Israeli Equestrian Team Prepares for World Championship in Aachen Ahead of 2028 Olympic Qualification

The 2026 FEI World Equestrian Championships will begin on August 10 in Aachen, Germany, running through August 23. This prestigious event, held every four years, features top riders and horses competing in six disciplines: Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Para Dressage, Driving, and Vaulting. For Israel, this championship is a crucial step toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Israel's delegation includes one pair in Dressage and five pairs in Jumping. The Dressage team is led by chef d'equipe Christoph Umbach, while the Jumping team is coached by former Olympic champion Yaron Dabladam and chef d'equipe Hans Horn. Dr. Amichai Alperovitz serves as the sports director and head of the delegation.

In Dressage, Maika Deligadish, who recently returned to competition after nearly two years off following the birth of her second child, will compete with her horse Carpe Diem De Massa. Deligadish and Carpe Diem De Massa have participated in 12 international competitions this year, showcasing a strong partnership in this artistic and precise discipline.

The Jumping team features experienced riders such as Daniel Bluman, ranked sixth globally before the championship, competing with Corbin V.V.; Mark Bluman, ranked 21st, riding Landon De Nys; Robin Mohr with Fudgeau De Chatel; and Teodor Boris with Kazan Z. Isabella Roskopf and her horse C Pier 2 serve as the reserve pair. The team aims to secure one of the top seven team placements (excluding host nation USA) to earn a team quota spot for the 2028 Olympics.

Coach Yaron Dabladam leads the professional preparations, with Hans Horn as chef d'equipe. Even if Israel does not qualify directly at this championship, a regional qualification event next year will provide another opportunity to secure Olympic participation, similar to previous successful campaigns for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

This championship represents a significant milestone for Israeli equestrian sports, combining elite competition with the strategic goal of Olympic qualification.