Dakar 2026 official mascot Ayo
at the Diamniado Equestrian Centre. © FEI / Kirsty Pasto

05.11.2026

There are days in sport when the results tell only part of the story.

Today was one of them.

At the Dakar 2026 Equestrian Venue in Diamniadio (SEN), the FEI Team Final delivered excitement, pressure and plenty of emotion.

There were tears of joy, moments of disappointment and the inevitable heartbreak when things didn't go to plan.

But amid all the highs and lows, there was also plenty to celebrate.

Asia took top honours, with the Inter American team finishing second. Africa completed the podium, bringing home a medal for the host continent and giving the local crowd another reason to burst with pride.

Talent and determination

It was a fitting result on a day that showcased not only the talent and determination of these young riders but also the pride and spirit of the teams they represented.

Over the past week, as we've watched from the sidelines, my colleagues and I have been struck by the maturity and sportsmanship of these young athletes.

When a round hasn't gone well, they have been quick to accept responsibility for what went wrong.

Regardless of nationality, background or belief, they have supported one another wholeheartedly.

There has been little sense of rivalry, just genuine encouragement and friendship.

Perhaps they understand that the greatest competition is ultimately an internal one.

I’ve noticed that these young athletes can be tough on themselves when things don't go to plan, and I hope that, as they gain experience, they learn to show themselves the same understanding and encouragement they so readily offer one another.

A special guest

Our sports reporter and photographer, Kirsty Pasto, was in her element capturing these moments and conversations. You can read her report here.

The day also brought a special visitor to the Equestrian Venue: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry with Equestrian athletes and Athlete Role Model Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE).

© FEI / Kirsty Pasto

Her warmth and easy manner with the young athletes were immediately apparent.

She greeted them with hugs, stopped for photographs and took time to chat and listen. I overheard several people remarking on how naturally she connected with them.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry speaking to the USA’s Liza Tittle. © FEI / Kirsty Pasto

As the first woman and the first African to serve as IOC President, Coventry brings a distinctive perspective to the Olympic Movement, shaped by her own experience as an elite athlete.

Her visit also prompted me to reflect on something that those looking in from outside Equestrian might easily overlook.

As I watched her pose for photographs with the athletes, young men and women stood side by side, sharing the same excitement, pride and opportunities.

In Jumping, as in the other equestrian disciplines of Dressage and Eventing, men and women compete directly against one another for the same Olympic medals.

There are no separate competitions based on gender.

Success comes down to ability, preparation and, above all, the partnership between horse and rider.

It is a principle that feels entirely natural in our sport, but remains unusual across the Olympic programme.

Perhaps that is part of Equestrian's greatest strength.

Horses don't judge us by our gender, background or identity.

What matters is the trust, patience and understanding we build with them.

Zimbabwe's Terry Angelos captured this mutual partnership beautifully when reflecting on his ride with Cayenne 2000 Z.

“She helped me a lot when I needed it,” he said. “I gave her one bad ride, but that's what happens with us. She helps me when I need her, and then I help her when she needs it.”

The next generation

A similar sense of gratitude came through in the words of Indonesia's Nusrtdinov Zayan Fatih, speaking about his horse, Ucaral de Beaujour: “I think I did really well today, but most importantly, it was the horse who really helped me. I could feel that my horse and I both really wanted this. I'm grateful to my horse.”

Those photographs of President Coventry with the athletes captured more than a special visit.

They showed the next generation of Equestrian athletes sharing the same arena, the same opportunities and the same dreams.

Today was about medals, certainly.

But it was also about something much bigger.

Don’t forget you can watch the competition on Friday 6 November here: Dakar 2026 Live Stream. Find out more about coverage where you live here.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games run from 31 October to 13 November, with Equestrian taking place from 3 to 6 November.