2025 European Endurance Predictions + 40 Years of Team Trends

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With the 2025 Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship fast approaching, there’s no better time to look back at the rich history of this prestigious event. From the early days of pioneering rides to today’s finely tuned international teams, the European Championships have seen remarkable shifts in performance, participation, and power dynamics. Let’s dive into the trends, decades, and predictions that define this iconic endurance challenge.

Overall Team Medal Trends (1985–2023)

• France stands unrivalled, topping the medal chart with 15 team medals, including a staggering 8 golds.

• Spain holds strong in second place with 10 medals, including 6 golds—though notably, no bronzes.

• Germany excels at consistency, collecting 5 bronze medals and staying ever-present on the podium.

• Italy and Switzerland each boast balanced medal counts, reflecting steady competitiveness.

• Portugal, Belgium, Great Britain and Sweden have all reached the podium multiple times despite smaller teams.

• The Netherlands has only managed two bronze team medals, highlighting challenges in depth and completion.

Decade-by-Decade Breakdown

1980s: The sport was still maturing. Western European nations dominated, and France began building the foundation for future success.

1990s: France became the benchmark, dominating with multiple golds. Spain began to gain momentum, and endurance shifted from pioneering adventure to professional sport.

2000s: Competition intensified. France and Spain often fought for gold. Italy and Germany began rising through the ranks, with notable improvements in completion rates and speed.

2010s: France extended their reign, while Spain remained a podium threat. Germany consistently earned bronze. Italy re-emerged as a powerhouse, especially during home events.

2020s Outlook: We’re witnessing the most competitive era yet. France remains dominant, but Italy’s home advantage in 2025 could be crucial. Spain is consistent, while Germany, Switzerland, and Portugal are hungry for medals. Margins are narrower than ever.

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Predictions & Team Trends Ahead of the 2025 Championships

The 2025 European Championships return to Castiglione del Lago, Italy, on 21st June. This venue holds deep significance: in 2001, Italy claimed both individual and team gold here.

Here’s how the nations are shaping up:

France

• Trend: Dominant with 15 medals (8 gold).

• Outlook: The team to beat. Deep, experienced, and statistically the most consistent squad in 2025.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 88%

• 2025 horses average speed: 18.12kmph

Spain

• Trend: 10 medals, 6 gold.

• Outlook: Strong team, fast horses, and strategic reshuffles make them serious contenders.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 82%

• 2025 horses average speed: 17.8kmph

Germany

• Trend: 6 medals, mostly bronze.

• Outlook: Blending experience with new talent. Their impressive 86.8% completion rate puts them in podium contention.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 87%

• 2025 horses average speed: 17.8kmph

Italy

• Trend: 5 medals, including home gold in 2001.

• Outlook: Top completion rate (90%). Strong, deep team. On home ground, they could reclaim the title.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 90%

• 2025 horses average speed: 17.06kmph

Switzerland

• Trend: 5 medals.

• Outlook: Seven combinations, great depth. Strong completion rate and a chance for upset.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 84%

• 2025 horses average speed: 16.13kmph

Portugal

• Trend: 4 medals.

• Outlook: Quietly confident. Two unbeaten horses and solid stats make them potential podium sleepers.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 83%

• 2025 horses average speed: 16.86kmph

Belgium

• Trend: 3 medals.

• Outlook: Tactical strength and experienced combinations. Could move up the table.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 84%

• 2025 horses average speed: 16.36kmph

Netherlands

• Trend: 2 bronze medals.

• Outlook: Small team of four. No safety net, but individual finishes could still shine.

• 2025 horses average completion rate: 80%

• 2025 horses average speed: 17.13kmph

Other Nations to Watch:

• Austria: Strong trio but no buffer. Av. speed 16.11kmph and av. pass rate of 78%

• Bulgaria: Consistent and underrated. Av. speed 15.85 and av. pass rate of 85%

• Great Britain: Could surprise with a team placing. Av. speed 16.82 and av. pass rate of 84%

• Slovakia: Blistering speed, high risk/high reward. Av. speed 17.53 and av. pass rate of 86.25%

2025 Fast Facts

• Top Completion Rate: Italy (90%)

• Fastest Average Speed: France (18.12 km/h)

• Dark Horse: Slovakia (17.53 km/h, 86.25% pass rate)

Final Thoughts The 2025 European Championships are shaping up to be a fierce showdown. With narrow margins, strategic horse swaps, and elite combinations ready to deliver, it’s not just about speed or numbers—it’s about smart, resilient, and tactical endurance.

Stay tuned for more stories as we count down to Castiglione del Lago!