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Champions Return to Pattaya: Anticipation Builds for the FEI Eventing Asian Championship

By on Nov 25, 2025 2:07 pm -

Korntawat Samran of Thailand and B.Grimm Billy Elmy during the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Montelibretti. Photo by Massimo Argenziano for the FEI.

Excitement is mounting as Asia’s top eventing athletes prepare to return to Thailand for the FEI Eventing Asian Championship 2025, which takes place from 30 November – 3 December. With three national teams – Hong Kong, India and Thailand – and 17 individual athletes confirmed across a total of five nations, this year’s Championship promises world-class sport, a vibrant spectator atmosphere, and a showcase of the sport’s rapid development across the continent.

The Thai Polo Club – an expansive 250-hectare equestrian haven on the outskirts of Pattaya – once again provides the stage. Designed by polo visionaries Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, the venue features state-of-the-art arenas, permanent cross-country and endurance courses, and horse-centric facilities unique to the region.

“This venue has always been special,” says Hong Kong athlete Annie Ho, who will compete in both eventing and dressage in Pattaya. “I actually won the inaugural Asian Eventing Championships in 2013 here. The facilities were impressive then, but they’ve raised the bar even further.”

This hybrid-format competition begins on 30 November with the first horse inspection followed by arena familiarisation. Monday 1 December will see athletes perform the CCI3*-B Dressage test, showcasing the precision and harmony expected at the level. The action continues on 2 December with the CCI2*-L cross-country test across the venue’s permanently maintained course, before the event concludes on Wednesday 3 December with the second horse inspection, the CCI3* jumping test, and the team and individual medal ceremonies.

Among this year’s top contenders is China’s Alex Hua Tian, who will be competing in Pattaya with his 4* horse, Manjushri. Hua Tian, who qualified for the Beijing Olympics at just 18 years old, has made a notable impact on the eventing world ever since.

“Alex is definitely one to beat,” says Ho. “A couple of the Thai riders have also had excellent seasons in Europe, so it’s shaping up to be a very competitive championship.”

For Ho herself, expectations are high as she partners with Evita AP, owned by British Olympian Sarah Bullimore. Based in Hampshire, UK, where she trains with Team GB athlete Piggy March, Ho reflects on what makes representing Hong Kong so meaningful. “It’s always a privilege to represent your country at a championship. Even though ours aren’t on the same scale as the Europeans, the team atmosphere is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the reasons I keep going. It motivates me to ride at these amazing venues and be part of something bigger.”

The host country has named five athletes for the eventing competition. Three of them, Weerapat Pitakanonda, Korntawat Samran and Preecha Khunjan, were part of the gold medal winning team at the FEI Asian Championship in 2019, where Korntawat Samran also won individual bronze.

There are a number of rising stars competing, including 20-year-old Shashank Kanumuri from India who took over the ride on Wellfields Casino Royale from John Tilley this season. This combination has an excellent cross-country record to date so should be ones to watch.

Hong Kong’s Owen Wong is just 21 years old but has already made his mark on the Eventing world. He will compete Harthill Phantom, previously campaigned by Dutchman Andrew Heffernan to 5* level, so a good performance is expected. Meanwhile Qatar, an emerging eventing nation, will send two individual athletes this year: Mohammed Jabor H R Al Naimi and Mohammed Salem M L Al Marri, who both started their careers in the sport of jumping.

Eventing’s growth across Asia is unmistakable, Ho explains. “Japan has traditionally dominated, but we’re seeing real depth emerging from Thailand, China, and even us in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s youth programme has been hugely successful in bringing through the next generation. And at the China National Games last week, there were seven teams competing – that’s a big sign of progress.”

As always, horse welfare is central to championship operations. The event will host 15 FEI-accredited veterinarians from a range of nations, with the Veterinary Commission led by Dr. Emily Sandler-Burtness (USA), an experienced official at multiple FEI Championships and Games. The Thai Polo Club’s permanent veterinary facilities – overseen by a leading Argentinian equine specialist and supported by international and local farriers, trainers, and stable staff – ensure exceptional care throughout the competition.

With nearly 40 million tourists visiting Thailand each year and more than 24 million travelling specifically to Pattaya in 2024, the Championships – which showcase multiple equestrian disciples – are poised to attract a lively international audience. During the 2019 edition at the same venue, spectators from around the world filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that is expected to return in full force.

Fans unable to attend will have access to complete live and on-demand coverage via FEI TV/ClipMyHorse.

As anticipation builds, teams, athletes, and supporters alike look forward to a thrilling celebration of courage, precision, and partnership between horse and athlete. The FEI Eventing Asian Championship 2025 is set to deliver a compelling showcase of sport, national pride, and the future of eventing across Asia.

Rising Talent Shines at FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship

By on Oct 20, 2025 9:30 am -

Lara De Liedekerke – Meier (BEL) and Tara Van Het Leliehof winners of the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship 2025 for 6 year olds – Lion D’Angers (FRA) © FE I/ PSV

The world’s most promising young Eventing horses gathered in France for the 40th anniversary of the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, hosted at the Mondial du Lion, Le Lion d’Angers this weekend. Among a field of exceptional talent, it was Irish-bred Brookfield Danny De Muze and British athlete Tom McEwen who captured the seven-year-old title, while Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Tara Van Het Leliehof triumphed in the six-year-old championship.

Brookfield Danny De Muze, expertly piloted by McEwen, produced a faultless double clear to secure victory on a score of 29.6. “I have had some really good results here and I’m delighted for the owners- Chloe and John Perry and Alison Swinburn,” said McEwen. “I am really pleased for the horse who has been going really well all year. I haven’t run him much because the ground has been so hard in the UK. I felt we made a few mistakes on Thursday in the dressage, but he was brilliant yesterday and jumped foot-perfect today. It’s really nice for the owners, who are unbelievably good at coming second and third.”

Speaking about his champion mount, sired by I’m Special de Muze, McEwen added: “He’s a very modern-day sport horse. He’s got a great gallop and, as you saw today, a fantastic jump – so for me, he’s the full package. The course today was very open and then went a bit twisty, and I could easily catch up time later on just because he’s so quick to turn around.”

He also reflected on the broader significance of the event: “The reason you come here is to showcase the young horses, and as Le Lion shows, it’s not just the winners that follow the path. Take Lordships Graffalo, who finished eighth here – you can see how phenomenal he’s become. For me, yes, obviously we are here to compete and win, but at the same time it’s about producing these lovely horses in an incredible spectacle, with plenty of people, and seeing how they first learn to deal with atmosphere.”

McEwen’s clear round secured the title ahead of Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who came agonisingly close to claiming a rare double victory. Competing with Helios, she dropped a rail at oxer number eight, settling for second place. Ireland’s Ian Cassells and Noa Wcompleted the podium in third, marking an impressive double medal haul for the Irish athlete after also finishing runner-up in the six-year-old class with Rutland Flamenco. France’s Benjamin Massié and Indigogrey Savigny AA climbed an extraordinary 36 places, from 40th after dressage to fourth overall, claiming the best French result in the seven-year-old championship.

In the six-year-old championship, it was Tara Van Het Leliehof, by the stallion Pegasus Van’t Ruytershof, ridden by Lara de Liedekerke-Meier who claimed top honours following a faultless performance in the final jumping phase. Sitting second after dressage and leading after cooss-country, the Belgian combination delivered a clear round on the final day to clinch the title on a score of 25.5. It marked De Liedekerke-Meier’s first ever victory at Le Lion after nearly twenty appearances since 2007.

“It’s incredible- you work so hard for that. I knew the horse was exceptional, but there’s a difference between knowing it and doing it,” Lara said. “It’s the judges liking your horse, a bit of luck on the course, and so many things you can’t control. Today I had to cope with my nerves, which were not under control until after fence 4b, but then I felt she was jumping incredibly and I could relax a little bit and make it happen. It’s a sweet victory.”

Reflecting on her mare’s performance, she added: “It’s the first time she has done the jumping after the cooss country. She was a bit impressed by the crowd when she went in there, but she’s a polite horse and I think she’s a superstar for the future.”

The Belgian star, who also claimed victory at Boekelo (BEL) just a week earlier, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her support network: “This is the kind of emotion that keeps us going through the hard times and the injuries. I may be the one in the spotlight, but this victory belongs to the whole team.”

Ireland’s Ian Cassells achieved his first-ever podium at the Mondial du Lion, finishing second in the six-year-olds with Rutland Flamenco after a double clear round, while the USA’s Hallie Coon and Tykillen Tango completed the top three after climbing from tenth place following dressage.

[Editor’s Note] For our North American followers, here’s a rundown of the other completed results from U.S. and Canadian riders:

6-year-old Division
Hallie Coon (USA) – Tykillen Tango – 3rd (29.8)
Kathryn Robinson (CAN) – Parkplace Cedar – 32nd (59.7)

7-year-old Division
Cosby Green (USA) – MBF Party Time – 5th (33.9)
Rebecca Howard (CAN) – Dolmen Cooley – 17th (43.1)
Cassie Sanger (USA) – MT Luxuan – 30th (56.9)
Lexi Scovil (USA) – Undertaker 7 – 43rd (83.7)
Colleen Loach (CAN) – Chiaro Z Excalibur – 45th (86.9)

As the curtain closed on the 40th edition of the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championship, the event once again proved its reputation as a showcase for the sport’s future stars- where the next generation of world and Olympic champions begins its journey.

Mondial du Lion: [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Flawless French Triumph on Home Turf at Lignières Nations Cup

By on Sep 29, 2025 12:00 pm -

Team France take the win in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Lignières (FRA): Stéphane Landois, Benjamin Massie, Astier Nicolas and Nicolas Touzaint © FEI/Libby Law Photography

In a true showcase of horsemanship, consistency and class, France stormed to victory on home soil at the fifth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Lignières (FRA) this weekend. Leading from start to finish, the seasoned French team finished on a winning score of 94.3 penalties, comfortably ahead of Switzerland on 124.7. Despite only two of their athletes completing, Great Britain took third on 1082.8, with a total of five nations competing at the event.

France was the only team to avoid elimination across all four athletes in a tough cross country phase designed by French course builder Pierre Le Goupil. All four combinations jumped clear and fast, delivering one of the lowest team scores seen this season, second only to Great Britain’s 87.8 at Bicton (GBR) in May.

Unlike many nations fielding less experienced combinations or first-time senior team members, the French brought a full contingent of seasoned athletes. Astier Nicolas and Benjamin Massie had just returned from the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship 2025 at Blenheim (GBR) last week, this time on different horses from their deep string of talent.

Massie delivered a foot-perfect performance aboard Filao de Perte. The French-bred gelding is by the popular stallion Upsilon and jumped double clear inside the time, finishing on his Dressage score of 33.1. Nicolas, competing with the Irish-bred Dirty Old Town (by Cruising Ambassador), was equally strong- clear inside the time on cross country and lowering just one rail in show jumping to complete on 33.0.

Benjamin Massie (FRA*) and Filao de Perte. Photo: Libby Law Photography

Team stalwart Nicolas Touzaint once again showed why he remains a pillar of French eventing. With his hugely exciting French-bred gelding Diabolo Menthe, Touzaint added nothing to his dressage mark of 28.2, finishing second individually in the CCIO4*-NC-S behind Britain’s Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley.

Completing the winning French quartet was Olympic athlete Stéphane Landois, who partnered the 10-year-old Fibonacci de Lessac HDC, owned by Haras des Coudrettes. The new pairing impressed, jumping clear and fast across country before picking up four penalties in Jumping to finish on 33.2.

Speaking after his cross country round, Landois reflected on the developing partnership: “I ride him since the beginning of the season, so it’s our first season together and our first four-star today. I’m very happy, I still had some doubt about Fibonacci as I’m still discovering him. Today he proved that he was a real eventing horse and that I could trust him.”

When asked about the honour of representing France at the Nations Cup, Landois added: “I’m always very proud to be representing France and to compete with this flag. So every time we are called to compete at this show, it is always a pleasure.”

Nicolas Touzaint (FRA*) and Diabolo Menthe. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Course designer Pierre Le Goupil set thoughtful but testing tracks across both jumping phases. The cross country route proved especially influential, with very few combinations making the time. Athletes were challenged throughout, but particular trouble came at the corner combination at 17ABC and the step-to-oxer complex at 18ABC.

Despite a disappointing outing for Germany, who finished fourth on a team score of 1120.1 after several eliminations, they still retain the lead in the overall series standings with 340 points. France’s win keeps them within striking distance, sitting second on 300 points heading into the final round.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series will now conclude with the much-anticipated final in Boekelo (NED) from 9 to 12 October, where the season champion will be decided at one of Europe’s most iconic venues.

Lignières FEI Eventing Nations Cup (France): [Website] [Scores] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup] [Live Stream Replays]

Golds Galore for French Young Guns at FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors/Young Riders

By on Aug 25, 2025 9:00 am -

Team France reacts on the podium after winning team gold in juniors during FEI Eventing European Championship in Strzegom, Poland.

The FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors 2025 in Strzegom (POL) highlighted the unpredictable nature of Eventing, with the jumping phases proving decisive in both the Young Riders and Juniors categories. This year the French proved to be a golden generation after collecting numerous podium finishes in both championships.

In the Junior competition, Team France claimed gold with an impressive final score of 91.2 which put them well ahead of Belgium, who finished on 114.2. Meanwhile, Spain—rarely seen on the podium in Eventing – were just a whisker behind, taking bronze with a score of 114.9.

The Young Rider Championships saw frequent changes to the leaderboard throughout the event, but once again France showcased their strength in the jumping phases to secure gold, finishing on 121 penalties. Ireland took silver with 123.4, and Great Britain claimed bronze on 130.0 penalties.

Juniors

Ella Howard and Marchwood enjoy their lap of honor.

The French squad sat in second place after the dressage phase, just behind Germany. However, after delivering fast and clear cross-country rounds, they entered the final jumping phase as overnight leaders. The cross-country course, designed by the world-renowned Marcin Konarski, rewarded bold and accurate riding.

The French team included Matis Cogniet, who also secured individual bronze on Vivendi Hero, and Tess Carrere on Graphit De Fay Z—both of whom completed the competition on their dressage scores. They were joined by Maxime Goutailler on Berlioz d’Ile and Rachel Weiler on Riviero, who summed up her team’s performance after a tense final phase: “It was so incredible, we were so nervous because we had not a lot of points in front of the other teams but we have done it, so we are so happy.”

On the individual podium, Ella Howard claimed gold after jumping a double clear on her 14-year-old KWPN gelding, Marchwood. Her final score of 28.1 edged ahead of Germany’s Pia Sophie Schreiber and Cliemann, who finished on 29.4. Matis Cogniet (FRA) also ended on 29.4 but took bronze, as Schreiber was closer to the optimum time in the jumping phase.

Speaking after her win, 17-year-old Howard said: “It’s amazing. I’m very lucky, this is my fourth time at a Championship and I would watch people win on the podium before so for it to be me, I can’t really believe it to be honest. My horse has been wonderful all week. He’s such a sweet horse in the stable and when he comes out, he just knows when to perform when it matters. He’s such a special horse and really deserves this win. I am still in Juniors so next year we will try and get here again.”

Young Riders

Heather Busch tastes victory with Crystal-Annabell.

The Young Riders Championship came down to a nail-biting finish. France climbed the ranks from fourth after dressage to take the top spot, thanks to strong cross-country and jumping performances over technically demanding and highly influential courses. They entered the jumping phase in second place behind Ireland, but after Ben Connors incurred two rails down, gold went to France.

The winning team was made up of Valentin Quittet Eslan on Casanova D’Ems, Verane Nicaud on Baron d’Etat, Alizée Bourguet on César des Hauts Crêts, and Paul Barret on Qualified by Van ‘T Huka.

Nicaud spoke on behalf of her victorious team: “I think we all feel really amazing and grateful for the team we had and the horses we had. We were dreaming about a medal but a gold on- it was exceptional. And it’s my last year so it’s especially exceptional. A lot of emotion from all of us and we have two medals—a team and individual—so I was really happy to compete with such great riders.”

The individual medals saw Germany’s Hannah Busch take gold aboard Crystall-Annabell, with Valentin Quittet Eslan (FRA) claiming silver on Casanova D’Ems, and Sophie Weening (NED) and Konan securing the bronze.

Strzegom has proven to be a lucky venue for Busch, who also won individual gold in the Junior Europeans here last year. In her first year as a Young Rider, she repeated the feat. Busch, riding the ever-reliable 14-year-old Crystall-Annabell, entered the final phase with a rail in hand. Though one pole did fall, she held her nerve to secure the title.

“I have no words to describe this because it is just such a surprise and I am so proud of my horse. She did such a wonderful job. I feel happiness and very grateful for having achieved everything I could achieve. My horse and my team and my family make it special- this whole community is just supporting one another. The last week was such a wonderful time.”

FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors/Young Riders (Poland): [Website] [FEI Info Hub + Entries] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Germany’s Rising Stars Take the Crown in Arville

By on Aug 18, 2025 9:00 am -

Editor’s Note: This FEI press release is not the only story coming out of Arville! Stay tuned for a sit-down with individual winner Lauren Nicholson (Larcot Z) coming your way here on EN soon!

The podium for the CCIO4* FEI Nations Cup Eventing | Belgium. GOLD: TEAM GERMANY – Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo; Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom Of The Opera; Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW; Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34. SILVER: TEAM USA – Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One; Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre; Cosby Green and Clever Louis; Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z. BRONZE: TEAM AUSTRALIA – Isabel English and Cil Dara Bombay S; Olivia BARTON and APH Sodoku; Kevin McNab and Faro Imp; Grace Kay and Bluefields For Cello. Photo: Libby Law Photography

It was a tussle for the top between Germany and Team USA in the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, held at the stunning venue of Arville in Belgium this week. With less than two penalties separating the two teams, it was always going to be a nail-biting finish. Consistent performances in the jumping phase saw Germany finish on a score of 104.1, putting them ahead of overnight leaders USA, who ended on a total of 112.7 penalties. Team Australia claimed third place with 131.0, while the host nation, Belgium, wound up in tenth.

Germany’s winning team, a group of rising stars, delivered an impressive performance. Calvin Böckmann and his striking chestnut gelding Phantom of the Opera finished second individually on a score of 32.8. Libussa Lübbeke and the 15-year-old mare Caramia 34 took sixth, while Arne Bergendahl was eighth with Luthien NRW, finishing on 36.1. Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo were the drop score despite placing 10th individually on 38.5.

Speaking about the team’s performance, German Chef d’Équipe Annette Wyrwoll was thrilled—and acknowledged the selection headache now facing her ahead of next month’s FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace (GBR).

“Our top three individual combinations—Michael Jung, Malin Hansen-Hotopp, and Jérôme Robiné —we told them they could ride how they wanted, as they’re already selected. The others, we wanted to test for Blenheim,” she explained. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t enter five combinations in the team, because we would have included Anna Siemer as well. We’ll select the team on Tuesday night via Zoom. Sometimes it’s better to sleep on it a few times—especially when you have five riders and only three spots. It will be tough for two of them. We don’t know yet which ones, and even then, we’ll wait until Blenheim and see the course before finalising the team and individuals.”

Team Germany take the Gold for the CCIO4* FEI Nations Cup Eventing | Belgium. Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo; Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom Of The Opera; Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34; Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW. Photo: Libby Law Photography

Arville was perhaps the most hotly contested FEI Eventing Nations Cup leg of the season, featuring a star-studded lineup of combinations from around the world. Eleven nations and 102 combinations entered—making it the largest field of the series—with many riders using the event as a key selection trial for the upcoming FEI Eventing European Championships.

The quality of the field was matched by the technical challenge of the cross-country course, designed by Marcin Konarski—who is also organiser and course designer at the international events in Strzegom, Poland. This demanding track caught out even some of the most experienced combinations, and the time proved particularly hard to make, with only four athletes in the CCIO4* finishing inside the optimum.

Wyrwoll described the course as ‘tough but fair’: “You could see the refusals weren’t concentrated on just one or two fences—they were spread across the whole course. Riders had to stay focused right to the end. Even the small drop at the finish caught some out, as did the coffin and the corners. But it was good—congratulations to the course builder. The time was tough, but the days before were dry and hot. The ground was hard, but the organisers did everything they could—they spiked and watered, even during the night. The Americans are here preparing for Burghley, and the Europeans for Blenheim, so no one wanted to jeopardise their chances.”

Wyrwoll also highlighted the value of the series in developing future talent: “The Nations Cup is important, especially right before a championship. We wanted to see how our younger riders performed under pressure. Riders like Libussa Lübbeke and Calvin Böckmann have experience at Pony, Junior, and Young Rider level—but not yet at Senior. So we added a little pressure to see how they’d react in the ‘real world.’”

While this was their first win of the 2025 series, Germany now extend their lead in the overall FEI Eventing Nations Cup standings, sitting on 270 points. After a disappointing performance in Arville, France trail in second with 200, but the competition is far from over. The series now heads to Lignières, France (September 25–28), before the Final, once again hosted at the popular Dutch venue of Boekelo (October 9-12).

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Arville CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Schedule] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays] [About the FEI Eventing Nations Cup]

Golden Glory: France Dominates European Pony Eventing Championships

By on Aug 4, 2025 9:30 am -

Ella Rinaldi (FRA) and Boston Du Verdon, winners of the FEI Eventing European Championship for Ponies 2025
© FEI / Libby Law Photography

There was magic in the air at Le Mans (FRA) as Team France delivered a dominant performance at the FEI Eventing European Championships for Ponies this week, securing both team and individual gold in front of a jubilant home crowd.

The formidable under-16 French squad produced a masterclass in precision and consistency, finishing on an outstanding final team score of 88.7 penalties—well ahead of Great Britain, who took silver with 117.8 penalties, and Germany, who claimed bronze with 183.4.

In the individual competition, it was France’s Ella Rinaldi and Boston du Verdon, who claimed gold after three faultless phases. Germany’s Milla Staade, aboard Charleen San, secured silver, while Annabel Ridgeway of Great Britain completed the podium with bronze on Akim de l’Arquerie.

The competition began with Germany leading after the Dressage phase, followed by Great Britain in second and France in third. But the leaderboard was completely reshaped during Saturday’s influential cross country.

The Junior Individual Medal Ceremony. GOLD: Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen (GER) and Attractive. SILVER: Maria Teresa Pohl (GER) and Diaton FRH. BRONZE: Dominique van Dalsen (NED) and Just Johnson. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

The course, designed by the legendary Pierre Michelet (FRA), with support from Alain Ponceau (FRA), lived up to expectations. Known for building some of the sport’s toughest tracks—including those at the Rio Olympics, FEI World Championships 2014, and Pau CCI5*—Michelet delivered a demanding test at Le Mans.

Combinations at fences 16 and 18 caused significant problems, disrupting medal hopes for several nations.

France, however, handled the pressure with composure. All four team riders completed clear rounds inside the time, leaving them with a team score of 86.7 heading into the final day. In contrast, Team GB suffered from an elimination and a refusal, pushing their score to 117.4. Germany, meanwhile, struggled further, with only one athlete delivering a clear round.

By Sunday morning, France had a comfortable 29.1-penalty lead, and their ponies passed the final horse inspection without incident. With the title within reach, the French athletes still kept their focus. Three of the four athletes delivered double-clear rounds, finishing on their dressage scores—an exceptional team performance.

The Children Individual Competition – Medal Ceremony. GOLD: Laura Kohoutek (GER) and Shakeela FRH. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Rinaldi and Boston du Verdon led the charge, with Tifaniie Villeton on Babylon Night Graves finishing fourth and Isla Johnston on Diego de St George’s placing fifth. Allister Muriel and Coccinelle de la Rive rounded out the team in sixth after one rail in the final phase. The team added just two penalties to their total after the dressage—an astonishing result that confirmed France’s gold with style.

Gilles Vericel, Chef d’Équipe of the French team, praised his athletes’ resilience and preparation: “It’s a good outcome, even though we felt a bit of pressure since last year we took the top four spots. What I always say is, it’s not about winning once, it’s about continuing to win. That’s much harder, to do it again. But we weren’t that far off—we got off to a strong start in the dressage and put in some good tests.

“As for the cross country, it was visibly a tough course, set up by Pierre Michelet and especially by Alain Ponceau —it really wasn’t that easy. We had seasoned riders, preparations were ideal, and we were quite confident. Still, you never know what can happen: once they leave the starting box, you can’t do anything more, but they rode to instructions. After the second French rider finished with a clear round, we instructed the team to play it safe, which is why we asked her to take the option at the penultimate obstacle to secure things, but also to go a little faster, which she did—it all went well.”

“We’re happy because we won double medals, and on top of that, what I find great is that we finished in style for Boston, who was ending his sporting career. As for the future, we need to keep developing young riders—we’re lucky to have riders and ponies with the potential to take over from the current stars, so we’ll see how things go.”

The individual contest kept fans glued to the action. Nine athletes completed the competition on their Dressage scores—a rare and impressive feat at any championship level.

Rinaldi, who was second after dressage, moved into the lead with a fast, clear cross country round and held her nerve with a perfect jumping performance. Riding her family’s 14-year-old stallion, Boston du Verdon, she completed on a score of 25.5 penalties.

“My pony, Boston du Verdon, is truly a member of our family—really, he’s incredible. My whole family helped train him: my mother, my sister. Boston is like the boy of the family; he’s the love of our life. Now, he’s going to focus mainly on breeding, though we’ll still participate in a few small shows, just for his enjoyment.”

It was bitter-sweet for Germany’s Milla Staade who led the dressage phase on her own and her parents nine-year-old mare ‘Charleen San’, with a score of 24.6. They picked up just 1.2 penalties on cross country which despite jumping clear in the jumping phase, relegated them to second place and the silver.

The championships in Le Mans were a showcase of grit, excellence, and passion—a perfect ending for a legendary pony, and a golden start for the next generation of French eventing stars.

FEI Eventing European Championships for Ponies (France): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Team Switzerland Triumphs on Home Turf at Avenches FEI Eventing Nations Cup

By on Jul 28, 2025 12:00 pm -

Team Switzerland take the win for the CCIO4*-S FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Switzerland: Robin Godel rides Grandeur de Lully CH; Nadja Minder rides Top Job’s Jalisco; Mélody Johner rides Erin; Felix Vogg rides Cartania. 2025 SUI-IENA Avenches International Horse Trials. Photo: Libby Law Photography

Switzerland celebrated a landmark victory at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 leg held in Avenches (SUI), leading from start to finish and securing the top podium spot in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Hosted at the Institut Équestre National Avenches (IENA), the competition marked a pivotal moment in the Nations Cup season and underlined Switzerland’s growing dominance in international Eventing. Remarkably, the team also won this event last year with the same athlete line-up.

The Swiss team—Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder, and Felix Vogg—were the same athletes selected to compete at the Paris Olympics last year. This talented quartet showcased exceptional consistency and composure across all three phases of the CCIO4*-NC-S. Their final team score of 100.4 comfortably secured the win ahead of Germany (141.7) and France (175.6), improving on their 2024 winning score of 127.7. It was also one of the lowest finishing scores recorded in the 2025 Nations Cup season so far, despite a star-studded field that included reigning Olympic champion and former Avenches winner Michael Jung of Germany, as well as Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who has already claimed 14 international victories this year.

Felix Vogg and Colera. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

As is the nature of the Nations Cup Series, the event also featured several rising stars making team debuts, with nations using the series as a valuable opportunity to give emerging athletes team experience.

Felix Vogg led the way on his 17-year-old gelding, Colero. The pair were in second place behind Jung after Dressage, before delivering a double clear and picking up just 3.6 time penalties. This secured second place individually with a score of 31.2—only 0.1 behind Vogg’s other ride, Cartania, who took the individual win on 31.1.

Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Nadja Minder also delivered a double clear on her Paris Olympic mount, the Polish-bred Top Job’s Jalisco, finishing third individually on a score of 32.2 with one of the fastest Cross-Country rounds of the day. Mélody Johner and Robin Godel rounded out the team effort, placing fifth and seventh respectively. Johner’s 10-year-old Spanish-bred gelding, Erin, looks to be a very exciting prospect for the future, while Godel was partnered with his long-time companion Grandeur de Lully CH. The 17-year-old Swiss gelding has been a consistent performer at major championships and is currently the highest-rated Swiss event horse.

Avenches is a particularly stunning venue on the Nations Cup circuit. It is Switzerland’s only four-star venue and has recently been announced as the host of the FEI Eventing European Championship 2027, having previously staged the event in 2021. Since its debut in 2020, Avenches has developed a reputation for producing a tough Cross-Country test, with time playing a major role. All four Swiss athletes produced fast clears in this phase. With the FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace (GBR) in September fast approaching, this performance firmly establishes Switzerland as medal contenders.

Melody Johner andhttps://eventingnation.com/ Erin. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Speaking after their performance team coach Andrew Nicholson summed up their performance. “I’m very proud of them all. They all did a superb job in all phases and it’s a great pleasure to work with them. I think they are going in the right direction. Sone of our other riders- the younger ones have done a very good job in the same competition so that’s looking good for the future and I am very proud to be part of it. They are looking good for Blenheim and they will do their best for sure and it’s another step up the ladder”.

Dominique Burger is the Chef d’Equipe of the Swiss team and was equally enthusiastic with the home victory. “It is fantastic. It is very satisfying for all the work that is done. It was a compact team performance; we never had it like that that that our result not to count for dressage was 31.6. This was already fantastic and, in the cross-country, they worked fantastically. Also the showjumping was good. We think we are on a good track and we will no work to get better and better.”

Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Avenches was the third leg of the 2025 Series and the half-way point. Germany leads with 170 points, followed by France on 150. Switzerland, having only competed once so far, now sits in strong contention with 100 points, the same tally as Sweden and Great Britain. The Series next moves to Arville, Belgium, from August 13-17.

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Avenches (Switzerland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Sweden Makes FEI Nations Cup History at Strzegom

By on Jun 23, 2025 9:00 am -

Team Sweden take the win for the CCIO4*-S FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Poland. Chef d’Equipe: Fredrik Bergendorff. Stina Arosenius and Lorelei-L; Amanda Staam and Carilda Rose AT; Jenny Glebenius and Canela. Photo: Libby Law Photography/FEI.

An all-female team made history this week by winning Sweden’s first-ever FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ leg, marking a significant achievement for the country in the history of the Series. Their victory at the popular polish venue of Strzegom was made even more impressive by the fact that this was a team made up of just three horse-and-athlete combinations. Their final score of 151.1 placed them ahead of the home nation, Poland, who scored 158.5. Germany finished well behind in third with 1100.4, after the early withdrawal of one of their athletes following the Dressage phase.

Five teams started this second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, none of whom had competed at the opening leg of the Series, which took place at Bicton in Great Britain last month. Spectators were kept entertained as the leaderboard changed dramatically throughout the competition. On paper, the French team looked to be the strongest, but after two of their athletes were eliminated on the cross country, their chances were dashed.

It was the Swedish trio of Stina Arosenius and Lorelei-L, Amanda Staam and Carilda Rose AT, and Jenny Glebenius and Canela who proved their resilience, climbing from last place after Dressage to first place after the cross country phase yesterday. It was also a definitively female performance, as all three athletes were riding mares.

Stina Arosenius (SWE) and Lorelei-L. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

Sweden’s Chef d’Equipe, Fredrik Bergendorff, who has worked tirelessly to develop teams for his nation and deliver promising performances at championship level, was delighted with the result. Speaking after the competition, he emphasised the significance of the Nations Cup Series as a means of giving younger combinations an opportunity to learn while being part of a team: “We had a great day yesterday (in the cross country), and it was nice for these girls to be able to finish it off today. They are inexperienced or riding inexperienced horses, and this is really about learning. To be able to learn and to win like this has been fantastic. These riders have worked hard to figure out their system, and if I can help a little, I do that. But this win is because of them. Now, the spring season comes to a halt, and we need to take a moment to reflect and think about the European Championships in the autumn, considering how to best prepare for that.”

After finishing fourth here last year, 28-year-old Stina Arosenius was once again competing along her long-term partner Lorelei-L, who, at 16 years old, looked as good as ever. Arosenius summed up their experience at Strzegom: “It has been sunny and fantastic, quite dramatic from the beginning, but totally amazing to finish like this. I think we’re going to take our lorries home to Sweden, but we take a lot of happiness and joy with us, and then, with our families and our beautiful horses, we’ll celebrate.”

Jenny Glebenius (SWE) and Canela. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

Jenny Glebenius delivered the best individual performance for the Swedish team by finishing third overall with the lovely Swedish-bred mare Canela, who, at eight years old, was one of the youngest horses in the field. The pair produced one of the fastest cross country rounds of the day but had an unlucky rail in the Jumping, which cost them second place. “The cross country was amazing; it was a really nice course. We love everything about this sport, and doing this with the horses is very special,” she said after her podium result.

Thirty-five-year-old Amanda Staam finished just behind Glebenius in fourth place, riding her own Carilda Rose, another Swedish-bred mare. “It’s super cool, and we are very, very happy. All three of us are very proud of our horses and very happy to be here, doing this together. This success is because our horses are so great, and our hard work paid off. We stuck to the plan and had a lot of fun during this week.”

Strzegom has now hosted a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ on 12 previous occasions. Once again, the cross country course was designed by Marcin Konarski, who is also the Organiser of Strzegom. The course is always influential, and Konarski set a challenging test, with no combination jumping clear within the time. In fact, only 5% of starters have finished both clear and inside the time, and five of the twelve FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ editions have seen no one make the time at all.

Amanda Staam (SWE) and Carilda Rose A. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

The cross country leader was Germany’s Heike Jahncke, who praised the Series and the course. “I really like this show. We all know that this competition in June is the most difficult one. It’s an honour to ride a Nations Cup for a team, and we must thank Marcin and the whole organising team for their support. There was no entry fee for the Nations Cup horses, which was very nice, as we all know how expensive the sport can be, and that gives us a great opportunity. At Strzegom, the cross country isn’t just one question—it’s always question after question. The water complex was the most difficult, and you always have to be prepared for everything. Marcin has done a great job, and it was lovely to ride.”

The Nations Cup Series now heads to Avenches in Switzerland, which takes place from 24-27 July. Great Britain, who won their home leg at Bicton last month, are currently in equal first place with Sweden, both on a score of 100.

Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Olympians Go Head-to-Head, Victory for Germany in Arville

By on Aug 19, 2024 10:00 am -

Team Gold – Germany: Jérôme Robiné on Black Ice; Michael Jung on Kilcandra Ocean Power; Libussa Lübbeke on Caramia 34; Calvin Böckmann on The Phantom Of The Opera at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 Arville (BEL) / FEI – Libby Law

After a disappointing Olympic experience in Paris, Team Germany proved that they are still one of the best in the world, with a decisive win at the sixth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ held at Arville, Belgium this week.

A number of Olympic medallists and athletes came to compete at the beautiful venue including Olympic champions Michael Jung (GER) which added to the excitement for riders and spectators. Despite Jung retiring on the cross country, the German team’s finishing score of 109.2 was good enough for first. France finished in second place on 119.2 whilst Great Britain finished third on 121.0, with the home nation Belgium in fourth on 143.0.

The German team might have been spearheaded by three-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Jung and the experienced four-star horse Kilandra Ocean Power, but German Chef d’Equipe, Rodolphe Scherer chose to select three younger riders to make up the team. It proved to be the right decision to take since the three younger riders’ scores were the ones to count, after Michael Jung’s cross country retirement.

23-year-old Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera finished second overall. 26-year-old Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice finished 11th individually, whilst 23-year-old Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 picked up a few time penalties on the cross country to finish in 22nd.

Speaking after their win, Scherer spoke on behalf of the German team about their performance in Arville. “I am happy for the result because of the result but also because three of our riders were our younger riders. I came here with a lot of ambition because Calvin and Jérôme were reserved for the Olympics so it was a good team to come here.”

The cross country course caused its fair share of drama with very few jumping clear rounds inside the time. There were a number of athletes picking up jumping penalties as well as retirements and eliminations at some of the combinations.

“It was a nice course, but it was a tough course with lots in it” summed up Scherer who himself competed at two Olympics for Team France. “You need to ride and be clever. It was more difficult if you look at the time. If you compete quiet it’s ok but if you ride for the time, of course it’s a little bit more difficult. But it was really encouraging for horses and very fair. Arville is a nice competition.”

He also explained what happened to the team’s most experienced rider on course, Michael Jung. “Micky had one run out at the water. He jumped good into the eater then turned and you have a skinny on the way out and the horse was a little bit behind the leg on the turn and he had a little run out. After that, he jumped up to the coffin which he jumped well then stopped because he knew that he could relax for the team and that the team could win without him. Little mistakes happen, one minute you win a gold medal and the next you have a run out.”

Ten teams came forward for this leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, many of them fielding athletes who had competed in Paris. Second placed France fielded a strong team, including two riders who helped team France to team silver, Nicolas Touzaint and Gireg Le Coz (reserve athlete).

Team USA was represented by Tiana Coudray (Cancaras Girl), Sydney Elliott (QC Diamantaire), Hallie Coon (Cute Girl), and Katheine Coleman (Sirius SB), starting the weekend strong in third position as a team but later falling to finish 10th in the Nations Cup standings. Hallie continued her stellar season with the 10-year-old Cute Girl, finishing as the top-placed U.S. rider in seventh of 88 finishers.

The Series now moves to Lignières (FRA) from September 26-29, the penultimate leg before the final, which takes place in Boekelo (NED) in October. This result put France out in front of the team standings on a score of 290 points, with Germany in second place on 240 points.

FEI Nations Cup (Arville, Belgium): [Website] [Results] [Live Stream Replays]

French Winning Streak Continues in Strzegom

By on Jun 23, 2024 1:39 pm -

Team France take the win for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Poland. Strzegom Horse Trials. Sebastien At riding Casanova Du Frety; Marie Bouchanville riding Cap’taine Charles; Verane Nicaud riding Baron d’Etat; Camille Laisney riding Avalone.
Photo: Libby Law Photography

If Strzegom proved one thing, it was that eventing is rarely predictable. The leaderboard changed dramatically throughout but a young French team proved they could fight until the end, climbing from last to first in the fifth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Poland today. Their score of 145.5 was just a whisker ahead of cross-country leaders Sweden, who wound up on 146.6. Whilst Poland delighted their home crowd by finishing in third on 168.3.

All four riders were making their first appearance for the French Team in a Nations Cup competition, but this did not stop them beating stiff competition, including a number of leading riders. These included reigning Olympic champion Julia Krajewski (GER) and winner of six Olympic medals Andrew Hoy (AUS) who at 65 years old was the most experienced competitor in the clubhouse.

The French had a disappointing start in the dressage phase, where they finished last of the five teams which came forward with Australia out in front. The cross country phase proved influential, particularly the time with very few riders finishing without penalties. French rider Camille Laisney was one of them and also came out overall winner of the CCIO4*-S.

Camille Laisney rides Avalone during the cross country for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup.
Photo: Libby Law Photography

She was full of praise for her talented French-bred mare, Avalone. “It was a really nice day. For me the dressage was not really good, but I was last to go in cross-country yesterday and I saw that the time was hard to get and my horse is really fast so I say ‘ok I can do something here.’ This is the first time I have come here and the cross-country is amazing. The ground is perfect and all the fences were nice. The showjumping arena is impressive and that can be challenging for horses. I am going to take her of her (horse) as she is just the best.”

20-year-old Verane Nicaud has no doubt impressed French selectors ahead of the FEI European Young Rider Championships which take place next month at this very venue.

“It was an amazing week and many beautiful memories. We all get the chance to do our first Nations Cup here so that was a big experience for all of us and this is part of a dream which we share. My next goal is the Young Rider European Championships which is here (at Strzegom). We just tried our best out there and it paid. The cards were really changing after the cross-country, and the time was hard to make, but we are all happy. My next goal will be a four-star long like Boekelo. We came with nothing to lose and we win, and that was a dream. We hope we have shown that France is ready to compete well at the Olympics in Paris.”

Marie Bouchanville rides Cap’taine Charles during the Cross Country for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup.
Photo: Libby Law Photography

Marie Bouchanville and Sebastien At made up the French quartet and were both full of praise for the venue. “I really like Strzegom. We are really far away, it took two days to come but the weather was really nice and the cross-country was lovely to ride” said Bouchanville.

Technical delegate at Strzegom, Giuseppe Della Chiesa, highlighted how well supported the event remains, and how useful that can be for Nations needing team practice ahead of Championships. “It is great to see how much this event has improved over time. The good thing of the sport is that everywhere is different. Strzegom has been put on the map because there is a good atmosphere and a well-supported atmosphere.”

In just two appearances, France have remained unbeatable in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series this season, winning the opening leg in Montelibretti back in March. The nation has shown strength and depth in their Eventing squad over the last few season. They have used the Series to give both less experienced riders and more seasoned team members useful practice competing as a team.

France is now out in front first in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ standings with 200 points, just ahead of Italy and Switzerland who have 180 points. The Series will now move to Arville in Belgium next month (15-18th August), for the sixth event in this eight-leg Series which concludes at Boekelo (NED) in October.

Full results can be found here.

All Eyes on Paris: Swiss Olympic Hopefuls Dominate at Home Event

By on Jun 10, 2024 9:30 am -

Switzerland tops the Avenches podium. Photo via the FEI.

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, Team Switzerland could prove a serious medal-contender if recent results are anything to go by. An experienced home-side took decisive win at the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ this week, with three of the four team members finishing in the top four of this CCIO4*-Nations Cup held in Avenches (SUI). Leading throughout the competition, their final score of 134.6 put them way out in front of Italy who finished on a score of 160.0 and Germany who were third with 231.9.

The Swiss team was made up of three riders who competed in the last Olympics in Tokyo and are hopeful of representing their nation in Paris in just over a month’s time. Robin Godel’s fantastic partnership with his evergreen performer, Grandeur de Lully CH looked as strong as ever in Avenches. The pair finished in first place individually after riding one of the fastest cross-country rounds of the day, in a competition which saw no combinations go clear inside the time. Godel and the lovely Swiss-bred gelding have been a mainstay of the Swiss team and competed in a number of Nations Cup events with success.

Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully. Photo via the FEI.

Speaking after the prize giving, Gödel summed up what it meant for them and the benefits that come with competing as a team in these competitions. “It is a wonderful result for the team and to win at home. It is very important to see how the team reacts and connects together. It was the last preparation for Paris and it is always beneficial for the team to perform together and a good preparation for the Games. It is also important for a championship where a team result counts. It is always a pleasure to compete in a Nations Cup.”

Godel was joined by his experienced Swiss teammate Felix Vogg on Dao de l’Ocean who finished second individually; together with Mélody Johner with her equine partner for Tokyo and the FEI World Championships in Pratoni, Toubleu de Rueire, who at seventeen years old looked as good as ever whilst contesting the undulating terrain of the cross-country course. The final rider hoping to head to Paris was Nadia Minder, riding the Polish bred gelding, Top Job’s Jalisco, who climbed the leaderboard from 26th after the dressage to 11th overall, after a positive cross-country performance.

The cross-country time proved the biggest challenge for most riders, explained Godel. “Nobody ended up the cross country in time. This cross is famous for turning a lot and we did not have a lot of long line to gallop and gain some time. I was very happy with my horse because we have good consistency. For a few years we met some difficulties for the jumping, now it’s under control and it is from there we chaise some good results. We could see it today he did a lot of progress in this discipline. I am very happy because it was his last event before Paris. It was very close to my heart to perform well and achieve a good result to have confidence for this event.

Felix Vogg and Dao de L’Ocean. Photo via the FEI.

“For me it is always a bit special because I feel at home. It is very different because a lot of close family came to support me. It is always a pleasure. Since the beginning of the international championship in Avenches we did not miss any championship. It is always a goal that I have in my schedule. Being able to win gives some great feelings.”

There were just three teams competing at Avenches, a picturesque event held at the National Equestrian Institute (IENA). Italy, who claimed the final team ticket for Paris by being the highest place team in the Nations Cup Series, not already qualified, also sent an experienced team of riders who are vying for a place in Paris. Whilst Germany had just three riders looking to gain invaluable team experience.

Switzerland and Italy are in joint first in the Nations Cup standings at this halfway point. Both nations have 180 points. The Series will now move to Strzegom in Poland later this month (20-23 June), for the fifth event in this eight-leg Series which concludes at Boekelo (NED) in October.

French Forge Ahead at FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Season Opener

By on Mar 18, 2024 12:00 pm -

Team Podium, la France, Maxime LIVIO, Mathieu CHOMBART, Luc CHATEAU, Benjamin MASSIE (FRA), FEI Nations CUP™ Montelibretti Italy 2024

Slick, quick cross-country performances gave France the winning edge in the opening leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, which took place in the beautiful Italian setting of Montelibretti this week. Five nations came forward but it was France who took a decisive victory over Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Australia. They finished on an overall team score of 122.70 ahead of home nation Italy on 144.50 whilst Team Switzerland wound up in close third on a score of 145.30.

Benjamin Massie led his team to victory with the impressive French-bred gelding, Figaro Fonroy. He finished in first place overall in this CCIO4*-S competition on a score of 39.40 but only narrowly beat his teammate Maxime Livio into second who had a score of 39.60. Livio was riding his seasoned campaigner Vegas des Boursons, another French-bred gelding who was the fastest horse around the cross-country course and the only one to finish without time penalties in this phase.

Benjamin Massie (FRA) and Figaro Fonroy, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

This is no doubt testament to a strong and long-standing partnership with his talented rider who is ranked 8th in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings and also trains the Thailand Eventing team. Livio and Massie were ably assisted by Luc Chateau who was the only French athlete to jump a double clear with horse Ego Des Cabanes and Mathieu Chombert with Big Boss Melo.

Massie was delighted with his young horse and summed up the cross-country phase “I think we all agree that the course was tough enough for the beginning of the season. It was not so twisty and quite fast. The ground was really nice but technically speaking it was tough for the first of the season.”

Chateau was in agreement that the team behind Montelibretti had struck the perfect balance. “I think Montelibretti is a good place for competition. We have a good cross-country on beautiful grass and the weather was very good all week- it was perfect.”

Maxime Livio (FRA) Vegas des Boursons, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

36 year-old Livio has this year’s Paris Olympics firmly in his plan this season and was full of praise for the Nations Cup Series both for the teams and as an individual.

The rookie of the team was Chombert who picked an unlucky 20 penalties on the early part of the course but then set the record straight with one of the few clear in the final Jumping phase. “For me and my horse, it was the first Nations Cup. I was the novice of the team but my horse had a good weekend. Normally, I can be better on the cross-country, but today he was really fresh and confident in the Jumping. I am really happy. Normally I can do better but the other guys on the team were really strong and it was a great result.”

Emiliano Portale (ITA) and Scuderia 1918 Future, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

The Italian quartet delighted their home crowd and received the biggest cheer of the day with their overall runner-up spot. With all four athletes jumping clear cross-country rounds, the nation is showing depth and strength at this level. Italy received the very last Olympic team qualification from their consistency in the FEI Eventing Nations CupTM Series last year and they will have a number of combinations to choose from.

The second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ moves to Chatsworth (GBR) , which runs from 17 to 19 May 2024.

Full results can be found here. You can also view the live stream replays on the FEI’s YouTube channel here or in the videos embedded below.

Dressage Day 1:

Dressage Day 2:

Cross Country:

Show Jumping:

Elation for Italy after Claiming Final Olympic Ticket at Boekelo

By on Oct 9, 2023 10:30 am -
Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay during the Cross Country test at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup - Ermelo (Netherlands). Copyright Photo: FEI/ Libby Law Photography Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay during the Cross Country test at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup - Ermelo (Netherlands). Copyright Photo: FEI/ Libby Law Photography

Italy’s persistence in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series proved worthwhile as they picked up the golden ticket for the Paris Olympics next year. Having competed at every one of the eight events in this popular competition, Olympic qualification was their primary focus and they made use of a large pool of talent to get them to this satisfying destination.

When Spain failed to enter here, Italy came to Boekelo knowing they had it in the bag, but it was still important to riders to prove to selectors that they were worthy contenders of an Olympic place. They finished third in the Nations Cup Series behind Belgium and France who were already qualified.

ITA-Umberto Riva rides Falconn Sunheup Z during the Showjumping. 2023 NED-Military Boekelo CCIO4* | FEI Nations Cup Eventing – Netherlands. Sunday 8 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Umberto Riva was the highest placed Italian athlete at Boekelo. After storming around the cross-country clear inside the time on Flaconn Sunheup Z, he wound up in 27th place out of 112 competitors. “It’s a dream for our country to be able to present ourselves in Paris and we are very happy because it was our goal for the season and we achieved it. Knowing that we came had the qualification in the pocket was good of course but we wanted to do good, so there is always pressure in a competition. We are very happy to have lots of Italian riders to compete in the Nations Cup and that’s also why we achieved this result”, Riva said.

Riva was full of praise for the Series and the event here at Military Boekelo, which he felt was a great preparation for the Olympics, “I hope to go to Paris. I think my horse is a great fit for Paris. The atmosphere here was the reason we decided to come to Boekelo, it’s a great competition, great organisation and in the arena, you really feel the atmosphere and it’s a great exercise for big competitions like Olympics.”

ITA-Giovanni Ugolotti rides Billy Hennessy during the 1st Day of Dressage. 2023 NED-Military Boekelo CCIO4* | FEI Nations Cup Eventing – Netherlands. Thursday 5 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Giovanni Ugolotti is a stalwart of the Italian team and a likely contender for the Italian team heading to Paris. He summed up what this result meant to his nation: “It’s amazing. It took a lot of pressure off us this weekend and for once we could enjoy the competition. It’s great for the country, to be qualified for the Olympics now we need to try to have the best possible horses to go there and try to do the best we can”.

We used the Nations Cup competition because it was very important to try to do as many as we could. We actually have a very large group of riders in Italy, and we just mix a little the riders, using younger and more experienced riders in the team. We did the Europeans (Championships) but obviously not good enough to qualify and so it was great to qualify here.”

Like many riders at Boekelo, Ugolotti used the event to qualify his individual horses for the Olympics to give him plenty of options. “After this weekend I have five horses qualified and that’s a very good position to be in.”

Ugolotti also views Boekelo as a great acclimatisation for the Olympics. “It’s an event I have come to for many years and it’s a good one to train the horses to get used to crowds and people and become hopefully championship horses in the future. We are expecting crowds probably even more than this in Paris. I am expecting the course to be strung quite tight because I know they don’t have a lot of room there and I am expecting people to be all over the place, so this will be good practice.”

Boekelo was the eighth and final fixture in the popular Eventing Nations Cup Series, which saw 16 nations compete for the prestigious title over eight fixtures. Italy join France, Germany, the USA, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Australia and China as the nations heading to Paris next year.

There will be one final chance for Olympic team qualification later this month for some nations including Brazil and Argentina. This will be at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago, Chile which takes place from 26-29 October.

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final in Boekelo Promises World-Class Line-up and Olympic Ticket

By on Oct 3, 2023 10:00 am -

Tim Price and Happy Boy, 2022’s Boekelo winners. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boekelo has never failed to draw a high-calibre of international competitors through the gate, but this year’s FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ entry list offers the cream of Eventing stars from across the world. The line-up includes the Olympic, World and European Champions, as well as five of the top ten riders in the FEI Eventing World Athlete rankings. In addition, the Dutch event has taken on extra significance as the final opportunity for nations to qualify their team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Boekelo is by many considered the crown jewels of Dutch Eventing, and has played host to the FEI Nations Cup Final for several years. This year it has attracted over 110 riders from 15 nations and it is guaranteed to offer a masterclass of Eventing with leading riders from across the globe.

Tokyo Olympic individual gold medalist Julia Krajewski is competing with her exciting Holsteiner stallion Nickel 21, the horse who helped the German team win the last Nations Cup leg which took place in Arville in August. Julia previously won Boekelo in 2018.

World Champion Yasmin Ingham brings the ever-consistent Rehy DJ to the party, along with Olympic team gold medalist Laura Collett who won the prestigious Boekelo title in 2019.

Then there is European Champion and current leader in the World rankings, Rosalind Canter who has two horses entered. The British team lifted the title last year and whilst the Nations Cup Team has not yet been finalised, Phil Surl, their Chef d’Equipe will have 19 combinations to choose from.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

World #2 Tim Price, and his wife Jonelle Price are regulars and crowd favourites at Boekelo and it has been a happy hunting ground for Tim who won the individual title in 2017 and again last year. Australia is fielding an experienced group of riders including Kevin McNab, Megan Jones and William Levett.

The Americans are flying over a strong contingent of riders, many of whom hope to prove their worth of Olympic selection, with Chef d’Equipe and former Olympic Champion Leslie Law at the helm. The U.S. entries include several rising stars such as Hallie Coon (riding as an individual) and Jennie Brannigan (riding on the Nations Cup team), as well as team stalwart 60-year-old Phillip Dutton (riding on the Nations Cup team), a previous Olympic champion in Atlanta (1996).

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The entry list from France shows the strength and depth that the Olympic host nation offers in the discipline of eventing, with a number of medal winning riders amongst the group, such as Nicolas Touzaint, Maxime Livio and Christopher Six. Dutch National coach Andrew Heffernen has thirteen Dutch combinations entered, who will undoubtedly delight their home crowd at this popular event.

In terms of the Olympic ticket, the highest placed team according to the final team classification of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series 2023, who have not already qualified, will be allocated a place. Italy is the only team entered here, who have not already qualified, and are currently sitting in second place in the Series behind Belgium.

It was perhaps a surprise not to see Spain on the entries list, as they have not yet qualified a team for Paris and are currently lying fourth in the Series. Belgium are already qualified, after success at the FEI European Championships this year, but they will certainly not be resting on their laurels. They go into the final with 600 points so are almost certain of overall victory.

This is the eighth and final fixture in the popular FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, which saw 16 nations compete for the prestigious title over eight fixtures. There will be one final chance of Olympic qualification later this month for some nations including Brazil and Argentina. This will be at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile which takes place from 26-29 October.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Olympic Champion Helps Germany Claim the Belgian Leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™

By on Aug 21, 2023 11:30 am -
Gold medalists - Team Germany - Calvin Bockmann; Julia Krajewski; Libussa Lubbeke; Emma Brusseau at the prizegiving for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 - Arville (BEL) Copyright Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography Gold medalists - Team Germany - Calvin Bockmann; Julia Krajewski; Libussa Lubbeke; Emma Brusseau at the prizegiving for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 - Arville (BEL) Copyright Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

In a nail-biting cross-country finish Germany claimed The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Arville (BEL) by just 0.3 of a penalty over home side Belgium. Their victory was massively helped by a strong performance from Julia Krajewski, the individual gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics. The 34 year old was also the individual winner of the CCIO4* competition, after jumping a super double clear on her impressive nine year old Holsteiner stallion, Nickel 21. The German performed well as a team, leading throughout to achieve a score of 103.2. Although four very strong and fast cross-country performances left the Belgians breathing down their necks with an overall score of 103.5. New Zealand presented an experienced team of riders all of whom were established at 5*, to finish third on a score of 116.4.

Hans Melzer, chef d’equipe of the winning team was delighted with the German performance, particularly after a year that has been somewhat up and down for German riders.

“This year sometimes we were unlucky in Nations Cups and at Aachen but this one was important because we had three long-listed riders for the Europeans (Championships) which are all to go to Blenheim. It was good to show here because it’s a hilly event and we don’t have so many of those in Germany so it was good preparation for the rest of the season. What they showed today was very good cross-country riding.”

“Julia (Krajewski) was with her younger horse which was his third time at 4* and is a horse maybe for the future. He will go to the long (CCI4*-L) at Boekelo and the other three were all younger riders from our prospective group based in Warendorf, and it was good to see the younger ones competing here and really attacking.

12 national teams from three continents came forward to compete at the Nations Cup in Arville, which is one of Belgium’s most prestigious equestrian events. The event as a whole attracted riders from as far afield as India, Morocco and Australia. Melzer highlighted the significance of the Series and why the event had proved so popular with riders from all over the world.

“The Nations Cups are super events because every rider is proud to ride for their country. It’s a good competition and especially here we have 12 nations so it’s like a little championship. It’s really great with atmosphere and a super course. I think it’s important we keep these Nations Cups going the whole year in every country because when you have enough riders you can test riders in a team and the team order and everything that they learn being part of a team.

“It was a real four star. It’s not too big but it was very technical with many questions and the country is really hilly. The second part of the course is up and down and up and down. We had 114 starters here which was unbelievable but the facilities are super, we had good weather, the ground is perfect so you could go and try to ride the time because there was no risk. It’s very good here in Arville.”

With the electors weighing up options for next year’s Olympics, events like these become more significant and Melzer will continue to assess their performance as these German team riders will now head to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (GBR) in September. “I think Julia will have a definite Olympic chance and the others are good enough when they have a good result here and then Blenheim ahead and there is a chance to put them on the long-list.”

When asked if the Germans can rise once again as the dominant eventing nation, he responded “The Germans did very well at the FEI World Championships in Pratoni and now the Brits are the strongest team in all ways. Our team must work everything at 100% and maybe we have a chance. It’s important to give the younger rider a good plan, that’s how they have a chance to come to the top and where they ride, how they train, with whom they train. We have our very good system in Germany since 2002- our prospective group and three of our riders today came through this system. And in the past Julia Karajewski, Sandra Auffarth and Frank Ostholt, they all came out of this group and for the future this is a good thing we have as we train a group of riders always together and they get more experienced and more confident.

Our North American neighbors finished in 12th place, with Katherine Malensek leading Team Canada as the highest placed Canadian rider, finishing 53rd on a 52.9 after adding a handful of cross country and jumping time penalties and two rails. Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant scored a personal best in dressage, adding a cross country jump penalty, time, and a rail to their score to finish 73rd. Kendal Lehari and Mitchell additionally picked up cross country jump and time penalties, as well as three rails in the show jumping to finish 80th. Kendal Lehari and her second mount, Audacious, were eliminated after a rider fall. Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit incurred an automatic elimination in the show jumping for incurring 20 or more obstacles penalties. The Canadian team will still be looking for an Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ action now moves to the final event of the Nations Cup Series which will play out at Boekelo (NED) (4-8 October). The Belgians continue to lead the Series with 600 points overall.

Final scores from Arville can be found here and team standings here.

France Pulls Off Back-to-Back FEI Nations Cup Wins at Avenches

By on Jul 24, 2023 10:29 am -

GOLD: Team France: Mathieu Lemoine; Raphael Cochet; Maxime Livio; Christopher Six, during the Prizegiving for the CCIO4*-S. 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Switzerland. Avenches. Sunday 23 July. Photo: Libby Law Photography

France achieved the rare feat of two back-to-back wins in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, this weekend. This was the sixth leg of this popular Series, which took place at Avenches (SUI).

Fresh from their victory on home turf at Haras de Jardy (FRA) last week, this week saw a largely different but experienced team compete, with only Maxime Livio competing again on a different horse.

The team in Avenches, which also included Raphaël Cochet, Christopher Six and Mathieu Lemoine, were strong in all three phases, scoring 135.5 to finish with a comfortable lead over team Italy, who completed on 148.9. Italy were delighted with this, after climbing from sixth after the dressage phase. Meanwhile Switzerland, the home nation, had a less than desirable experience in the jumping test to drop from overnight second to third, with a final score of 155.0.

With all eyes on Paris, the French have shown much of the strength and depth they have to offer during this Series. If all continues to go to plan, they could be strong medal contenders at their home Olympic Games. This is their third Nations Cup victory out of just three attempts this season, having won at Chatsworth (GBR) in May as well as Haras de Jardy.

FRA-Maxime Livio rides Joel during the Showjumping for the CCIO4*-S. 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Switzerland. Avenches. Sunday 23 July. Photo: Libby Law Photography

Significantly, all three events presented particularly challenging cross-country tracks in terms of jumping efforts and making the time allowed, and the French have excelled in both jumping and cross-country phases in all their performances. Each French team has presented a different line-up of athletes and, in all cases, the individual winner was also a French team athlete.

In Avenches, it was time for Raphaël Cochet to shine, taking the CCIO4*-NC-S individually. He rode one of the fastest cross-country rounds of the day on his super Selle Francais mare Difda Du Very, and despite lowering one rail in the jumping phase, he slipped just ahead of Felix Vogg after the Swiss rider had two fences down.

Speaking after his performance, Cochet said: “I never expected to win here. I came here focusing on winning with the team but wasn’t thinking about an individual win at all. My mare Dijda du Very is a very complete mare, who is good in all three tests, but there are so many factors that play a role first with Dressage, then the cross country and Jumping phases, that winning here is really an incredible feeling and gives very special emotions.”

FRA-Christopher Six rides Totem de Brecey during the Cross Country for the CCIO4*-S. Interim-3rd. 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Switzerland. Avenches. Saturday 22 July. Photo: Libby Law Photography

The event took place at the Institut Equestre National d’Avenches (IENA) – also the site for the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships, as well as the FEI European Pony Championships for Dressage, Eventing and Jumping in 2008. It is on the outskirts of Avenches, the former capital of Roman Helvetia, and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. The riders were full of praise for this picturesque and well-run event.

“We discovered the venue here in Avenches during the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ last year and we really loved it. The care given to the cross country ground is amazing and so important for us and our horses, we will surely be back,” said Cochet.

There were eight nations competing in Avenches, all from Europe.This Nations Cup series is of particular significance to some nations this year, as the highest placed team according to the final team classification of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series 2023, excluding teams/NOCs already qualified, will be allocated a place for Paris 2024.

The Belgians still lead the Series at this early stage, with 510 points scored. This was very much their aim this season, as they have not yet qualified for Paris.

The seventh leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ moves to Bromont (CAN), which runs from 11-13 August. Bromont Horse Trials is one of the most important equestrian events in Canada and the only FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ leg in the Americas.

[Results from Avenches can be found here]
[Rewatch the Avenches live streams here]

France takes FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Honors on Home Turf

By on Jul 17, 2023 11:30 am -

The home side dominated the French leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ from beginning until end. Their overall score of 101.5 put them well ahead of Belgium who completed on 142.8. Third place went to Great Britain who finished on 149.9.

This was the fifth leg of this popular series which took place for the first time at Haras de Jardy, in Normandy this weekend, and attracted nine European nations as well as Australia. The victorious French team was made up of experienced team members Maxime Livio and Gwendolyn Fer, together with up-and-coming talent, Julie Simone and Camille Lejeune. All four riders performed well enough to put them inside the top ten with Livio winning the CCIO4*-NC individually on the impressive grey, Api Du Libaire, and Lejeune finishing in second place aboard Dame Decoeur Tardonne.

Gwendolen Fer (FRA) rides Romantic Love during the Cross Country during the
FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 – Haras de Jardy (FRA) – FEI/Libby Law Photography

Speaking after the event the triumphant Livio summed up the result for his team and his own performance with his Selle Francais gelding. “It’s always a great feeling to have such a win, especially when we are in France for the French team. I am very pleased especially for this horse because he has come back at the high level just this week and he concluded with a win and I am so happy. It was his first big show of the season so the pressure was a little higher. It is always a pleasure to ride at Jardy because it’s a nice place for the horses and it was a pleasure to come back with one of my top horses and I was pleased. I really appreciated his mentality because he was really connected with me”.

FRA-Maxime Livio rides API Du Libaire during the Cross Country for the CCIO4*-S. 2023 FRA-Haras de Jardy – FEI Eventing Nations Cup | France. Marnes-la-Coquette, Paris. Saturday 15 July. Copyright Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

With world-renowned course designer Pierre Michelet in charge of the cross-country, riders knew they would face a tough test. The French designer has designed a number of championship courses, including the Rio Olympics, the 2014 FEI World Championships in Haras Du Pin and Pau CCI 5*. Whilst France led throughout, the cross-country course shook up the order beneath that. Germany, who were second behind France after the first phase, had only one rider complete the competition and therefore finished in 10th, the bottom of the table.

Camille Lejeune commented on the severity of the cross-country course, which proved to be particularly influential and saw a number of eliminations, retirements and both jumping and time faults throughout the day. “That was the first time for the Nations Cup in Jardy. It was a very tough course, very twisty, lots of fences and a lot of jumps. Something like 40 jumps in six minutes 38 so it was a very quick race. Everything was great with my horse”.

Livio was happy to be riding a more experienced horse on the cross-country. “The course was technical with many combinations and big angles and different striding with many choices for the riders but my horse is very experienced so I was quite confident. The time here is always difficult so I decided to go for the time at the beginning of the course and then just feel my horse. From beginning to end he was very motivated and focused on each fence so he finished inside the time and I think he enjoyed a lot, the course”.

Coming off of a recent elimination at Aachen, U.S.-based Rebecca (Bec) Braitling (AUS) put her experience to work to help secure a 4th place finish for Team Australia, moving up an impressive 42 spots to finish 31st after jumping clear around a challenging cross country track. After cross country, Braitling remarked, “[I’m] absolutely thrilled with Caravaggio – who was so honest today – just adding some time around the FEI Nations Cup leg Haras de Jardy! We moved up from 73rd to 39th… it was that kind of a day! The course was like nothing we’d seen yet, Pierre Michelet designed, very technical that required some really good decision making in the moment.”

The sixth leg of the Nations Cup plays out in Avenches, (Switzerland) which takes place from 20-23 July. The Series will conclude at Boekelo (NED) from 4-8 October, where the final Paris Olympics team place will be awarded to the highest place nation not already qualified. Belgium, who are one of those nations looking for a place in Paris, continue to lead the series on 440 points. They have targeted the Nations Cup for the purpose of helping their chance of qualification, and have sent a team to every one so far.

Full Results Here

Belgium Takes the Win in First Leg of 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup

By on Mar 13, 2023 9:00 am -

From left Team Italy in second place – Chef D’Equipe Giacomo Della Chiesa , Matteo Orlandi, Fosco Girardi and Evelina Bertoli; Team winners Belgium – Jarno Verwimp, Karin Donckers, Lara De Liedekerke Meier, Senne Vervaecke, and Chef D’Equipe Kai-Steffen Meier; Third place Switzerland Felix Vogg, Roxane Gonfard, and Chef D’Equipe Dominik Burger Copyright ©FEI / Massimo Argenziano

It was a clean sweep for Team Belgium who claimed the first leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ held in Montelibretti (ITA). With consistent three phase performances by all four of their riders, they finished on a score of 93.7 penalties. The home nation Italy lagged some way behind in second on a score of 152.3, whilst Switzerland finished third on 192.1.

Jarno Verwimp (BEL) and Mahalia. Photo ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

Three of the four Belgian riders finished inside the top ten which gave them a healthy lead with almost a 60 point margin over Italy. Jarno Verwimp put in an exemplary display in all three phases with her Belgian bred mare Mahalia, and a double clear with just 1.2 cross-country time penalties left the athlete on a final score of 26.9, good enough for a second position in the individual ranking, just a whisker behind Austrian athlete Lea Siegl, who finished on 24.9 for Austria. Belgian Team mate Lara De Liedekerke Meier was fourth on Ducati D’Arville, whilst eventing stalwart Karin Donckers finished eight on Fletcha Van’t Verahof.

Karin Donckers (BEL) and Fletcha Van’t Verahof. Photo: ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

Both the jumping phases proved challenging to a number of combinations and shook up the leader board after both phases. The cross-country phase proved particularly influential with eight combinations eliminated or retiring and a further seven finishing jumping penalties. No combinations finished within the time allowed.

Evelina Bertoli (ITA) and Quick Joe. Photo ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

Riders and nations have just one season left to qualify for the Paris Olympics held next year and the Belgians are yet to qualify. Whilst they will have a chance at the European Championships held in Le Pin au Haras (FRA) later this year, the Nations Cup Series provides an opportunity for teams and individuals to gain qualification, through the FEI points allocation system. The nations qualified for Paris so far are: host nation France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

Fosco Girardi (ITA) and Euphorie. Photo ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series now moves to the prestigious venue of Chatsworth in Great Britain, which runs from 13-14 May.

Find full results from Montelibretti here.

Rewatch the action:

Dressage

Show Jumping

Cross Country