2026 CDIO Rotterdam Drops Nations Cup Competition

Dressage

The Netherlands

The CHIO Rotterdam will not be hosting a CDIO FEI Nations Cup competition in 2026. It will stage a CDI 4* in its stead.

No CDIO in 2026

"The costs associated with organising a CDIO5* FEI Nations Cup are considerable," Rotterdam dressage sport director Patrick van der Meer confirmed to Eurodressage. "For many years, we have worked hard to put on a high-quality competition. However, the continuing lack of a clear vision and long-term commitment to the Nations Cup series has led to repeated degredations."

Van der Meer added, "we were very disappointed with the limited participation of national teams last year. These factors have contributed to our decision not to organise a CDIO5* competition next season."

FEI Nations Cup Woes

In 2025 only three teams were entered for the Nations Cup in Rotterdam.

In 2024 changed criteria for the FEI Nations Cup prompted Falsterbo and Rotterdam to drop out of the series, but then the CDIO status was re-instated last minute.

The FEI has no title sponsor for its own Nations Cup series and the financial burden of staging the format is great.

"CHIO Rotterdam is currently facing considerable financial challenges," Patrick explained. "We also do not have a specific sponsor for a Nations Cup, which means we would have to bear the full costs ourselves. This has also influenced our decision.

Team Selection Trial

The CDIO Rotterdam has often served as mandatory Dutch team selection trial for the summer championships, prompting good participating from the home side riders, but not so much from other nations.

The Rotterdam venue hosted the 2011 and 2019 European Dressage Championships.

"Despite these circumstances, we are confident that with a CDI4* we can continue to offer a highly prestigious, top-level competition, where both riders and spectators can enjoy an event of exceptional quality," Van der Meer concluded.

With Rotterdam dropped out of the series, only five CDIO's remain for 20206: Wellington (18 - 22 March), Fontainebleau (15 - 19 April), Lier (21 - 24 May), Hagen (1 - 5 July) and Falsterbo (8 - 12 July).