RIDERS representing a total of 15 nations have been nominated by their respective federations ahead of the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships, which will take place in Millstreet from July 23rd to 26th, alongside a selection of other classes from CCI2* to CCI4* level.
Seven out of the top-10 riders in the FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings list have been nominated, including the U25 world number one, Germany’s Calvin Bockman, who has already competed at senior championship level.
Third-ranked Alice Casburn has also been nominated, together with British compatriot and world number five Jasmin Underwood. Australian La’moza Velisha, currently ranked eighth in the world, has received a nomination and is fund-raising ahead of her first competitive trip to Europe.
Several American riders have been based on this side of the Atlantic in preparation for the championships. Among them are the CCI5* rider Cassie Sanger, who trains with reigning Badminton champion Ros Canter, and Phillip Dutton’s daughter Olivia, who is listed with the Clare Abbott-produced Jewelent, as well as Sea of Clouds.
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced a long list of six riders, from which the team will be selected, headed by U25 world number 10 Godfrey Gibbons, double-handed with Ballyvillane OBOS and Kilnamac Kasu. Jennifer Kuehnle is also listed with two horses, Sammy Davis Junior and CDS Cairnview Romolu, while Ben Connors has been named with OLS King Aragon; Tom Nestor with Cooley Diamond Dancer; Isny O’Donnell with Vital DK Z; and Madison Peries with Vivero DH Z.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive such a strong entry and look forward to welcoming a new generation to Irish eventing and our beautiful Green Glens Arena,” said Millstreet’s director, Thomas Duggan. “Preparations are going well and we are looking forward to the party.”
Nations Cup
In welcome news from the most recent meeting of the FEI board, it has been confirmed that Millstreet will once again host a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in 2027. The prestigious international team competition will take place at Millstreet International Horse Trials from July 22nd–25th, 2027.
Millstreet has a proud history of hosting FEI Eventing Nations Cup competitions and has consistently attracted many of the world’s leading combinations. Ireland most recently enjoyed success on home soil, when it secured a memorable victory in the Nations Cup at Millstreet in 2024.
Horse Sport Ireland Chief Operations Officer, Avalon Everett, said: “We are delighted that the FEI has once again entrusted Millstreet with hosting a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup. This is fantastic recognition of the world-class facilities, organisation and expertise at Millstreet, and of Ireland’s commitment to delivering world-class international eventing on the international stage.
“Hosting a home Nations Cup provides an invaluable opportunity for our athletes and horses to compete against the very best on home soil, while giving fans the chance to witness elite international eventing, just like they will at the FEI Eventing Under-25 World Championship later this month.”