The Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins in Vidauban, France, will be hosting an equestrian event unique in France on 1 - 5 July 2015: the FEI European Dressage Championships for Young Riders, Juniors and for the first time, for Children. The future European champion children, junior and young riders are aged between 12 and 21, and are preparing to participate in the most important equestrian event of their young careers.
Some figures:
- 26 nations
- Children: 31 riders / 7 teams / 6 individuals
- Juniors: 70 riders / 16 teams / 7 individuals
- Young Riders: 67 riders / 17 teams / 4 individuals
Young, maybe, but certainly not inexperienced
At least not for those competing in the junior and young riders categories. Some riders have already several Championships under their belt as well as participating all year round at international level. This is particularly the case of the German Anna- Christina Abbelen, team and individual Junior European Champion in 2014. This year, this young dressage rider has moved up into the young rider category achieving promising results (winner of the freestyle to music for young riders and under 25s at the VDF 2015).
For the last three years, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have shared among them the team and individual podiums in these two categories (except in 2013 when the Belgian young riders team took third place).
For the 2015 edition, Denmark and the Netherlands are the only two countries with riders in their teams who competed in last year’s championships. Denise Nedeman and Jeanine Nieuwenhuis (NED) are the ‘old girls’ in the young riders, together with Kathrine Springborg (DEN). In the junior category, the Danish team Kristine Koch Bejtrup and Sille Engermann are the stalwarts, in fine form after their wins in Odense in May (team, individual and freestyle).
Germany, who dominated the 2014 edition, is presenting two totally new teams this year
Children: first edition in Vidauban!
Twelve countries will be chasing the European medals in this category. Whilst the Germans, Danish, Dutch and English have no competitors, the up and coming dressage nations are all present. Ukraine, Russia and Hungary each have three or four young and hopeful riders in their team.
The ‘offs’
The traditional opening ceremony with the parade of nations will be on Tuesday June 30th from 6pm onwards on the Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins’ main terrace. Each nation will carry with pride the colours of their country in an electric atmosphere – driven by the batucada percussion troop: MULEKETU (which means ‘the child within you’).
Finally, the Gala evening will be on Friday 3rd July in the indoor school of the Domaine Equestre. With the theme “White Nights”, the guests will party the night away in an atmosphere typical of St Tropez! (limited places; invitations and tickets required).
Information
Free entry and car parking. Restaurant and Snack bar on site.
Livestreaming on the Jappeloup arena. Live results will also be available.
For more information, visit www.domaine-equestre.com
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2015 European Junior/Young Riders Championships