Rianna also enjoyed success with Roitaine O (Fontaine TN x Bordeaux 28). Owned by Helgstrand, the five-year-old stallion finished fourth in the Preliminary Test with 77% before returning to claim victory in the Final with 80%. The test featured standout marks of 8.8 for trot and 8.5 for canter.  

Reflecting on the achievement, Rianna shared on social media, “Wow this show is so special. I have no words – just eternally grateful for these two horses and the special people around me. Winning both CDI YH finals today with Roitaine and Rivoli in the five-year-old and six-year-old and seeing the Australian flag fly was so special.”  

To replay the action with ClipMyHorse.TV, click here. 

To see the full results, click here. 

Aleisha Lorensen leads the CCIYJ2*L from start to finish with Finch Farm Chrysler

The CCI2* Junior/Young Rider class saw a shake up amongst the placings, with the exception of the winner, Aleisha Lorensen, who led from start to finish with her Finch Farm Chrysler (28.7).

With a fence in hand heading into the showjumping that they ultimately did not need, the duo finished on their dressage score and claimed the title with a convincing lead of 5.5 penalties.

“I feel absolutely incredible, he was such an amazing boy, carrying me through it. It’s our first Melbourne, we come from Queensland and it’s a big drive. It’s something very special to be here, and now very worth it!” shares Aleisha.

Liam Mckenzie-Smith was the runner-up with Sandhills Invader (34.2) after a beautiful clear round that boosted them up the leaderboard from seventh place overnight.

“I feel like the whole weekend went really well. Cross country was great to go double clear in a big atmosphere, and it was a great round in the showjumping. This is my first Melbourne; the atmosphere is insane and there is so much going on with a very professional environment. Being able to do so well really means a lot to me,” says Liam, who also took out the top Junior placing within the field.

Ella McCrum and Hez All That Jazz (35.9) maintained their third placing from dressage, adding only one rail to their final score.

Andrew Cooper and Sandhills Cristiano win CCI3*L

The final phase of the CCI3*L proved hugely influential, and the leaderboard once again saw a shuffling throughout the entire class. With only five clear rounds delivered, producing one guaranteed a climb up the placings.

Andrew Cooper and Sandhills Cristiano were the only combination to finish on their dressage score (37.5), rocketing them to the top spot from an initial 15th placing.

Emma Bishop and Bobby Dazzler fought their way back into the top three, after adding some time penalties across the country yesterday. Adding nothing further today, they earnt their second place (38.2).

Gemma Tinney and Fernhill Aisling Star secured the last podium spot, having added only six times penalties from yesterday to their final score (39.5).

David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze jump to CCI4*L win

The titular class of the Melbourne International Three-Day Event delivered exactly what you want in a final phase performance. The tension and anticipation carried through to the very end. Clear rounds were certainly not the flavour of the day and despite a field of very experienced campaigners, only two were posted.

The first, by Zachary Thorne and his OTT Wu Gok, proved it was possible to keep the coloured sticks upright and without time penalties.

Holding fouth place overnight, Zachary’s clear round  pushed him into a final second place on 37, behind the only other clear in the class, achieved by David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze (35.4).

“It’s a pretty nice way to finish what’s been a bit of an ordinary season so far,” says a relieved David, who was happy to back in the winner’s circle. “When you win a few times, you don’t like losing!” he says, adding that a pivot of plans after his Adelaide CCI5*L run is ultimately what changed his season and got him to the win today. He has “no idea” what the plans are for right now, but will think long term towards Adelaide again next year.

Leading after cross country, Kenya Wilson could afford one rail, but no more with her Sandros Salute MW. With three falling, she bumped down the placings but secured third (44). Having shared a final score with Christine Bates, a count back applied for the second time today.

“Unfortunately today was not our day, but Sandros did jump some super jumps in there,” says Kenya. On missing the win, Kenya was disappointed, but grateful to be there: “Winning the rug would have been magical, but if I told 12-year-old me that I would one day have a podium finish at Melbourne CCI4*L, I’m sure I would have been awestruck.”

With a mindset like that, Kenya is sure to have future success in the sport. It’s back to reality tomorrow though. “I’m bringing the big guy home [to Western Australia] and then back to work for me!” confirms Kenya.

Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley rise to claim CCI4*S win

The CCI4*S jumped the same showjumping track as the CCI4*L, and clear rounds in abundance made it evident that those in the long format were perhaps a bit tired in comparison to their equine counterparts in the short format, who hadn’t run as far the day prior.

With three withdrawals after the cross country phase, six combinations came forward to the showjumping and five jumped clear, with only a 2.4 total time penalties incurred.

Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley completed an exceptional season, adding the Equestrian Australia CCI4*S title to their Wandin CCI3*S and Ballarat CCI4*S wins, and their Oceania Challenge Young Rider team win for Australia at Adelaide Equestrian Festival.

At only her second CCI4* start, Lamoza officially has a 100% win rate, something she hadn’t at all foreseen.

“We went into this weekend with zero expectations; the aim was to start and finish with a sound and happy horse. To win the CCI4*S, especially at only our second one together, is incredible. He was a legend all weekend and I couldn’t ask for a better teammate,” shares Lamoza.

Looking ahead to next season, Lamoza isn’t totally sure what it will look like, but plans to “just keep on improving at this level.”

Emma Mason and her fan favourite KPH Kingfisher finished in second place, adding some time and 20 jump penalties from their cross country yesterday to finish on 59.3. A classy round today kept all the poles in place, with just one second over the allowed time adding 0.4 penalties to their final score.

Molly Barry and her Impulsive Ways took the final podium place for the class, with 16 jump penalties incurred today for a total of 68.5. They also claimed the Best Performed OTT prize, a great achievement for Molly – who has long been a fan of Thoroughbreds, having produced and campaigned many successful Thoroughbred eventers over the years.

Shenae Lowings and Wollombi Baxter unbeatable in CCN1*L

As the sun was due to set on a spectacular Melbourne International Three-Day Event, the final and remaining class completed their Melbourne experience in the Off The Track CCN1*L for Thoroughbreds.

Shenae Lowings and Wollombi Baxter simply could not be caught by the rest of the field, finishing on their dressage score and claiming the victory after delivery three polished phases (29).

Zaaki, Shenae’s second ride, shared the podium with his stable mate, finishing just 2.9 penalties behind and in third place (31.9).

Hannah Deegan and Zipalon HK squeezed between Shenae’s two mounts, returning to their initial dressage placing of second, despite adding 1.6 time penalties across the country for a total of 30.9.

The Off The Track Thoroughbred class demonstrated not only great ability and athleticism from the athletes, but also a diverse range of horses within the one breeding profile. Many different colours, heights, builds and movers were present throughout the field, highlighting the great ability and enormous appeal of the Thoroughbred athlete.

The Melbourne International Three-Day Event is now complete for another year, and measuring up to the standard of competition and sport in 2027 will be far more achievable than the day-on-day sensational weather that 2026 delivered – but here’s hoping!

With the Australian eventing season now taking a winter break, all focus and attention rests upon the upcoming FEI World Championships in Aachen, and just who will be named to wear the green and gold…

Full results from MI3DE can be found here.

Off The Track CCN1*L results can be found here.

She opted to give Django the winter off to work on his fitness and didn’t rush him back early in the season. “I have always had so much faith in him,” she said.

In the jump-off this morning, Katie said they had jumped fences one and two in a nice pace but felt they were a little slow to three and four. “I thought we’d just go for the clear, so we jumped conservatively and clean. He was just so good. He is an awesome horse.”

Katie says Django’s style may not be the most perfect way of jumping, but his goal is simple – don’t touch the poles.

“I never thought it would ever happen,” said Katie of the CSI5* win. “It is amazing.”

The combination has another CSI5* at Spruce Meadows next weekend. “He is fit and feeling great. We are ready for a big summer ahead.”

Earlier in the show Katie and ZF Chacco Rio placed seventh in the CSI5* 1.5m class. They were one of seven combinations who came through to the jump-off, which was won by Mark Bluman (COL) aboard S&L Haquinsa, ahead of Conor Swail (IRL) aboard Theo 160.

Source: ESNZ press release

Watch the action via ClipMyHorse.TV.

Results can be found here.

Kadi Eykamp leads the CCI2*L with Bellhaven Chatterbox

The Off The track CCI2*L posted many faultless rounds, with many riders no doubt pleased with their double clears across the country. The top three placings from dressage remained, and Kadi Eykamp was thrilled with her six-year-old Bellhaven Chatterbox.

“I really value the horse, and I can’t have asked for more so far,” says Kadi.

They head into the final phase with Kadi aware of the main arena and big atmosphere tomorrow: “I’m hoping the training is good and it goes well.”

Belle Morrow was thrilled to have maintained her second placing, particularly given her claim yesterday of “not being very fast”. Fortunately, she proved yesterday’s self wrong, and galloped across the country, finishing easily within the time.

“He gave me the best feeling ever, happy tears at the end. It truly is so special to be sitting on a horse like him. To do him justice and ride quickly was the best feeling. He was strong but not unrideable, which is what we’ve been working on… lost for words to be completely honest!” says Kadi.

Megan Jones and Grandview Halo are less than a time penalty behind Belle, having delivered a round that Megan says grew with confidence as it went on.

“She has a bright future,” says Megan, adding that despite her “wandering snail eyes” out on course, the mare was able to focus on the job at hand. Megan is hoping for the same tomorrow.

Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler still at the top of the CCIJY2*L

The CCI2*L Junior and Young Rider class mimicked that of the open, as all top three placings from the dressage also held fast.

Aleisha Lorensen (Finch Farm Chrysler), Lydia Proctor (Sandhills Style) and Ella McCrum (Hez All That Jazz) will all be fighting to the wire for honours tomorrow, with all three on penalty scores deemed ti shuffle should a rail fall.

Evie Kamevaar and off-the-track Thoroughbred Sahara Heat lead the CCI3*L

The CCI3*L had undoubtedly the most influential course today, with interim podium placings held by 12th, 13th and 14th respectively form the dressage phase.

A faultless round was elusive for all but four combinations, and a double clear guaranteed a rocketing up the leaderboard.

Evie Kamevaar and off-the-track Thoroughbred Sahara Heat were one of those four clears, proving their tenacity and speed across the country and the power of a partnership many years in the making.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better ride; Ralph was so full of going and made the course feel effortless, taking me around with such ease,” shares Evie.

Oliver Barrett is no stranger to making the time, and fresh off his CCI5*L win at Adelaide, he kept true to recent form, storming around Werribee Park with the fastest time of the field. “She was super today,” says Oliver of Temprenado. “She’s a bit of a machine across the country and she certainly showed that today!” Oliver says he now has his fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Jessica Rae and Chloe rose from 14th place to hold provisional third heading into the final phase tomorrow, just 1 penalty behind Oliver.

Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW gallop into the CCI4*L lead

The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*L also saw a shuffling amongst the ranks, with Western Australian Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW – ever-consistent across the country – one of only four combinations to make it home within the optimum time.

Unlike the other classes, Kenya actually does have a rail in hand and will no doubt be hoping she doesn’t have to use it.

David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze added only two time penalties to their score, sitting that one rail’s length behind Kenya.

Third place is held overnight by another Western Australian, with 18-year-old Charlee Morton-Sharp and off-the-track Thoroughbred SV Supermaxi delivering a faultless round in their CCI4*L debut. Charlee is no stranger to the pressure of jumping in the final three, having performed a clear round that claimed her the win in last year’s CCI3*L here at MI3DE.

Shane Rose and Holy Moses hold a handy lead in the Equestrian Australia CCI4*S

Cross country day’s final class certainly provided some drama, with no combinations making the tight time set out by Ewan Kellett.

Shane Rose and Holy Moses came close, with only 3.6 penalties incurred as the fastest round in the field to finish the day on 34.3.

“He was awesome. Started good… he’s naturally fast and getting more confident, and he knows what’s he’s meant to be doing now. I’m really pleased, he’s a good jumper so I’m hoping he pulls up well and tomorrow is a good day!” says Shane.

Young rider Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley rode a fantastic round. At only her second CCI4* start, Lamoza displayed exceptional talent and grit to not only complete but be very well within the mix at the top of the leaderboard. Whilst 13.6 time penalties leaves quite the gap between her and the top with a score of 47.2, no doubt the experience of another three-day event and CCI4* run will prove valuable to her resume.

Molly Barry and her off-the-track Thoroughbred Impulsive Ways soared up the leaderboard from nineth place after dressage (52.5). A Thoroughbred was handy in a course set truly against the clock, and Molly was rewarded with a provisional place on the podium and 1.5 rails leading her from fourth place in tomorrow’s final phase.

The final and deciding day of Melbourne International Three-Day Event commences tomorrow morning, post final vet inspection, with all classes taking to the main arena throughout the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country

Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.

Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.

Full results from MI3DE can be found here.

Off The Track CCN1*L results can be found here.

Belle Morrow and Bloomers Fearless Francis follow by a tiny margin of 0.4. “I was absolutely stoked with Finn’s test this morning,” says Belle. “I came here wanting to do a sub-30 dressage test; my coach Teegan Ashby has really helped me learn how to ride a good test, that’s been beneficial to our score. Finn put his best foot forward and I could really go for those bigger marks.

“Riding at Melbourne is an absolute privilege and an honour,” acknowledges Belle. The going [for Sunday’s cross country] is considered good by many riders, and Belle agrees. “It looks good, I’m not very good at going fast but am hoping to put a quick time out there.”

Megan Jones and Grandview Halo trail in third by an even smaller gap of only 0.3 penalties.

With narrow margins at the top and only 3.8 penalties separating 15th from first, the cross country, and particularly its time, are sure to be influential tomorrow morning.

The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*L timed their dressage perfectly… perfectly in time with the only rain of the entire day.

But a quick shower didn’t dampen performances or enthusiasm for the premier class.

Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon showcased a stunning test, with accuracy and beautiful expression of the movements throughout to take a convincing lead on 27.2.

“Really happy with how Bloomfield Findon performed and felt in the atmosphere,” says Christine. “I’m pleased to be leading, even with a couple of mistakes. Tomorrow is a good test and lots of questions, but I think we are ready and I’ll need to ride well and hopefully he grows in confidence around the track.”

Andrew Barnett partnered his own Oscar Park Deluge into second place overnight, 2 points behind Christine, claiming the only other sub-30 number for a score of 29.2.

“I was very happy with Rain today; he was very consistent and tried really hard. It’s certainly a long way from over with a very challenging course tomorrow. Lots of questions will reward positive forward riding,” says Andrew.

Third place provisionally is held by Samuel Fasher and Angelina Gold, one of only five mares in the field.

Shane Rose and Holy Moses lead the CCI4*S

The Equestrian Australia CCI4*S class was hotly contended and supremely competitive, with only one whole penalty separating the interim podium. Shane Rose and Holy Moses lead on a 30.7, nudging out Samuel Jeffree and Santoro on 30.9.

“I’m just stoked with him; it’s a fantastic feeling when all the hard work pays off. He was a super pony, now to finish the job,” says Sam.

Olivia Shore and the sole mare in the class, the beautiful and blingy Eliva Castana, hold third with a score of 31.7.

The Off The Track CCN1*L for Thoroughbreds was the final class to take to the arena this afternoon.

A name familiar with both top placings and Thoroughbreds alike leads the class: Shenae Lowings and Wellombi Baxter danced their way to a 29, with Hannah Deegan adding only an additional 0.3 to that to hold second.

Elena Penney and Cloud of Dust proudly hold third. “He’s starting to produce such consistent and competitive tests” says Elena. “I’m actually feeling super excited heading into cross country tomorrow, it’s such a beautiful course. Melbourne has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember.”

Elena won’t have to dream much longer, with the CCN1*L first out of the start box tomorrow, followed by the CCI2*L, CCI3*L, CCI4*L and CCI4*S.

Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country

Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.

Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.

Draws from MI3DE can be found here.

Results from MI3DE are available via Event Secretary.

The Off The Track CCI2*L Junior/Young rider class also completed their first phase today, with Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler holding provisional first place on 28.7 penalties ahead of Lydia Proctor and Sandhills Style on 30.6, with Ella McCrum and Hez All That Jazz third on 31.9.

A debrief from the young riders tomorrow!

The Off the Track CCI2*L saw the first 15 combinations take to the arena today, with the remaining 30 to complete their tests tomorrow morning, followed by the CCI4*L, CCI4*S, as well as the Off The Track CCN1* class for Thoroughbreds competing throughout the day.

Friday also saw the CCI4*L first horse inspection, with Andrew Daines and Hat Trick awarded the Completely Equine Trot Up Best-Dressed award.

Yulong Stud Rising Stars Challenge

The Yulong Stud Rising Stars Challenge took place Friday with the dressage held in the morning and jumping in the afternoon.

Open to Australian Stud Book-registered Thoroughbreds that last raced or trialled within two years of the event, the division runs at EvA80 level and showcases horses at the beginning of their second careers — many of whom could become future stars of Australian eventing.

Sophie Fox and High Torque claimed the win on a total of 84.8; equal tenth after the dressage, they produced the best show jumping result to find themselves at the top of the leaderboard.

Tana Males and Yarrawonga were second on 82.8, while dressage leaders Ethan Height and Culloden Moor finished third on 81.3.

Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country

Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.

Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.

Draws from MI3DE can be found here.

Results from MI3DE are available via Event Secretary.

Nations Cup commences today 

Attention now turns to the CSIO3* Nations Cup (1.50m), where Australia will field a team featuring a blend of youth, experience and Australian breeding success.  

The team features three Australian Senior Championship-winning riders in Billy Raymont, Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tom McDermott. Billy will partner the 14-year-old gelding Caprino (Yalambi’s Caprino Z x Clearway), owned by Jacinta Kinsella, while Jamie Winning-Kermond rides Tulara Wat Colblensky (Colman x Cornet Obolensky), and Tom McDermott rides Tessa Newton’s Oaks Ventriloquist (Vivant x Rex Z).  

Rounding out the team is nineteen-year-old Jack Barker, who will make his Nations Cup debut abord the 10-year-old gelding Bellhaven Calisco. Having celebrated his 19^th birthday just over a week ago, Jack is believed to be one of the youngest riders ever to represent Australia in an official FEI Nations Cup competition.  

Australian breeding will be a major feature of the team, with all the horses selected for the Nations Cup bred on home soil. Caprino, Tulara Wat Colblensky, Bellhaven Calisco and Oaks Ventriloquist all began their careers in Australia before progressing to international competition in Europe. Their selection highlights the growing strength of Australian breeding programs and their ability to produce horses capable of performing at the elite level on the world stage.  

Also in action Friday will be Billy Raymont with Blue Balou PS, Jack Barker with Oaks Cryptic, Tesse Raymont with Tulara Dakchico, Hannah Doolan with Checkbook, and Charlie Magnier and Notre Dame de Bourguignon. These combinations will contest the CSIO3* Prix Demeures De Campagne (1.40m) following the CSIO3* Nations Cup competition.

The action will commence from 9pm AEST with ClipMyHorse.TV providing livestreaming here.  

In the Five-Year-Old class, it was Kasino Royale (Wild Kard x Royal Chanel) for Bianca Sigismundi who claimed the win. Kasino Royale’s sire, Wild Kard, was a success show jumper – winning the Five-Year-Old Championships at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in 2019 for Jamie Kermond and going on to compete at World Cup level with Phillip Lever. Wild Kard is out of Seumas Marwood’s highly successful eventing mare, Wild Oats.

Second in the class was Black List SF (Black Jack IXE x Pearls N Diamonds) for Stuart Tinney. Black List SF’s sire, Black Jack IXE, was another successful show jumper, representing Australia at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark with Billy Raymont in the saddle, before being sold in Europe.

Third place went to Lily Wickenden and Run For Prophet (Palentino x Typhoon Henny) (OTT), followed by Natasha Moody and ES Adele (Black Jack IXE x Exhort), Elin Jarnestrom and Bellhaven de Sol (Bellhaven Toulon Blue x Bellhaven Bellinis Girl, and then Natasha Moody again with Sloane Square (Wish Upon A Star x Sienna) completing the top six.

Belrock Kerajan (Karajan x Belrock Nadia) won the Six-Year-Old division for Sydnie Williams, with this impressive young horse ultimately crowned the Champion of Champions and presented with the Zoe Warrell Memorial Award.

Awarded to the highest-scoring horse across the Young Event Horse divisions, the Zoe Warrell Memorial Award recognises an outstanding young horse demonstrating the qualities and potential for a future in the sport.

Second place in the Six-Year-old class went to Tolerance (OTT) (Starspangledbanner x Enchating Waters) for Sydney Wenn. This gelding had 12 starts for a win in a maiden at Hamilton, before running his last race in March 2025, and is another OTT with a promising post-racing career now unfolding.

Megan Joyce and APH Hugo (APH Lubeck x APH Meander) placed third, ahead of Bianca Sigismundi and Flying Jukebox (OTT) (Jukebox x Miss Presidential), Avril Charman and Wild Gamble (Wild Card x Ruby), and Sharna Dolbey riding Thorlindah Hyacinth HWP (Royal Mirage W x Thorlindah Jasmine Ash) filling the top placings.

Completely Equine Trot Up Best-Dressed winners crowned

The first horse inspection for several classes also took place on Thursday, with stylish outfits certainly in abundance this year.

The Completely Equine Trot Up best-dressed winners were:

Off The Track CCN1*L: Zoe Weinberg and Beachgoer

Off The Track CCI2*L: Shashank Singh Kataria and Icaro LB

CCI2*L (Young Rider/Junior): Liam Mackenzie-Smith and Sandhills Invader

CCI3*L: Kate Irvine and Codak Xtreme

Action continues today

Friday will see the first horses down the centreline in the dressage, with the CCIYJ2*L competitors in action from 8am AEST. The Yulong Rising Stars dressage phase also commences today from 10.30am, followed by the CCI3*L at 11.05am, and the CCI2*L from 2.50pm.

The CCI4*L horse inspection will take place at 4pm, and then the Yulong Rising Stars entrants will complete their jumping phase from 4.40pm.

This evening will also feature the EV Young Ambassador Q&A with Sam Jeffree, Sophia Hill, Tahlia Pursell and Lamoza Velisha – a not too be missed opportunity for those heading to Werribee today.

View the dressage draws.

Results will be available via Event Secretary.

Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country

Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.

Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.

Titles go to Germany, France and Switzerland

Quentin Jabet, Alice Layher, and Romy Schiess and Celine Wilde emerged victorious as the FEI Vaulting World Cup Final 2026 came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday.

Jabet successfully defended his Individual Male title for France, Germany’s Layher claimed the Female crown at her first World Cup Final, while Swiss pair Schiess and Wilde secured a historic first Pas de Deux title for their nation.

Confidence and excellence were on full display from Alice Layher as she performed her Free Test at Sentower Park. Gliding aboard FBW Candy, lunged by Daniel Zembrot, the trio left the crowd in awe. With an incredible 9.168 in the Free Test, the 24-year-old won the competition and lifted the trophy for the first time with an overall score of 8.998.

“It’s crazy, it feels really good. I was really nervous… but it worked quite well,” Layher beamed. “I had the feeling my horse did a really good job, she never did such a big competition before and she was just perfect.”

Teammate and defending champion Kathrin Meyer had a small moment of hesitation at the beginning of her routine, losing some fluidity and vital points, leaving her unable to catch Layher and finishing second with 8.431. Alina Ross completed the German domination in the Female competition. She leapfrogged the USA’s Kimberly Palmer after performing a high-level, expressive routine, taking third place on 8.253.

The Men’s competition produced a thrilling battle with a tremendously close finish. Germany’s Jannik Heiland just missed out on a third title after his graceful Free Test was not quite perfect enough to maintain his round-one lead (8.742). Frenchman Quentin Jabet successfully defended his title, overtaking Heiland. He performed an elegant yet action-packed routine to win with a score of 8.804. His last-minute horse change to Furst Fridolin HDC, lunged by Sirine Abousaid, proved to be a wise decision.

“I feel amazing. It was a big challenge, I did not come with my usual horse, it was a challenge to compete individually without that much planning… but it is what I like to do. It’s a big arena, beautiful,” Jabet, 23, said of his successful defence.

Switzerland’s Sven Ris completed the podium. He stayed calm, confident and clean throughout his routine and was the only other male to score above eight (8.014).

In an entirely unexpected finish, Swiss Pas de Deux pair Romy Schiess and Celine Wilde found themselves on top of the podium as World Cup champions after starting the day in third place. Their test was beautiful and well executed, and they improved on their round-one score, finishing with a personal-best 8.180 alongside Royal Lotti and Patricia Mischol. They became the first Swiss Pas de Deux FEI Vaulting World Cup champions.

It was an emotional finish all round as the German combination of Philine Lindhorst and Cjell Aaron Richert had to settle for second place (8.081). Their horse, Chagall 269, was unsettled at the start and, despite vaulting their hearts out and doing their best given the situation, it was not enough to keep their overnight lead. With disappointment etched on their faces and a crowd full of empathy, they finished their test knowing it would not be enough.

Italian duo Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella delivered a much-improved Free Test in round two. Calypso, their borrowed horse, was happier in the circle, allowing them to show something closer to their normal standard. They earned the second-best Free Test score of the round, raising their total to 7.473 and securing third place.

Germany’s second combination, Arne Heers and Jella Hamann, had to withdraw for the health of the horse.

It was a truly magnificent FEI Vaulting World Cup Final. With history made, new champions crowned and a successful title defence, it had everything. The athletes, lungers and horses gave their all and created memories to last a lifetime. 

FULL RESULTS

Source: FEI press release by Joanne Littlejohn, edited by Equestrian Life