The first qualifying round of the World Championship for 7-year-old showjumpers in Lanaken immediately brought combinations of the highest level to the start. The young talents showcased their abilities in a two-phase class at 1m40. With a strong international field of competitors, the pace was high and the differences came down to hundredths of a second.
Victory went to Ireland thanks to Michael Pender with HHS Venice (Emerald van ’t Ruytershof). The pair jumped clear and set a fast time of 28.85 seconds in the second phase.
“I’m absolutely delighted with how the mare jumped. She’s been going really well for a while, and today she was fantastic again. She’s naturally very fast, I didn’t even realize how quick we were. Hopefully we can keep this up and get a few into the final,” Pender smiled.
Just a fraction behind was French rider Emeric George with Iloa du Ru (Nervoso), who also delivered a faultless round in 28.94 seconds. Third place went to Germany’s Kendra Claricia Brinkop, who finished clear in 29.06 seconds with Sniper des Lilas Blancs (Hamilton du Chapitre).
The fourth and fifth spots went to the Netherlands. Daan van Geel clocked 29.47 seconds with Nadia VG (Zento), while he also secured fifth place aboard his second horse, Nelson Pessoa (Harley x Corland), finishing in 29.55 seconds.
Places six and seven went to Belgium, with Nick Vrins on Realteens Orestus (Orestus VDL) and Steven Vermeir on Crazy Music Royal Z (Clarimo ASK). They completed the second phase in 29.66 and 29.78 seconds respectively.
