The statuesque Kaposvar Equestrian Academy arena nestled in what appears to be a most calming and inspiring setting was alight with the colour, music, sport and technical ability that so characterizes Vaulting. Yes, the FEI European Vaulting Championships are upon us, and while the fields appeared so peaceful only a few days ago, they are today basking to a new, revived and altogether inspiring tune. As are the 380 competitors from 17 nations that have converged in Kaposvar (HUN) for the 13th edition of these Championships…

The Championships began with the compulsory tests on Thursday 9 August for the Senior and Junior teams as well as for the Individual Seniors Male and Female. The set up as far as ages and categories is as follows:
Senior teams: No age limit, seven vaulters
Junior teams: Up to 18 years of age, seven vaulters (previously there were 8 vaulters per team)
Individual vaulters: from 16 years on unlimited

Thus, at the end of day 1 of competition and the compulsory rounds, the following teams were in the lead: for the seniors, Austria dominated with Germany close behind followed by Switzerland; the Juniors saw an inversion of the two top spots, thereby placing Germany first and Austria second followed by Slovakia in third place. For the individuals, the compulsory tests saw Sissi Jarz from Austria in the lead while Kai Vorberg, gold medallist from the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, proved to be unbeatable on the day.

Friday would conclude Round 1 and was devoted to the Free tests. A flash of colour and competitivity filled the arena as vaulters, performed to the rhythmic and consistent beat which was echoed in both the music and the horse’s steady rhythm. For the Juniors, the Austrian team – also the title holders – finished round 1 in style in first place, while Germany was relegated to second and Slovakia held on to third place. The results at the end of Round One for the senior teams were not so surprising as 2005’s main players were all in the top three. Leading at the end of Round one is Germany, followed by Austria and the current title holders, Slovakia, in are in third place.

The individual Round One saw Austria dominate with vaulters Katharina Faltin and Sissi Jarz (2005 European bronze medallist) in first and second place respectively while Germany’s Nicola Ströh came third. For the male competitors, Kai Vorberg’s fluid and strong performance was impressive and rewarded with first place, while Petr Eim from the Czech Republic came second and Switzerland’s Patric Looser was third.

Saturday will see the Junior teams competition come to a close while the individual seniors male and female will battle it out in the technical tests.

Thursday 9 August (Compulsory Tests – Round 1)

Team Junior (9 starters)
1. Germany 6,607
2. Austria 6,590
3. Slovakia 6,311

Team Senior (14 starters):
1. Austria 7,286
2. Germany 7,278
3. Switzerland 7,166

Individual Female Senior (38 starters):
1. Sissi Jarz (AUT) 7,870
2. Katharina Faltin (AUT) 7,867
3. Christa Kristofics-Binder (AUT) 7,822

Individual Male Senior (20 starters):
1. Kai Vorberg (GER) 8,419
2. Petr Eim (CZE) 8,370
3. Gero Meyer (GER) 8,256

Friday 10 August (Free tests – Final Round 1)

Team Junior (9 starters)
1. Austria 7,483
2. Germany 7,258
3. Slovakia 6,745

Team Senior (14 starters)
1. Germany 7,959
2. Austria 7,836
3. Slovakia 7,640

Individual Female
1. Katharina Faltin (AUT) 8,427
2. Sissi Jarz (AUT) 8,308
3. Nicola Ströh (GER) 8,170

Individual Male
1. Kai Vorberg (GER) 8,419
2. Petr Eim (CZE) 8,370
3. Patric Looser (SUI) 8,344

Stay posted for more updates from the 13th edition of the FEI European Vaulting Championships

About the venue:
The Major profile of the Equestrian Academy of the Kaposvár University is the secondary and higher level training of domestic agrarian experts, mainly for the equestrian sport, whose duty is to participate in research and development programs, organize and realize equestrian events, with an emphasis on prominent events, like European and World Championships.

At the Technical School of the University, which is more than hundred years old, first riders, horse-breeders, riding excursion leaders etc are trained. Practical training takes place at the tuition workshops. Students from all over the country find high-standard accommodation at the college.

The Equestrian Academy has been the national centre of horse training and expert training for 25 years. It has become an important, representative school in the national and international equestrian life, as a contributor to the horse-breeding, training, research and development program, in co-operation with the Kaposvár University. Its various ranges of duties include the education of trainers, assistant trainers, sport-horse breeder technicians, and it might also be responsible for horse fertilization and covering, and for the publication of technical literature.