What is PARTNER PFERD?
The PARTNER PFERD 2026 is the major equestrian sports festival in Leipzig: four days of world-class tournaments, evening shows, and a trade fair with everything horse & rider love – all under one roof at the Leipzig Trade Fair Center. The 27th edition will take place in 2026; the mix of sports, exhibition, action ring, children’s world, and information stages makes the event a must for pros and fans. Officially scheduled for January 15–18, 2026.
When and where Does it all Take Place?
The event takes place from Thursday to Sunday (January 15–18, 2026) at the Leipzig Trade Fair grounds. The arena in Hall 1 provides a stadium atmosphere, and the surrounding exhibition halls ensure short distances from competitions to shopping – and back again. The Leipzig Veterinary Congress (Jan 15–17) runs concurrently on the grounds; congress attendees can also visit PARTNER PFERD with their ticket.
What makes the event such a strong sporting attraction?
In short: It’s about world ranking points, nerves of steel – and courses at 1.60 m level. In Leipzig, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ is the main draw: technically tricky distances, tight turns, and a time limit that leaves no room for error. Those who complete the first round fault-free face a second, even faster reality in the jump-off – short routes, big leaps, and that famous “all or nothing” feeling between the last distance and the finish line. This precise mix of precision and risk makes the sessions electrifying, from the first bell to the last gallop.
In addition, there is the FEI Driving World Cup™ with the four-in-hand teams – pure indoor driving. Here, the audience cheers the teams through a labyrinth of gates, cones, and obstacle combinations, where hundredths of a second decide the winner. Fast changes of direction, exact lines, perfect interaction between driver, co-driver, and horses: This is adrenaline to the beat of the stopwatch.
And what’s on in the evenings?
In addition to the tournament program, the productions in the main arena are an integral part. The Sparkassen Sport-Gala on Friday offers a rich mix of top-class sport and show: qualification for the scoring round in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, the Sparkassen Trophy for four-in-hand teams – plus an approx. 90-minute show block with exclusive acts. Only seen in Leipzig: an evening that brings the full fascination of horses into the Arena of Hall 1.
On Saturday, the Leipzig Horse Night delivers a full dose of adrenaline with the Pony Trophy, PARTNER PFERD Speed Cup, and the legendary Six-Bar Jumping – excitement guaranteed until the last rail. An atmospheric evening for all ages, seamlessly combining sport and show.
What can I expect at the trade fair?
Between sessions, head to the stands: saddles, bits, care products, feed, safety and riding technology, fashion – plus direct advice from the brands. In the forums, professionals share practical knowledge, demonstrations run in the Action Ring, and the youngest visitors can playfully immerse themselves in the Kids’ Adventure World. This proximity to the sport makes the trade fair special: You see the products in action and can then test or buy them directly.
Who is PARTNER PFERD for?
For everyone who loves equestrian sport – from ambitious amateurs to breeders and the whole family. Sports fans come for the World Cup atmosphere, young riders for know-how and inspiration, and shopping enthusiasts for the variety. And even those who “just want to have a look” will experience a packed, well-timed event with short distances and many “aha!” moments. The fact that Leipzig regularly reports five-figure visitor numbers speaks for itself.
How do I get tickets – and where do I book?
Tickets are available through the official PARTNER PFERD channels and through common ticket partners. There are pure tournament and trade fair tickets – with a distinction between day and evening events. There are also combination tickets available. Prices for tournament tickets range between €20 and €76, depending on the day and time. VIP packages can be booked separately. Trade fair tickets are cheaper online than on site. For example, a day ticket costs €20 instead of €23. Reduced tickets are available from €11. In addition, with Black Thursday and Isi-Friday there are two special tickets that can only be booked online for €9.90 each.
How do I best plan my visit?
Create a rough daily plan: first your preferred competitions (e.g., World Cup qualification, four-in-hand highlight), then trade fair rounds and the Action Ring. If you love a show atmosphere, attend the Friday or Saturday evening performance and combine it with an earlier visit to the halls. The grounds are excellently connected by public transport; plan some buffer time on the weekend – the atmosphere is great, and distances remain short.
Stay centrally & relaxed for PARTNER PFERD
No, you certainly don’t have to sleep in a horse stable. Instead, we recommend our two Leipzig hotels: the Hotel am Bayrischen Platz in Zentrum-Süd and the Hotel Alt-Connewitz in lively Connewitz. Both are close to the city with direct public transport connections to the Leipzig Trade Fair (including Tram 16 towards the exhibition grounds or S-Bahn). At Hotel am Bayrischen Platz, you are within walking distance of KarLi and quickly in the city center – ideal if you need some Leipzig flair after a long day at the fair. Hotel Alt-Connewitz offers charming neighborhood flair near the green areas in the south – perfect for unwinding. Reliable Wi-Fi, strong coffee in the morning, and flexible check-in times ensure your trade fair visit runs smoothly.
By the way, we have a trade fair deal for both hotels: With the code lbHORSE, you save 5% on all overnight stays from January 14 – 19, 2026.
Why is Leipzig considered a special World Cup stop?
Because everything comes together here: a compact arena, a passionate audience, and a supporting program that enhances the sport instead of overshadowing it. That’s precisely why many active participants rave about the “Leipzig feeling” – the arena is buzzing but remains fair, and often only breaths separate a clear round from a knockdown. For spectators, this means: non-stop excitement.
Conclusion
The PARTNER PFERD 2026 is your winter highlight for equestrian sports: January 15–18, Leipzig Trade Fair Center. World Cup points, great shows and a trade fair that really delivers added value – from professional tips to your new favorite saddle. Block your calendars, secure your tickets, experience Leipzig.
