The Longines FEI European Show Jumping Championships starts at Casas Novas

Everything is ready at the Casas Novas Equestrian Center for the start of the first day of the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship, which will take place from Wednesday, July 16 to Sunday, July 20 at this renowned Galician venue a benchmark location for international equestrian sport.

On Tuesday, the 90 registered horses underwent the veterinary inspection, a mandatory procedure in this type of competition that ensures all horses are in optimal condition to compete safely. Throughout the morning, national teams carried out general health checks, identity verification, vaccination control, and a trot-up evaluation for each horse, with no significant incidents reported.

Once the inspection was completed, horse-and-rider pairs took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the main arena at Casas Novas, which is now fully prepared to welcome the best horses and riders in Europe.

Following the inspection, a total of 89 pairs will compete for the European gold: 18 will participate as individuals, while the rest will form part of 18 national teams. This afternoon, the starting order draw took place, determining that Portugal will be the first nation to enter the arena, leading the first round of the 89 pairs that will compete during this opening day.

The championship will officially begin this Wednesday, July 16 at 3:00 p.m. with the Checkpoint Trophy, a speed and agility competition with jump heights ranging from 1.50 to 1.55 meters. This class is a "speed class", a race against the clock where faults do not incur penalty points but add seconds to the total time (usually 4 seconds per knocked-down obstacle). Riders must strike the perfect balance between speed and precision, aiming for a clean and fluid round to climb the overall rankings.

The outcome of this class is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the following rounds, both for the individual and team standings. It is, therefore, a key first challenge that could make all the difference in the race for the European podium.

Additionally, as part of the Checkpoint Trophy, the NH Collection Additional Trophy will be awarded to the highest-placed Spanish rider, recognizing national talent in this major continental event.

Spectators will enjoy this opening day that brings together some of the most outstanding pairs of the moment, in a championship currently held by the Swedish team and promising top-level competition. Once again, Casas Novas positions itself as one of the epicenters of European equestrian sport, hosting an event that is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.