World-class jumping riding: Global Champions Tour comes to Schönbrunn!

World-class jumping riding: Global Champions Tour comes to Schönbrunn!

The Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) returns to Vienna in September 2025. After a comeback in the previous year, the spectators can expect a fascinating event on September 26th to 28th, which will take place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schloss Schönbrunn. The contract for the tour was recently signed until 2029, which made the return to Austria after a break of several years, in which the events last took place in various Viennese locations such as Rathausplatz, Ebreichsdorf and Wiener Krieau from 2012 to 2016.

The organizer Sonja Klima describes the backdrop of Schönbrunn Castle as "fantastic". Fred van Lierop, the tour manager, emphasizes that the location of the castle fits perfectly with the philosophy of the tour. A high level of effort is operated for the event; This includes building a special course in the honorary courtyard, which will offer space for up to 9,000 spectators. Covered stands with 3,000 seats enable the audience to follow the action regardless of the weather.

sporting highlights and supporting program

The event not only promises top sporting performance, but also includes an extensive supporting program. The spectators can expect various sporting fixed points, musical interludes, a cozy village and a special children's program throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individual and team competitions with a total prize money of around 800,000 euros are planned. In addition to established riders, the Vorarlberg Olympic participant Katharina Rhomberg will also be at the start, who recently won a team competition in Mexico. Application for young people and amateurs complete the sporting offer.

The organization of the event requires extensive plans, including the use of around 300 horse boxes in the Meidlinger and Hietzinger Allen as well as agreements with the federal gardens to protect the paths and plants. Spectators can even ride through the castle to the Honoring Court during the evening events. In total, the event organization is investing a budget of 2.7 million euros in the event.

riding culture and tradition in Vienna

The LGCT in Vienna is not only a sporting event, but also an expression of the rich riding culture of the city. This is largely shaped by the traditional Spanish Riding School, which has maintained classic riding art with lipizzans for over 430 years. Riding art has been preserved across numerous political systems and has been continued as a public task of the Riding School since 2001. The ability to ride the school stallor and learn the artistry is passed on by experienced riders to young elevids. This tradition has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage since 2015.

The event will not only bring together the best show jumpers: bring together the inside of the world, but also strengthen the cultural heritage and the tradition of equestrian sports in Vienna. With the ticket sale that has already started, over 9,000 spectators are expected for the tournament: inside who can look forward to an outstanding event.