Thrills and Triumphs at the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship 2025
The incredible partnership of Richard Vogel and United Touch S
The Longines FEI Jumping European Championship 2025 concluded in A Coruña, Spain, delivering a week of intense competition, remarkable performances, and unforgettable moments. Hosted at the renowned Casas Novas Equestrian Centre from July 16 to 20, the event showcased Europe's elite showjumpers vying for continental supremacy.
Team Competition: Belgium's Golden Moment
The British team, consisting of Ben Maher on Dallas Vegas Batilly, Matthew Sampson on Medoc de Toxandria, Donald Whitaker on Millfield Colette, and Scott Brash on Hello Folie led the standings after a strong opening round on Thursday, with Germany and Belgium close behind in second and third place.
However, in the second round, both Great Britain and Germany incurred four time-faults, while Belgium delivered a more efficient performance, adding just a single time fault to their score and gaining the upper hand.
Following this dramatic turn of events, Belgium clinched the team gold medal, moving up from third place overnight. The Belgian team, comprising Pieter Devos (Causal DV Z), Gilles Thomas (Ermitage Kalone), Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga vh Dingeshof), and Thibeau Spits (Impress-K van't Kattenheye Z), demonstrated exceptional skill and composure under pressure. Their collective effort secured a final score of 5.61 penalty points, edging out Great Britain (7.96) and Germany (8.19), who took silver and bronze, respectively.
Individual Championship: Richard Vogel's Historic Victory
The individual final was equally captivating. Germany's Richard Vogel, riding the incredible13-year-old stallion United Touch S, delivered a flawless performance throughout the competition, culminating in a gold medal with a near-perfect score of 0.01 penalty points. Richard is, of course, a Laguso ambassador.
Great Britain's Scott Brash, aboard the very impressive mare Hello Folie, who at just 10 years old really proved herself at this level, secured the silver medal, while Belgium's Gilles Thomas and the ever-popular Ermitage Kalone earned bronze, marking a historic achievement for his country.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Championship not only highlighted the prowess of seasoned riders but also introduced new talents poised to shape the future of showjumping. The event's success underscores the growing appeal and competitiveness of equestrian sports in Europe.
As the equestrian community reflects on this year's achievements, anticipation builds for the next championship, promising even more thrilling competitions and emerging stars.