Front runners and horse magic: Global Champions Tour conquers Schönbrunn!

Front runners and horse magic: Global Champions Tour conquers Schönbrunn!

The Longines Global Champions Tour will take place in Vienna on September 26, 2025, where the best show jumpers in the world will fight for the title. Small newspaper reports that the event will be held in the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace for the first time. The competitions promise a high-class sporting weekend with numerous prominent participants - from former champions to up-and-coming talents.

In the first competition, the Austrian team with Max Kühner on EIC Quantum Robin V showed that they are on the way to the top. Kühner and his colleague Scott Brash from Great Britain led at the start of the competition, but Kühner suffered a drop in the second round. Maher, another competitive rider, could have achieved second place with a faultless ride, but made a mistake on his horse Point Break. Despite the mishap, Kühner was satisfied with his collaboration with EIC Cooley Jump the Q and took second place behind Brash, who won the individual competition.

Strong competition and top-class participants

The Global Champions Tour is a unique event that brings together the highest standards in international equestrian sport. The official site of the Global Champions Tour highlights that previous champions such as Scott Brash, two-time LGCT Champion, and the well-known Harrie Smolders are taking part in the competition. The current title holder, Max Kühner, is also in the starting field, along with many other top athletes from all over the world.

The list of participants includes riders such as Marcus Ehning from Germany, Martin Fuchs from Switzerland and Edwina Tops-Alexander, who compete with their outstanding horses. The event also attracts big names from France, Sweden and Belgium, further increasing the intensity of the competition. Particularly noteworthy is the participation of nine Austrian riders in the five-star range, which is of great importance for the local equestrian community.

Unique framework conditions and challenges

The organizers, led by Sonja Klima, had to overcome major challenges when planning the event. Horse review reports that Schönbrunn Palace is subject to strict requirements as a world cultural heritage site. For example, it is forbidden to let horses onto the grassland or touch the flower beds. These requirements required precise planning and cooperation between the organizers and the authorities.

Sporting director Helmut Morbitzer emphasizes the smooth cooperation of his team in order to perfectly integrate the ambience of the castle into the event. He has also already drawn up a list of improvements for future events to further optimize the conditions for the riders and horses. In his opinion, the tournament will have a positive influence on equestrian sport in Austria.

Despite the cool temperatures and the rain, the mood in Schönbrunn's main courtyard was overwhelmingly positive. The performance of the riders and the impressive backdrop create an unforgettable experience. It remains to be seen how the remaining competitions will develop and whether the local riders can cope with the pressure of international competition.