Show Jumping in Front of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace as a Crowd Puller

Picturesque ambiance, great atmosphere on the daily sold-out stands, and excellent conditions for horses and athletes - the comeback of the world's best show jumpers in Vienna thrilled fans and riders. "From a rider's perspective, Vienna presents itself as a world city," praised Austria's top rider Max Kühner about the Global Champions Tour (GCT) tournament in the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace. Organizer Sonja Klima also wants to include dressage in the program in the future.

Sold Out Daily: Strong Comeback of Vienna in Global Champions Tour

After a nine-year break, the most lucrative series in show jumping made a stop in Vienna again, for the first time in Schönbrunn. The premiere was successful. "The tournament exceeded my expectations. The ambiance is unique: riding so close to the palace, warming up in the palace garden with a view of the Gloriette, riding through the palace, simply unique," summarized Katharina Rhomberg.

The riders also enjoyed loud support from the more than 10,000 spectators. "What surprised me the most was the atmosphere in the audience and how much the spectators obviously love our sport," said Kühner. That even Friday was sold out is not a given on the tour. Even rain showers and the absence of home victories in the major jumps did not dampen the mood.

Schönbrunn as a Top Venue for Riders and Horses

Between 2012 and 2016, the tour had visited Rathausplatz, Krieau, and Ebreichsdorf, but the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schönbrunn topped the previous venues. The horses were housed in spacious boxes and practically in the garden. "The most important thing was that the horses and riders feel comfortable here, that the ground is right, that the boxes are right. It is really a nice place for the animals because they come out and are in the green, not on asphalt, like back then at Rathausplatz," explained Klima.

The organizer is confident that the event will also be economically viable. The VIP stands were sold out, and the demand for sponsorship was boosted during the weekend. "If it continues like this, it is certainly financially secured," emphasized Klima, who has signed a five-year contract with the tour.

Dressage to be Included in 2026

Next year, according to GCT, the tournament will again be held in Schönbrunn from September 25 to 27, and tickets are already available. Then perhaps a dressage competition will also be seen. On Saturday, eight-time Olympic champion Isabell Werth inspired enthusiasm with a dressage freestyle. "Dressage is a topic, I really hope that we will go into the future together. We have seen how the Austrian audience reacted to Isabell Werth. When she rode in here, it really brought tears to your eyes," said Klima. Of course, the wish must be clarified with the Global Champions Tour.

(APA/Red)

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