THE FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Young Event Horses was held at Le Lion d’Angers last week when, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the large crowds who usually descend on the popular French venue each year were absent.

However, the entire event was livestreamed free of charge which was mentioned, and praised, by The Netherlands’ Merel Blom when, on behalf of the riders, she spoke, in English, during the CCI2*-L prize-giving ceremony. She thanked the organisers for all their efforts in ensuring these important championships went ahead while France’s Nicolas Touzaint did likewise, in his native tongue, following the seven-year-old division.