Image courtesy of LGCT
The 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour kicked off this past weekend in Miami Beach, as I am sure most of you guys have seen all over social media!
Miami is always a unique start to the LGCT season. The sand, the sun, the high-pressure atmosphere—it’s not like any other show. Horses are fresh from winter training, riders are eager to kick off the season, and spectators pose the risk of spooking horses.
This year, Katrin Eckermann came for gold. She took the CSI5* Grand Prix win with Iron Dames Dialogue Blue PS, however, she did more than just win. It’s her third Miami Beach Grand Prix victory, which is pretty insane at this level. Winning once is tough enough, but three times?
The track was technical, the atmosphere was overwhelming, and the energy of the crowd made it feel like a completely different kind of pressure. That makes Eckermann’s win even more impressive; she and Dialog Blue PS came out sharp, fast, and confident right from the start.
Being the first LGCT show of the season, Miami also sets the tone for the rest of the tour. Riders now know exactly what level they need to hit to stay competitive. Early wins like this aren’t just about points: they’re about momentum and confidence. If you’ve already beaten the best once, you walk into the next show knowing you can do it again.
