Juniors – Great Britain claims the Cup ahead of Belgium and Poland

In the Junior Challenge Cup, Great Britain delivered a composed performance to finish on just 1 penalty and secure victory. With consistent clear rounds from Sophie Campbell and Emily Gulliver, the team set themselves apart. Belgium followed in second on 4 penalties, while Poland earned third with 5 penalties. Switzerland and the Czech Republic both finished close behind, while Romania rounded out the field.

Tracy Newman, British Chef d’équipe: ”It was so incredibly fantastic to win today! I couldn't stop smiling... They are a new team of quite young riders who are preparing for next year's championships. So the fact that they did so well today makes me very proud!”

Final standings:

  1. Great Britain (1/222.22)
  2. Belgium (4/218.52)
  3. Poland (5/225.79)
  4. Switzerland (9/219.92)
  5. Czech Republic (9/221.93)
  6. Romania (29/242.87)

 

Children – Denmark unbeatable, Great Britain and Czech Republic complete the podium

Denmark proved untouchable in the Children’s Challenge Cup, producing three clear rounds and finishing with 0 penalties. Great Britain impressed in second place with 4 penalties, while the Czech Republic followed with 8 penalties. Poland and Romania completed the top five, with Denmark’s Palma Sophie Gry Jansson-Christensen anchoring the team with a decisive clear.

Final standings:

  1. Denmark (0/215.44)
  2. Great Britain (4/227.82)
  3. Czech Republic (8/223.16)
  4. Poland (14/226.24)
  5. Romania (14/230.02)

 

Young Riders – France on top, Germany second, Denmark third

In the Young Riders’ Challenge Cup, France celebrated a flawless team effort, finishing on 0 penalties and lifting the trophy. Strong clear rounds by Baptiste Eichner, Celia Poittevin, and Nohlan Vallat sealed the win. Germany followed in second with 8 penalties, while Denmark completed the podium with 16. Poland finished fourth, showing determination but ultimately collecting 17 penalties.

Baptiste Eichner: “It was my last Young Riders Nations Cup, so it feels wonderful to win today. I'm blessed to be able to do that with all my friends that I can call my teammates and the staff of the French Federation.”

Final standings:

  1. France (0/223.01)
  2. Germany (8/221.30)
  3. Denmark (16/221.22)
  4. Poland (17/223.79)

Ponies – Italy triumphs in jump-off over Germany and Ireland

The Pony Challenge Cup delivered high tension, with Italy emerging victorious after a tight jump-off against Germany. Italy’s trio of clear rides, sealed by Maria Privitera and Rachele Zendrini, secured the title on 8 penalties. Germany fought hard to finish second, also on 8 but slower in the jump-off, while Ireland impressed with spirited performances to take third on 12 penalties.

Final standings:

  1. Italy (8/222.70, jump-off)
  2. Germany (8/224.07, jump-off)
  3. Ireland (12/216.61)

U25 Grand Prix – Belgian victory for Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele

The CSIU25 1m45 Big Tour Grand Prix, powered by Woodlands International, added further excitement to Saturday’s program. Belgium’s Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele claimed a home victory aboard Kadee van de Renthoeve Z (Kannan), producing the fastest double clear to secure the win in 39.44 seconds. Poland’s Zofia Michalak impressed to finish runner-up with Elizabeth Z (Elvis Ter Putte), while Belgium celebrated another podium finish with Nikita van der Meerschen and Clayboy (Cornet Obolensky) in third. France’s Emma Taleb and Belgium’s Thibaud Ebinger completed the top five in a competitive class that showcased the rising stars of the U25 circuit.

Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele: “I entered with a relatively inexperienced horse that had never jumped a wall before. That was the most difficult part of the course for me. At the beginning of this year, he was still jumping 1.20 metres, but he has improved every month. Today, everything fell into place. This victory will certainly give us an extra boost for tomorrow. We can go into the Nations Cup final with confidence.”

The crucial finals

With the Challenge Cups concluded, attention now turns fully to Sunday’s Finals, where the pressure will be at its peak. The performances on Saturday showcased not only the strength of the winning teams but also the spirit and depth of competition at the CSIO Nations Cup Youth Final 2025.