Arie Yom Tov To Stage First CDI 4* and World Cup Qualifier in Budapest on 16

Dressage

Hungary

Stable Unikornis, the acclaimed venue of the 2020 European Youth Championships near Budapest, Hungary, will be hosting its first ever CDI 4* in conjunction with a World Cup qualifier on 16 - 20 June 2021.

Hungarian entrepreneur Arie Yom-Tov, the show organizer and owner of stable Unikornis, considers it his personal mission to celebrate the beauty of dressage and to keep the sport going in these troubled corona times.

"As always I will do my best effort to create quality and professional competitions in this challenge time," he told Eurodressage.

2020 European Youth Championships, an Emotional Decision

The Israeli born Yom Tov has a heart for Hungary, his country of residence for over twenty years. He has become the driving force behind the development of dressage in the country, as an organizer of shows, clinics and educational seminars at Stable Unikornis.

In 2020, when the corona virus swept across the world and upended the competition calendar, Yom Tov came to the rescue of all young dressage riders who saw their summer European Championships cancelled. In a herculean effort, Arie brought the 2020 European Youth Championships for pony, children, juniors, young riders and Under 25 Grand Prix riders to Budapest and saved the year.

For the love of the sport and making dreams come true

"The 2020 European Youth Championships will stay with me forever," he confessed looking back on last summer. "The truth is that I took the decision to host it with emotions. For me it was most important to keep the life and support for the sport going. As a father of a young dressage rider, I know how important these European Championships are to so many young athletes. For some it was the last year they were competing in their age category and final chance for glory."

In the spring of 2020 the original hosts of these Europeans (Hartpury, Strzegom) cancelled their shows and Arie saw many dreams shattered. He approached the FEI and got permission to bring all five age groups under one umbrella competition in August 2020.

"After taking the decision with a lot of emotion I understood the difficulties and complications involved to create such a big event in a such a short time," Arie explained. "We had to deal with corona restrictions and hygiene rules and it was the first time ever that all five youth groups competed at a European Championship in one place. However, looking at the faces of these young athletes, their trainers and family, it really warmed my heart and was all worth it."

2021, Another Challenging Corona Year

Arie Yom Tov in conversation with judge Evi Eisenhardt

From the perspective of a show host, 2021 will present equal challenges with ever changing calendars and health measures.

"Corona succeeded in changing all of us, at least for the coming years," Arie reflected. "Nothing is sure anymore and plans have become only recommendations. They can be changed day by day. It is a real challenge for show organizers to host big competitions and covering the costs become a mission impossible. All these safety measures increase the costs, and of course without spectators, the entire show atmosphere is very different, and also a bit sad."

These challenges do not dampen Arie's spirit and he is committed to keep the sport going in Hungary. With the full support of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation, Yom Tov plans to shoulder more events in the coming years, starting with the first ever CDI 4* in the country in the late spring.

**Preparing the 2021 CDI 4* and World Cup Qualifier**

Always busy and on the phone, Yom Tov has his eyes fully set on the CDI4*/CDI-W on 16 - 20 June 2021. He carries on with transforming his Stable Unikornis in Pilisjaszfalu, Hungary, 28 km north of Budapest, into a prime location for equestrian sport.

Optimal conditions to compete and train at Stable Unikornis

"We continue to improve the facility, including the footing," said Arie. "We have been improving the truck parking and made many small changes based on the feedback we got last summer. We will do our best effort to make this 4* CDI in June an equally enjoyable event for everyone, while of course upholding all safety and hygiene measures for everyone."

The facility already boasts an exceptional outdoor arena with room for no less than four 20 x 60 m arenas, entirely surfaced with top quality all-weather footing.

The international competition in June will also feature a ground jury that includes 10 international 4 and 5* judges, including Christof Umbach, Elke Ebert, Leif Tornblad, Maria Colliander, Peter Holler, Yuri Romanov, Sissy Max-Theurer, Monique Peutz, Freddy Leyman and Carlos Lopez.

"For me as a show organizer every national and especially international competitions has a message: that Hungary and Hungarians are keeping the highest quality standard and maintaining to be friendly partners to the international dressage world," Arie concluded.

For more information, visit www.unikornislovarda.hu

Arie Yom Tov To Stage First CDI 4* and World Cup Qualifier in Budapest on 16 - 20 June 2021

2020 European Youth Championships, an Emotional Decision

2021, Another Challenging Corona Year

Preparing the 2021 CDI 4* and World Cup Qualifier

**Preparing the 2021 CDI 4* and World Cup Qualifier**