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European Youth Riders Championship: A Ticket to a Successful Career

Posted on 18 Jul 2023 by Lien Hendrickx
Copyright © FEI/Marta Fusetti

The European Youth Riders Championship has long been recognized as a launching pad for young equestrians to embark on a journey towards a successful career in the world of horse riding. This prestigious championship brings together talented riders from across Europe, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. But does success at the European Championship truly serve as a ticket to a flourishing equestrian career? Furthermore, which horses have played a pivotal role in helping these young showjumping riders achieve their victories? In this article, we explore the significance of the European Youth Riders Championship as a stepping stone to success, and the remarkable equine partners who have contributed to their triumphs.

The current winners

Last weekend in Gorla Minora the new European titles were competed for. In the Young Riders categorie, it was Irishman Seamus Hughes Kennedy with his Irish Sport Horse ESI Rocky, who won gold. ESI Rocky was bred by Ennisnag Stud from Ireland and sired Stakkato Gold. However, the dam's line is entirely Belgian going back to the mare Olidame v/d Padenborre who gave the 1.60m horses Ellechin ter Doorn and Galipolli ter Doorn by breeder Paul Van Britsom. Esi Rocky was trained by Seamus Huges Kennedy himself. Just recently he rode the gelding to 3rd place in a CSI2* GP at 1.45m, and now at just 8 years old he is already winning a championship at 1.50m.

Go to complete results CH-EU-Y-S Gorla Minore

In the Juniors, Monegasque Anastasia Nielsen was strongest with Oldenburg Tailormade Contou, a gelding by Conthargos out of a Toulon dam, bred at Gestüt Lewitz/Paul Schockemöhle. The championship title is a nice crowning achievement for a strong spring with lots of top 10 places and a win in the CSIU25YJ-A GP of Compiègne (FRA).

Go to complete results CH-EU-J-S Gorla Minore

Belgium's Clementine Lux won the European title in the Children category with her horse Cash de l'Ecuyer. Earlier this year, the duo also won the Belgian Championships in the Children categorie.

Go to complete results CH-EU-Ch-S Gorla Minore

The partnership between rider and horse is at the heart of equestrian sports, and the European Championship serves as a stage for these collaborations to shine. The exceptional horses that have helped young riders secure victory at this prestigious event have proven their worth and showcased their extraordinary abilities, captivating audiences and inspiring future generations of riders.

These youth champions grew into top riders....

Diving into Hippomundo's historical results, we find many top riders who won their first championship titles in the youth classes.

Take a look at some notable past European Championship winners in the Young Riders category and find all historic results here.

Year Rider Horse
2018 Harry Charles Vivaldi du Dom
2017 Bryan Balsiger Clouzot de Lassus 
2012 Martin Fuchs Principal 12
2011 Nicola Philippaerts HH Carlos
2010 Douglas Lindelöw Talina
1999 Gerco Schröder Geneve
1996 Julien Epaillard Si Tu Viens
1994 Jeroen Dubbeldam Killarney
1985 Patrice Delaveau Laeken
1983 Roger-Yves Bost Jorphee du Prieur
1982 Eric van der Vleuten Expo Visar
1981 Jan Tops Nargus

Certified by Hippomundo © 2023

Take a look at some notable past European Championship winners in the Juniors category and find all historic results here.

Year Rider Horse
2016 Gilles Thomas Indiana v.h Kapelhof
2010 Olivier Philippaerts Carisma
2001 Sergio Alvarez Moya Flash de la Ramee
1994 Björn Nagel Calando 14
1994 Björn Nagel Calando 14
1977 Eric Navet Brooklyn
1975 Nick Skelton Brooklyn
1970 Marcus Fuchs Famos

Certified by Hippomundo © 2023

Achieving success at the European Youth Riders Championship is a significant milestone and an indication of potential talent and success. It opens doors and offers opportunities, but it is up to the riders themselves to forge their path, overcome obstacles, and strive for continuous growth and improvement.