Strong Start to 2026 Eventing Season in Strzegom
Olivia Barton riding APH Sodoku. Photo: Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Open
Strzegom, April 12, 2026 — The first winners of the 2026 eventing season have been decided at the Strzegom venue in Morawa. Over three days, riders from 21 nations competed in both national and international classes, from CCI1*-Intro up to CCI4*-S. As always, Sunday’s decisive cross-country phase brought the greatest excitement and determined the final standings.
CCI4*-S – Olivia Barton wins the top class
The demanding CCI4*-S cross-country not only delivered thrilling sport but also caused significant changes in the final standings. The most important class of the event was won by Australia’s Olivia Barton riding APH Sodoku with a score of 38.3 penalties. Germany’s Felix Etzel on TSF Polartanz finished second, nearly three penalties behind (41.1 penalties), while New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington on Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ took third place (41.3 penalties).
CCI3*-S – battle until the final metres
In the CCI3*-S, the top three delivered faultless cross-country rounds, maintaining their positions after Saturday’s show jumping. The competition was won by the Netherlands’ Merel Blom-Hulsman on Checkpoint 46 with 27.4 penalties. Germany’s Christoph Wahler on Gainsbourg de Bedon finished second (29.9), while India’s Ashish Limaye on Easy Turn held on to third place (with 31.3 penalties).
CCI2*-S – dominance of Anna Siemer
Germany’s Anna Siemer dominated the CCI2*-S, taking both first and second place. She won riding Kiss Me with a final score of 23.1 penalties, and secured second place on Sturmpfeil (25.7). Her compatriot Ben Leuwer on Hanami 4 finished third (27.1).
First leaders of the Tours
The opening event of the season also determined the first leaders of the Strzegom competition series. In the DCU Strzegom Tour, with a prize fund of €10,000, Merel Blom-Hulsman and Anna Siemer share the lead after the first event. In the Strzegom Rising Stars Tour, Lena Tyczynko and Henriette Hübner are tied in first place.
A strong start to the season
Strzegom Spring Open 2026 confirmed its status as one of the key events opening the eventing season in Europe. More than 270 horse-and-rider combinations took part. Competition took place across all three phases – dressage, show jumping, and the demanding cross-country course, which once again proved decisive in the final results.
Riders will return to the Strzegom venue soon for the next edition of the series – Strzegom Spring Open II (April 23–26), where more top-level sport and excitement await.
