A Golden Bond: How Marijke Visser and Chaitana Became European Champions

FEI.org - Full Story

27 June 2025
Stacey Stearns

How the Dutch athlete rode to glory in Castiglione del Lago...

Marijke Visser and her 13-year-old bay mare, Chaitana des Chaises, did not just win gold at the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 – they earned it stride by stride, through years of relentless dedication, trust and quiet determination.

At Castiglione del Lago (ITA), the Dutch pair etched their names into the history books with a breathtaking performance that captured Individual gold and helped secure a Team bronze for the Netherlands. Forged through long miles, early mornings, and an unshakable bond, their victory was not just a result, but a reward – the culmination of a journey built on loyalty, grit and grace.

“When we reached the last kilometres, I asked Chaitana to take the lead,” Marijke told FEI.org. “She knew it was showtime. I was still trying to control her speed, but she took over the game. Chaitana won the gold for us. She made us so proud”

A shared triumph

That final stretch was the climax of a 160km journey through the rolling Umbrian countryside of Castiglione del Lago (ITA). The pair had remained in the leading pack throughout the six demanding loops. As they floated into the recovery and Vetting Area for their final veterinary inspection, Chaitana’s ears pricked forward as her bright eyes surveyed the scene, and Visser’s wide smile reflected their shared triumph. The moment was marked by hugs and tears as Visser thanked Chaitana, her crew, and everyone who had supported their journey. It was a first-ever championship gold for the Dutch athlete, who had previously won silver medals at the Worlds and Europeans...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/golden-bond-how-marijke-visser-and-chaitana-became-european-champions

US Equestrian Announces Athletes Selected to Represent U.S. Endurance Team for 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Juniors and Young Riders

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jun 26, 2025

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete and horse combinations selected to represent the U.S. Endurance Team for the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Juniors and Young Riders. The championship will take place in Buftea, Romania, on September 20, 2025.

The following athletes and horse combinations have been selected to compete on the U.S. Endurance Team are listed in alphabetical order:

• Jax Beloberk (Loomis, Calif.) and Highh Treason, a 2011 Arabian gelding (Tomanchie x Ecstatika) owned by Katie Beloberk

• AnnaMaria Clarke (Davis, Va.) and Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding (PA Gazsi x PA Ecolina) owned by Valerie Kanavy and Dessia Miller

• Alternate: Summerr Gold, a 2016 Half Arabian mare (Finish Golden x LM Parys) owned by Valerie Kanavy

• Vanessa Erickson (Rocklin, Calif.) and Leno, a 2016 Arabian gelding (Dahess x Ta Dance WithTheStar) owned by Samantha Ellis

• Uma Kraskin (Deland, Fla.) and Maggies Nchanted Pipi, a 2011 Arabian mare (FSF Dakaros Enchanter x Whizlin Comets Maggie) owned by Evelyn Baig

• Alternate: Zaed Al Shaqab, a 2012 Arabian gelding (Gazal Al Shaqab x WN Star Dynasty) owned by Stephen Rojek

• Lila Reeder (Loomis, Calif.) and Cricket MHF, a 2017 Arabian gelding (Jolly By Golly x Awesome Zell MHF) owned by Bethany Reeder

Competition Information:

The 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Juniors and Young Riders begins with the opening ceremony taking place at 6:00 pm GMT+3/11:00 a.m. EST on September 18. The competition will begin with pre-ride horse inspections at 12:00 p.m. GMT+3/5:00 a.m. EST on September 19 and conclude with Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony at 12:00 pm GMT+3/5:00 a.m. EST on September 21.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-athletes-selected-to-2

Oman's HH Sayyid Ali Al Said seals FEI Endurance World Championship berth in AlUla

Timesofoman.com - Full Article

22/June/2025
By: Times News Service

MUSCAT: Oman’s endurance rider His Highness Sayyid Ali Ghalib al Said secured a slot in the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship finals which will take place in AlUla city in Saudi Arabia next year following his successful completion of the prestigious Buchen 160km international endurance race in Germany recently.

The race, conducted under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), was a crucial qualification milestone and a challenging test for elite riders. This marks the second time that HH Sayyid Ali officially qualified for the World Endurance Championship finals and it is showcasing his remarkable presence on the global endurance stage. HH Sayyid Ali completed the six-phase 160 km course which was divided into several segments including 35 km, 25 km, 35 km, 25 km, 20 km, and 20 km in aboard through horse Attila with a timing of 10 hours, 23 minutes, and 20 seconds...

Read more here:
https://timesofoman.com/article/159528-hh-sayyid-ali-al-said-seals-fei-endurance-world-championship-berth-in-alula

Oman Royal Cavalry riders qualify for World Endurance Championship

TimesOfOman.com - Full Article

21/June/2025
by ONA

Paris: Horse riders Saleh bin Salim Al Balushi and Hussain bin Ali Al Farsi from the Royal Cavalry (RC) have qualified for the World Endurance Championship 2026, scheduled in Al Ula City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The two riders have qualified in the competition at the French Compiegne Horse -racing organised by the World Equestrian Federation for 160 kilometres.

The race saw tough competitions and a wide participation of horse riders from different countries competing in six stages; the first for 32 kilometres, the second for 30 kilometres, the third for 28 kilometres, the fourth for 21 kilometres, the fifth for 28 kilometres and the sixth for 21 kilometres...

Read more here:
https://timesofoman.com/article/159513-royal-cavalry-riders-qualify-for-world-endurance-championship

Visser and Spain Win European Endurance Titles

FEI.org - Full Story

21 June 2025
Words by Rebecca Kinnarney
Images by Massimo Argenziano

All the latest action...

Marijke Visser (NED) and Chaitana des Chaises take individual gold in the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 at Castiglione del Lago in Umbria (ITA). Visser dominated the race from its start at 6am on 21 June but was forced to vie for the lead all day by the others in the front group.

After 160km of close competition and expert horsemanship, Visser took her first Individual gold and the first Individual gold for the Netherlands in their Endurance history.

After a magnificent final trot up and vetting, where the 13-year-old Arab mare, Chaitana des Chaises, truly looked like she could do it all over again, Visser described her as tricky to ride but said that “they are the best ones”.

The Individual silver medal went to the French combination, France Paul and D'Arohz Rouge du Val. This championship debut pairing crossed the line a mere three seconds after Visser, followed hotly by Spain's Gil Berenger Carrera, again only seconds behind the leading two. Berenger Carrera returns to Spain with his first senior Individual bronze medal after a thrilling day of the highest quality Endurance riding.

Spain take Team honours

Spain secured the gold medal in the team event thanks to a strong collective performance...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/visser-and-spain-win-european-endurance-titles

Europe’s Elite Riders Ready for Endurance Championship

FEI.org - Full Article

16 June 2025
Words by Stacey Stearns

Reigning champion Sabrina Arnold looks ahead to Castiglione del Lago...

When the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 takes place on 21 June, the historic Castiglione del Lago (ITA) will transform into a global stage for equestrian grit, heart and horsepower.

With top combinations from across the continent converging on central Italy’s challenging terrain, anticipation is building for what promises to be a high-calibre contest testing strategy, stamina, and the ultimate partnership between horse and rider.

“Every championship is special,” said Germany’s Sabrina Arnold, who won Individual gold at the Europeans in 2023 with Easy El Boheira. “I like competing with my international friends. I don’t know the competition course, but it seems to be hilly with varying terrain.”

Endurance is about how the horse and athlete work together, the support from their crew, and how riders read the trail. That is what makes the discipline so special.

A challenging venue steeped in history

Castiglione del Lago, in the heart of the Apennines, on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, offers a technical and tactical test for even the most experienced riders. The trail winds through pine forests and grassy expanses, combining natural beauty with varied footing that demands careful pace management.

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/european-championship-2025-sabrina-arnold-preview

Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 set for June 21

June 16 2025

From 18 to 22 June 2025, Castiglione del Lago will become the centre of the international equestrian world, hosting the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025, one of the most significant events in the endurance calendar. The competition will bring athletes, professionals and enthusiasts from across Europe to Umbria, transforming the area of the former Eleuteri Airport into an open and welcoming sports village.

The highlight will be the European Championship on Saturday 21 June, featuring around 100 riders from 22 countries. Participants will face a 160-kilometre course designed to enhance the unique features of the Umbrian landscape: a route crossing hills, medieval villages and lake areas, offering an immersive experience of sport, nature and culture.

The main venue, within the former Eleuteri airfield, will host both the start and finish of the race and serve as a hub for welcoming the public. Beyond the sporting competition, the event will foster encounters between professionals and audiences, with activities designed for families, children and horse lovers, all in an accessible and vibrant setting.

Stay tuned for more info!

http://www.endurance.net/international/Italy/2025EuropeanEnduranceChampionship/