Press release from EEF 

The 2026 Nordic-Baltic Equestrian Championships concluded this week, after nine days of competition in historic Strömsholm, Sweden, bringing together hundreds of athletes from across Northern Europe for one of the continent's most important regional championships.

Held under the auspices of the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), the 2026 championships welcomed riders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Sweden to compete in Dressage, Para Dressage and Jumping. Set against the backdrop of the centuries-old equestrian traditions of Strömsholm, the event once again demonstrated the importance of regional championships in developing future international athletes while strengthening sporting cooperation and friendship across the Nordic and Baltic region.

The championships opened with a midsummer-themed ceremony featuring flower-adorned horses circling a maypole, speeches, singing and enthusiastic support from spectators.

"Fight well, but above all put the horses welfare first," said Camilla Sjölund Lundevall, President of the Swedish Equestrian Federation, as she officially opened the championships.

Over the course of nine days, Denmark and Sweden emerged as the dominant nations, with Denmark excelling particularly in dressage and individual jumping competitions, while Sweden proved strongest in para dressage and jumping team events. Estonia, Finland and Norway also celebrated notable successes, underlining the growing depth of equestrian sport across the region.
 

The jumping competitions brought together riders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Sweden and produced some of the most exciting moments of the championships.

Sweden emerged as the strongest nation in the team competitions, claiming four of the six available titles. Team gold medals went to Sweden in the Young Rider, Senior, Pony I and Pony II divisions, while Denmark prevailed in the Junior and Children's championships.

"They've delivered very stable rounds, that's what stands out," Swedish Young Rider Chef d'Équipe Anna-Clara Pettersson said after her team's victory. "We were more stable than the others."

For Sweden's Pony teams, Chef d'Équipe Sofia Bengtsberg highlighted the importance of the championships for future development. "These are young riders who have many years in front of them and it bodes well for the future," she said. "It's so valuable, this has been a big goal for many of them but it also means so much in terms of experience for the future."

The individual championships, however, belonged largely to Denmark. Danish riders achieved a clean sweep of the Junior podium, led by Malou Therese Mulbjerg Larsen and Tannenberg Dree Boeken. Maria Barnewitz Schou and Apoclaire secured the Senior title ahead of Sweden's Ella Löfqvist and Philip Svitzer.

"Well I hoped for a medal but you can never really expect a medal because there's a lot of great riders here and you can always make a mistake," Barnewitz Schou said after her victory. "But I definitely hoped for a medal and the gold one I accept."

Sweden responded with victories in the Young Rider and Pony II championships, where Linn Arvidsson and Clark Kent HE and Lisen Håkansson-Bringby and She's a Diva claimed gold medals respectively. Estonia also celebrated a historic moment when Grete Veske secured bronze in the Young Rider championship aboard Apple Jack Db Z.

"I still can't really quite believe it. It feels amazing," Veske said after the competition. "He's really special to me and I'm just so proud of him."

Denmark's Sille Hartvig Nielsen and O'Brian One secured the Pony I title, while Rebekka Sehestedt Juul completed a memorable championship by adding the Children's title aboard Imcarthina to her Pony I silver medal. Norway also celebrated a podium finish through Bertine Hagen Berentsen, who secured Children's silver.

"She's jumped brilliantly with lots and lots of amazing rounds here," Sehestedt Juul said after securing gold. "I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be here."
 

As the 2026 Nordic-Baltic Equestrian Championships came to a close, the event once again demonstrated the value of regional championships in developing athletes, horses and sporting cooperation across Europe.

Denmark concluded the championships as the most successful nation overall, dominating the dressage arena and individual jumping competitions, while Sweden excelled in para dressage and team jumping on home soil. Finland, Norway and Estonia also celebrated important successes, underlining the increasing depth and competitiveness of equestrian sport throughout the Nordic and Baltic region.

The European Equestrian Federation congratulates all athletes, horses, officials, volunteers and organisers on the successful delivery of the 2026 Nordic-Baltic Equestrian Championships and looks forward to the continued growth and development of this important regional championship.
 

About NBECH

The Nordic-Baltic Equestrian Championships (NBECH) is a prestigious regional competition that brings together seven nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. While the championship has been held for over two decades, 2024 marked a historic milestone as the event was officially recognised as a Regional Championship by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF).

The host country rotates between the Nordic nations and the championship includes three disciplines: Jumping, Dressage, and Para Dressage. Classes are available for a wide range of levels and ages – from ponies and children to juniors, U25, seniors, and para grades I–V. Beyond competition, NBECH plays a vital role in athlete development and serves as a platform for strengthening the bonds within the Nordic-Baltic equestrian community.