(Lähden/ Germany) From September 4th to 7th, Lähden in Lower Saxony will be the hot-spot for international driving: The European Four-in-Hand Championships and the Para-Driving World Championships will take place in the small community of approximately 4,650 residents. For the first time, Lähden, which has already gained fame through the annual CAI for four-in-hand, pair-, and single-horse-driving, will host FEI Championships.

Enthusiastic Reactions

German Team driver Anna Mareike Meier, who competed at the CAI Lähden at the end of May, puts it this way: „Along with Aachen, Lähden is the dream location for an international driving tournament.“ Multiple world champion Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) has already given top marks in advance: „I’ve never understood why a world-championship hasn’t been held in Lähden long ago. They understand everything about this sport there. On a scale of 1-10, everything in Lähden is truly a 10.“ German athlete spokesperson Rene Poensgen fully agrees: „Everything in Lähden is perfect, well-thought-out, and friendly.“

The Dutch are defending champions in both, the individual (Bram Chardon) and team competitions. The German team won silver and bronze in the individual competition (Michael Brauchle) in Exloo in 2023.

The German Para-Driving team won team gold at the same venue at World Championships, and Alexandra Röder also won individual gold in Grade II. Defending the title at the Para-Driving World Championships is clearly the goal for the German drivers.

German squad nominated

The Elite Sports Working Group of the Discipline Committee of the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR) has named the German squad following the German Four-in-Hand Championships. Nine drivers will compete in Lähden, including the hosts of the European and World Championships, German Champion Anna Sandman and her father German Vice Champion, Christoph Sandmann. Also nominated are: Michael Brauchle, Anna Mareike Meier, Georg von Stein, Rene Poensgen, Rainer Duen, Sven Kneifel, and Mario Schildt.

Plenty of Experience

The CAI Lähden in May 2025 attracted record numbers of over 180 teams and was smoothly organized by the PSG Lähden. The entire equestrian community is fully behind the international championships and is looking forward to the European Championships and the World Championships. These will bring international attention and fully booked overnight accommodations to the Herzlake collective municipality, of which Lähden is a district.

Since 2000, the Lähden location has been a sporting attraction thanks to its well-designed showgrounds, space for teams, several training areas, and one of the best cross-country courses in Europe with a wide range of design options. Visitors also benefit from the convenience of the cross-country obstacles, which are all easily accessible and centrally located. Tickets for the European Championships and the World Championships are available only on Saturday and Sunday, at 10 Euro per day. Children up to 14 years of age are admitted free of charge. Access to the grounds is free on all other days.