Juniors – USA stays on top, Ireland and Germany in pursuit

The Junior division continues to be defined by consistency. Team USA, leaders of Thursday’s first qualifier, again delivered under pressure, finishing on a perfect 0 penalties to secure their spot at the top of the rankings. Ireland showed resilience to claim second, while Germany held firm for third. The Netherlands and Italy also booked their places for Sunday, ensuring a high-stakes showdown among Europe’s finest challengers and the American favorites.

Denis Flannelly, Chef d’équipe Irish Team: “We’re delighted to have made the final here with a young Juniors team. For most of them it’s their very first time competing at this level, and they’ve shown incredible commitment and maturity throughout the week. We came here to give new riders an opportunity, and getting qualified today makes me very proud of what they’ve achieved together as a team.”

Qualified Nations:

1.        USA (0/202.82)

2.        Ireland (4/205.77)

3.        Germany (8/199.19)

4.        Italy (9/209.64)

5.        Netherlands (13/210.17)

6.        Sweden (16/200.51)

Children – Netherlands shine, Germany and Italy close behind

In the Children’s category, the Netherlands impressed with composed and faultless riding across both qualifiers, taking the lead on a score of 0/203.52. Germany and Italy followed with equally sharp performances, while Belgium and Switzerland squeezed through in a closely contested race for the final slots. France managed to set the fastest overall time with the team but unfortunately had to accept a penalty point. With the riders showing remarkable maturity, the Children’s Final promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Qualified Nations:

1.        Netherlands (0/203.2)

2.        Germany (0/203.52)

3.        Italy (0/205.95)

4.        Belgium (4/203.73)

5.        Switzerland (4/205.13)

6.        France (12/196.6)

Ponies – Great Britain leads, Netherlands and France secure their spot

The Pony division saw an exciting battle between the youngest riders. Great Britain finished at the top of the leaderboard with a combined time of 211.78 and were the only ones who managed to stay clear. The Netherlands followed in second, just ahead of France in third. Sweden and Belgium also earned their tickets to Sunday’s Final, setting the stage for an intense contest among Europe’s best young pony riders.

Pedro Mansur Guerios: The team spirit is great. Everyone of our team rode really good today. The horses jumped amazing, and everyone was clear, so it's a perfect result. I'm more than proud of our team because after all this hard work, we're able to be in the final of the Nations Cup. So it's an incredible feeling for everyone, and I just am super happy to be in an incredible team like this with incredible riders. And we will work hard for that medal!

Qualified Nations:

1.        Great Britain (0/211.78)

2.        Netherlands (4/206.16)

3.        France (6/213.41)

4.        Sweden (12/204.74)

5.        Belgium (13/205.6)

Young Riders – Belgium takes the lead, USA in close pursuit

The Young Riders’ division witnessed a major shake-up on day two. Belgium delivered two rounds of near-flawless performances to rise to the top of the standings with a combined score of 210.78. Team USA, winners of Thursday’s opening qualifier, remain within striking distance in second place, while Italy held steady to claim third. Switzerland and Great Britain also secured their places in Sunday’s Final, setting the stage for an exciting contest among some of the sport’s strongest youth teams.

Anticipation builds for Sunday

Before we head into the final competitions on Sunday, we will get to see the Challenge Cups tomorrow. That is where the non-qualified countries will compete against each other in an exciting final battle.

With the qualifiers complete, the stage is now set for an unforgettable Sunday at the Azelhof after a rest day tomorrow. Team USA enters the Junior Final as clear favorites, while the Netherlands and Great Britain carry momentum in the Children’s and Pony categories. Yet, everyone will start with zero points again, so nothing has been decided! And as we all know, in the Nations Cup, fortunes can change in a heartbeat, and the Finals are certain to deliver suspense, emotion and world-class horsemanship.