Following the 5* equestrian show case in mid-June 2023, Lühmuhlen opened its doors to the World University Equestrian Federations (AIEC) Student Riding Nations Cup (SRNC) Germany, including the ‘Euro-challenge 2023’. There was no shortage of talent, with countries from Europe and afar providing teams for the second SRNC of the season. Countries present included Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Great Britan, Ireland and even The United States of America.

The AIEC’s role in the promotion and cultivation of youth sport, through the running of Student Riding Nations Cups is one that has benefitted the lives of student athletes for over thirty years. Beatrice Gates Hardiman, President of AIEC, sums up the importance of the organization perfectly.

“Since its foundation in 1984, AIEC has provided university students with a unique opportunity to represent their country while concurrently being able to study at the highest level. The purpose of AIEC is to support, develop, and coordinate international university equestrian sports, and to develop and improve the cooperation and understanding between riders from its member countries.”

It is this attitude of acceptance and cooperation between riders that acts as the basis for friendships that graduate on from student rider events and onto top international competition. As said by Sara Nordmann, President of the Swiss Student Riders (SSRV), “SRNCs are a great way of getting to know likeminded people from all over the world and making friends that last a lifetime”.

 Jill Berghman, President of the Belgian Student Riders (BVSR), also describes the positive impact SRNC’s have on student riders, “Competing at this level offers the best of both worlds. The Student Riding Nations Cup allows us to showcase high-level sportsmanship while also providing an opportunity to meet incredible people. The unique concept of only having five minutes to warm up before entering the arena truly tests a rider’s ability to adapt to an unfamiliar horse.”

(Team Ireland’s Michelle O’Driscoll, Peter Dillon and Clare Holland, pictured by Freddie Pritchard)

Individual competition.

Dressage.

“The first round of dressage is ridden as a team test, in which all 3 riders are in the arena at the same time, performing the test in unison- the goal being perfect harmony. Two subsequent rounds lead to a final in which two finalists ride a Prix St. George test with an accompanying Freestyle to Music.”  States Ms. Gates-Hardiman.

This season’s second SRNC was not short of international talent as the student riders prepared to enter the first round of competition. Team Switzerland made their presence known as SRNC rookie Lisa Güetli took first overall in the Individual dressage competition, with Anouk Messens for Belgium and Antonia Heidorn for hosts Germany making up the rest of the podium positions.

(Antonia Heidorn during the individual dressage, pictured by Freddie Pritchard)

(April O’Neill competing in the individual dressage, picture by Feddie Pritchard)

Showjumping

“The first round of show jumping is judged on equitation, with marks awarded for style, fluency, and the relationship between horse and rider. Two subsequent rounds lead to a final in which two finalists jump a 1.30m track, judged on a combination of faults and time.”

Onto the individual showjumping where The Netherland’s Renee Speelman took the gold medal. German rider Annika Dechert maintaining Germany’s podium finish and Alannah Kelly introducing Team Ireland to the top rankings. 

(Annika Dechert in action, picture by Freddie Pritchard)

The combined winner for the individual competitions cemented the host nation’s Annika Dechert at the top of the podium, with Great Britan’s Alfie Marshall coming in second and Ireland’s April O’Neill coming third for the mixed international team 4

(Alfie Marshall and team mate Di Bevan …. Picture by Freddie Pritchard)

Overall Scores

“The purpose of the combined rankings is to force the riders to make themselves sufficiently competent in both disciplines to receive a respectable placing.”, explains Ms. Gates-Hardiman.

The cumulative scores over the multiple days of competition dictated the winners in this competitive SRNC. Team Great Britan, consisting of Alfie Marshall, Di Bevan and Alexa Palmer took home the gold medal overall, with The Netherlands coming in second and Team Ireland coming in third. 

(Team Great Britan celebrate their win…pictured by Freddie Pritchard)

Ms. Berghman illustrates the importance SRNC’s hold to these riders, “We are so grateful for the support and   opportunities provided to us during the Student Riding Nations Cup, and we always look forward to future events  ”.

The Student Riding Nations Cup Germany, Euro-challenge 2023, set the standard high for the rest of the season. There is no doubt that the rest of the year’s Student Riding Nations Cups will be ones to watch!. 

Best of luck to all the riders at the Student Riding Nations Cup in Sweden😊,

Thank you for reading!