Belgrade Welcomes Balkan Showjumping Championship After 42 Years
09. Sep 2025 / Category: Press Release
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 around 200 horse and athlete combinations at the Championships from nations across the Balkan region including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and host nation Serbia. Additionally a Balkan Cup for ponies was organised.
The championship followed closely after a successful FEI World Cup showjumping competition at the same venue, featuring 320 horses 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 Team
1st Türkiye led by Ata Zorlu
- Ada Serif Sandalli and Conbaro PS
- Nazli Doga Demeli and Extasy Courtil
- Ceren Eke and Agalove Ab Z
- Can Doruk Özsemir and Csf Keatingstown Blue Lagoon
2nd Bulgaria led by Ivelin Valev
- Alexander Bonev and Dendence VDL
- Daria Cholakova and Dorothea XXX Z
- Ivayla Plocheva and Jumper Bmg
- Lora Cholakova and Casper
3rd Slovenia led by Uhr Bauman
- Tija Vašl and Bp Master Rouet
- Pia Rojko and Neyla 4
- Lena Škrjanec and Royal Star
- Iza Kovacic and Cornet Casdor
Children Individual
1st Ada Serif Sandalli and Conbaro PS (TUR)
2nd Daria Cholakova and Dorothea XXX Z (BUL)
3rd Alexander Bonex and Dendence VDL (BUL)
Juniors Team
1st Bulgaria led by Ivelin Valev
- Marta Kolusheva and Quidera W Z
- Draga Todorova and Charimo PS
- Elena Hadyhova and Elvita
- Eliza Cholakova and Jupiter
2nd Romania led by Aurel Cojocariu
- Luca Alexandru Popa and Maerle
- Ema Victoria Constatinescu and Baracuda’s Boni
- Alexandra Maria Robu and Idol K
- Horia Butuza and Kannada du Château
3rd Türkiye led by Ata Zorlu
- Ela Jansel Genel and Las Vegas Z.G.
- Çigdem Yesin and Castor Z
- Nil Çetin and Dutch Apple
- Mahmut Kaan Dogan and Moos
Juniors Individual
- 1st Horia Butuza and Kannada du Château (ROU)
- 2nd Marta Kolusheva and Quidera W Z (BUL)
- 3rd Indi Šimleša and Quinte (CRO)
Young Riders Team
1st Türkiye led by Ata Zorlu
- Derin Günes and Lexi
- Melis Serbest and Kanselier vd Zwartsbleshoeve
- Gökalp Danaci and Matty
- Ege Çevik and Allegro EC
2nd Romania led by Aurel Cojocariu
- Stefania Stoica-Schumann and Cooper 227
- Stefan Costec and Chaccothago
- Catalina Sfetea and Fortuna
- Emma Butuca and Qatar
3rd Bulgaria led by Ivelin Valev
- Milko Kochev and Karino
- Dara Brezoeva and Kiki-Tren
- Asya Petrova and Al d’Baran
- Dessislava Milanova and Diamant
Young Riders Individual
- 1st Elena-Ilinca Barna and Famous Cosena PS (ROU)
- 2nd Klara Kolbezen and Ginger Z (SLO)
- 3rd Ege Çevik and Allegro EC (TUR)
Ladies Team
1st Türkiye led by Ata Zorlu
- Duru Ayan and Izabelle
- Azra Ozturk and El-Gore-Go
- Hatice Büsra Ipsirli and J’Adore
- Sedef Etik and Amerique Landais
2nd Romania led by Aurel Cojocariu
- Ramona Bucur and Cupido G
- Nicole Alexandra Muscalu and Sanchez van de Zuidakker
- Bianca Borodi and I’m a Superstar
- Laura Yara Rus and Horse Gym’s Landino
3rd Greece led by Stavros Georgopoulos
- Athanasia Chatziprimou and Cendrasine
- Thanoula Danai Kamperou and Bel Air de La Vigne
- Vasili Darmani and Cloud Nine 9
- Katerina Doubodel and Butterfly de Rhodes
Ladies Individual
- 1st Patricia Kardun and Chicago VS (CRO)
- 2nd Tülay Aksoy and Come and Love Me (TUR)
- 3rd Duru Ayan and Izabelle (TUR)
Seniors Team
1st Türkiye led by Ata Zorlu
- Ömer Çetin and Optimist van de Meerbeek
- Burak Uluçay and Holivia H
- Barkin Aydin and Aurore du Noyer
- Necmi Eren and Chin IT
2nd Croatia led by Andrea Novak
- Lea Djelmic and Dukat
- Andrija Hrgovic and Van Gogh Revel SZ
- Josipa Koletic and Quomedie Fetiche Z
- Ante Simlesa and Deja Vu de Elie Z
3rd Bulgaria led by Ivelin Valev
- Ivana Angelova and Manhattan 88
- Deyan Balchev and Babuk
- Krasimir Dimitrov and Lost in You
- Anton Datzinski and Chacoorouet PS
Seniors Individual
- 1st Lea Djelmic and Dukat (CRO)
- 2nd Necmi Eren and Chin IT (TUR)
- 3rd Uhr Bauman and Butterfly Effect (SLO)
Highlights of the 2025 edition
This year’s championship was marked by the dominance of Turkey, who claimed the Children, Young Riders, Ladies, and Seniors team categories, as well as numerous podium finishes across all categories. Bulgaria and Romania also delivered consistent results, securing victories in the Juniors Team (BUL) and Juniors Individual (ROU), as well as strong placements throughout. Croatia celebrated a standout moment with Lea Djelmic’s victory in the Seniors Individual, demonstrating the presence of remarkable talent across all the region.
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.
