Belgrade Welcomes Balkan Showjumping Championship After 42 Years

The Balkan Showjumping Championship successfully concluded this weekend on Sunday 7 September 2025 at the prestigious Sports Center Kovilovo, marking Serbia's triumphant return as host nation after a 42-year absence since the last edition in 1983.

The championship, held under the patronage of the European Equestrian Federation and the Balkan Equestrian Council, adhered to FEI rules and international standards throughout the five-day competition.

A Celebration of Regional Talent and Excellence
This landmark event brought together 240 horses and almost 200 athletes from nations across the Balkan region including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and host nation Serbia. The championship followed closely after a successful FEI World Cup showjumping competition at the same venue, featuring 340 horses and 250 riders from 20 countries, demonstrating Kovilovo's growing reputation as a premier equestrian destination.

Championship Results Across Five Categories
The competition featured five distinct categories catering to different age groups and experience levels: Children, Juniors, Young Riders, Ladies, and Seniors, alongside an additional class for young horses aged six and seven years.

Outstanding performances marked each category, with Bulgaria delivering exceptional results across multiple divisions. The Bulgarian junior team claimed gold through a decisive victory led by Draga Todorova with Charimo PS, while their children's team secured silver with standout performances from Aleksandar Bonev and the Cholakova sisters. Bulgaria's success continued with bronze medals in both the men's championship, where Ivana Angelova with Manhattan anchored a strong team effort, and the young riders' category featuring Milko Kochev with Carino. Jelena Dimitrijević, vice-president of the Serbian Equestrian Federation noted that "the ladies' championship had highlighted exceptional talent across the region, with particular promise shown by the Serbian team".

A Testament to Regional Collaboration
Alan Andabaka, EEF Board Member and President of the Balkan Equestrian Council, emphasised that "hosting consecutive major competitions at Kovilovo underscores Serbia's renewed prominence in European equestrian sport". The championships served as what participants described as "a mini European championship," providing invaluable competitive experience for riders across all categories.

Strengthening Balkan Equestrian Heritage
The successful conclusion of this championship reinforces the region's 60-year commitment to equestrian excellence and athletic collaboration. The event not only provided a platform for showcasing regional talent but also established Kovilovo as a world-class equestrian venue capable of hosting international competitions of the highest caliber.

The championship's return to Belgrade after more than four decades represents a significant milestone in Balkan equestrian sport, setting the foundation for future regional competitions and continued development of equestrian talent across Southeast Europe.

For complete championship results and detailed standings, visit: Balkan Championship Results - Equipe Online

About Balkan Championships
The Balkan Equestrian Championships, with over 60 years of prestigious tradition, serve as the premier competitive platform for developing equestrian talent across 12 Balkan nations. Organized annually by the EEF and featuring jumping, dressage, endurance, and driving disciplines for children through seniors, these championships provide crucial development opportunities for riders of all levels while fostering regional growth in participation. The event continues to prove its value as a stepping stone to international competition, with numerous Balkan champions advancing to represent their countries on the world stage, making it one of the most important equestrian events in the region.