There are just 50 days until the Agria FEI European Eventing Championships take place at Blenheim Palace on Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 September.
It will be the first time that Great Britain has hosted the European Championships since Blair Castle in 2015 and the first time they have taken place at Blenheim Palace since Zara Tindall won the title aboard Toytown in 2005. Zara’s father Captain Mark Phillips has been named as the cross-country course designer.
Reigning Olympic champions and current European winners Britain will start as favourites but will face stiff opposition from strong French and German teams at the Oxfordshire event.
While exact teams have yet to be revealed, many formidable combinations have been named on individual country’s longlists. Eighteen pairs make up Britain’s longlist with Paris 2024 gold medallists Ros Canter, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen heading the list. World No.1 Harry Meade and 2022 world champion Yasmin Ingham have also been included.
Germany’s longlist includes Rio and Paris Olympic champion Michael Jung, Tokyo gold medallist Julia Krajewski and former world champion Sandra Auffarth.
Breaking new ground
For the first time in history, Turkey will be represented at a senior European Eventing Championships after Kumru “Kuki” Say qualified for the competition at the Baborowko Equestrian Festival CCI4*L with Baladin De L’Ocean LA.
“The momentum is really starting to build now,” said event director, Katrina Midgley.
“With such a world-class field shaping up we couldn’t be more excited to welcome spectators to what promises to be a truly unforgettable Championship. Grandstand tickets have already sold out for the Sunday, which is a real testament to just how exciting this year’s event will be.”
Taking place alongside the European Championships will be the FEI Eventing 8&9 year old class and the Eventer Challenge. There will also be tradestands, meet and greet opportunities with This Esme and Meg Elphick and glamping and camping options.
For more information and to book tickets click here.
Image © Libby Law.
