The European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in the Eventing discipline will be held from 22 to 25 August at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom.
The competition will begin on Tuesday, 20 August, with an opening ceremony attended by all qualified teams. On Thursday and Friday, the athletes will present themselves in the dressage test, on Saturday they will compete in cross-country, and on Sunday it is time for show jumping.
The riders will compete for the titles of European champions in two categories: juniors – from 14 to 18 years of age, and young riders – from 16 to 21 years.
“Despite their young age, the athletes will have to demonstrate great experience in all aspects of horsemanship, as well as excellent knowledge of their horses’ capabilities. Their rivalry will be a true showcase of this demanding and spectacular sport,” says Marcin Konarski, organiser of the event.
Additional CCIU254*-S and CCIJ1*-Intro competitions aimed at the younger and older youth age groups will be held alongside. These will allow the riders who may be joining the ranks of their national teams in the following years to acclimate to the atmosphere of a championship-level event.
This will be the seventh European Championship event organised by LKS Stragona Sports Club. The first one was held in 2012 in the junior category, then in 2015 – for young riders, in 2017 – for seniors, and in 2019, 2021, and 2022 – for pony riders.
I am lucky to live near a couple of great equine competition venues that aren’t listed below – Clay County Fairgrounds which shows my name on one of the photos I took at a show and Jacksonville Equestrian Center.
Both venues are fairly new in the equine competition arena, but they have hosted upper-level competitions and associated riders. I have ridden at both venues in many Dressage and Hunter schooling shows and some rated shows in both disciplines.
I was able to be a show photographer representing my website, HorsesintheSouth.com, until I had some physical restrictions that made holding the camera and long-lens too hard. I really love photography – my second major attempt at college was in Photography and Design for a bit until I got married and pregnant with my first child. I had morning sickness so bad I had to drop out.
So, as you can imagine, I have a special appreciation for the electrifying atmosphere of equine competition venues. There’s something transformative about these places where the bond between a rider and their horse is put to the test, where every jump and gallop reverberates with years of dedicated training.
Horse competitions, steeped in tradition and modern sporting excellence, are not just about the spectacle; they embody the pinnacle of partnership between human and animal.
When looking at the factors that give rise to these venues being the best and in the limelight, these are:
Location,
facility quality,
historic significance,
attendee capacity,
and the caliber of the events hosted are what defines their rank.
These venues are more than just showgrounds; they are icons in the equestrian world, bringing together communities and setting the stage for legends to emerge. A testament to the equestrian spirit, whether hosting global championships or local shows, the best arenas have a way of elevating and celebrating the connection between spectators, riders, and their magnificent horses.
North America’s Premier Arenas
Picture the thrill of competition fused with state-of-the-art facilities; that’s what you find in North America’s premier equestrian venues. Two standouts,
Both of these North American venues host world-class events attracting riders from across the globe.
Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, isn’t just a venue; it’s an equestrian epicenter. Here, accommodations range from the Rolex Stadium to the charming, quieter Dressage Complex. Accessibility is a major draw, with ample space for trailers and an array of lodging options nearby.
The Kentucky Horse Park also contains the National Horse Center, headquarters for more than 30 national, regional and state equine organizations and associations.
I was lucky to go to the Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2009. I went with a couple friends in her travel trailer, so we only had to pay for the parking. We were at the edge of the horse park, close enough that we could walk to the venue. That was one of the best times of my life. I so wanted to ride the course!
I follow and we post articles about how Spruce Meadows in Calgary harmonizes top-tier competitions with stunning vistas. It hosts the ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the grounds are so expansive, walking the perimeter can take you most of an afternoon. It’s a facility where natural beauty and equestrian prowess converge.
“National” Award Ceremony at Spruce Meadows CC BY 2.5
There are six major outdoor tournaments/competitions and eight indoor tournaments at Spruce Meadows annually. The indoor tournaments are known as the ‘Nakoda Series’ and are tailored for developing junior/amateur competitors. The outdoor tournaments start with the ‘Summer Series’ a five-week-long tour that comprises the following tournaments: beginning in June with the CSI ‘National’, the CSI ‘Continental’, the CSI ‘Pan American’, and then the CSI ‘North American’ in July. The outdoor season culminates in the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in September.
In my southern Florida area, Wellington plays host to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). I can attest to its magnetic pull on the equestrian community every year. It’s not just about the sport; the networking, the lifestyle, and the sunny escape from colder climates make it UNIQUE.
These venues showcase the commendable balance of passion for equestrian sport with the practicalities of top-notch competition space. The very atmosphere encourages riders to perform at their best, while spectators get a taste of what top-tier equestrian sport is all about.
Europe’s Tradition-Rich Equestrian Stages
I can totally appreciate the history that is within European equestrian grounds. These venues are not just places where competitions are held; they are bastions of tradition and equestrian excellence.
A tournament that’s more like a big party: Every year, the riding world celebrates the CHIO World Equestrian Festival in Aachen. Experts call it the “Wimbledon of equestrian sport”: the “Concours Hippique International Officie” in Aachen , CHIO for short, is the largest and best-attended equestrian event in the world.
CHIO Aachen Main Stadium, Germany by Grandslamjumping – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
CHIO is revered for uniting history with state-of-the-art facilities, attracting global talent annually. The Aachen experience isn’t merely about witnessing stellar competition; it’s about feeling part of a legacy.
Britain’s amazing contribution of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, known widely as Hickstead, is an equestrian center in West Sussex, England, principally known for its showjumping. It hosts two international competitions, the Al Shira’aa British Jumping Derby meeting/competition and the Longines Royal International Horse Show. The course was the first permanent showground for equestrian sport in the country, opening in 1960. The first Hickstead Derby was held in 1961.
Hickstead is best known as the home of British showjumping, though its major fixtures also feature other disciplines such as showing, carriage driving, scurry driving, side-saddle and arena eventing. Beyond the iconic Derby Bank and nail-biting finishes, it’s the relentless commitment to the sport’s heritage that resonates with competitors and fans alike.
The Chantilly Racecourse in France, set against a backdrop of grandeur and royal history, is where the passion for horse racing is palpable. Hosting prestigious events like the Prix de Diane, Chantilly offers an enthralling atmosphere for connoisseurs of speed and strategy. A right-handed course, it was built with interlocking tracks.
By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 A panoramic view of the Chantilly Racecourse at the 2013 Prix de Diane, in Chantilly, France.
The Prix de Diane, sometimes referred to as the French Oaks, is one of the most important and prestigious Group 1 horse races in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. The Chantilly was used as the venue for the racecourse scene in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill, in which racehorses owned by villainous industrialist Max Zorin competed.
These European stalwarts aren’t just venues; they are chapters in the long narrative of equestrian sport. They honor the past while continually evolving to ensure a sublime spectacle every time the bugle calls to post.
Australasia’s Finest: Showcasing Showgrounds
The equestrian scene in Australasia is quite vibrant and exciting. The region boasts some of the most impressive venues that cater to an array of equestrian disciplines. Let me introduce you to a couple of the standout locations.
Take the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), for example. This place isn’t just another showground; it’s a venue steeped in Olympic history. Built for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, it’s continued to be a beacon for top-level competitions. The SIEC is located in Dharug country, Saxony Road, Horsley Park NSW. It has world-class facilities for cross country/eventing, dressage, and showjumping, holding a special place in the hearts of riders and spectators alike.
Ellerslie Racecourse in New Zealand is another remarkable spot. It’s not just a racetrack; it’s a centerpiece in New Zealand’s thoroughbred racing history. With its sprawling lawns and state-of-the-art facilities, Ellerslie hosts prestigious events that draw global attention, like the Auckland Cup Week.
Now, the importance of technology and facilities cannot be understated. In the next section, I’ll cover the way innovations and amenities at these top-tier venues not only enhance the experience but sometimes even decide the outcomes of competitions.
Conclusion: Celebrating Modern Marvels of Equestrian Prestige
As our exploration of elite equine competition venues concludes, it becomes clear that the perfect venue offers more than just a stage for competition. It stands as a celebration of equestrian tradition, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider.
Whether it’s the storied grounds of Aachen, the vibrant energy of Wellington, or the technological advancements seen in Sydney, these venues are a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and its continuous evolution.
These venues not only elevate the competition experience for participants and spectators alike, but they also serve as pillars of the community by fostering economic growth, providing learning opportunities, and preserving equestrian culture.
The venues highlighted here are not just arenas – they’re vibrant, living entities that resonate with the heartbeats of every hoofbeat. For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of these spaces, consider this an invitation to witness the pinnacle of equine sportsmanship and camaraderie.
I encourage you to visit these venues, absorb their unique atmospheres, and perhaps even dream of one day crossing their distinguished finish lines. Remember, each venue carries its narrative in the world of equine sports, and attending an event could very well be your opportunity to become part of that legacy.
What equestrian venues have you visited? What are your favorites? Have you competed in any of them or others? Please comment below to assist others and me in making sure all great venues are explored here.
Photo caption: Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo at the FEI Eventing European Championship 2023 in Haras du Pin (FRA) – FEI/Libby Law
Nine months after losing the lead in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, Rosalind Canter (GBR) has reclaimed the number one position. She replaces Olympic gold medallist and compatriot Oliver Townend, who had held the top spot since October 2023.
Canter’s rise to the top is marked by her impressive ascent from third place last month. As the reigning European Champion, she stands out as the only athlete to surpass the 500-point mark, boasting 519 points. Townend follows in second place with 492 points, while fellow Brit Tom McEwen secures third with 454 points.
“I was quite shocked to hear I’m world number one, as it was something that wasn’t on my radar. It’s really exciting news, and I’m thrilled for my whole team because this is a joint effort. I’ve been really lucky to have some fantastic horses in my team,” Rosalind Canter said.
The latest FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings also highlight other notable performances. Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier has climbed ten places to fourth position with 406 points, thanks to her victory at the CCI5*-L in Luhmühlen (GER) with Hooney d’Arville. World Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) rounds out the top five with 389 points.
British athletes have dominated the rankings in recent months, occupying eight positions within the Top 10. However, their dominance has waned just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Currently, five British athletes remain in the Top 10, with Wills Oakden (370 points) in seventh place.
Among the other top-ranked athletes, Boyd Martin (USA) holds sixth place, while New Zealand’s Jonelle and Tim Price occupy the eighth and ninth spots, respectively. Maxime Livio (FRA) completes the Top 10.
Over 280 horses, outstanding riders, including the current Olympic champion, and an exciting fight for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup and Polish Championship medals: the LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials start on 20 June in Morawa.
Over the four days of the tournament, riders from 25 countries will face each other in 10 classes of varying difficulty – including the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, the highest-ranked competition in Poland. The series took off in March in Italy; the fifth leg of the series will be decided in Strzegom. Additionally, juniors and young riders will compete for the titles of new Polish champions.
The hippodrome in Morawa will once again host many stars of the sport, including the current Olympic champion from Tokyo and world vice-champion, Germany’s Julia Krajewski; the six-time Olympic medallist Andrew Hoy from Australia; Olympic team champion Frank Ostholt from Germany; and Dutchman Tim Lips, team bronze medalist of the World Equestrian Games. We will also have the chance to see the leading Polish equestrians, including the whole podium of last year’s Polish Championships: Julia Gillmaier, Pawel Warszawski, and Mateusz Kiempa.
The competition at the arenas in Morawa will not only focus on podium placings. For some riders and horses, it will also be a fight for the final nominations to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris. And for the competitors in the youth categories, it will be an important stage of preparation for the FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors, which will be held in Strzegom in August.
In addition to the sporting programme, the audiences will be treated to spectacular performances by stuntmen who will showcase their jigitovka skills – a trick riding style which originated in the Caucasus – as well as dog agility shows and performances by Eventing star athletes in non-sporting shows.
The competition will take place from 20 to 23 June at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom in Lower Silesia. Admission to the competition is free.
Megan Elphick taking part in last year’s Masterclass at London International Horse Show 2023 @LondonInternationalHorseShow/PeterNixon
The organisers of London International Horse Show are delighted to announce the first in the LeMieux Masterclass series for this year’s Show, which takes place at ExCeL London from 18-22 December 2024.
The eventing-focused masterclass, Grassroots to Glory, will take place on Friday 20 December in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, and will feature world-renowned coach Richard Waygood MBE alongside YouTube personality and equestrian Megan Elphick. The pair will be joined by a top event rider to be selected this Summer after the Paris Olympics.
Bringing the outdoors indoors, the session will focus on how to improve cross-country riding and technique across a range of obstacles and challenges in an arena setting. Perfect for picking up tips to practice over the long winter months, coach Richard Waygood will use a mix of poles and indoor cross-country fences provided by Jump for Joy to design a series of exercises suitable for all levels, aimed at improving confidence, capability, and technique. The Masterclass provides the perfect way for eventing fans to keep their training momentum up over the winter; Grassroots to Glory will showcase the best of both top-level talent and grassroots graft.
Currently the British Equestrian Federation’s Technical Director and Eventing Performance Manager, Richard Waygood has a string of achievements, including riding at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials and at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, and his long tenure as Riding Master of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, alongside an MBE for services to equestrianism.
YouTuber Megan Elphick will be making her third appearance in a Masterclass at the London International, following packed-out performances in last year’s session with Laura Collett, and 2022’s session with Pippa Funnell.
Richard Waygood stated: “I’m delighted to be coming back to London International Horse Show this year with Grassroots to Glory after we had such a great time last year. Hopefully the crowd around the New Horizon Plastics London Arena will be inspired by this Summer’s sport and enjoy a new take on cross-country training. We had great fun in 2023 with Meg and Laura Collett, so I’m looking forward to pushing Meg out of her comfort zone again this year!”
Megan Elphick added: “I can’t wait to return to London this year for another LeMieux Masterclass – it was brilliant to see such a great turnout in 2023! Richard managed to make last year’s exercises applicable to both me and Laura Collett, which is an impressive gap to bridge… so definitely one to come and watch, regardless of your level! See you there.”
Elsewhere at the Show, Megan will also be making two appearances on the Live Zone for Meet & Greet sessions, on Thursday 19 December at 17:30 and Friday 20 December at 10:00. Both Meet & Greets will be first come, first served, open to that day’s ticket holders.
The competition for the Nations Cup in equestrian triathlon and medals of the Polish championships will take place in June at the hippodrome in Morawa during LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials.
The FEI Eventing Nations Cup competition season kicked off in May in Montelibretti, Italy. The race for valuable points features eight legs held in Europe. The fifth one will be decided in Strzegom. In Poland, it will be the highest-ranked eventing competition, i.e. the equestrian triathlon in which the riders compete in three trials: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
In addition to the Nations Cup, the sports programme includes as many as ten international classes with a difficulty level of one to four stars, including competitions for all youth categories. The event will also feature a battle for medals of the Polish Young Riders and Junior Championships. It will also be the last chance to check out the form of the Polish representatives, whom we will soon see at the Olympic Games in Paris.
There is more to fight for than the podium placings alone. For some pairs, the event will be the last chance to obtain the minimum qualification requirements for participation in the Olympic Games in Paris. And for many riders in the junior categories, it will be an important stage of preparation for the European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Eventing, which will be held in Strzegom in August.
“In Strzegom, we are in for more than just a sporting spectacle. We are planning many attractions for the public, and the cross-country route has been designed so that the spectators will have the chance to witness incredible sporting emotions at their fingertips,” says Marcin Konarski, chairman of the organising committee.
The programme includes, among other things, performances of stuntmen who will showcase their voltaic skills in a demonstration of the jigit, which originated in the Caucasus, and a dog agility show.
The competition will take place from 20 to 23 June at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom in Lower Silesia. Entry to the competition is free of charge.
Tine Magnus won the 4*-S class, the highest ranked one at the season-opening Strzegom Spring Open event.
The Belgian rider, riding Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z, was 11th after the dressage and jumped up into fourth thanks to a clear showjumping round. She crossed the cross-country finish line six seconds late, with no mistakes on the obstacles, and won the competition with a total of 35 penalty points.
With a loss of only 0.2 penalties to the winner, the second place went to Christoph Wahler riding D’Accord FRH – 35.2. The final placing of the German representative was determined by his dressage score. The rider scored a clear in the jumping and rode the cross-country course in exactly the same time as Tine Magnus.
Runner-up after two trials, Sweden’s Sara Algotsson Ostholt on Dynamite Jack, with cross-country time penalties, was third on the podium with 37.
The best one in the 3*S was Calvin Böckmann from Germany with Altair de la Cense – 29.4. He took the lead after the jumping and secured with a clear inside the time in the cross-country. Second place went to Malin Asai with Maggan V – 35.4. The Swedish combination was 22nd after dressage and jumped up into second after a double clear in the jumping and cross-country trials. Third place, only 0,1 behind Asai, was taken by Australia’s Andrew Hoy with Vassily de Lassos – 35.5. The best Pole of the class was Paweł Warszawski riding the Polish-bred Hatteria II, finishing 5th with 36.6.
In the 2* class, Germany’s Sophie Leube was unbeatable, taking the two first places. With Isselhook’s Asaro she won after clear jumping and XC rounds – 26.2, and with Heda she was second with 26.4. Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with Quintus rounded up the Top Three with 27.9.
In the 1* Intro, the win belonged to Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with Jungle Drum 3 – 27.9, followed by Germany’s Juliane Barth with Can’t Stop Caspar – 30.8 and Polish athlete Halszka Wiktowska-Nowak with Apollo – 32.2.
In the national CNC100 class, the best one was Dutch athlete Tim Lips with Quiwi – 27.5, in the CNC100-18, Polish rider Julia Rohde with Kingston – 29.1., and in the CNC80, Daria Kobiernik from Poland with Las Vegas – 30.8.
The Strzegom Spring Open kick-started the season of international eventing competitions in Poland. Four international classes in short format and three national ones were held. Almost 320 horse-and-rider combinations representing 19 countries took part.
The next edition of the Strzegom Spring Open will take place in two weeks, from 18 to 21 April.
Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo. Photo: Mariusz Chmieliński
Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo wins the CCI4*-L class, the most demanding competition at Strzegom October Festival.
Christoffer Forsberg was third after dressage, went double clear in the cross-country and showjumping, and won the with a score of 30.5 penalty points. Belgian Julien Despontin jumped up into second with Clever Man Waf after a faultless parkour with a mere two-second delay – 34.9. Third place was taken by Australian Andrew Hoy riding Cadet De Beliard – 37.3. The leader of the competition after two trials, New Zealander Clarke Johnstone with Aces High, had three knockdowns, and with a score of 39.3 finished just behind the podium, in fourth place. The only Polish pair taking part in the competition, current Polish champions Julia Gillmaier and Red Dream Princes, were in 10th position after dressage, and a good cross-country performance only with time faults ensured their promotion to seventh. Unfortunately, two knockdowns and overtime resulted with a final score of 64.3 penalty points and placed the pair in ninth place.
The first place on the podium in the 4*-S competition went to Sara Algotsson Ostholt riding Dynamite Jack – 33.9. The representative of Sweden was fourth after the dressage and took the lead after a clear cross-country round. With a significant advantage in points over her rivals, not even one knockdown in the jumping arena threatened her position. Second place went to French rider Maxime Livio with Enjoy De Keroue – 35.6, and third to German representative Katharina Meyer with Aspen T – 40.9.
Sara Algotsson Ostholt was also the best in the CCI3*L riding Dinathia – 30.3. They went up one notch after each trial, starting from third place after dressage. Second and third places were taken by the German representatives: Jan Matthias with Peppermint Patty Frh – 30.3, and Jerome Robine with Avatar – 31.7.
The final showdown in the CCI3*S kept the spectators in suspense until the end. The leader, Germany’s Michael Jung with Palm Beach, had one knockdown and the penalty points added to his score equaled that of the runner-up, Julia Krajewski with Ero De Cantraie, who rode a faultless round. As a result, the riders finished the competition with the same score – 30.1. The final classification was determined by the penalty points from the dressage test, during which Michael Jung was better, and ultimately, he became the winner. Third place went to the Czech Republic’s Eliška Orctová with Kirea – 30.5.
First place in the CCI2*L, after faultless cross-country and jumping, went to Switzerland’s Eveline Bodenmüller with Dark Gambler – 26.7, ahead of Germany’s Emma Hartmann with Baloucor – 27 and Ann-Catrin Bierleinwithn Come On Lotti – 30.2.
The best rider in the CCI2*S, after a double clear, was Germany’s Pia Leuwer riding Cascada – 32, the second went to her compatriot Nicoletta Massmann with CARLSON – 35.1, and third to Danish rider Anne-Dorthe Möller with First Class Gs – 35.2.
The 1*-Intro class ended with the victory of Pole Mateusz Pabijanek riding Tango 310 – 30.6. Dutchman Dennis Huits with Perseverance Luxery from Second Life Z was second – 30.6, and Germany’s Amelie Reisacher on Tissot finish third – 31.8.
European Youth Eventing Masters
In the European Youth Eventing Masters tournament, only the German team took part in the young rider category. In the individual classification the best score belonged to Linn Klümper with Candyman 145 – 30.8, second went to Emma Wiedenhöft with Naughty Girl 5 – 34.2, and third to Amelie Reisacher with Quintus 155 – 40.4.
The junior competition ended with the win for the team from Belgium – 110.6, consisting of: Lise Matton and Kenzo Van ‘T Farsenhoven, Clarisse Walbrecq and Fussac De La Quairelle, Anais Van Vaerenbergh I Marion Van De Perelaar, and Max Thual QC and Rock and Roll. Second place went to Germany with 115.9 and third to Poland with 118.3.
In the individual classification, the winner was Andrea Novotna from the Czech Republic riding Eldorado – 30.4, before Neel Friedrich Dehn (GER) with Better Luck – 31.9, and Polish rider Laura Gillmaier with Ding Dong – 34.
In the pony rivalry, Germany’s Hannah Pfitzmann and Mary Poppins P, Nell Röming and Majestro, Pita Schmid with Sietlands Catrina. and Anni Müller riding Nightys Flashlight were unbeatable with 126.6. Second place on the podium went to the Netherlands with 132.9 and third to Belgium with 152.2.
Individually, the first place went to German rider Pia Sophie Schreiber with Motsi Mabuse – 33.4, Julie Geurts from Belgium was second with Kinou Des Marronniers – 35.9, and Thilde Holm Nielsen from Denmark topped off the podium with Karlshoejgaard’s Monique – 36.5.
The national class CNC100 ended with a win for Austrian Harald Ambros with Mogli 45 – 31.6, in the under 18-year-old category, the best rider was Dominika Mączyńska (POL) with Avenido – 30.4, and in the CNC90, the first place went to Patrycja Pastuszek (POL) with Monaco – 26.1.
Photo: Oliver Townend at the FEI Eventing World Championship 2022 in Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA). FEI – Massimo Argenziano
British equestrian athlete Oliver Townend has claimed the top spot in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings with 504 points, a spot he takes from his fellow countrywoman, Rosalind Canter, who held the coveted position for just one month.
Townend’s ascent to the summit of the rankings comes as no surprise for the Olympic gold medalist, who previously held the world’s number one ranking over a year ago. He temporarily relinquished his position to New Zealand’s Tim Price, who enjoyed an 11-month reign before being surpassed by Canter.
“It is and always will be an honour to be at number one in your sport and it’s great to be back in that spot. The horses are incredible – they’re improving every day, have been so consistent, and will always be my ultimate teammates. I also want to thank the massive amount of people behind me that make this happen, including the team at both yards,” Townend explained.
Townend’s career has seen him hold the top position in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings for a total of 50 months, with a streak of 37 consecutive months at number one.
Rosalind Canter now stands at second place with 467 points, while American athlete Martin Boyd has made a remarkable jump from eighth to third place with 436 points. Meanwhile, Tim Price (NZL) continues to slip in the rankings, currently occupying the fourth spot with 434 points, closely followed by Tom McEwen (GBR) in fifth place with 431 points.
Great Britain’s stronghold in the top end of the Rankings is unequivocal, with three out of the top five in British hands; they also have back up and can count on Harry Meade (408 points), David Doel (393 points), William Oakden (383 points), and Laura Collet (371 points) in 6th to 9th respectively, making that a total of seven British athletes within the Top 10 rankings. Coming in tenth place is USA athlete Philipp Dutton with 367 points.
11 classes, including the Polish Championships and the International Young Horses Competition. Outstanding athletes, and for the youngest, the Hobby Horse competition – Strzegom Autumn Show starts this weekend.
The autumn equestrian tournament returns to the Stragona calendar after a five-year break. The hippodrome in Morawa will host riders from 22 countries, with more than 240 horses. Four international classes in the short format, three competitions for young horses, and four national classes will be played out. The battle for the medals of the Polish Championships will also be decided.
The entry list includes some of the world’s best eventers, including the German multi-medalist Michael Jung – the double Olympic champion, world champion, and European Champion; Australia’s Andrew Hoy – the two-time gold medalist of the Olympic Games; Felix Vogg from Switzerland – the silver medalist of the world championships for young horses; Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa – the double gold medalist of the Asian Games; as well as the defending Polish champion – Mateusz Kiempa.
During the International Young Horses Competition, we will see youngsters aged from 5 to 9. “I think this event will be an excellent opportunity to present young horses at the international arena, and for some it may be the last chance to qualify for the World Championships for Young Horses, which will be held in Lion d’Angers, France,” says Marcin Konarski, the show organizer.
The accompanying event will be the Hobby Horse Eventing competition, which will be held on Sunday. This an up-and-coming new sport, in which athletes compete on “horses” built from a wooden pole with a horse’s head with reins, a bridle, and other equipment imitating that used by riders. The rules of competition are inspired by the regulations of equestrian competitions. The hippodrome will feature a dressage arena, a cross-country course with wooden obstacles specially designed for Hobby Horse, and a parkour with jumping fences.
The Strzegom Autumn Show competition starts on September 15. On Friday, dressage trials will be held, and on Saturday and Sunday several arenas will be the playgrounds for both jumping and cross-country trials.
Admission to the competition and parking are free.
