Cross Strengthens the Leaders – An Exciting Saturday at Strzegom Spring Open II
Nicolas Touzaint riding Diabolo Menthe. Photo: Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Open
Strzegom, 25 April 2026 — The third day of competition at Strzegom Spring Open II was dominated by a spectacular cross-country phase and show jumping, both of which, as every year, played a crucial role in shaping the leaderboard. Nearly 320 combinations from 25 nations competed in national classes and demanding international competitions up to the 4* level.
Cross-country once again proved to be the most challenging phase, thoroughly testing riders in the top international classes. Meanwhile, technical show jumping courses caused significant changes in the rankings and set the stage for an exciting fight for final victory.
CCI4*-L – flawless round brings a new leader
Saturday’s cross-country in the CCI4*-L brought a change at the top of the leaderboard. Thanks to a faultless round, three-time Olympic medallist Nicolas Touzaint of France riding Diabolo Menthe moved into the lead with a score of 26.0 penalties. The previous leader, New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell on Speedwell, dropped to second place after adding 1.6 time penalties. Samantha Lissington of New Zealand on Lucas Stone remains in third place with 28.5 penalties.
CCI4*-S – a battle against the clock
The CCI4*-S competition was extremely competitive, with the demanding cross-country course allowing only two combinations to finish clear inside the time. The current European Team Champion, Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp riding Carlitos Quidditch K, maintained her lead despite time penalties, finishing on 27.9 penalties. Samantha Lissington of New Zealand on Delarado moved up to second place (30.2), while Germany’s Julia Krajewski on Tullabeg Platinum is third with 31.5 penalties.
CCI3*-L – Samantha Lissington holds the lead after cross
In the CCI3*-L, a clear cross-country round allowed Samantha Lissington on New York to maintain her lead with a score of 30.9 penalties. The rest of the field saw significant changes. Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier on Call Me Senorita moved up to second place (33.0), while Germany’s Pauline Knorr on Tullibards Tick The Boxes is third (33.6).
CCI3*-S – winners decided
Saturday saw competitors in the CCI3*-S class in action twice. The day began with show jumping, while the final results were decided during the demanding cross-country phase. Australia’s Grace Kay riding Harthill Samba delivered the best performance on course, winning with a score of 29.6 penalties. Germany’s Antonia Baumgart finished second on Lamango (30.3), after adding time penalties, and also took third place on Blaya D’Ha Z (30.6).
Live results and the event schedule are available at:
https://eventing.strzegomhorsetrials.pl/en.
