FEI European Jumping Championships for Juniors and Young Riders: 25 - 29 July, Auvers (FRA)

There were many surprises in store at the first day of the FEI European Jumping Championships for Juniors and Young Riders being held in the Norman town of Auvers (FRA). Indeed, the favorites, did not, as most had assumed, dominate the field. Rather, t’was a day for some of the smaller nations to step up and shine. Nearly 100 Junior riders and horses set out on Wednesday 25 July, with 19 achieving a clear round, including 3 riders from The Netherlands, 3 German riders, 3 French, 2 British, 2 Irish, 2 Belgian (among others) and low and behold the winner, Nicolas Bidon Daurella from Spain who just scraped through ahead of Belgian rider Jens van der Steichel. While The Netherlands, with 3 riders in the top 11, seem primed for a team medal.

For the Young Riders, it was Polish rider Msciwoj Kiecon that took the field by storm, coming first in the Speed competition. As far as team medals, The Netherlands, Germany and Spain are all, it would appear, well on their way.

Full results can be found at: http://www.jump-results.com/OPEN/champauvers07.htm

Be sure to stay posted for further results as the future of horsesport unfolds…