Stuttgart German Masters: Disciplines, Highlights & Key Facts

What are the Stuttgart German Masters?

The Stuttgart German Masters are one of the major highlights of the international indoor season. Since 1985, the international equestrian elite has gathered here every November. The event takes place at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, which is dedicated entirely to equestrian sport for five days.

What makes the tournament especially exciting is that it brings several equestrian disciplines together under one roof. The programme includes show jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. In addition, there are pony competitions, shows and major World Cup decisions. It is all about important ranking points, prestigious titles and top-level international equestrian sport.

Stuttgart German Masters live & on demand on ClipMyHorse.TV

You can follow the most important competitions of the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS live and on demand on ClipMyHorse.TV. Whether it is World Cup show jumping, dressage freestyle, fast-paced four-in-hand driving or the indoor eventing derby: with the livestream, you are close to the key sporting decisions of the indoor season.

When do the Stuttgart German Masters take place?

The STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS take place every year in November. The event usually lasts five days, from Wednesday to Sunday, and is one of the most important dates of the international indoor season.

In 2026, the tournament will take place from 11 to 15 November. This edition is especially significant because the event celebrates its 40th anniversary. For many equestrian fans from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg and beyond, visiting the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS has long been a fixed part of the autumn season.

What can spectators expect?

The Stuttgart German Masters are much more than a classic equestrian tournament. Visitors experience not only top-level international sport, but also a special mix of atmosphere, proximity and variety.

Over five days, the event offers a varied programme with major competitions in different equestrian disciplines, festive award ceremonies, show performances and unique insights into the world of equestrian sport. The competitions take place throughout the day and are complemented by breaks, demonstrations and activities related to horses and riding.

In the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, a truly special atmosphere is created. The arena is designed so that spectators can follow the action from every perspective – whether close to the course or from higher seats with a full view of the arena. And even those who cannot be there in person can follow all important competitions in high quality thanks to the livestream. Many competitions are also available afterwards as on-demand replays.

Away from the sport, there are many opportunities to learn more about horses and riding. Exhibitors present their products, there are activities for children, conversations with riders and many small moments that make the event a special experience – even for people who do not ride themselves.

Which disciplines and competitions are featured?

The programme of the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS is varied and high-class. In 2026, the focus will be on show jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. The sports programme is complemented by pony competitions, shows and further highlights.

Show jumping

Show jumping is one of the biggest crowd-pullers at the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS. In several competitions, international top riders compete against each other. The demands in the indoor arena are high: the turns are tighter, the lines come faster and the atmosphere is much more intense than in large outdoor arenas.

A special highlight is the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ for the Grand Prix of Stuttgart. Here, riders compete for important points in the World Cup season. Anyone who succeeds in Stuttgart sends a strong signal on the road to the World Cup Final.

The competition “STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS” on Friday evening is also one of the major highlights of the show jumping programme. The field is strong, the class is prestigious and the decision often comes down to an exciting jump-off.

Dressage

The dressage competitions in Stuttgart stand for precision, harmony and expression. The focus is on international competitions at the highest level, including the FEI Dressage World Cup™.

The Grand Prix Freestyle to Music is particularly popular. Technical movements such as piaffe, passage, pirouettes and flying changes are combined with music, choreography and expression. For many spectators, the freestyle is one of the most emotional highlights of the tournament.

The dressage competitions in Stuttgart represent elegance, precision and the highest art of riding. Particularly important are the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Special and the Grand Prix Freestyle. In these classes, experienced riders present expressive horses at the very highest level.

Driving

The FEI Driving World Cup™ brings four-in-hand driving into the indoor arena and is one of the most spectacular moments of the tournament. Four horses, a tight course, high speed and absolute precision: driving is fast, loud, dynamic and especially exciting for the audience.

The drivers must guide their teams through tight turns, obstacles and gates. Every second counts, but a mistake can immediately cost valuable time. This creates a special kind of tension in the arena: bold lines can bring victory, while small uncertainties can cost the lead.

Eventing

Another highlight is the Indoor Derby for eventing riders. This competition brings elements of eventing into the indoor arena and creates a particularly exciting start to the tournament. Unlike classic show jumping competitions, it also features solid and cross-country-style obstacles.

The Indoor Derby combines speed, courage and overview. Riders must react quickly, keep their horses well balanced and switch safely between different types of obstacles. This makes the competition exciting even for spectators who do not regularly follow eventing.

Pony competitions

Alongside the major international competitions, pony competitions also play an important role. The FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy gives young riders the opportunity to present themselves on a major international stage.

For the audience, these competitions are especially interesting because they show how strong the next generation of show jumping already is. Many young talents gain valuable experience in a very special atmosphere.

Shows and special highlights

In addition to the sporting competitions, creative show formats provide variety. These may include liberty dressage, celebrity challenges, stunt riding or youth competitions. Programmes for children, interviews and demonstrations from everyday life with horses are also part of the event weekend.

Who competes at the Stuttgart German Masters?

Every year, national and international riders compete at a high level at the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS. Especially in the World Cup competitions, the field regularly includes athletes known from championships, Nations Cups and international series.

In dressage, many big names in the sport have competed in Stuttgart over the years. The show jumping and driving World Cup competitions also attract strong international fields. For young talents, Stuttgart offers an important stage as well – for example through youth classes, pony competitions and national competitions.

Looking back: winners and special moments

The Stuttgart German Masters have been a stage for top-level equestrian sport for decades. Time and again, the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle has witnessed moments that remain in people’s memories: close jump-offs, emotional dressage freestyles, fast-paced four-in-hand rounds and strong performances from young talents.

It is precisely this mix of international excellence and special indoor atmosphere that makes looking back at the tournament so exciting. In Stuttgart, success often depends not only on sporting quality, but also on nerves of steel at the decisive moment. A clear round in the jump-off, a harmonious freestyle to music or a bold line in the driving course can captivate the audience within seconds.

These moments show what the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS stand for: international class, emotional decisions and equestrian sport that feels especially intense thanks to the closeness of the audience. Year after year, new stories are written in Stuttgart – by experienced world-class combinations as well as by young talents making their mark on a big stage.

Conclusion

The Stuttgart German Masters are far more than an ordinary equestrian tournament. They combine international top sport with a special atmosphere, present world-class athletes and young talents, create emotional highlights and make equestrian sport an experience in a way that is rarely found elsewhere.

Whether on site in the Schleyerhalle or via livestream, anyone who appreciates sporting precision, excitement and closeness to the action will find one of the most impressive dates in the tournament calendar here. Year after year, Stuttgart creates moments that stay with riders, horses and an audience that truly supports the sport.

Stuttgart German Masters: key questions and answers

When do the Stuttgart German Masters take place?

The tournament is held every year in November and usually lasts five days, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Where exactly does the event take place?

The event takes place at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, a large multi-purpose arena with good public transport connections and parking facilities.

Is there a livestream of the competitions?

Yes, all sporting highlights and many other parts of the programme are broadcast live on ClipMyHorse.TV, including an archive for watching later.

Which disciplines are featured?

Show jumping, dressage, driving, and vaulting — complemented by shows, youth classes, and special formats like the Indoor Derby.

Are dogs allowed inside the Schleyerhalle?

In general, dogs are not permitted. Official guidance is usually published by the event organizers in advance.

What food options are available on site?

A variety of food stands and vendors are located inside the hall and foyer area — offering snacks, drinks, and hot meals.

Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are designated spaces for wheelchair users and full barrier-free access throughout the arena.

Can children attend the event?

Absolutely. The event is family-friendly, with dedicated programming and attractions suitable for children.

Are there printed programs or schedules available?

Yes, detailed daily schedules and start times are provided on the official website — often available as PDFs or digital downloads.