The National Equestrian Center in Ermelo will be the centre stage of the European and World Endurance Championships from the 6th to 11th September 2021. The extensive forests and moors around the centre will form the beautiful backdrop for these two championships. The extensive riding path network and logistical infrastructure are among the best in Europe.
No fewer than two international championships will take place: on September 9th 2021, the World Championship for the Young Riders and on September 11th 2021, the European Championship for seniors. We expect to welcome more than 100 participants from over 40 countries for the World Cup, while we also expect the same number of participants from 20 countries for the European Championship.
The organization of these “FEI Endurance World YR and European Championships 2021” is in the hands of the Fasna Trail Foundation, which in recent years has organized international endurance competitions on and around the grounds of the National Equestrian Center. Eric Lamsma, well-known in the endurance sport, who organized the Fasna Trail for many years and Pieter Wiersinga, who was Chef d’Equipe of the Dutch Endurance Team during the World Championships in Tryon, have jointly taken up the gauntlet to win the bid for these two international championships.
“We have gained a lot of experience as an organization, which enables us to organize these championships in such a way that the well-being of the horses during the competitions comes first. From the start, we have refused to make concessions to this. It may, therefore be argued that these championships should lay the foundation for the new way in which this section of equestrian sport should be practiced worldwide, “Lamsma and Wiersinga unanimously state”.
The World Championship for Young Riders on the 9th September covers 120 KM, divided over four legs. The European Championship for seniors on the 11th September will cover 160 KM, divided over six legs.
The day before the start of the respective championships, all competing horses are subject to a rigorous veterinary inspection. There is a mandatory rest period between each leg of the race. During these mandatory rest periods, veterinary doctors, will test the condition of each horse. If, after testing, it appears that a horse does not or no longer meets the requirements, it automatically means exclusion from further participation.
During these international championships, we will organise a wide range of activities at the National Equestrian Center, including programs for talent development, inclusion, training and instruction, as well as a veterinary conference. In addition, there will be an extensive straw village for sponsors, suppliers of the equestrian sport and various food trucks.
We expect to be able to share further updates and developments at the end of March in the run-up to these championships.
If you would like to say up to date with the developments, would like to receive further information about a stand or booth at the equestrian straw village or would like know more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Talitha Bakker or visit www.ermeloecwc2021.com