“The horse show is the most important event in the “Hallenduo” complex and one of the most important in Stuttgart’s calendar,” said Andreas Kroll, CEO of the organisers, the in.Stuttgart Veranstaltungsgesellschaft. “The horse show has once again showed why Stuttgart belongs to the top addresses in international equestrianism. It is also made obvious by the total attendance of 53,900. For the first time this year, we had four sessions that were sold-out – Friday evening, the two Saturday sessions and Sunday.”
Eventing, jumping, driving and dressage: the highlights from the classes
The 29-year-old Irishman Cathal Daniels, who won the Indoor Derby back in 2019, again topped the podium in Wednesday’s eventing class for the Prize of WALTER solar. After coming second last year, he went one better this time around. Michael Jung unfortunately missed out on recording his tenth win. A long-held wish came true for Mario Walter when he finally won the BW-Bank Indoor Championship after many attempts on Thursday. France’s Julien Epaillard was also pleased with his performance on Friday. After previously coming second in the Prize of Outletcity Metzingen – the jumping STUTTGART GERMAN MASTER qualifier – he then went one better in the final, which was presented by the new sponsor DVAG, when pipping the German Richard Vogel to the title. Australian Boyd Exell continued his winning run when claiming the driving classes on Friday and Saturday and in doing so securing himself the German Masters title. The horse drawn entertainer, like the other drivers, generated an amazing atmosphere in the Schleyer-Halle. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Diallo BB danced their way to the golden sash in the Grand Prix on Friday and the World Cup freestyle on Saturday. For the ten-year-old stallion, it was his first freestyle in front of such a crowd. The young horse thus showed just how much potential he has. Second place behind his old boss and coach went to Raphael Netz who had worked for the Werndl family up until last year. Patrik Kittel was third. The GERMAN MASTERS title in dressage was secured by Charlotta Rogerson with an impressive ride. Horse show ambassador Isabell Werth was unable to participate this year due to the death of her partner. Crowning everything off at the end was Willen Greve’s – the last to go in the jump-off – win in the Grand Prix of Stuttgart with BW-Bank and WALTER solar. It was the first ever success for a rider from the Netherlands.
Longtime partners are highly positive
The two main sponsors BW-Bank und WALTER solar were also extremely pleased. “New emotions come along every year. It makes the horse show in Stuttgart so special and full of diversity,” said Verena Laich, Director Group Sponsoring and Events at LBBW. The BW-Bank assumes social responsibility in any number of ways. “After 39 years as the main sponsor of the German Masters, we have decided to realign the sponsoring. We’re delighted to be able to continue the centrepiece, the BW-Bank Indoor Championship, of our involvement and to therefore be a reliable partner for the horse show. The decision is at the same time an important signal for our home Stuttgart region in which we are deeply rooted.” Andreas Kroll, CEO of the in.Stuttgart Veranstaltungsgesellschaft, is highly appreciative of the collaboration saying, “As a longtime partner right from the very start, we have jointly experienced many wonderful horse shows. The BW-Bank Indoor Championship is always a special highlight. This year we had the biggest ever attendance for the session which is why we are delighted that the BW-Bank will remain a partner.”
When reviewing the horse show, Wolfgang Walter, CEO of WALTER solar, was very pleased with everything. In his mind, the last five days were special on many levels – as a main sponsor, as the organiser of the energy forum which is now in its seventh year and as the father of the rider Mario Walter. “The horse show is an absolutely amazing event, especially Mario’s win in the BW-Bank Indoor Championship on Thursday,” said the delighted Wolfgang Walter. His son also won the equestrian triathlon right away on Wednesday. “The event has such a great atmosphere, I can only congratulate Stuttgart.”
For Andreas Kroll, this year’s horse show marks a new phase in his life as it was his last STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS before retiring in early 2026. “I’m naturally a little sad. I was given a moving send-off at the horse show. The team here is fantastic and there’s a wonderful humanity to be felt amongst everybody. The horse show is simply well set for the future,” said Andreas Kroll.
Big art for little heroes
For the first time this year, there was a charity event. The French artist Liska Llroka painted three paintings live during Wednesday’s show evening. They could then be purchased afterwards. The donations totalling 6,000 euro then went to the “Frühchen e.V.” foundation that aids prematurely born children and their families.
The 40th International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show will take place next year from 11 to 15 November 2026.
