ust two months before the World Championships in Aachen, La Baule is set to host yet another exceptional field. Seventy-three riders, nearly 180 horses, and, most notably, eleven of the world’s top fifteen riders will gather on the grass arena of Stade François-André. More than just a Rolex Series leg, the French show already feels like a full-scale dress rehearsal for the biggest event of the season.
Grass before glory
Every year, La Baule fills its grandstands in a way only the greatest competitions can. Every year, the biggest names in international show jumping answer the call. But the 2026 edition carries a particularly special significance.
In less than two months, all eyes will turn to the World Championships in Aachen. Just as in Germany and Rome, riders will compete this week on grass footing—no minor detail. For selectors, team managers, and riders alike, La Baule represents one of the final major opportunities to test themselves on grass before the world title showdown.
And judging by the entry lists, no one is treating this appointment lightly.
Heavyweights everywhere
Belgium arrives fully loaded with Nicola Philippaerts, winner of the 2023 Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule, and Gilles Thomas, team gold medallist and individual bronze medallist at the latest European Championships. For many, Ermitage Kalone is among the most eagerly anticipated horses of the weekend. And, of course, there is the experienced Grégory Wathelet, still the undisputed leader of the Red Musketeers.
Germany will rely on Richard Vogel and the impressive United Touch S, recent winners of the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen and reigning European Champions. Daniel Deusser returns to the venue where he triumphed last year aboard Otello de Guldenboom.
Great Britain brings world number two Scott Brash and Harry Charles, his teammate in the Olympic gold-medal-winning squad in Paris 2024. Sweden, meanwhile, can count on reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann.
Switzerland is equally well represented with Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat, while the United States fields proven stars McLain Ward and Laura Kraut alongside rising talent Lillie Keenan.
Italy will notably be represented by Piergiorgio Bucci, fresh from victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome. French fans will also be curious to see Dubai du Cèdre—now renamed Diriyah—under the saddle of Saudi rider Abdullah Al Sharbatly.
The French armada ready to ignite the crowd
French supporters will have plenty of reasons to fill the stands. Seventeen French riders are entered for this year’s edition.
Pour la très attendue Coupe des nations Barrière, la sélection française s’appuiera sur Julien Epaillard et Fringan de Vesquerie, Antoine Ermann avec Floyd des Prés, Nina Mallevaey associée à Dynastie de Beaufour, Olivier Perreau sur Dorai d’Aiguilly et Kevin Staut avec Féline de Hus.
Behind this squad, twelve other French riders will be looking to make their mark: Roger-Yves Bost, François-Xavier Boudant, Marie Demonte, Marc Dilasser, Cédric Hurel, Nicolas Layec, Charlotte Leoni, Robin Lesqueren, Edward Levy, Mégane Moissonnier, Nicolas Sers, and Lara Tryba.
There is, however, one notable absentee. Initially entered, Simon Delestre has withdrawn following the fall he suffered last weekend at the Cannes International Jumping.
Much more than a Rolex Grand Prix
On paper, La Baule is one of the flagship events of the Rolex Series. In reality, it already feels like a preview of the World Championships.
The horses will have to prove their ability to perform on grass. Selectors will scrutinize every detail. The established stars must confirm their status, while outsiders will attempt to force their way onto the plane to Aachen. La Baule 2026 has all the ingredients of a truly outstanding edition. This week, the center of the show jumping world is firmly located on France’s Atlantic coast.
Find the full list of 5* riders competing at the Jumping International de La Baule here.
(Photos © Rolex Series)
