Germany completed a clean sweep of the team titles at the 2026 FEI Dressage European Championships for youth categories after adding Pony team gold in Le Mans, France, while Denmark’s Filippa Jaeger Jensen denied the Germans a perfect finish by claiming Freestyle gold.
Germany once again demonstrated its strength in youth dressage, winning the Pony team title by more than four percentage points. Every member of the team scored above 73%, underlining the country’s remarkable depth of talent.
Denmark secured the silver medal with another impressive team display, as all four combinations scored over 72%, while Sweden completed the podium with bronze.
Germany’s gold medal-winning quartet featured Leni-Sophie Gosmann and Diamantini EA WE, Lilly Kasselmann and Nasdaq FH, Lilli von Helldorff and Nabucco HW, and Victoria Winkmann with Peach.
Chef d’Equipe Marion Fohrer praised both the quality of riding and the team spirit shown throughout the competition.
“We have a mix of newcomers and more experienced combinations in our team. The most important thing for us is always to show fine riding and harmony. That is what we strive for, and it is how we achieve our success.”
Gosmann completes her European Championship journey
Germany’s Leni-Sophie Gosmann enjoyed a memorable championship, adding Individual Test gold to her growing collection after taking bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025.
Partnering Diamantini EA WE, Gosmann produced the highest score of the Team Test before going on to secure the individual title.
“I don’t think there is a secret,” she said when asked about Germany’s continued success. “We are a large country, but we always work as a team. Most of all, we are very grateful for the good ponies and horses we have.”
Reflecting on her individual gold medal, she added:
“I’m overwhelmed. This is an incredible feeling, and I’m so grateful to have this pony and a super team by my side. Diamantini is a sweetheart.”
Denmark’s Filippa Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar claimed Individual Test silver, despite the partnership having only competed together three times before arriving in Le Mans. Germany’s Lilly Kasselmann and the experienced Nasdaq FH completed the podium with bronze.
Denmark ends Germany’s golden run
While Germany dominated the team and Individual Test competitions, Denmark had the final word in the Freestyle.
Filippa Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar delivered a polished Einaudi-inspired test to score just under 80%, securing the first European Championship gold medal of the rider’s career.
“This is truly amazing,” she said afterwards. “I’m so grateful for my pony and for our performance today. He’s my heart pony.”
The victory was made even more poignant as Jaeger Jensen revealed Sir Sansibar will return to his owners following the championships.
Individual champion Gosmann finished her final Pony European Championships with Freestyle silver on 78.845%, while fellow Dane Steffanie Victoria Horsted Dyrlund partnered Cosmo Callidus NRW to an impressive bronze after producing an expressive, energetic performance.
“I really didn’t expect this,” said Horsted Dyrlund. “It is absolutely amazing.”
With Germany claiming every youth team title on offer and Denmark continuing its recent success in the Pony Freestyle, the championships once again showcased the exceptional standard of Europe’s next generation of dressage talent.
Feature image: The Pony Riders Freestyle to Music Medal Ceremony | Prix Devoucoux . GOLD: Filippa Jæger Jensen (DEN) and Sir Sansibar. SILVER: Leni-Sophie Gosmann (GER) and Diamantini EA WE. BRONZE: Steffanie Victoria Horsted Dyrlund (DEN) and Cosmo Callidus NRW. 2026 FEI European Championship for Ponies | Le Mans. Copyright Photo: FEI / Libby Law Photography
