Brilliant Performances in Individual Final at FEI European Pony Jumping Championships
Sunday 03 August 2025
It was a thrilling conclusion to the individual competition at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Ponies in Le Mans (FRA), with Great Britain’s riders putting on a sensational show of talent, determination and composure under pressure.
Darcy Breen delivered a superb performance to claim the individual silver medal, following a tense jump-off against Ireland’s Cian McMunn. Both riders had remained impressively faultless across all rounds since Wednesday – the only two to do so – setting the stage for an exciting finale.
Jumping first, McMunn and Esperando SK produced a flawless round, crossing the finish in a speedy 39.25 seconds. That laid down the gauntlet for Breen, who needed both speed and a clear to take the title. Riding with accuracy and determination, Breen started strong, but a pole midway through the course meant her hopes for gold slipped away. Her silver medal, however, was a fantastic achievement in an incredibly high-calibre field.
The British team – Darcy Breen, Sophia Rogers, Lucy Capper, Hollie Gerken and Nellie Lock – jumped consistently well throughout the week, showcasing strong team spirit and polished performances in each round.
Sophia Rogers also made it through to a jump-off for individual bronze, having finished on just 4 faults. She faced Ireland’s Charlie Flynn in the head-to-head for the final podium place. Flynn was first to go and delivered a foot-perfect clear in 38.76 seconds, piling on the pressure. Rogers followed with a bold and determined round, flying to the finish clear in 39.41 seconds, narrowly missing out on a medal but securing a very respectable fourth place.
Hollie Gerken and Nellie Lock both finished in joint 6th place. Lucy Capper also finished in 30th place.
It was a fantastic championship for the British riders, full of standout rounds, determined riding and impressive results against tough European competition. The future of British Pony Showjumping is bright.
Thank you to Coldstream Equestrian who are kindly supporting the British Showjumping Pony teams with their Show Jackets.
FEI Jumping European Championship for Ponies Individual
Le Mans, France – 3rd August
1st - Cian McMunn (IRL) & ESPERANDO SK – 0/0/0/0/0 39.25 seconds
2nd - Darcy Breen (GBR) & ONE SAHARAH – 0/0/0/0/4 39.87 seconds
3rd - Charlie Flynn (IRL) & HK ZENA – 0/0/4/0/0 38.76 seconds
Images: FEI/Libby Law Photography
.JP.jpg "Mark Edwards earns a bumper bonus at the Blue Chip Championships")
