On December 10 and 11, Elmshorn will once again become a meeting point for the international equestrian world. Secure your tickets now and experience it live as the stars of tomorrow take the big stage.
The equestrian highlight of the Holsteiner calendar is fast approaching: shortly before Christmas, the focus at the Holsteiner Association’s facility in Elmshorn will be on outstanding young horses, great emotion, and the future of Holsteiner breeding. Ticket sales for the Holsteiner stallion licensing and elite riding horse auction are now open.
Anyone wishing to experience these pivotal moments live on-site—rather than just via the live stream—should secure their tickets now. Excitement is guaranteed when the young stallions enter the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle for the first time, the elite riding horses vie for the favor of buyers, and the new Holsteiner Champion Stallion is ultimately crowned.
Things kick off on Wednesday, December 9, with the arrival of the stallion candidates in Elmshorn. They will settle into their quarters on the association grounds and familiarize themselves with the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle. At the same time, the elite riding horses will present themselves—both on-site and via live stream—offering a first glimpse of the upcoming auction. Admission is free on this day.
The official licensing begins on Thursday, December 10. During the traditional presentation on the hard surface (the "hard-ground inspection"), the stallion candidates will be evaluated before an audience of breeders and experts for the first time. Subsequently, during the first free-jumping session, they will have the chance to demonstrate their scope, technique, and attitude.
In the evening, the focus shifts to the elite riding horse auction: Which horse will captivate the audience? Which horse will emerge as the top seller? A celebration will follow immediately afterwards. Friday, December 11, is all about the final decisions. Anticipation mounts after the second free-jumping session: Which stallions will earn the coveted "licensed" status? And above all, who will be crowned the 2026 Holsteiner Champion Stallion? The event concludes with the stallion auction, offering stallion owners and competitive riders the chance to secure a future sire or sport horse. Afterward, everyone can wind down together at the post-auction party.
Pre-Christmas charm meets the international equestrian world
In addition to top-class horse breeding and sport, visitors can look forward to the unique Holsteiner atmosphere: an atmospheric Christmas market and festive flair make a visit to Elmshorn a special experience, extending well beyond the licensing proceedings themselves.
"The Holsteiner Stallion Licensing and Elite Riding Horse Auction are far more than just a breeding event. They are a meeting place for breeders, riders, equestrian sports fans, and horse enthusiasts from all over the world. Anyone who has experienced the special atmosphere in Elmshorn knows what makes this event so unique," says Breeding Director Stephan Haarhoff.
Secure your tickets now
Whether you are a breeder, rider, equestrian fan, or simply an admirer of exceptional horses, the 2026 Holsteiner Stallion Licensing & Elite Riding Horse Auction promises three action-packed days filled with tradition, sport, breeding, the auction, and shared celebrations.
Ticket sales are now open. Secure your tickets directly via the Eventim online portal and experience firsthand in Elmshorn as the stars of tomorrow step onto their first major stage.
