Ireland’s Rhys Williams was crowned European Jumping Champion for Children this Saturday morning in the main grass arena of the Fontainebleau’s Grand Parquet. The young Irishman and his powerful CES Cruson (Chippison x breeding unknown) were the only combination to not make any mistake during the Longines FEI European Championship presented by GPA, showing exceptional composure during the final. 

Last to go in the second round of the Children final, Rhys Williams could not afford any mistakes because five combinations were chasing him, with only four faults. Thanks to an irreproachable composure, the young Irishman, who will celebrate his 14th birthday next month, brilliantly flew over all the difficulties, claiming the gold medal.

“I’m really happy. My horse did not make the slightest mistake during the whole week,” he said, very moved by this beautiful victory.

Five other combinations competed in a crucial jump-off for the silver and bronze medals: two Germans, a Brit, a Russian and the young Dutch Sanne Ter Haar.

Andrey Gorchakovskiy (RUS) unfortunately had one down at the beginning of the course, while Megan Li (GBR) had four faults on the penultimate fence. The other three riders produced perfect clear rounds, but Chiara Reyer (GER) on Cederic (Cassus x Wildfang) was the fastest one in 34.30 seconds with an iron determination. The silver medallist shared her happiness with her teammate Henry Munsberg on Asterix (Toulon x Julio Mariner), who took bronze (36.12 seconds).

“Our team title makes this silver medal even more beautiful. My horse gave me everything today, I do not have the words... Last year in Šamorín, I did not finish really well, so I wanted to be better here,” explained the rider, very satisfied with this medal.