Horse clubs and horse enthusiasts from all over northern Germany are invited to apply for the traditional show competition organized by Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.
When horses become movie heroes and equestrian clubs create entire fantasy worlds, there is again a show competition at the VR CLASSICS Neumünster. On February 18, 2027, the popular competition, presented by Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken, enters its 32nd round. Now the clubs are invited to submit their ideas.
What makes the show competition so special is not only the events in the arena. Behind every show there are weeks and months of joint preparation. Rulers, families and friends develop choreographies, sew costumes, build props and organize rehearsals. Often they train in wind and weather, sometimes even without horses because not all the participants can be together at the same time. Until just before the performance, final details are worked on. For many clubs, the journey to Neumünster is already an experience that goes far beyond the actual competition.
189 illustrations and countless ideas
Whether fairy tales, classic films, sporting events or stories of one’s own making: Within a maximum of six and a half minutes, entire productions are created. Since 1994, 189 puppet shows have enthralled the audience in the Holsten Hallen. Participants travel from all over northern Germany, from the Danish border via the islands of Fehmarn and Föhr to the Hamburg area. Some clubs have been returning for many years. The RV Preetz with the Reiterhof Gläserkoppel has already participated 24 times and has significantly shaped the history of the competition.
The variety of ways in which ideas can be implemented was particularly impressive in 2026. With their „Ghost Hunt in the Holstenhallen“, the Ponyhof Johannsen won the jury’s vote. 29 horses, a mule, and more than 70 participants on horseback and on foot transformed the arena into an elaborately staged ghost world. The audience award was won by „The Boys on Horseback“ with their „Dream of the Olympics – Part II“. The initiative thus celebrated its tenth participation in the show competition and once again demonstrated how much enthusiasm can be unleashed by a shared idea.
The RuFV Bad Segeberg demonstrated that experience is not a prerequisite for success. With „Tatort Segeberg – Mord auf dem Landesturnier“, the association won immediately on its first participation in 2025.
A stage for all generations
Whether three pairs of riders or a large ensemble: In the show competition, it’s not the size of the group that counts, but the idea and its execution. Horse enthusiasts of all ages and riding styles can participate. It is this openness that makes the competition an important meeting point for the northern German equestrian community.
For many participants, the performance in the Holsten Hall is a very special moment. They present themselves on the same stage where the top international riders compete for world cup points and victories. Not infrequently, these professionals themselves watch the performances and reward the young athletes with applause. And the audience also celebrates the club teams with an enthusiasm that is otherwise reserved for the great stars of the sport.
A jury of judges, professional riders and personalities from culture, business, sports and politics evaluates the performances. The winning club receives 1,200 euros in prize money and can look forward to another appearance before the international audience of VR CLASSICS.
Apply now for the 2027 competition
The application period for the 32nd Neumünster Equestrian Competition of the equestrian clubs is underway. Creative, spirited, humorous or even mysterious equestrian images are being sought that show how versatile equestrian sports can be. Experienced groups as well as associations that would like to participate for the first time are welcome. The complete announcement and all information about participation can be found at reitturnier-neumuenster.de/about-us/show/
Available for download.
Tickets for the VR CLASSICS Neumünster 2027 is available online at RESERVIX
Available, by phone at 04321 755421 as well as by email to tickets@vr-classics.de.
The online sales and the ticket hotline have different ticket quotas. If the desired seat is no longer available online, it is recommended to contact them by phone or email. For more information and program updates, see www.vr-classics.de as well as on the organizers' social media channels.