France’s Léa Clerissi is Riding High on Determination

FEI.org - Full Story

21 October 2025
Stacey Stearns

The teenager is determined to learn from every experience...

At just 15 years old, France’s Léa Clerissi has already ridden her way into the international spotlight.

During her first season at FEI level in 2024, she completed 12 competitions, qualified at the 3* level with seven different horses, and ended the year ranked in both the FEI and France’s standings. Her rapid rise earned her a coveted place on France’s team for the FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2024 in Arborea (ITA), where the French won Team silver.

“My most rewarding memory is, of course, last year’s European Championship – they taught me so much,” Léa said. “What I love most about Endurance is the bond we develop with the horse, and all the beautiful landscapes we get to see.”

For 2025, Léa set her sights on qualifying for both the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Jullianges (FRA) and the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Buftea (ROU), an ambitious goal that few achieve. But, as Endurance teaches every rider, not every season follows the plan...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/france-lea-clerissi-riding-high-determination

Great Britain: Horses and runners compete in cross-country challenge

BBC.com - Full Article

October 18 2025
Jonathan Holmes • Quantock Hills

Two horses have beaten around 100 runners in a 23 mile (37km) race across Somerset's Quantock Hills.

The Man v Horse endurance race, which was first held more than 40 years ago in Powys, Wales, saw the crowd of runners given a head start of only 15 minutes.

Only four competitors have ever beaten a horse in the history of the race, with the last Somerset event ending in a tie between a human and a horse at three hours and 11 minutes...

Read more here:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wlqp4v500o

South Africa: Letaba riders shine at Limpopo endurance championships

Citizen.co.za - Full Article

Riders from across Limpopo tested stamina and skill at the Endurance Championships, with Letaba riders excelling across categories.

October 5, 2025
Sharon Makhongele

HOEDSPRUIT – The Letaba Endurance Club hosted a memorable edition of the Limpopo Endurance Championships this past weekend at The Ranch Prestige Equestrian Centre, a venue renowned for its world-class facilities and breathtaking natural surroundings.

The event drew riders from across the province, all eager to test their stamina, horsemanship, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider.

The carefully designed routes offered a mix of diverse terrain, challenging hills, flowing tracks, and open stretches, pushing competitors to their limits while showcasing the beauty of endurance riding. Each stride was a testament to preparation, perseverance, and the spirit of partnership that defines the sport.

The championships delivered outstanding performances by Letaba Endurance Club riders across multiple categories:...

Read more here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/letaba-herald/sports-news/2025/10/05/riders-shine-in-champs/

Young Aussie endurance riders shine in Buftea

Image by Amanda Kettlewell

EquestrianLife.com.au - Full Article

Young Australian riders Poppy Kettlewell and Eadie McWilliam impressed at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Buftea, Romania, finishing inside the top 15 against a world-class field over 120km.

Equestrian Life
Published 30 Sep 2025

Buftea, Romania witnessed history on 20 September 2025 as the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors reached its dramatic conclusion. Over 120km of testing terrain, 84 young athletes from 26 nations set out with one shared goal: to finish with their horses in good health. By the end of the day, medals were decided not only by time, but by resilience, judgement, and the crucial veterinary inspections that define the sport. For Romania, hosting its first equestrian world Championship was a milestone in itself, while for the athletes aged 14–21 it was the defining moment of their careers so far. Top results for Australian duo

Seventeen-year-old Australian rider Poppy Kettlewell finished an incredible tenth place with her 15-year-old family-bred gelding Oso Irazu. A seasoned campaigner, Irazu has previously represented Great Britain at two Senior World Championships under Rebecca Pinder. Kettlewell, competing in her first championship, was emotional:

“It’s been a dream since I was six, standing on the beach in Normandy and watching the World Championships. To now wear the Australian shirt is a dream come true. Our goal was top 20 but Irazu had a different idea — his decision was final!...”

Read more here:
https://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/young-aussie-endurance-riders-shine-in-buftea/

Australia: Hooves of steel, hearts of gold

The Tom Quilty planning committee at Stirling's Crossing Equestrian Complex in Imbil. 317343_01

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

27/09/2025 Erle Levey

It’s a feeling of accomplishment … having completed a 160km horse ride in a day through the Australian bush.

However, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup is not just about the rider. It’s also knowing that your horse has been allowed to shine, to be the best it can on the day.

In recognition of the growing popularity of horses in the Gympie-Burnett regions, Australia’s premier endurance event returns to the Mary Valley in 2026.

It will be the third time in seven years that the Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club at Imbil is to have the honour of hosting the event.

As such, it highlights the respect that the governing body, the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA), holds for the region.

This is a particular honour as it will be the 60th anniversary of the Tom Quilty ride, with up to 300 riders from across Australia expected to participate...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/27-09-2025/hooves-of-steel-hearts-of-gold/

A Golden Show of Unity in Romania

FEI.org - Full Article

Words by Stacey Stearns
Images by EIEV media

Romania was the proud host of the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2025...

A pivotal decision at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2025 in Buftea (ROM) turned into a golden moment for France.

At the vet gate, the French Young Riders were ready to head out on the third loop. Their last teammate’s horse still had minutes left in its rest period. They could have gone ahead – perhaps gained precious ground – but instead they chose to wait. They would leave together, as a team.

It was a quiet act of unity in the moment, but by the end of the day it had become the defining story of the championship. That choice ultimately carried France all the way to Team gold. The joy and surprise on their faces when the result was announced showed just how much it meant.

“They were thinking they would get a medal, but not gold. It was a bit of a surprise, but we were so happy. Success is a team sport,” said Jean-Michel Grimal, Chef d’Equipe for France...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/golden-show-unity-buftea

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team wins Best Horse Condition Award at FEI World Championship

BNA.bh

23 Sep 2025

Bucharest, Sep. 23 (BNA): The Royal Endurance Team won the Best Horse Condition Award for the horse Ermine Dartagnan, ridden by rider Isa Hameed Al Enezi, at the 120 km FEI World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Romania.

Coach Ahmed Janahi underlined that winning the Best Horse Health Award crowns the great efforts of the technical and administrative teams.

He said the Royal Endurance Team prioritises horse health and safety, following strict medical and technical standards to ensure the highest care levels. He underscored that this award proves the team focuses not only on winning but also on harmony and care between rider and horse.

He added that the achievement adds to the team's ongoing international success, motivating them to continue working hard for more honours in upcoming events.

This achievement highlights the high level of the riders of the Royal Endurance Team, not only through top positions they attained but also through their exceptional care for the health and fitness of the horses. This professionalism reflects the approach the team follows in all its competitions.