FEI European Jumping Championship for Children, 10-13 July 2008, Athens (GRE)

Italian Francesca Arioldi is the 2008 FEI European Champion for Children aboard the 10-year old Baldo della Loggia. A 2007 national champion, she was the only rider out of the 48 starters to manage five clear rounds in the individual competition the FEI European Jumping Championship for Children held at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Center in Athens (GRE).

Three riders had tied for runner-up position on the equal score of four penalties. Second place was therefore resolved through a jump off between last year’s European Children Champion, Great Britain’s Graham Gillepsie on Ara 12, Lauren Edwards from Great Britain on Mr. Bon Ami, and Belgian rider Vicky van de Poel on Whisper. Gillepsie was the fastest with a time of 38,92 and a clear round and took the silver medal. Belgian rider Van de Poel was also clear with a time of 39,80 and took the bronze. Edwards had two bars down and placed fourth.

Four riders were equal fifth on 8 penalties: home rider, Panayiots Fratzis on Life Time; Yusuf Huysal (TUR) on Arthur van de Helle; Chloe Aston (GBR) on Cathleen 16; Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) on Ombre della Baia; and Lucie Krulichova (CZE) on Nikola.

Eighteen riders took part in the farewell competition, held before the Final. Eight went clear and went on for a jump off. Belgian rider Christophe Leutenez on Ricardo du Belluno placed first thanks to his unique clear round in the jump off.

Photographs in high resolution for use by professional media are available from the online FEI photocatalogue.