On August 30, the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers Final Wildcard Round concluded successfully at Junma Equestrian, Sanhe, Hebei. As the final qualifying leg for the Bird’s Nest Masters, this round produced the last 27 berths.

With this, the full calendar of the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers, running through spring and summer, has drawn to a close, and the roster for the Masters is officially unveiled. Riders who fought their way through regional competitions will head to the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) this golden October to take on new challenges on this elite stage.

Photos 1‑2: Scenes from the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers Final Wildcard Round

2026 marks the launch year of the 15th Five‑Year Plan. The development of a powerful sports nation continues to advance in depth, and high‑level sporting events carry richer public sports value. Led by professional competitions, the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters extends its elite competitive platform to a broader community of participants through event systems such as the Road to the Bird’s Nest. Riders gain experience and push their limits at successive competitions, while more members of the public get close to and experience equestrian sport. Amid the interplay of speed, power and horse‑rider harmony, the event further connects competitive value, talent development and sports culture communication.

 
Photo 3: Competition arena of the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

Under the guidance and support of the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) and the Chinese Equestrian Association, since settling at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) in 2011, the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters has consistently built a high‑level equestrian competition platform to international standards, bringing together world‑class riders and Chinese equestrian talents. Built over twelve editions, the event has grown into a key gateway for Chinese equestrian sport to engage with the world, as well as an important tournament brand linking professional competition, urban culture and public participation. In 2026, the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters will write a new chapter for Chinese equestrian sport competing alongside global counterparts at the Bird’s Nest, the “Dual‑Olympic Venue”.

Photos 4‑7: Highlights from the four competition zones of the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers

The 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers covered four major zones: Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, Southwest China and Greater Bay Area, with a total of 10 legs. Kicking off in March and concluding at the end of August, the series drew nearly 4,600 horse‑rider combinations in competition. Ultimately, 377 horse‑rider combinations secured their entry for the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters. Riders and horses across different levels bonded, improved and grew competition by competition, advancing all the way from regional events to the National Stadium. The expanding event footprint and rising competitive talent reflect the increasingly vibrant participation base of Chinese equestrian sport, building great anticipation for the grand gathering at the Bird’s Nest in October.

Photos 8‑11: Rider highlights from the four competition zones of the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers

This October, the Bird’s Nest will welcome qualified riders from the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers, alongside a stellar line‑up of top international competitors. Looking back over its twelve past editions, the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters has hosted 128 appearances by world‑class international riders, who hold a combined total of 21 Olympic gold medals. The event has also seen 1,800 outstanding Chinese riders compete with more than 2,800 horses. Total prize money has exceeded 24 million RMB, with nearly 380,000 spectators attending live competitions.

This year, the excitement will go from strength to strength. More than 10 elite international riders are expected to grace the Bird’s Nest arena once again, competing side‑by‑side with numerous talented Chinese riders. More than an arena to test athletic prowess, it is a stage where dreams are recognised and passion lives on.

Photo 12: Scene of the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters

With the successful conclusion of the 2026 Road to the Bird’s Nest Qualifiers, the curtain will officially rise on the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) from 15 to 18 October. On the new journey of building a powerful sports nation under the 15th Five‑Year Plan, this grand event carries not only competitive glory but also serves as a vital window showcasing the vigorous vitality of Chinese equestrian sport. Let us gather at the Bird’s Nest and look forward to an equestrian feast blending consummate skill, elegant demeanour and profound cultural heritage. Through every leap and dash, we will witness the showdown between Chinese and foreign riders and jointly compose a new‑era chapter of “The Moment for Every Leap”.

For further information, please contact:

Dormay Equestrian:

Sabrina 

E‑mail: sabrina.lv@beijingmasters.com 

Tel: 18612694280

Zhangwen Consulting: 

Amy 

E‑mail: amy.sun@51edea.com 

Tel: 13522471239