UAE takes first place at FEI Endurance World Championship
for Young Horses 2025
By Bella Fricker. Photos © FEI / Ben Clark
Saif Ahmed Mohammed Ali Almazrouei (UAE) and Bullio Quasillo
The FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses took place on Saturday 2nd August 2025 amid the stunning, rolling hills of Haute-Loire in Jullianges, France. This prestigious 120-kilometre event gathered 82 of the world’s most promising 8-year-old Endurance horses and their riders to compete over a demanding and varied course that tested endurance, skill, and the unique partnership between horse and rider.
Taking the top spot was Saif Ahmed Mohammed Ali Almazrouei (UAE) aboard Bullio Quasillo, maintaining an impressive average speed of 21.6 km/h. Close behind, Essa Rashed Mohammad Saeed Almazrouei (UAE) secured second place riding Al Fatina, just 45 seconds adrift in his first championship appearance. Rounding out the podium was Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi (BRN) on Haqtar Du Carrelie, finishing third at 21.1 km/h.
Starting promptly at 7am under misty, fresh skies, the weather gradually warmed to a pleasant 19°C with a gentle breeze — ideal conditions for both equine and human athletes. The ride route wove through a mix of hard rocky tracks, dirt trails, and shaded grass paths beneath a canopy of trees. The terrain was thoughtfully designed with young horses in mind, offering rolling hills to challenge fitness without overly severe obstacles.
Event Director Yves Cuerq commented, “Our goal was a track that was sufficiently technical to challenge the competitors but not so simple as to encourage excessive speeds. With permanent markings and security officers at each junction, safety and clarity were priorities for all.”
The championship showcased remarkable young talent alongside experienced campaigners, each bringing their unique story and determination to the event.
A seasoned competitor, Saif made his 8th appearance at a championship level, having previously won the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in 2015 and secured a team gold for the UAE at the 2019 Young Riders World Championship. Known for his tactical intelligence and calmness under pressure, Saif maintained a front-pack position throughout and pushed hard on the final loop to secure first place.
Reflecting on the win, he said: “We are very happy, there was strong competition and the track wasn’t easy. He is a very good horse and I think you will see him again at the World Championship 160km 2026 in AlUla.”
Essa Rashed Mohammad Saeed Almazrouei |
Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi |
Essa Rashed Mohammad Saeed Almazrouei, just 15 years old, delivered an extraordinary performance for a first-time championship rider. Having only begun FEI Endurance competitions in 2024, Essa finished a close second riding the French mare Al Fatina, trailing Saif by just 45 seconds. Essa’s rapid rise marks him as one to watch in future Endurance events.
Third place was secured by Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi (BRN), aged 18 riding Haqtar Du Carrelie. The Sultan showcased both maturity and speed, finishing third with an average speed of 21.1 kmph.
He previously earned a team gold medal for Bahrain at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders in 2023 and is fast becoming a key figure in Bahraini Endurance.
Just outside the top three was Lea Vandekerckhove (FRA), 23 years old, who impressed the home crowd aboard her homebred mare Alsafa Du Lauragais. Lea’s tactical ride management saw her start aggressively but then slow to preserve her mare’s wellbeing — a decision that earned her a strong fourth place finish.
After winning the 2024 test event, Lea showed both ambition and care: “I tried to run for first place starting the ride, but I slowed down at the third loop to preserve my mare and finish the ride at her pace. I am so happy because I bred this mare. I don't know what will be next for her, but I will check firstly that she is in good shape tomorrow morning, and then we will see. As for me, my next ride is on Monday right here on the 160km with another horse from my family breeding, Chip du Lauragais, and then on Tuesday in the 100km too!”
In the team competition, the United Arab Emirates secured the Gold medal with four of their five combinations successfully completing the ride. The team featured an impressive line-up: Saif Ahmed Mohammed Ali Almazrouei aboard Bullio Quasillo, Essa Rashed Mohammad Saeed Almazrouei riding Al Fatina, Rashed Saeed Hamad Saeed Alketbi on Heracles Feuillee, and Ali Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Alfalasi with Habanita Valarbin AA.
The Silver medal went to Bahrain, whose team consisted of Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi on Haqtar Du Carrelie, Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri riding Hacour La Majorie, and Faisal Hameed Dakeel Al Anezi aboard Heracles de Suleiman.
Host nation France earned the Bronze team medal with a strong performance from Lilou Tomas Arnaud on Hashtag du Mas, Mathieu Rousseaux riding Himazziz Milin Riant, and May Manifacier aboard Hurkie de Coussergues.
Italy finished in 4th place and Spain took 5th, rounding out the top five teams in this highly competitive championship.
Horse welfare remained a paramount focus throughout the event. The FEI Veterinary Commission, led by Dr. Sarah Coombs and Dr. Carlos Javier Ponferrada Abrisqueta, operated nine veterinary inspection lines and a Recovery Area equipped with iced water tanks for rapid cooling.
Dr Coombs stated, “I was very pleased with the veterinary team’s care of these exceptional young horses. The course was tough, and we reminded riders of their responsibility for the vet inspection outcome. We took great care to protect the wellbeing of all competitors.”
Jullianges, backed by passionate local support, will continue to be a hub for Endurance events, confirmed as host for the FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders in 2026. Yves Cuerq reflected, “Our community has embraced Endurance wholeheartedly. Hosting the world’s best young horses and riders was a dream comes true.”
FEI President Ingmar De Vos praised the riders’ commitment and the event organisers said: “I thank all riders, breeders, trainers, officials, and volunteers who made such a championship possible. Their dedication nurtures the future stars of Endurance.”
FULL RESULTS
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