Official Statement from the CBH

"In light of recent media reports regarding the composition of the Brazilian Jumping Team for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, the Brazilian Equestrian Confederation (CBH) wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the final team selection.

In June, the CBH named seven riders as part of the Brazilian selection process: Luciana Diniz, Marlon Zanotelli, Rodrigo Pessoa, Stephan Barcha, Yuri Mansur, Eduardo Pereira de Menezes and Pedro Muylaert.

From the outset, it was established that five of the seven nominated riders would form the Brazilian squad in Aachen, comprising four competition riders and one reserve. This is standard practice in high-performance sport and was known to all parties involved from the beginning of the process.

The final team composition remained subject to the outcome of the training camp held in Aachen from 11 to 16 August 2026, during which the rider-and-horse combinations were monitored and assessed by the technical staff. Until the final decision was made, any of the five combinations participating in the training camp could have been nominated to compete. Accordingly, no rider had been guaranteed a place on the competing team, nor had the reserve position been determined in advance.

The selection was made by international coach Franke Sloothaak and his technical staff, based exclusively on technical criteria and with the objective of identifying the team they considered best suited to represent Brazil at the World Championships. The decision was particularly difficult given the high and closely matched technical standard of the riders involved.

Following the communication of the proposed team composition, Yuri Mansur decided to leave the training centre. The CBH respects the athlete’s decision. As a result of his departure, it became necessary to call upon one of the riders previously identified as an alternate, and Pedro Muylaert was subsequently included in the Brazilian squad.

The CBH emphasises that the athlete communicated his decision before the definitive nomination of the riders, a process formalised only after the official training session and team familiarisation in Aachen. Had Yuri Mansur chosen to remain, he would have continued as a member of the Brazilian delegation.

Technical decisions are an inherent part of every sporting season, just as an athlete’s decision to pursue a different path is entirely legitimate. The CBH regrets the outcome, thanks Yuri Mansur for his successful career and contributions to the Brazilian team, and wishes him every success in this new stage of his career.

The CBH, its technical staff and the entire delegation are now fully focused on Aachen and on the work currently under way. With confident athletes, a committed team and the strong support of Brazilian fans, the delegation looks forward to achieving excellent results for Brazil in the coming days of competition."