Who’s In and Who’s Out – Final Entries Confirmed for the 2025 European Endurance Championship
- Bella Fricker
- Jun 7
- 21 min read
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The start list is in. The countdown is on. And the 2025 European Endurance Championships at Castiglione del Lago is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With final entries confirmed, it’s time to unpack which nations are fielding full teams, who’s flying solo, and which horses and riders are making a statement before the first heartbeat is even checked.
As a reminder: up to five riders can compete per nation, and the top three results count towards the team score. Horses can be switched up until pre-ride vetting, and riders with multiple qualified mounts still have tactical decisions to make. With that in mind, here’s the lowdown on who’s in, who’s out, and what it all means for the medals.
I've taken a deep dive into the FEI records for every horse and rider combination. From competition mileage and average speeds to completion rates and past Championship form, this blog explores the data behind the names.
All statistics and details have been sourced directly from the FEI database. If you spot a discrepancy or something doesn’t match what you know, the author would love to hear from you so it can be rectified. Accuracy matters—but so does celebrating this incredible field of horses and riders heading to Castiglione del Lago!
A look by nation
Austria
Austria heads to the 2025 European Championships with a compact but balanced trio—three riders, three horses, and no changes from their original nominations. With an average completion rate of 78% and speed of 16.11 km/h, the team blends reliability with emerging potential.
Austrian Combinations
Stephanie Kunz & KUHAYLAN ZAID 111 (14yo Shagya Arab stallion): This seasoned duo brings consistency and experience, having successfully completed both the 2023 Europeans and the 2024 World Championships. Impressively, they’ve passed every ride since 2022, with an 80% completion rate at an average speed of 15.29 km/h.
Jana Kupper & TALISMAN EL TAKKO (14yo Part-bred Arab gelding): A well-travelled pair, having competed in five countries. Despite retiring at the 2024 World Championships, they boast a high cruising speed of 17.53 km/h and will be aiming for a strong comeback.
Renate Lang & QUADIR STYR EHA (10yo Part-bred Arab stallion): The youngest of Austria’s nominated horses, Quadir qualified with both Renate and Stephanie. This will be his Championship debut. Renate brings additional depth, also being qualified on another homebred, QUICKFLASH STYR EHA. She previously rode at the Castiglione del Lago Test Event in 2024.
Belgium
Belgium arrives in Castiglione del Lago with six nominated combinations from an original pool of eight, as Carine Boulanger secures dual entries with her two standout mares. With an impressive average completion rate of 83.6% and a team speed of 16.36 km/h, Belgium combines deep experience with tactical strength. With seasoned names, rising talent, and a calculated strategy, Belgium remains a credible team medal contender.
Belgian Combinations
Pierre Arnould & PH.IBN JADARA’H (14yo Arab gelding): A new pairing for 2024, but the gelding completed the Europeans in 2023 with Carine Boulanger. Pierre, now 66, brings decades of experience, having represented Belgium at four European Championships, two World Championships, and two World Equestrian Games since 1992.
Carine Boulanger & GHALIYAH DU COURTISOT (9yo Arab mare): An inexperienced yet exciting young mare with a perfect 100% completion rate and an average speed of 16.86 km/h. This would be her first Championship, but Carine’s experience makes them a very strong option.
Carine Boulanger & GIBSON AL ONDREL (9yo Arab mare): The second of Carine’s two nominated mares, Gibson has mostly been competed by Carine but was recently ridden by Pierre. Fast and consistent at 17.02 km/h, making Carine’s final decision a tough one.
Marion Lamorinière & APPLE DU COLOMBIER (12yo Arab mare): A reliable mare with 80% completion and experience at the 2024 World Championships. Solid and steady at 15.31 km/h, she could be a valuable team asset.
Clémentine Truffet & EOL COUTILLAS (11yo Part-bred Arab stallion): A combination that’s represented Belgium at both Young Rider and senior World Championships. Although they didn’t complete at the 2024 Worlds, their speed and Clémentine’s experience could prove useful for team points.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria heads into the 2025 European Championships with five nominated combinations, confirming Ivan Stoychev will ride Manaba over his second horse, a sensible call given her stronger completion record. The team boasts an average completion rate of 85% and a competitive average speed of 15.85 km/h, blending regional success with Championship experience. Quietly consistent, Bulgaria could surprise if their combinations deliver on form.
Bulgarian Combinations
Dessislava Aleksieva & SAMODIVA (13yo Arab mare): A high-performing mare with a 90% completion rate and a solid average speed of 16.23 km/h. Although she didn’t finish at the 2024 World Championships, her form outside that ride has been consistent and competitive.
Miroslav Borshosh & DORMANNE DE LA GESSE (11yo Arab mare): Previously completed the 2023 Worlds under Ana Barbas and has more recently been ridden by Xin Ye. Miroslav brings previous European Championship experience (2019) and completed Monpazier 160km with this mare after being disqualified from the Worlds on another horse.
Denis Furlanski & PAVEL (11yo Arab stallion): A Balkan Championships and Al Ula finisher with a strong 90% completion rate. While this will be his first European Championship, Denis brings substantial experience from two World and three European Championships, making this a promising debut combination at continental level.
Ivan Stoychev & MANABA (13yo Anglo Arab mare): Ivan’s first nominated horse. He rode MANABA at the 2023 Europeans but did not complete. Still, the mare holds an 83% completion rate with a decent average speed of 15.86 km/h, offering a potential solid contribution.
Croatia
With just one confirmed combination, Croatia will not field a team at the 2025 European Championships, but their sole entry offers an intriguing underdog story. Their stats are impressive: a 100% completion rate and a competitive average speed of 16.39 km/h.
Crotian Combination
Ivan Vodogažec & 80 SAID (13yo Arab gelding): Representing Croatia as a solo competitor, this will be the first Championship for both horse and rider. Remarkably, all of their previous competitions have taken place at Samorin, making this their first venture onto new terrain. While untested on the broader international circuit, their perfect record and pace suggest potential to surprise.
Czeck Republic
With just two riders, the Czech Republic will not be eligible for the team competition at the 2025 Europeans. However, the nation brings a mix of raw talent and seasoned rider experience, averaging a completion rate of 79% and an average speed of 16.34 km/h across their two nominated horses.
Czech Combinations
Zuzana Beranova & SHAMALEE (11yo Arab gelding): A combination still building their Championship credentials. Shamalee was eliminated due to lameness with another rider earlier this year and also failed to complete the 2024 World Championships. With a 58% completion rate, they'll be aiming for a turning point at this year’s Europeans.
Tana Terberova & JOY RAMONE (12yo Shagya Arab gelding): This will be JOY RAMONE’s first Championship, but Tana brings a wealth of experience, having ridden at the 2014 Young Rider Europeans and completed the tough Al Ula 160km earlier this year with a different horse. With a 100% completion rate and strong average speed, this pair could deliver a solid individual result for the Czech Republic.
Spain
Spain arrives in Castiglione del Lago with a formidable squad of seven confirmed combinations and a travelling reserve, whittled down from 13 initial nominations—a selection process as competitive as it was strategic. Two horse-rider swaps stand out: JM Elegido, originally listed with Gil Berenguer, now pairs with Omar Blanco Rodrigo, while Maria Alvarez Ponton will ride Fatal, previously nominated with Omar.
Their final team averages 17.8 km/h and holds an 82% completion rate—strong, but not quite matching France’s elite consistency.
Spanish Combinations
Maria Alvarez Ponton & FATAL (10yo Arab stallion): Finished 2nd at the Castiglione Test Event in 2024. A powerful 18.81 km/h average speed makes him one of the fastest on the list. Maria, one of the sport’s most accomplished riders, has won three individual golds and led Spain to countless team medals.
Maria Alvarez Ponton & JM EL SOBRINO (14yo Arab gelding): A 100% completion homebred with strong stats (17.67 km/h) but no prior Championship experience. Completed Al Ula 160km in 2024 and looks like a standout choice on paper.
Gil Berenguer Carrera & JILGUERO II EX CLAVIJO DE GUAD (13yo Arab gelding): Recently completed a strong 160km after retiring at the 2024 Worlds with another rider. With an 86% completion rate and an 18.13 km/h average, this is one of two fast horses Gil is qualified on.
Omar Blanco Rodrigo & JM ELEGIDO (14yo Arab gelding): Has competed in the 2021 Europeans and 2023 Worlds with Maria Ponton. Gil completed Al Ula 160km with him this year. A reliable option at 17.29 km/h and 79% completion.
Raquel Costa Codina & BAYKAL-COST (11yo Arab gelding): A young talent stepping up to senior level for the first time. The pair represented Spain at the 2022 YR Champs and have an 82% completion rate with a 17.17 km/h average.
Jaume Punti Dachs & WARRENS HILL CHAYZE (17yo Arab gelding): One of the most experienced horses nominated. European individual gold medalist in 2021. With 77% completion and a blistering 18.53 km/h, this would be Chayze’s 7th major Championship. Jaume is the most decorated rider in the field.
Juan Carlos Ruiz de Villa Fernandez & L M WHISKY (12yo Arab stallion): An interesting horse-rider combo new to Championships. Whisky was recently competed by Bo Sui. Juan Carlos has been active in FEI endurance since 2005 and has over 270 horses on his FEI trainer record.
Estonia
With just two riders entered, Estonia won’t be eligible for the team competition at the 2025 European Championships. However, they bring forward two of the only non-Arab horses on the list, both Estonian Sport Horses, with a solid average completion rate of 80.5% and an average speed of 15.22 km/h.
Estonian Combinations
Egle Kalev & MERIIN (13yo Estonian Sport Horse gelding): A Championship debut for Egle, though she boasts an impressive individual record with 21 completions from 22 FEI starts. Meriin is one of the few non-Arabs in the competition and successfully completed the 2024 World Championships under Taavet Tikk. This consistent pair may fly under the radar.
Taavet Tikk & PIRATE (15yo Estonian Sport Horse gelding): Another Estonian Sport Horse and another Championship return for Taavet, who swaps horses for 2025 after completing the 2024 Worlds with Meriin. Pirate has an 88% completion rate and has also been ridden by co-owner Qi Wang in 2024, showing versatility and experience in the international field.
Finland
As the only rider from Finland, Alina Huovinen Garcia will be competing as an individual at the 2025 European Championships. Representing her country with a strong record, this combination brings both speed and reliability, with a 91% completion rate and an impressive average speed of 18.1 km/h.
Finnish Combination
Alina Huovinen Garcia & SHAGYA FLORINA (13yo Shagya Arab mare): A competitive and consistent partnership. The mare placed 5th at the Young Rider European Championships in 2024 with Saana Nieminen. Alina herself finished the European Championships in Samorin in 2015 in 7th place riding BEOBIDE 10. With a strong completion record and elite pace, they’ll be aiming to make an impact in the senior Championship, proudly flying the Finnish flag solo.
France
France enters the 2025 European Championships as a powerhouse, fielding seven combinations that represent the most consistently elite string in the competition. With a team average completion rate of 87.86% and a searing average speed of 18.12 km/h, the French are gunning for both team and individual titles. Their depth is unmatched—every horse has been carefully selected for a blend of form, fitness, and experience, and nearly all combinations have shown their mettle over the toughest tracks in Europe and beyond.
French Combinations
Paul Bard & GIVIT TO ME VALARBIN (9yo Arab mare): One of the younger horses in the list, neither horse nor rider has been to a Championship before, but they show promise with a solid 78% completion rate and 17.77 km/h pace.
Julien Lafaure & FAZAY CABIRAT (10yo Arab gelding): A perfect 100% completion rate and a top 10 finish at the 2024 Worlds. Julien has decades of family history in endurance and two horses on the list.
Julia Montagne & CHIARA DE BEDERS (13yo Arab mare): A pair with top national results, including 2nd at the 2023 Florac 160km. Julia is a skilled trainer with over 70 horses registered under her name.
France Paul & D’AROHZ ROUGE DU VAL (12yo Arab mare): Undefeated at FEI level with a 100% completion rate and a superb 18.66 km/h average. Despite no international Championship experience, the mare is one to watch.
Melody Theolissat & KAIS DE JALIMA (14yo Arab gelding): 4th at the 2023 Europeans and 7th in 2021. With an 81% completion rate and 19.24 km/h, this experienced pair brings speed and results.
Melody Theolissat & YALLA DE JALIMA (11yo Arab gelding): Finished 3rd at the 2024 Worlds. Slightly lower completion rate (75%), but another strong contender from France’s top female endurance athlete.
Philippe Tomas & BIWAKA DE CHALENDRAT (14yo Part-bred Arab gelding): A Championship veteran, finishing 3rd and 4th in the last two Europeans, plus 11th and 14th in the last two Worlds. With a 93% completion rate and a quick 18.56 km/h, Biwaka is one of the most proven horses on the entire list.
Great Britain
Great Britain heads to the 2025 European Championships with five confirmed entries from an original six, after Rebecca Pinder’s seasoned gelding OSO Irazu was reallocated to the Young Rider World Championship. That leaves the team with a slim margin for error—only three riders need to complete for a team placing, but all must pass. With a solid average completion rate of 84.2% and team speed of 16.82 km/h, GB may be small in number but remains competitively placed, relying on reliability and Championship experience to deliver results.
British Combinations
Rebecca Pinder & MULFET AA 82 27 (9yo Arab stallion): A young but promising Spanish-bred stallion with an 89% completion rate and strong speed (17.79 km/h). Rebecca is based in Spain and previously rode for Australia before switching to GBR in 2022. The pair recently completed a 160km in Tordera, and Mulfet already shows toughness beyond his years.
Nicola Thorne & AKALA SHAHEEN (11yo Arab gelding): Bred in the UK and recently competing internationally, including a 160km completion in Belgium. With an 88% completion rate, this will be Shaheen’s first Championship. Nicki operates Akala Arabians in Thetford and brings a wealth of experience.
Nicola Thorne & DAYWAY STREAM BLISS (12yo Arab gelding): A reliable and consistent campaigner, Bliss completed both the 2023 Europeans (15th) and the 2024 Worlds (34th) with Nicki. They boast a 92% completion rate and 16.15 km/h average — a strong pair for team points. Nicki herself is a British endurance stalwart, having ridden in 3 Worlds, 5 Europeans, and 1 WEG.
Carmine Villani & BAYLA D’ALLUECH (14yo Arab mare): With a solid 75% completion rate and 16.89 km/h average, Bayla has finished both the 2023 Europeans and 2024 Worlds. A proven Championship horse who adds strength to the British string, despite a blip at Butheeb in 2023.
Carmine Villani & PETRA DEL REY (13yo Arab mare): Owned and trained by Rebecca Pinder and her husband Jairo, Petra placed 15th at the 2024 Worlds and 9th at the 2023 YR World Championships. Carmine qualified her earlier this year and brings forward a mare with real Championship experience and a 77% completion rate.
Germany
Germany heads into the 2025 European Championships with a formidable five-strong team drawn from an initial pool of nine nominated combinations. Their final line-up reflects a carefully balanced mix of tried-and-tested Championship veterans and exciting newcomers, boasting a collective average completion rate of 86.8% and an average speed of 17.01 km/h—formidable stats that place them firmly in the medal conversation. With deep experience, strong stats, and a blend of youth and wisdom, Germany looks primed for a serious team result—and potentially more individual silverware for their top performers.
German Combinations
Sabrina Arnold & EASY EL BOHEIRA (11yo Arab mare): The reigning European Champion (2023) and 6th at the Worlds in 2024. Though Sabrina announced her retirement last year, her name appears on the list—bringing with it a career boasting four individual golds, three bronzes, and one silver. One of the most decorated endurance riders of her generation.
Bernhard Dornsiepen & BEKELE EL DJEM (17yo Arab gelding): A Championship veteran pair, with appearances at 7 Championships together including WEGs, Worlds, and Europeans. Their best finish was 12th at the 2021 Europeans. A reliable duo with strong history.
Veit Koppe & FAIZAH (13yo Trakehner mare): An unusual non-Arab in the field, Faizah has a standout 89% completion rate and 16.78 km/h speed. This will be a Championship debut for both horse and rider, but they’ve earned their spot.
Mareike Messner & FIRE FLY (10yo Arab mare): Owned and trained by Rebecca Arnold, this is a debut Championship for both rider and horse. FIRE FLY has a decent 75% record and steady 16.52 km/h pace.
Anne Wegner & MK WALDFEE (12yo Part-bred Arab mare): Anne previously rode for Germany at YR level but is seeking her senior debut here. WALDFEE boasts a 100% completion rate from a light competition record, averaging 16.99 km/h.
Hungary
Hungary enters the 2025 European Championships with two combinations so no team competition for them. Nonetheless, the pair average a completion rate of 84.5% and an average speed of 16.36 km/h, but will not field a full team.
Hungarian Combinations
Patricia Fekete & JANITA DE S. JOSE (11yo mare, unknown breeding): An experienced pair with some tough luck in recent Championships—retiring at Castiglione del Lago in 2023 and being eliminated for lameness at the 2024 Worlds. With a 69% completion rate, they’ll be looking to bounce back and prove their resilience.
Katalin Varga & JM MATHAYUS BOOM BOOM 75 (10yo Arab stallion): Recently completed his first 160km in Samorin at an impressive 17.73 km/h, now boasting a perfect 100% completion rate. Katalin brings prior European Championship experience from 2015, and this young stallion could surprise on his Championship debut.
Ireland
With only two riders entered, Ireland will not field a team at the 2025 European Championships. However, both combinations bring international experience and determination. As a pair, they hold a combined average completion rate of 72% and an average speed of 16.34 km/h.
Irish Combinations
Avril Bray & ASALYA CHENE (13yo Arab mare): Based in France, Avril is no stranger to top-level competition, having represented Ireland at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and 2019 Europeans. Asalya completed the 2024 Worlds and continues to build her record (67% completion). Outside of endurance, Avril previously competed in judo at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Hilda Donahue & BABEL DE CROUZ (14yo Shagya Arab mare): A high-mileage mare with a rich history across multiple riders, including appearances at two YR Championships. Hilda, based in Florida, brings a diverse equestrian background with 160km completions, 4* eventing experience, and PSG-level dressage. She and Babel qualified together at Zutendaal this year.
Italy
As the host nation, Italy enters the 2025 European Championships with home advantage and an impressively balanced team of seven combinations—led by six riders, including Costanza Laliscia with two top-class mounts. From a strong original pool of ten nominated combinations, Italy has selected a squad that boasts the highest average completion rate of all nations at 90%, combined with a competitive average speed of 17.06 km/h. More consistent than France, if slightly less explosive in pace, Italy has all the tools to challenge for team medals on familiar turf.
Italian Combinations
Caterina Coppini & ZIRMO DE PINE (10yo Arab stallion): Completed the 2024 Castiglione Test Event 160km in 4th place. With a perfect 100% record, this will be Caterina’s first senior Championship after a successful Young Rider career.
Camilla Curcio & SYMPHONIK DEI LAGHI (12yo Arab stallion): New to Championship level with a 70% completion rate. Both horse and rider will be aiming to make their mark in their first senior team appearance.
Nicole Frisan & STELLA (13yo Arab mare): Completed the 2024 Test Event in 5th. With a perfect record and 17.36 km/h average, this mare is one of Italy’s most consistent and competitive options.
Costanza Laliscia & EMIRAT DU BARTHAS (11yo Arab gelding): A high-mileage pairing that competed at the 2023 Europeans but were eliminated ME VG4. Costanza is Italy’s most decorated current rider, with appearances at 2 Worlds, a WEG, and 7 Europeans, including individual gold in 2019.
Costanza Laliscia & ZAGARA DI CHIA (10yo Arab mare): Winner of the 2024 Test Event CEI3* 160 at Castiglione. With an 86% completion rate, this combination brings proven local track form and big Championship experience.
Federico Milan & DYNAMIK CHARRIERE AA (12yo Anglo Arab mare): A 100% completion record over 4x 160km rides makes this mare one of Italy’s most reliable. Both rider and horse are yet to represent Italy in a Championship but are ready for the step up.
Federico Valeri & DEMON MELOGRANO (13yo Arab stallion): Recently completed two 160kms at over 18km/h. The horse was formerly ridden and trained by Costanza and has since been brought forward by Federico. Championship debut for both.
Lithuania
With just one entry, Lithuania will compete as an individual nation at the 2025 European Endurance Championships. This combination brings a solid speed and respectable record, with a 73% completion rate and average speed of 16.78 km/h.
Lithuanian Combination
Ugnė Zalieckienė & EASY DU FASH (11yo Part-bred Arab gelding): Qualified together at Saumur this year following a lameness at Tordera. Although neither horse nor rider has yet competed at a Senior Championship, their pace and recent qualification indicate potential to develop into a strong international pair. A quiet contender flying the Lithuanian flag solo.
Netherlands
Starting with seven nominated combinations, the Netherlands now lines up with just four confirmed entries—an unfortunate cut that makes it all the harder for a team medal. The loss of Jarmila Lakeman, is a significant blow to their campaign, and with no fifth rider, there’s simply no safety net. That said, it’s not over until the fat lady sings—and the four selected combinations still bring serious mileage, Championship experience, and a respectable combined average speed of 17.13 km/h with an 80% completion rate. While a team result may be more of a challenge, the Netherlands still holds the cards for a top-10 finish or better in the individual standings. A smaller squad, yes—but far from a write-off.
Dutch Combinations
Michelle Nooijen & CZARTOWCZYK (16yo Arab gelding): A high-mileage gelding with 21 FEI starts and 77% completion rate. The pair finished 14th at the 2023 Europeans and were 6th at Zutendaal this year. They didn’t compete in 2024, but experience is on their side.
Carmen Römer & ANISSA DU FLORIVAL (14yo Arab mare): Completing the mare's first CEI3* 160 at Monpazier after the 2024 Worlds, this will be Anissa’s Championship debut. Carmen is one of the Netherlands’ most experienced riders with 2 WEGs, 5 Worlds, and 9 European Championships to her name.
Shanti Roos & FRIPON AU XOIS AA (10yo Anglo Arab gelding): Fripon boasts an impressive 88% completion record and only one career failure (metabolic at VG5 in the 2024 Worlds). Won the CEI2* at Kings Forest this year and looks like a strong contender.
Marijke Visser & CHAITANA DES CHAISES (13yo Arab mare): Placed 8th at the 2024 Worlds with this mare. With a fast average of 17.2 km/h and a 73% completion rate, she’s a serious competitor. Marijke herself has 2 WEG appearances and 2 individual silvers at World and European Championships with LAIZA DE JALIMA.
Norway
Norway steps into the 2025 European Championships with just three combinations, meaning there’s no room for error if they hope to record a team result. The absence of Rita Eiesland Holen, while perhaps expected given recent form, further reduces their margin for security. With a combined average completion rate of 76.33% and a modest average speed of 14.62 km/h, Norway’s campaign is less about racing for medals and more about grinding out clean finishes and flying the flag with determination.
Norway Combinations
Olaug Espeli Carstensen & YACARI (14yo Arab gelding): A combination familiar with the Championship stage, although plagued by misfortune—out at the 2024 Worlds due to lameness at VG1. With a 43% completion rate, they’ll be looking to turn things around in Castiglione.
Astrid Dragset & NYLANDS SHANTARAM (12yo Arab stallion): This is the first Championship for both horse and rider. With a 100% completion record, albeit at a lower average speed (14.2 km/h), this steady combination may be one to rely on for a finish.
Vibeke Edvardsen & NORIN (11yo Arab gelding): Another pair making their Championship debut. Their 86% completion rate shows consistency, even if their average speed (13.94 km/h) is below the international pace.
Poland
Poland heads to the 2025 European Championships with a reduced team of just three combinations following the loss of Katarzyna Klosek and her 100% record—a significant blow to their team ambitions. With no backup rider and all three needing to complete for a team result, Poland faces a narrow path forward. Still, with a respectable average completion rate of 81.33% and average speed of 15.63 km/h, they offer a dependable if conservative blend of experience and endurance. While Poland may not have the firepower to challenge the frontrunners, a clean sweep of completions could still see them finish respectably in the team standings—if consistency wins the day.
Polish Combinations
Magdalena Jablonska & WELERO (13yo Arab gelding): A 75% completion rate and average speed of 14.95 km/h mark this as a steady partnership. Magdalena brings past experience from the 2015 Europeans and 2016 Worlds, while this would be WELERO’s Championship debut.
Barbara Rygol & EL MAHDI (14yo Arab gelding): A veteran with 21 FEI starts and 19 completions. Completed both the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, despite a lameness at the 2023 Europeans. With a 91% record and solid 16.26 km/h average, they’re one of Poland’s most dependable pairs.
Marion Symzak & DENNEWITZ (12yo Arab gelding): Making their Championship debut, this pair qualified in 2023 and completed a CEI2* 70+(2) this year. With a 78% completion rate, the horse has faced two recent lameness eliminations but is still building form.
Portugal
Portugal arrives in Castiglione del Lago with a full team of five combinations and no changes from their original nominations—an encouraging sign of confidence and stability heading into the 2025 European Championships. With an impressive average speed of 16.86 km/h and a team completion rate of 82.6%, they stand out as one of the most balanced and quietly competitive teams in the field. The mix of Championship veterans and two unbeaten horses gives Portugal the ingredients for a serious team finish—and maybe even a shot at the top 10 individually.
If Portugal’s unbeaten horses deliver and the seasoned names complete, they could very well upset more fancied teams. Keep an eye on the red and green—they’re better placed than many might think.
Portuguese Combinations
Manuel Maria Avo & CHERIE DE GHAZAL (12yo Arab mare): Recently qualified at Zutendaal, this will be Cherie’s first Championship and Manuel’s first with this mare. Manuel has competed at the 2023 and 2022 Europeans and the 2024 Worlds. A solid 17.53 km/h average but with a lower 62% completion rate.
Nuno Miguel Carido & GOLIAS DOS PINHEIROS (14yo Arab stallion): This combination brings an 88% completion rate into their Championship debut. Slower-paced at 15.53 km/h but consistent—a valuable team completion prospect.
Laetitia Goncalves & EMIRA DES AYSSADES (11yo Part-bred Arab mare): An undefeated mare with a 100% completion rate and a respectable 17.2 km/h average. While this is her first Championship, Laetitia brings elite pedigree, including individual YR silver in 2009, a 6th at the 2017 Europeans, and multiple World and European Championships appearances.
Rui Lanternas & TRIDEN PEU (10yo Arab stallion): Possibly Portugal’s fastest option, TRIDEN has never failed a ride and averages a blazing 18.3 km/h. This is his Championship debut, but Rui is a seasoned competitor with a 5th place finish at the 2021 Worlds and appearances at 4 Europeans (though yet to complete one).
Joao Raposo & IRAO (12yo Arab stallion): Despite failing to complete a 160km this spring and holding a 63% record, Joao is one of Portugal’s most experienced riders. He’s ridden at two WEGs (6th individually in 2006), two World Championships, and two Europeans, including a Team Silver in 2009.
Switzerland
Switzerland arrives at the 2025 European Championships with an impressive seven entries—its largest and most competitive line-up in recent memory. From an initial 11 nominated combinations, the Swiss have capitalised on their rare depth of talent, combining elite experience, family dynasties, and unbeaten records to form a squad with a strong 83.86% average completion rate and a respectable average speed of 16.13 km/h. With veterans like Barbara Lissarrague and rising talents like Nina Lissarrague and Alexandra Frey, this team has the horsepower to cause a serious shake-up in the team standings—especially if the more favoured nations falter.
Swiss Combinations
Audrey Acquistapace & BIG UP DE SITELLE (14yo Arab gelding): With a 100% FEI competition pass rate and newly qualified at Buch, this will be his first Championship. Audrey has three horses on the nominated list, giving her great tactical flexibility.
Audrey Acquistapace & SARKY DE SAULNOT (16yo Arab gelding): Finished the 160km at Florac in 2024. Has not done a Championship before. The slowest of her three options for selectors with a 63% pass rate record.
Andrea Amacher & SANA’A DU ROC’H (12yo Arab mare): A 91% completion rate and bred by Swiss team coach Allan Leon. Andrea is a seasoned campaigner with two WEGs and two Europeans under her belt, including a team bronze in 2014.
Alexandra Frey & KARIYM (10yo Arab gelding): A younger horse and rider combo making their Championship debut. They’ve posted a solid 84% record and average 16.26 km/h.
Christine Günthardt & BALMY (14yo Arab gelding): A career 69% completion rate and 14.76 km/h average. Eliminated at VT4 at the 2024 Worlds but showed promise with a 7th-place finish in a 160km at Saint-Barthélémy-de-Vals earlier this year.
Barbara Lissarrague & FARIBOLE DE LAP (10yo Part-bred Arab mare): Finished the 2024 Worlds and is unbeaten in FEI competition. With a 100% completion rate, this is one of Switzerland’s most reliable team picks.
Nina Lissarrague & KENYA MOUTHES (10yo Arab mare): Qualified in December 2024 and making a Championship debut. Nina, Barbara’s daughter, is a highly experienced rider with 3 World Champs and 5 Europeans, including YR team golds and an individual silver.
Slovakia
Slovakia fields a sharp but slim squad of four combinations for the 2025 European Championships, down from eight nominated entries. The absence of Mario Hoffmann, despite having two horses listed, is a notable loss to the team’s depth. Michaela Supekova has also opted to ride J S Siete de Oro, leaving her more consistent mare Ro Vedette at home—likely a strategic decision in favour of raw speed. Despite the reduced team size, Slovakia enters with one of the highest average speeds across all nations at 17.53 km/h, combined with a strong 86.25% completion rate. The focus here is clear: go fast, go bold.
Slovakia might not have the numbers to play it safe, but they’re bringing serious pace to the table. If all four complete, this small but mighty team could rattle the leaderboard—particularly in the individual rankings.
Slovakian Combinations
Lucia Marosova & ZURI (10yo Arab stallion): Zuri placed 14th at the Young Horse Worlds with a different rider and qualified with Lucia earlier this year. With an 89% record and steady 15.59 km/h, this could be a strong debut at the senior level.
Martina Oslancova & FEYDRA CABIRAT (10yo Arab mare): Finished 14th at the 2024 Worlds—a top result for a first Championship. Feydra has a 90% completion rate and a reliable 16.58 km/h average. A safe and proven option.
Lucia Jun. Supekova & F C HUSEIN (14yo Arab stallion): Has a strong 78% record and impressive 18.63 km/h average. Although lame at the 2024 Worlds, Lucia has World and European Championship experience and shares riding duties on this horse with her twin sister.
Michaela Supekova & J S SIETE DE ORO (14yo Arab stallion): Among Slovakia’s fastest combinations, they average 19.31 km/h. Lame at the 2023 Europeans but won the 160km at Samorin in 2023. Michaela is a seasoned Championship rider, with 4 Worlds and an individual silver at the 2018 YR Europeans.
Turkey
Turkey will be represented by one combination at the 2025 European Endurance Championships. Although not fielding a full team, this pairing offers solid experience at regional level and a recent successful 160km effort. Their stats: 75% completion rate and 15.11 km/h average speed.
Turkish Combinations
Ismail Eray Çokal & DELIORMAN KAYA (13yo Arab stallion):A Bulgarian-bred stallion who has mainly competed at Samorin, but proved his ability over tougher tracks by finishing the 160km at San Vito al Tagliamento this year. Ismail has twice ridden at the Balkan Championships (100km), and this marks his debut at a European Championship. A proud milestone for Turkish endurance.
Final Thoughts
France and Spain appear to be the medal favourites on paper, but Italy’s consistency and Portugal’s clean horses may disrupt expectations. Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland bring strength in depth, while Slovakia and Great Britain will be hoping for flawless execution to stand a chance in the team rankings.
But as we all know—this is endurance. Anything can happen.
Stay tuned for my next post with predictions, form guides, and who I think will be on the podium.
— Bella 🐎
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