site within the equestrian community and stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence in horse breeding which has always been a pioneer of modern action. Whether it is the promotion of regional breeding by providing highly qualified stallions, the refinement of sport horses with English Thoroughbreds, traditional stallion parades or the newly introduced, modern and family oriented summer carnival. The first stallion testing institute on German soil was established in Celle.

The foundation of the State Stud Celle was ordered by decree of July 27, 1735 by Elector George II of Hanover who was also King of Great Britain. Around 1800 the State Stud already had 100 stallions which were sent to about 50 covering stations every year. With a peak recorded in 1947, the stud covered approximately 35,000 mares, showcasing its significant historical impact on horse breeding.

Since its establishment, the stud has been pivotal in the development and preservation of the Hanoverian breed, renowned worldwide for its quality and performance. “Hosting the WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships underscores Celle's ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of horse people, equestrian talent and innovation, further cementing its status as a key player in the international horse breeding landscape.” says Dr. Axel Brockmann, director of the state stud.

For more information on the WBFSH International Young Breeders World Championships and to stay updated on event details, please visit our website: News | WBFSH - World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses