FEI European Vaulting Championships: Kaposvar (HUN), 6-12 August

Great excitement and great expectations today as the Juniors Team Final was played out at the European Vaulting Championships being held in Kaposvar (HUN). For the second time in a row, the Austrian Junior team proved that they were in matters of composition and technical ability the defining elements, as their earth wind, fire and water performance shook the roof and dazzled spectators. Indeed, as the music unfolded, so did the elements and this interspersed with intriguing and high flying highlights, naturally being the wind - A very solid and thought provoking performance which led the Austrians to retain the coveted European title.

In second place came Germany with just the one element – water. Like drops of water free of gravity’s pressure, their execution and performance was water tight, but there lacked a “je ne sais quoi” in the composition. While bronze went to Slovakia, with very convincing and accurate execution and performance but a real lack of emotion and composition. Their performance was also greatly encouraged by Rony, who came second as far as horse scores were concerned and confirms the notion that a steady mount allows for a very steady execution.

Switzerland just missed out on a medal and while their performance and composition was very interesting, Lugano Boy was unfortunately inconsistent on the day, thus weakening the overall unit. It is interesting to note that the best horse score today went to Diana for the Czech Republic.

This is only the second edition of the Juniors Team European Vaulting Championship as the actual category only came into being in 2005. The teams are composed of seven members up to the age of 18 years. The only change in the medals since 2005 is the bronze, which had been bestowed upon the Italian team at the time.

Results for the Junior Team FEI European Vaulting Final

1. Austria 7,839
2. Germany 7,578
3. Slovakia 7,059
4. Switzerland 6,946
5. Italy 6,822
6. France 6,656
7. Czech Republic 6,357
8. Great Britain 5,972
9. Hungary 5,425