Europe’s Top Combinations Converge at Casas Novas to Chase the Coveted Gold

By Jumper News on 2025-07-16

Arteixo, Spain – July 13, 2025 – At one of the finest equestrian venues on the international circuit — which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year — 92 riders from 23 countries will compete in the various individual classes under the watchful eye of a crowd ready for an unforgettable show. The competition will run until Sunday, 20 July.

Among the competitors are some of the world’s top riders — familiar faces at Casas Novas and champions who already know what it takes to win European gold.

The rider to beat this time will undoubtedly be Steve Guerdat (SUI). The Swiss star will be defending his individual gold in A Coruña after his outstanding performance at the last Europeans in Milan, where he achieved the lowest score ever recorded, alongside his mare Dynamix de Belheme. Ranked sixth in the FEI standings, the experienced Swiss rider also has multiple team medals to his name, making him one of the most anticipated contenders this year. On this occasion, he will compete with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte.

Joining him is another podium finisher from 2023 and a true regular at Casas Novas: France’s Julien Épaillard (FRA). With an enviable track record, Julien and Donatello D’Auge arrive in top form after their brilliant victory this April in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Basel.

Germany, one of the favourites for the team title, is also expected to make a strong impact in the individual contest, especially thanks to two of its stars: Christian Kukuk (GER), Olympic gold medallist in Paris 2024 with Checker 24, who will ride Just Be Gentle this time, and Richard Vogel (GER), currently ranked fourth in the FEI world rankings. Vogel will compete with his loyal partner United Touch, with whom he has already celebrated major successes, including back-to-back victories in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona — proof that Spanish arenas suit them well.

Another rider who knows what it feels like to hang European gold around his neck is Martin Fuchs (SUI). Also from Switzerland, like the defending champion, he won the title in 2019 and returned to the podium in 2021 with a silver medal. Ranked seventh by the FEI, the Swiss rider, will be aiming for his sixth European medal at Casas Novas, this time with Conner Jei.

Of the 92 riders competing, the best ranked is Ben Maher (GBR), currently number two in the world. The British rider already has several silver medals in his collection and arrives at the Galician venue in superb form, having just won a 1.60m class at the CSIO5* in Aachen with Point Break. He’s now ready to take the next step and fight for the top of the podium at the European Championship.

Other top contenders for gold include, among those already mentioned, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (IRL), ranked tenth in the world and a bronze medallist in 2017, who will try to reach the podium again this year with Iron Man; or Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), one of the most beloved riders at Casas Novas, who will be aiming for his first European medal alongside Beauville Z NOP — the horse with which he has already claimed two Olympic bronzes in the last two Games, plus a team silver and an individual bronze at the 2022 World Championship.

For the home team, the rider best positioned to fight for a podium finish is Mariano Martínez Bastida (ESP), who holds the highest ranking within the Spanish squad and already knows what it’s like to set the fastest time in the Casas Novas arena.

With all three Olympic medallists from Paris and several champions from previous editions, this new European Championship in A Coruña promises to be one of the most thrilling and closely contested yet — with world-class athletes guaranteed to deliver a spectacle right up to the final fence.

All the latest information about the Championship, as well as invitations to attend free of charge, are available on the official event website: casasnovasfeijumping2025.com.

Source: Press Release from Oxersport