Three words that quite summarize the day. Whilst the rest of Europe is experiencing thunder, lightning and massive rainfalls, Strzegom keeps experiencing exotic weather. Truly it feels like we have been relocated to Italy or Greece with temperatures well above 30 degrees and striking sunshine. Surely the slightly cooling wind at the XC was very appreciated at Saturday’s event. Lots of ice cream also helped.

On a more serious note, the hot and humid weather have had its toe on both horses and riders. Loads and loads of water and ice have been consumed to keep everybody cool whilst competing at absolute top level. The forecast for Sunday is still a bit tricky so we keep our fingers crossed that the thunder stays out of Strzegom for a bit longer.

It was an early rise Saturday with horse inspection in the CCI 1* and launching the XC in CCI 2*, CCI3* and CICO3* NC. All set to make an interesting day! Approximately 126 riders and horses took on the XC course in the respective classes.

Ludwig Svennerstål was first to ride the XC course, competing in the CICO3*. His 1st horse King Bob proved being in excellent mood putting him in the lead in the XC and his second ride, Aspe, secured a 7th place. Not surprising, Michael Jung also had a very good day, doing two stabile clear rounds which put him in 2nd place with fischerTakinou and 5th with fischerRocana FST after the XC.

We had the good fortune to team up with both Ludwig and Michael to get their input on the XC course. A demanding course with lots of questions and corners as well as a water complex that truly put the riders and horses to the test. We look forward to follow both individual riders as well as the Nation Cup teams in Sunday’s show jumping. Starting or the final day we have Great Britain in the lead after a fantastic day, Italy second showing great form and Belgium snitching the third place just ahead of Germany.
For complete results in the Nations Cup and CICO3* check the result board online.

In the CCI 2* and CCI 3* we had lots of excitement as the scores from the XC gave lots of changes overall due to the demanding course. The top three positions in CCI 2* changed overall whilst the three riders in CCI 3* came in quite close to the overnight result. Amazing to see these horses and riders delivering spectacular rides to the pleasure of our spectators. A few thousand spectators who decided to come and watch the competitions live and cheer the horses and riders on. For those of you who could not be here we have several interviews with the top riders giving their thoughts on Saturday’s XC. Some of our more multitasking spectators brought the additional iPad to be able to follow the European’s soccer matches as well.

Finishing off the day has been the CCI 1* with show jumping in the main arena. After the horse inspection these riders had to wait until 06.00 pm to get started. 33 riders and horses made it to the starting line and we had the opportunity to watch very determined riders bringing their A-game at the beautiful main arena. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the winner Lara De Liedekerke-Meier and her fantastic horse Jive about Wonderland.

Strzegom Horse Trials
www.strzegomhorsetrials.pl
press@strzegomhorsetrials.pl