Balkan Championships 2024: Successful Jumping and Dressage Championships held in Istanbul

The Balkan Equestrian Championships 2024, held in the vibrant city of Istanbul from September 1st to September 8th, was a spectacular showcase of equestrian talent and sportsmanship. Organized by the Turkish Equestrian Federation, this prestigious event brought together 215 riders from six countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye.

The Balkan Equestrian Championships aim to promote the development of equestrian sports in the Balkan region. They serve as a valuable platform for children, juniors, young riders, and ladies to enhance their skills and gain competitive experience. The championships also strive to increase the number of competitors, horses, and well-educated officials while preserving a tradition that has been successful for over 60 years. Many past Balkan champions have continued to represent their country and move forward towards major championships.

Mr. Hasan Engin Tuncer, President of the Turkish Equestrian Federation, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride in the successful organization of the event. He stated:

“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the countries that participated in this event. It has been a true pleasure to host all the sports enthusiasts, horse lovers, and equestrian sports supporters here. This event was conducted under the supervision of the Turkish Equestrian Federation. We assumed the responsibility last year, and after three months of intensive preparation, we successfully organized this magnificent, large-scale, and exceptional event.

We proudly dedicate this achievement to the Turkish Equestrian Community. Every single detail was meticulously planned, and we managed to deliver a flawless event. I would like to extend my deepest respect and heartfelt thanks to all the friends and colleagues who contributed to this organization.”

The Balkan Equestrian Championships not only celebrated the spirit of competition but also fostered camaraderie and mutual respect among the participating nations. The event was a testament to the dedication and passion of the equestrian community, leaving a lasting legacy for future championships.

George Dimaras, EEF 1st Vice-President attended the event and said “The Balkan championships are an incredibly important event for the region to provide the athletes with an opportunity to compete for their country within a quality competition. It has a tradition of more than 60 years and has always been a part of the region's development pathway. Aside from pure sporting experience, the Balkan championships offer all competitors an opportunity to forge friendships, learn from each other, and most importantly, enjoy their sport together.

We thank the Turkish federation for hosting this year's Jumping and Dressage events. Organizing and competing in Balkan Championships is a huge task and challenge these days and we express our immense appreciation for the efforts of the Balkan NFs, of the OCs, of the riders and of their families that continue to support this institution and make it successful”.”

A summary of the results. For full results please visit this link.

Dressage Results:

Balkan Team Cup:

• Junior: Greece
• Senior: Türkiye

Balkan Team Championship:

• Children : Türkiye  

Individual Champions:

• Junior: Irinia Alexandrescu, Donabella Zodiac Casino (ROU)
• Children: Kayla Nazan Kiper, l’Empire (TUR)
• Senior: Yasemin Kap, Easy Dancer (TUR)

Show Jumping Championships

Team Balkan Championships:

• Junior: Türkiye  
• Children: Bulgaria
• Young Rider: Türkiye  
• Ladies: Bulgaria
• Senior: Romania

Balkan Individual Championships:

• Junior: Loukas Baliousis, Uidji (GRE)
• Children: Horia Butuza, Kannada du Chateau (ROU)
• Young Rider: Vladimir Lazar, Cosmopolitan 55 (ROU)
• Ladies: Laura Yara Rus, Horse Gym’s Landino (BUL)
• Senior: Constantin Cojocariu, Quaid-Moritz (ROU)