On the final day of the European Pony Eventing Championships in Le Mans, the decision came down to the show jumping phase—the third and final component of this three-day discipline. Out of 45 starters, 34 combinations advanced to the jumping round following the challenging cross-country course held the day before. Ultimately, Team France was crowned European Champion on home ground.
France’s Ella Rinaldi came out on top, claiming the individual European title with Boston du Verdon (Salam Du Roc). After a strong dressage score and a faultless cross-country round, she kept her cool in the jumping phase as well. She jumped clear within the allotted time, finishing with a winning total score of 25.5 penalty points. This narrowly edged out Germany’s Milla Staade with Charleen San (HESSELTEICHS Golden Dream), who completed the jumping course slightly faster but lost ground in the cross-country phase, earning her a commendable second place.
Bronze went to Britain’s Annabel Ridgway with Akim de l'Arquerie. After a challenging dressage test, she showcased her potential in both the cross-country and show jumping phases. With a solid final total of 28.0, she secured third place.
Tifaniie Villeton delivered an impressive clear show jumping round for the home crowd with Babylon Night Graves (Midnight Du Brana), which catapulted her forward in the rankings: she finished fourth with 30.8 penalty points. Fellow French rider Isla Johnston also jumped clear with Diego de St Georges (Kimono Melody), earning fifth place with a total of 32.4.
Thanks to the individual successes of the French riders, they also claimed team gold. With a 29.1-point lead, they convincingly defeated Great Britain. Germany took home the bronze.
