Arville, the most British of European eventing shows, goes around again… backwards

The event was traditionally held in the heart of summer. This year, calendars will have to be moved forward by a few weeks. Exit August, hello July. The World Championships in Aachen have reshuffled the international calendar, and Arville has adapted. But while the Belgian eventing show has changed date, it has mainly decided to change perspective. Literally. For the first time in twenty years, its mythical cross-country course will run… in the opposite direction.

A simple detail? Not really. Because this 2026 edition is not merely moving a few boxes around on the calendar. It opens a new chapter in the history of a show that continues to grow while remaining faithful to what gives it its charm.

The great shake-up

Le premier à le reconnaître, c’est son directeur sportif, Kai-Steffen Meier. Oui, la date est la première nouveauté. Mais la plus spectaculaire attend les cavaliers sur le cross.

« On va, pour la première fois depuis vingt ans, dans l’autre sens », explique celui qui portera également la casquette de chef d’équipe belge ce week-end. « I hope it will create a different atmosphere. The terrain is a little less hilly in this direction and we finish more on the flat than uphill. Now we will have to see how the horses and riders handle it. »

A change that obviously does not mean taking the fences backwards. Every line, every trajectory, every sequence has been rethought.

The idea had been maturing for a long time, notably with Rüdiger Schwarz, former course designer at Aachen, and Giuseppe Della Chiesa, designer of the cross-country course for the upcoming World Championships.

“For a long time, one of the three of us would always find a reason not to do it. Then one morning, I woke up with an idea. I started drawing, sent it to Giuseppe and Rüdiger, and we told ourselves it could really work. Now we still have to see whether that good idea will be just as good once the horses are on course.”

An historic first for Belgian eventing

The other major new feature is almost even more important.

For the first time, Arville will host a CCI 4*-L, the first long-format four-star event ever organised in Belgium. One more step in the rise of an event that keeps gaining momentum.

« It is very exciting. ”, admits Meier. “ It is also a test for our entire team. We want to see whether we are capable of organising a cross-country course at an even higher level. »

A full-scale test that could well open up new perspectives for the show in the years to come.

The final gallop before Aachen

The timing is no coincidence. Just a few weeks before the World Championships in Aachen, several combinations will use Arville as their final outing before the major appointment of the season.

For Kai-Steffen Meier, who will also have to fine-tune the Belgian selection, the objective is clear.

« À ce stade de la saison, on ne teste plus vraiment les chevaux. On vérifie surtout qu’ils restent en forme. Pour ceux qui iront à Aix, j’espère surtout qu’ils prendront confiance. Cela doit presque être une walk in the park. »

Not all future World Championship contenders will be present, however. Some have already secured their ticket and are continuing their preparation elsewhere, while others will still be fighting for part of their future this weekend.

The most English of continental events

Although it attracts riders from all over Europe every year, Arville does not owe that solely to the quality of its courses.

For Meier, the secret lies elsewhere.

« Eventing was born in England. For me, Arville is probably one of the most English events in Europe. There is the château, the park, the elevation changes, a very natural terrain… That is also why the best riders like coming here. »

An identity that can also be felt in the atmosphere.

« Despite the level of sport, it remains a family event. We have not yet become a huge machine like some other shows. People can come and spend a day in a magnificent park, watch very good horses, have a drink and enjoy the setting. »

A well-oiled machine

Behind this relaxed atmosphere, however, lies an impressive organisation.

Près de 200 cavaliers, 270 chevaux et une véritable armée de bénévoles feront vivre le domaine durant quatre jours. Quant au cross, il est prêt depuis plusieurs semaines, tandis que le travail de préparation des terrains a débuté dès le mois de mars.

Even the forecast heat does not really worry the sporting director.

« We are in July… it is hot in July ”, he smiles. “ We have planned water, ice and more shaded areas for the horses. Thirty-one degrees is not forty. »

Four days to experience eventing

The show will begin on Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10 with the dressage tests for the CCI1*, CCI2*, CCI3*, CCI4*-Sand CCI4*-L. Bonne nouvelle pour les curieux : l’accès au site sera entièrement free during those two days.

At the weekend, it will be time for the big show. On Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, the showjumping arenas and the cross-country course will run simultaneously, offering a continuous programme through to the final prize-giving ceremonies.

The Saturday will notably see the competitors in the CCI1*, CCI2* and CCI4*-S take on the showjumping, while the cross-country course will welcome the CCI1*, CCI3* and the highly anticipated CCI4*-L. On Sunday, the final rankings will be decided with the showjumping of the CCI3* and CCI4*-L, while the competitors in the CCI2* and CCI4*-S will take their turn on the cross-country course.