Jill MedingerPHOTOS BY Tekosa Fotografie / CSI Eindhoven
Few equestrian events can match the charm and longevity of CSI Eindhoven. With a history stretching back to its first edition in 1947, the event has become a beloved fixture of the Dutch sporting calendar, held each year over the Ascension weekend at the scenic Karpendonkse Plas — a lakeside arena that sits remarkably close to the city center of Eindhoven.
One of the event’s most distinctive features is its free admission, offering spectators the rare opportunity to watch absolute top-class international sport up close without buying tickets. This open, family-friendly atmosphere has helped make it a community institution as much as a sporting spectacle.
The event runs at CSI3* and CSI1* level, drawing elite riders from around the world. Highlights across the four days include a traditional Ladies Day on Ascension Day, the spectacular Derby on Saturday — where the public can walk the course beforehand — and the prestigious Grand Prix on Sunday. The flagship Sunday class is now formally known as the Wim van der Leegte Memorial, honouring a driving force behind the event’s success.
In 2026, CSI Eindhoven celebrated its 52nd edition, running from 14–17 May. The showpiece Wim van der Leegte Memorial over 1.55m was won by Italian rider Giampiero Garofalo and his Belgian gelding Querido Van’t Ruytershof, finishing in a time of 43.50 seconds. Ireland’s Tabitha Kyle and Desterly claimed second, while young Dutch rider Elize van de Mheen took third on her horse Kes TN — a memorable result for a rider making her first appearance in the prestigious class.
