FEI European Jumping Championships for Children Riders, Istanbul (TUR), 2 - 6 August 2006

The first FEI European Jumping Championship for Children Riders held in the Istanbul Equestrian Club from 2 – 6 August has been branded a resounding success by the organizing committee, participants and spectators.

The event began with an exciting opening day where all the Children Riders had the opportunity to get to know each other, while warming up for the Championship. There were Children Riders from 15 countries present, namely: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey.
FEI Official Course Designer, Frederic Cottier (FRA) designed superb courses for the Championship. There were many challenges for the riders which must have provided an unforgettable learning experience.
The first qualification round saw Monica Martini (GRE) riding Riviera come first while Francesca Arioldi (ITA) riding Pirco was second and Jessica Yasemin Kiliç (TUR) riding Hafiz was third. Carrying the first Qualification round points, riders went on to the second qualification, part of the Team Championship.

Nine teams and ten individuals participated to the Team Event over two rounds. After the first round, Team France was leading with zero penalties while Teams Belgium, Greece, Switzerland and Turkey were all fighting for second place. The second round sealed Team France’s victory with 4 points, while Silver and Bronze were decided following an exciting jump-off between Teams Belgium and Italy, which ended with Team Belgium being awarded Silver while team Italy was awarded Bronze. Switzerland was fourth, and in tied fifth position came Austria, Greece and Turkey. So many nations competing for medals up until the last minute made for a very exciting competition.

The Individual final held on the last day consisted of two challenging rounds. Following an exciting jump-off, the Gold medal was won by Margaux Roucet (FRA) riding Hilarion d'Aguzon while Silver was awarded to Martin Fuchs (SUI) riding Vasco and Bronze went to Constant Van Paesschen (BEL) riding Jetro. Complete results can be found at the official web site www.euchch2006.com

Some of the Children Riders will most probably be meeting again at the Balkan Championships to be held at the beginning of September in Porto Carras (GRE), or at the qualifiers at Herford and Barbizon, part of the FEI Jumping Children’s Competition, or even at Spruce Meadows, Calgary (CAN).

Seeing the positive outcome, the participating nations expressed their support to the idea that the European Jumping Championship for Children Riders should become a continuous event.