Spain takes Team and Individual golds in the first of two FEI Endurance Championships

It was a home-win for host nation, Spain, at the FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors held in Vic (ESP) on Friday September 30, 2022, as the Spanish team took the gold for the second championship in a row, and placing in the top two on the individual podium. This first of the 2 FEI Championships held this week at the impressive Spanish location was host to 37 starters from 13 European countries.

Recognised as an international sport in 1978 by the FEI, Endurance rides can cover distances ranging from 80 to 160 kilometres, usually over the course of a single day, across breath-taking landscapes. For this ride, athletes completed a mountainous and challenging 120 km-long course, over four 30km loops. 

The race towards the finish was a tight one, with team France claiming silver and team Italy claiming bronze. With the individuals, Joana Ullastre Niubó (19 years old) with the horse JM Bucefala and Gerard Casadesus Ruaix (20 years old) with the horse Bolchoi el Akim - both from Spain - rode in towards the finish line together clasping their hands in the air.  

With the Spanish fans cheering them on, they placed first and second respectively, with Ullastre maintaining the lead during all four loops. Caterina Coppini (20 years old) with the horse Vezire from Italy came in third. 

The last FEI European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors was held in Pisa (ITA) in July 2018, where team Spain also clinched the gold medal over a 120 km course, edging host nation Italy into second place. 

With the well-being of both equine and human athletes at the heart of every event, veterinary inspections were carried out prior to the ride and at the end of each loop, ensuring that all participating horses were physically sound and ready to participate - and continue - in the ride. The horses were also held for a minimum of one minute per kilometre covered following each phase inspection, allowing for each combination to refuel and rehydrate. 

The action continues this weekend, with the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses being held on Sunday 2 October 2022, which will host 47 athletes from 20 countries around the world.

FULL RESULTS