Release date: 15/07/2016

It was a busy first day of the Global Future Champions Week for the Children, Juniors, Young Riders and the U25 riders. Everybody enjoyed the weather, the good sport and the ambiance. People could have drinks and good food at the Place du Concours with live music.
 
Young Riders
Today’s first class for Young Riders (1.30/1.35m) was won by Holland’s Lisa Bongers and her mare Athina van Schuttershof. “All went very smooth and she was really carefull,” said a happy Lisa. “She has gained more experience and is more and more relaxed in competitions. It is great to compete here in Valkenswaard!”
The 1.45m class was won by Khaled Abdulrahman Almobty (KSA) with his mare Dona Evita (by Darco). He is riding this mare for one year now and it is his top horse. “During the warm-up she is always a bit nervous, but when she is in the competition ring she is focused and gives it all,” said Khaled.
 
Juniors
In the first Juniors competition (1.20m) it was 15-year-old Italian rider Micaela Bosso who took first prize with her KWPN gelding Avalanche. “To be honest, I did not expect to win here..... the course was quite technical. But I am thrilled. We don’t have this kind of facilities in Italy.”
Marthe Heudens from Belgium and her 13-year-old BWP mare Best Mix Elien won the second Junior class, 1.35m. It was her first time to compete on grass. “I noticed the difference but it went really well,” said Marthe. “We bought the mare when she was three-years-old. She has a special character, but she really wants to win."
 
U25
The U25 class (1.35m) was won by Holland’s Kevin Jochems with his stallion Happy Feet (by Con Air). “It was a nice opening course for this first day,” said Kevin afterwards. He rides the stallion for 1,5 year and is very pleased with him. “He is very kind and always wants to do things right.” Kevin was impressed about the facilities. “I love it here, the stables are superb, the footing is good and all is well organized.”
The USA’s Emma Heise took first prize in the second U25 competition (1.45m) with her gelding Quentucky Jolly. It took some time for Emma to get used to her horse. “He has his own ways in doing things and it works somehow. But I had to get used to his habits and find my way,” Emma explained.
 
Children
Holland’s Madee Schuttenbeld and Bonheur won the Children’s class (1.20m). “I took over the ride from my sister half a year ago. It is a really nice horse and if I make a miscalculation he will do everything to save me,” Madee said.
 
Tomorrow all young talents will compete again and the first combination will enter the arena at 8.30 am.