Michael Jung (GER) riding fischerChipmunk FRH during the Eventing Cross Country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

© FEI/Benjamin Clark

From the grandeur of its baroque stately home to its rolling parkland setting, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England, provides a fittingly majestic scene for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship 2025, from 18-21 September. This year marks the 37th edition of the prestigious event since it was first held in 1953, and the 12th time it has taken place on British soil. For Blenheim itself, it’s a welcome return - only the second time the palace has hosted Europe’s top Eventers - and what a championship it promises to be.

56 athletes from 17 nations are confirmed to compete, bringing together Olympic champions, seasoned medallists, and bold newcomers, all hungry for a place on the podium. Among them are several combinations from the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Germany’s Michael Jung, who arrives as the reigning Olympic champion riding his gold-medal partner, fischerChipmunk FRH.

Team Great Britain, once again, enters as the nation to beat. The reigning European and Olympic team champions are fielding a formidable line-up, led by Laura Collett on London 52, her Olympic bronze medal-winning partner. Collett is joined by Tom McEwen on JL Dublin, and Yasmin Ingham, the current World Champion. Rising stars Bubby Upton and Caroline Harris, along with two-time five-star winner Piggy March, complete a star-studded British team with depth, experience, and ambition.

Reigning Champion from the previous FEI Eventing European Championship 2023 in Haras du Pin (FRA) Ros Canter had to withdraw from the squad after announcing her pregnancy, but even in her absence, the British team is more than capable of defending their title.

Historically, Great Britain has dominated the FEI Eventing European Championship, having won 24 team golds and taken a clean sweep of the individual medals on seven separate occasions. Germany, with six team golds and a legendary full podium sweep in 2011, remains their fiercest rival. Other past winners include Russia (three times), Sweden (twice), and Ireland (once).

On the individual front, British riders have secured 20 titles, while Germany has produced six individual champions. France (three), Ireland (two), and Switzerland (two) have also climbed to the top step of the podium.

This year’s field is as competitive as ever. With 17 first-time competitors and two debut nations - Luxembourg and Turkey - there’s a palpable sense of history in the making.

Among the most inspiring stories is that of 24-year-old Kumri Say, the first Turkish athlete ever to qualify for the FEI Eventing European Championship. Riding Baladin de l’Océan LA, Say has worked tirelessly behind the scenes – quite literally.

“It means the world! I probably didn’t process it for a whole week,” was Say’s reaction to qualifying to compete. “I’ve been working for over 10 years in Germany, mostly for show jumping and trading yards. I event only during my holidays. On Mondays, I’m back to being a normal employee again.”

With no support crew, team, or groom, Say juggles everything solo - horse care, logistics, and riding.

“There’s definitely pressure. Not having a team means no trainer, no chef d’equipe. It’s all on me. I’ve learned to find peace in the chaos. I’ve learned to just keep moving.” 

Kumri Say

(TUR)

Also in the spotlight is Christian Chabot of Luxembourg. At 58, he’s the oldest competitor in the field, making his championship debut. Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskas, returning for his fifth European Championship, also rides with the memory of his appearance at Blenheim 20 years ago.

While Britain may be favourites, their continental rivals are not to be underestimated. France and Germany have shown strong recent form in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, and Ireland, long known for pulling off upsets at championship level, will be aiming to break into the medals once again. Sweden, buoyed by their first-ever Nations Cup victory in Strzegom, (POL), are arriving in top form. Meanwhile, Team Switzerland brings the same quartet from Paris: Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder, and Felix Vogg.

The Belgian team also brings experience and energy, led by the in-form Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and stalwart Karin Donckers, who will contest her remarkable 15th European Championship, having first competed in 1993.

A championship of this calibre would not be complete without a thrilling Cross-Country test, and this year’s course is in the hands of legendary Olympian Captain Mark Phillips, who takes on the role of lead course designer at Blenheim for the first time.

“Designing a European Championship is always a unique challenge,” says Phillips whose daughter Zara Tindall claimed the individual gold here back in 2005. “You’ve got Olympic champions and top combinations lining up alongside riders from developing nations, so the course must be demanding yet inclusive.”

Phillips has focused on creating a track that tests the best without overfacing newcomers. 

“My job is to make sure everyone has a chance to get around, while still challenging the skill, bravery, and precision of the elite. Over half the field should go clear, but not all will make the time. For me, course design is always about being kind to the horse.” 

Course Designer - Captain Mark Phillips

(GBR)

Incorporating his deep understanding of horses and horsemanship, Phillips has paid close attention to colour, visibility, and approach angles.

The first major challenge comes at Fence 6 – The Suregrow Dew Pond: a triple bar wedge on a mound, down into water and out over a second wedge. But the true test may lie ahead at The Palace Treasure Chest and Churchill Corners, which feature two acute left-handed corners that demand pinpoint accuracy and commitment.

With a magical setting, legends in the saddle, and dreams on the line, the Agria FEI European Eventing Championship 2025 is set to deliver four days of top-class sport and unforgettable stories. As Captain Phillips aptly puts it: “It’s all about testing the best and encouraging the rest.”

Full entry list here

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