-- Photos © Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOTS!
The stage is set for the 2024 European Pony, Children, Junior Riders Championships at equestrian centre Sentower Park in Opglabbeek, Belgium. As of 24 July 53 pony riders, 52 children riders and 68 junior riders are scheduled to compete for three sets of medals in the team, individual and freestyle competition.
Sentower Park is a huge equestrian show facility designed for serial competitions. With two huge indoors and four outdoor arenas which fit no less than six 20 x 60 dressage arenas, the venue offers spacious facilities for a three division European Youth Championship. On top of that the same week the European Pony Show Jumping Championships take place at the same place and time, though that is of little interest to us.
On Tuesday morning the horse inspection took place, starting with the ponies, followed by the children and junior riders. After each trot-up, countries were allowed to familiarize their ponies and horses in all arenas including the competition ring in 15 minute brackets.
The trot-up went smoothly for most athletes and only three ended up in the holding box with two coming up for re-inspection tomorrow morning: Virginia Spoenle's Bob Marley (ITA) and Mariia Oliinyk's Skyfall (UKR).
After some nice easy summer days last weekend, Tuesday was the day that the sky got overcast and rain showers came down throughout the morning. In the afternoon there was plenty of sunshine and hints of summer weather. Tomorrow the forecast is favourable.
Sentower Park has made all arenas beautiful with ample plants, flowers and decoration to give a real competitive, championship feel to the show.
Let the Games begin. Eurodressage will be there to cover the team competition but after that we are off to the Olympic Games!
- Text and Photos © Eurodressage (this article expresses Eurodressage's' eye-witness account and opinion about the competition)
Eurodressage is taking photos of all competitors in Opglabbeek (we do our best to catch everyone).
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Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2024 European Pony, Children, Junior Riders Championships