Excitement is mounting as the FEI Vaulting World Championship for Seniors, alongside the FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters, returns to Switzerland for the first time since it was hosted in Bulle in 1986. The event, set to kick off in Bern on July 17th, promises fierce competition and showcases the pinnacle of Vaulting excellence, with the world’s best vaulters competing for glory.
FEI Vaulting World Championship for Seniors
Germany’s female competitors present a formidable challenge, led by 2023 European Champion Kathrin Meyer, who aims for her first World title. Her teammates, 2023 Silver medallist Alina Ross and 2023 World Champion Young Vaulter Alice Layher, add to Germany’s strength. Layher’s leap from the Young Vaulter division to the Senior category underscores her potential and determination.
Swiss vaulters Ilona Hannich and Nadja Büttiker aim to disrupt an all-German podium finish, leveraging home advantage. Hannich secured the European Bronze in 2023, while Büttiker took home the same medal in 2017. Their mental strength and physical resilience will be crucial, especially with Hannich also competing in the Pas de Deux. However, Swiss talent Danielle Bürgi will miss the event due to a recent injury, though Swiss legend Lukas Heppler will represent the home nation.
Austria’s Eva Nagiller will compete with her trusted team of lunger Klaus Haidacher and horse Idefix 25. Meanwhile, Kimberly Palmer (USA), along with her Italian combination Rosenstolz 99 and Laura Carnabuci, aims to bring honors to the USA. France’s Quentin Jabet, the 2023 European titleholder, along with Theo Gardies, 2023 Silver medallist, will add to the competitive spirit with their unique styles and techniques.
Germany’s Jannik Heiland, recently recovered from a foot injury, hopes to improve on his 2022 third-place finish. Fellow German Thomas Brüsewitz, seeking his first podium finish since 2019, and Canada’s Talmage Conrad, known for his high-flying dismounts, are also competitors to watch.
In the Pas de Deux, Italy’s 2024 FEI World Cup™ Champions Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella will face 2022 World Silver medallists Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne (GER). Swiss duo Ilona Hannich and Li Lafer aim to improve on their 2023 European Bronze, with teammates Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid seeking their first FEI medal.
France, the 2022 Squad World Champions, have re-established their team, receiving top marks at CVIs this year. They face German rivals, Team Norka, promising a thrilling competition. Home-nation Switzerland also hopes to claim a medal, facing challenges from Austria and the USA. The Official Team competition will conclude the event, determining the ultimate Nation.
FEI European Championship for Juniors & Young Vaulters
Running alongside the Senior Championship, the FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters showcases promising young talent. In the Junior Female class, Denmark’s Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielson, 2023 World Silver medallist, and Austria’s 2023 World Champion Clara Ludwiczek are top contenders. Germany’s Johanna Timm, Amari Santamaria Diaz, and Laura Seemüller add to the competitive field.
Fan favorite Sam dos Santos (NED), a double World Champion, returns to compete in his final Junior Championship. Germany’s Lukas Heitmann and Fabio Ring are expected to provide tough competition. Poland’s Jakob Roguski is also a rising star in the Junior male category.
In the Junior Pas de Deux, Switzerland’s Plüss sisters, Katharina and Valentina, aim for a harmonious performance. Germany’s 2021 Pas de Deux World Champion Arne Heers, paired with Mia Bury, and Austria’s Flora Maurer and Sarah Koroschetz are also strong contenders. Great Britain’s Evie and Milly Jessett make their debut in this category.
Germany’s Junior Squad, Fredenbeck, fresh from their Nations Team win at CHIO Aachen, sets a high standard. Austria and Switzerland will work hard to keep up, with Sweden seeking to settle scores after narrowly missing a top-three finish in 2023.
Young Vaulters
The Young Vaulter category promises intense competition, with 2023 World Bronze medallist Anna Weidenauer being the only medallist eligible to compete this year. News sats she faces competition from Germany’s Gianna Ronca and Italy’s Giorgia Fanucci. Switzerland’s Noemi Licci, Michelle Brügger, and Leonie Linsbichler are also strong contenders.
In the Male field, top contenders include France’s Tom Menand and Louis Dumont, Austria’s Paul Ruttkowsky, and Germany’s Ben Lechtenberg and Arne Heers. Success will come to those who are best prepared and consistent across the three tests.
Over five days of intense competition, numerous medals, respect, and honor are up for grabs. FEI TV will live stream all the action, ensuring fans worldwide can witness this spectacular event.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.