BY JEAN LLEWELLYN / PRESS RELEASE
GRAPHIC: HOLSTEINER VERBAND
From December 9-11, in Elmshorn, Germany, the Holsteiner horse will take centre stage during the annual stallion licensing and elite auction: ‘Three Days of Sport, Breeding, and Horses for the Future’
The highlight of the Holsteiner calendar is just around the corner: In the week before the third Sunday of Advent, Elmshorn will once again become a meeting point for the international equestrian community. From December 9-11, 2026, the Verband grounds will be all about young stallions with outstanding potential and carefully selected elite sport horses.
Who will be crowned Holsteiner Champion Stallion 2026? Which young stallions will receive their coveted licensing? And which elite sport horse will emerge as the auction’s top seller?
The answers will unfold live in Elmshorn – where breeding, sport, tradition and emotion come together.
The Holsteiner licensing is much more than a major breeding event. A festive Christmas market, a unique pre-Christmas atmosphere, and the unmistakable Holsteiner spirit make a visit to Elmshorn an experience for breeders, riders and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world.
The countdown is on
The event gets underway on Wednesday, December 9, when the young stallion candidates arrive at the Holsteiner Verband grounds and familiarise themselves with the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle.
At the same time, visitors will get their first look at this year’s elite sport horses. At 6:00 pm [CET] the collection will be presented live in Elmshorn and via livestream, offering a first glimpse of the horses set to enter the auction ring. Therein, the stage is set for three exciting days.
Thursday: The first big appearance
On Thursday, December 10, the official licensing gets underway at 10:00 am [CET] with the traditional inspection on a hard surface. For the first time, the young stallions will be presented to the licensing committee, breeders, experts, and the public.
At 1:30 pm, the first free jumping session will provide a showcase of athletic ability, technique, and attitude. For many visitors, this is one of the most exciting moments of the licensing process – the first opportunity to see the young stallions reveal their athletic potential...
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