2026 CDIO 5* Fontainebleau: The Only Nations Cup in France for Dressage on 16 - 19 April 2026

Sat, 03/21/2026 - 13:10
2026 CDIO Fontainebleau
The CDIO Fontainebleau

The French Equestrian Federation has entrusted the organisation of the 2026 CDIO5* in France to GL events Equestrian Sport as part of "Le Printemps des Sports Équestres" in Fontainebleau.

The event, which was launched in 2022 and played host to a CDI 5* in 2023, is continuing to strengthen its presence on international sporting stage. As a result, the 2026 edition will take place over two weeks.

During the first week, dressage will take centre stage for 4 days, from 16th to 19th April. The second week will showcase five days of show jumping, from 22th to 26th April. All the classes at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres 2026 will be open to the public and free of charge, as they have been ever since the event was launched.

From Compiègne to Fontainebleau: Perpetuating a Key Dressage Event in France

In 2026, the CDIO5* of France will be organised at the Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau, as part of the fifth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres (meaning The Spring of Equestrian Sports), after being hosted for ten years in Compiègne.

Fry and Glamourdale in Fontainebleau in 2023
Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport, stated, "we are honoured by the trust that French Equestrian Federation and the FEI have placed in us, by selecting GL events Equestrian Sport's bid to organise the CDIO. After the first four successful editions of the CSI/CDI Fontainebleau, which were very popular with riders, key industry stakeholders and the general public, and the experience gained by organising the equestrian events for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are thrilled about showcasing equestrian sports at the highest level in the world once again.

Robert continued, "this major event on the international sporting calendar highlights our country’s prominent role in hosting top-tier equestrian events. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by Mrs Marini and the Compiègne Équestre association, who successfully organised this competition for ten years. We are proud to continue this legacy and safeguard the event’s future."

Frédéric Bouix, President of the French Equestrian Federation, added, "the French Equestrian Federation has highlighted its commitment to excellence by awarding this 5* Dressage Nations Cup to GL events Equestrian Sport, led by Sylvie Robert and her committed and experienced teams. This new dressage event, alongside show jumping, will perfectly enhance Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, which is now a benchmark in France and internationally."

Two Weeks of Top-Level Equestrian Sport in France

The fifth edition of "Le Printemps des Sports Équestres" will feature four days of dressage and para- dressage competitions in 2026, on 16 - 19 April 2026, followed by five days of national and international show jumping on 22 - 26 April.

Larissa Pauluis at the 2025 CDI 5* Fontainebleau
The event will host all the riders in the best possible conditions and offer spectators a programme that continues to embody the highest standards of international equestrian sport.

“We are committed to bringing together as many enthusiasts and competitors as possible at all the events organised by GL events Equestrian Sport. By allowing riders to compete at major events they are able to gain experience and progress in the World rankings.," said Robert. "As committed organisers, we aim to support all the horse and rider combinations so they can reach the highest level. We take immense pride in seeing riders and horses evolve over the years and in offering spectators a varied programme that is accessible to everyone. That is why the event will remain free of charge and open to the public throughout these two weeks."

Packed Dressage Programme

In addition to the CDIO5*-NC, several competition labels will be showcased for dressage riders:

  • Seniors: a CDI3* and a CDI1*
  • Young Horses: a CDIYH* for 6- and 7-year-old horses,
  • Youth Riders: a CDIU25, a CDIY and a CDIJ for U25, Young and Junior riders
  • Para Dressage: a CPEDI 3* and a CPEDI 2* as the only CPEDI in France in 2026
Preparation for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen

Becky Moody won the CDI 5* in 2025
With just a few months to go before the FEI World Championships in August 2026 in Aachen (Germany), Fontainebleau will be the hosting one of only five CDIO's in 2026 of which only three are at 5* level.

The competition will host teams preparing for this major World Championships and promises some great sporting moments.

“The circuit is the perfect opportunity to assess the combinations that could be selected for the FEI World Championships for many national selectors. We look forward to hosting the stars of world dressage in Fontainebleau, offering them an excellent competition environment,” concluded Sylvie Robert.

More information about the CDIO Fontainebleau here.

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