Five days of world-class vaulting competition will commence in Stadl Paura, Austria on July 30, 2025, as the FEI European Championship for Seniors and FEI World Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters promises to deliver exceptional displays of athleticism and horsemanship in this premier equestrian vaulting event.
Defending Champions Face Strong Challenges
The FEI European Vaulting Championship 2025 sees defending champions return to face fierce competition across all categories. Germany’s Kathrin Meyer, who claimed victory in 2023, will attempt to add another European title to her impressive collection of triple FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final victories. Meyer will compete alongside Gesa Bührig and Capitain Claus in her quest for gold.
However, Meyer faces significant challenges from her own teammates. Alice Layher, the 2023 World Young Vaulter Champion and 2024 Senior World Championship Bronze medallist, recently demonstrated her form by winning at the prestigious CHIO Aachen in late June, finishing ahead of both Meyer and fellow German Alina Ross.
Ross, the 2023 Silver medallist and 2024 Vice World Champion, has returned to top form after an injury-enforced break early in the season, securing second place at Aachen and proving she remains a formidable contender in this vaulting competition.
International Contenders Ready to Strike
Switzerland’s Danielle Bürgi presents a strong challenge after missing the last championship through injury. Her return comes at the perfect time to complete what has been an impressive season for the Swiss vaulter.
Austria will be looking to new talent following the retirement of World Champion Eva Nagiller. Cornelia Pikl emerges as their top medal hope, with the advantage of competing on home soil in Stadl Paura for these Austria equestrian events.
Men’s Competition Wide Open
In the men’s competition, defending champion Quentin Jabet (FRA) faces uncertainty with a new horse and lunger combination – Othello Van’t Laarhof and Loic Devedu. With Othello Van’t Laarhof having only three CVIs of experience, the championship atmosphere will provide the ultimate test.
Austria’s Philip Clement, the 2023 World Champion Young Vaulter who finished fourth at the 2024 Senior World Championship, will benefit from home advantage as he seeks to claim his first senior title.
Germany’s experienced duo Thomas Brüsewitz and Jannik Heiland have medalled consistently since 2018 but are still chasing their first gold medal. Their championship experience makes them dangerous opponents for any competitor in this equestrian vaulting showcase.
Pas-de-Deux Competition Highlights
The Pas-de-Deux competition features compelling storylines, with Italy’s Davide Zanella and Rebecca Greggio competing both individually and together. The two-time World Cup Champions are determined to showcase their best after disappointing performances at recent championships.
Current World Champions Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne from Germany face competition from first-time pairing Arne Heers and Jella Hamman, while Switzerland’s 2024 Vice World Champions Syra Schmid and Zoe Maruccio aim for one final glorious finish to their careers.
Squad Competition Dominated by Germany
The squad competition sees fewer teams this year, with only four nations traveling to Austria. Germany’s team Norka appears set to continue their four-year dominance, despite introducing new team members. Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands will compete for the remaining podium positions.
Junior Championships Promise Excitement
The Junior Female class emerges as the most competitive category with 57 starters, including debut appearances from Zimbabwe’s Lupondo Ashley and Estonia’s Anna-Liisa Anson.
Defending World Champion Clara Ludwiczek (AUT) faces 2024 European Champion Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielsen (DEN), who competes with Sultan EG in his first championship season.
Canada’s Daniel Klotz-Dedora carries high hopes of securing the country’s first Junior Male medal, while Germany’s Lukas Heitmann seeks to upgrade from his two consecutive silver medals to gold.
Young Vaulter Categories Wide Open
The Young Vaulter competitions promise new champions after last year’s German podium sweep. Lisa Wagner (GER) returns as the only eligible medallist, facing strong challenges from teammates and international competitors including Canada’s returning Averill Saunders.
Austria’s prospects look strong with 2023 Bronze medallist Anna Weidenauer leading their charge, while Switzerland continues their strong performance in this category with experienced competitor Noemi Licci.
Championship Details
The FEI European Vaulting Championship 2025 takes place from July 30 in Stadl Paura, Austria, combining senior European vaulting championships with Junior and Young Vaulter World Championships. The event promises to crown new champions across multiple categories in what organizers describe as one of the most open championships in recent years.
With exceptional equine partners proving vital for success, the five-day vaulting competition represents a historic moment in international vaulting that promises drama, creativity, and outstanding horsemanship.
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