Individual Gold Medalist Calvin Böckmann (GER) and Altair de la Cense; Individual Silver Medalist - Cerys Macaulay (GBR) and Kananaskis; Individual Bronze Medalist - Olivia Dutton (USA) and Jewelent. © FEI/Benjamin Clark

Germany's Calvin Böckmann and Altair de la Cense wrote their names into the history books by becoming the first individual champions at the FEI Eventing U25 World Championship in Millstreet (IRL). Great Britain claimed team gold, while Cerys Macaulay (GBR) and Kananaskis secured individual silver ahead of Olivia Dutton (USA) and Jewelent in a thrilling conclusion to the first edition.

The championship brought together 40 Athletes from 14 nations for the first global title at Under 25 level, bridging the gap between Young Rider and senior championship competition. After two days of Dressage and an influential Cross-Country test designed by Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR), Sunday's final Jumping test decided both the individual and team titles.

Calvin Böckmann arrived in Millstreet as the FEI Eventing U25 world number one and one of the pre-championship favourites, but still faced a tense final day. Starting Sunday's final Jumping test in third place, the German rider seized his opportunity when the pressure mounted on the leading combinations, producing the clear round required aboard Altair de la Cense to secure the historic victory. The title crowned a remarkable ten-year partnership that has taken horse and rider from the Junior ranks to senior championship level.

“I honestly don't think I've ever had so much fun at a championship. We are very lucky to have this new competition and this venue at Millstreet. The gap between Young Riders and seniors can be big and you can get lost,” Böckmann said.

“I don't normally get nervous but I did feel the pressure. The cross-country was tough and quite different to anything we have seen in central Europe, but it will prepare us well for the future. My horse showed that she fights and wants to do her best; she grows 10cm. For her to have this result means the world to me.”

image

Böckmann delivers under pressure

Böckmann had set the early benchmark by leading after Dressage, but 12.4 time penalties on Mike Etherington-Smith's demanding Cross-Country track dropped him to third heading into the final Jumping test.

The championship remained undecided until the final rider. Overnight leader Tom Nestor (IRL), who had moved into pole position after Cross-Country, entered the arena knowing a clear round would secure the individual title in front of the home crowd. Instead, four rails fell, dropping him and Cooley Diamond Dancer to eighth place overall and opening the door for Böckmann to claim the historic title.

Great Britain's Cerys Macaulay produced one of the performances of the day aboard the experienced Kananaskis to climb from seventh after Cross-Country and secure the silver medal. Olivia Dutton completed the podium with Jewelent, the Irish Sport Horse previously campaigned by her father, multiple Olympian Phillip Dutton, earning the United States its only medal of the championship.

“I had hoped to be up there on the scoreboard and contribute a counting team score, but I never expected an individual medal,” Macaulay admitted.

Great Britain overcomes setback

The team competition unfolded differently. Great Britain suffered a major setback before competition resumed on Sunday morning when overnight individual leader Alice Casburn and Topspin were withdrawn ahead of the final horse inspection. Despite losing the combination that had headed the standings after Cross-Country, the British squad responded with consistent performances to secure team gold on 149.7 penalties.

“He was very angry not to be jumping this morning, but I felt he wasn't 100%. It was very hard but my team mates have been brilliant and he will now have a happy retirement,” Casburn explained.

Jasmine Underwood finished fourth individually and Tom Bird 11th, while Germany claimed team silver on 168.6 penalties and host nation Ireland completed the podium with bronze on 180.0.

FULL RESULTS