Michael Mayer course designer for CAI Beekbergen 2027 and the 2028 Four-in-Hand World Championships

For Mayer, a good marathon course begins with a simple question: “Would I want to drive this course myself, the way I’ve designed it?” This question stems from his own personal experience. He was introduced to the sport of driving through his father, Werner Mayer. He spent five years competing internationally with a single horse before working as a groom for Tomas Eriksson, as well as for Stefan and Werner Ulrich. Alongside this, he began designing courses in Switzerland and, in 2018, completed his first FEI training program for course designers. In 2025, he attained FEI Level 4, the highest qualification for a course designer.

Drawing on personal experience

Thanks to his background as a driver, groom, and course designer, Mayer approaches course design from multiple perspectives. His goal is to create courses that allow horses and drivers to showcase their strengths while offering the audience an exciting competition.

Technical challenges, fluid lines

Mayer’s approach centers on finding a balance between technical obstacles and fluid, flowing paths. He believes that even within more complex technical combinations, horses and drivers should be able to maintain a good rhythm.

“During the marathon, horses and turnouts should be challenged, but not overtaxed.” This balance serves as the guiding principle for his work in Beekbergen: both technical skill and speed should play a role, with the primary focus always being to ensure a fair course for the horses.

Beekbergen not unknown to Mayer

Although this will be Mayer’s first time working as a course designer in Beekbergen, he is already familiar with the venue. During the 2025 World Championships for Pairs, he served as an assistant to the technical delegate, which gave him a valuable look behind the scenes. He was impressed by the infrastructure; in particular, the large sand arena constructed for that championship serves as a strong foundation for future editions.

An exciting and varied marathon

His next step is a visit in the spring of 2027. Together with the organizing committee, he will inspect the grounds, discuss ideas, and evaluate potential changes for the competition in July, as well as further developments for 2028. Following this visit, the detailed design of the courses will be developed. While it is too early to reveal specific obstacles or routes, Mayer’s ambition for 2027 is clear: to create an exciting, varied marathon that is engaging for the horses, the drivers, and the spectators alike.

The 2027 event also offers an opportunity to test certain elements with an eye toward the 2028 FEI World Championships for Four-in-Hand Driving. However, Mayer intends to hold back some new features specifically for the championship itself.

A balance between sporting challenge and horse welfare

For the world’s best four-in-hand teams, he envisions a fair yet challenging marathon, blending technical sections with faster, more open stretches. A championship requires a higher level of difficulty, while always maintaining the essential balance between sporting challenge and horse welfare.

Above all, Mayer looks forward to high-quality sport, a pleasant atmosphere, and close collaboration with the organizing committee and his own team. “I am very happy to be part of the World Championship in Beekbergen. A World Championship is always a special opportunity and a great challenge.”

For your calendar:

• Paardenspektakel Beekbergen | July 29–August 1, 2027

• FEI World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship | September 6–10, 2028

Both events will take place at the Riant Equestrian Centre in Beekbergen.