The 2025 FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in Eventing have come to an end in Strzegom. Sunday’s final show jumping round brought plenty of excitement and reshuffling in the rankings, with the battle for medals lasting until the very last ride.
JUNIORS: France on top, British rider takes gold, Polish rider in the Top 10
The juniors were the first to take to the course on Sunday. In the team competition, the gold medal was secured by the French team, who managed to hold onto the lead they had built up in the earlier phases.
A huge contribution to the team victory came from Matis Cogniet, who finished third individually and delivered a faultless jumping round, avoiding any penalty points for the team. Tess Carrere and Rachel Weiler also performed strongly, helping France confidently claim gold.
Despite minor mistakes in show jumping, Belgium held onto the silver medal. Thijs Boon on Vivendi Hero, who had been leading individually, had a costly rail down in the final round, missing out on the podium.
The surprise of the day was Spain, who took the team bronze, sparking enthusiasm among their delegation.
Ella Howard from Great Britain confirmed her top form, delivering a clear round aboard her gelding Marchwoodbefore Boon's mistake, securing the title of 2025 European Junior Champion in Eventing.
“This is my fourth time at the Championships. I always watched others win and stand on the podium. Now it’s me up here. I can’t believe it. Marchwood is amazing – he truly deserved this victory” said an emotional Howard after the awards ceremony.
The silver medal in the individual ranking went to Pia Sophie Schreiber from Germany on Cliemann, who maintained consistent performance throughout the event.
The Polish team also had reason to be proud. Zuzanna Społowicz on Dzaurus AA placed eighth, delivering a clear show jumping round.
YOUNG RIDERS: Hannah Busch on top again, France claims second Team gold
Following the juniors, it was time for the Young Riders – and here too, there was no shortage of surprises and special moments.
The standout of the day was Hannah Busch from Germany, who just last year won gold in the junior category and now – competing in the higher age group – became the 2025 European Young Riders Champion. Together with Crystal-Annabell, she showed outstanding form in all three phases.
“I feel incredibly happy and grateful for everything I’ve achieved. It’s thanks to the support of my team, family, and the whole community” said an emotional Busch.
Silver went to Valentin Quittet Eslan on Casanova d’Ems, who also took home a team gold medal, earning two medals in one day.
Sophie Weening from the Netherlands on Konan made a surprise jump onto the podium, taking bronze after a strong round and surpassing several higher-ranked competitors.
In the team competition, France once again came out on top, securing their second team gold of the day. Key to the success were clear rounds from Quittet Eslan and Verane Nicaud, both playing crucial roles in the historic victory.
“I cried for 15 minutes, I couldn’t believe we did it” said an emotional Nicaud.
“Two medals? I still can’t believe it,” added Quittet Eslan.
Ireland finished second in the team competition, with Great Britain placing third.
The competition in Strzegom once again proved to be one of the key events on the European eventing calendar. The high sporting level and strong emotions from the teams ensured that this year’s Championships will be remembered for a long time.
“Sport is beautiful because it’s unpredictable. The bar was set very high – both for Juniors and Young Riders. The cross-country was demanding – it required a lot of patience, humility, and mental resilience. The show jumping course wasn’t easy either and kept everyone on edge until the end. Among these riders, we see real potential for the future”said event organizer Marcin Konarski. Full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGCJMRq7i_g
FINAL RESULTS – JUNIORS
Individual Ranking:
- Ella Howard (Great Britain) – Marchwood
- Pia Sophie Schreiber (Germany) – Cliemann
- Matis Cogniet (France) – Vivendi Hero
Team Ranking:
- France
- Belgium
- Spain
FINAL RESULTS – YOUNG RIDERS
Individual Ranking:
- Hannah Busch (Germany) – Crystal-Annabell
- Valentin Quittet Eslan (France) – Casanova d’Ems
- Sophie Weening (Netherlands) – Konan
Team Ranking:
- France
- Ireland
- Great Britain
