4 Champions We Might See at the Jumping Europeans in La Coruña This Summer
With team and individual glory up for grabs, let’s look ahead to four champions we might see battling for medals once again — names that have already etched their place in the history books and are more than capable of doing it all over again in Spain.
As the countdown begins to the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship A Coruña 2025, excitement builds for what promises to be one of the most hotly contested events in recent memory. Hosted from July 16–20 at the stunning Casas Novas Equestrian Center in Galicia, this year’s championship not only marks the 25th anniversary of the venue, but also gathers the elite of European show jumping in one historic arena.
With team and individual glory up for grabs, let’s look ahead to four champions we might see battling for medals once again — names that have already etched their place in the history books and are more than capable of doing it all over again in Spain.
Steve Guerdat & Dynamix de Belheme
Defending European Champions
If there is one name synonymous with style, skill, and show jumping supremacy, it’s Steve Guerdat. Add to that the exceptional Dynamix de Belheme, and you have a combination built for championships.
Crowned European Champions in 2023, Dynamix was just 10 years old at the time — the youngest winner in recent memory — and she did it with flair: the only horse to leave every rail intact over the entire championship. Entering that event, she had already posted 6 clears from 10 five-star 160 rounds, a consistency that translated perfectly onto the biggest stage.
Now 12 years old and among the Top 5 rated horses in the world, Dynamix heads into 2025 with maturity, momentum, and the medal pedigree to defend her crown.
Christian Kukuk & Checker 47
Reigning Olympic Champions
They call them the pair of 2024 — and for good reason. Christian Kukuk and the battle-hardened Checker 47 delivered one of the most memorable seasons in modern jumping, culminating in Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games.
Their road to Paris was paved with power performances: a win at the Rolex Grand Prix in Wellington, followed by another top-tier triumph in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid. They’ve wasted no time in 2025 either, defending their Wellington GP title and reaffirming their position as one of the world’s most experienced and successful pairs.
A European title would be the perfect companion to their Olympic gold — and this could well be the year.
Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward
Reigning World Champions
The fairytale duo of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward continue to dominate the sport with a blend of brilliance and precision that leaves fans breathless. After a sublime performance at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, they stood atop the podium as the undisputed kings of show jumping.
King Edward’s legacy is already secured — he holds the highest Elo rating ever recorded (822). Only two other horses have crossed the 800 barrier: Explosion W and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, both with 804.
Though 2024 brought some jump-off frustrations, their base-level consistency at five-star 160 remains unshakable. In 2025, they’ve already secured Top 12 finishes in all four five-star Grands Prix entered. And in a championship where precision and steadiness across multiple rounds is key, this pair could once again rise to the top.
Julien Epaillard & Donatello d’Auge
Reigning World Cup Champions
There’s never a dull moment when Julien Epaillard enters the arena — especially when he’s partnered with Donatello d’Auge. Fresh off their World Cup Final victory, the Frenchman has added yet another major title to his name.
Not only did Epaillard lead from start to finish, but he did so in a format that closely mirrors the European Championship structure. His aggressive, clock-perfect style makes him one of the most feared riders on the circuit when time is of the essence.
With a bronze medal from Milan 2023 (riding Dubai du Cedre) and a 4th place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, Epaillard is as proven as they come. Donatello now joins the list of elite horses under his saddle — and the duo looks set to challenge once again in La Coruña.
What’s Next?
As we move closer to July, we’ll be diving deeper into the contenders, the statistics, and the stories that will shape A Coruña 2025. These four champions have already shown what it takes to win. Will they do it again?
Stay tuned each week for more previews, rankings, and insights from EquiRatings, official fan engagement partners of the OXER Sport.
For all things 2025 Jumping Europeans, visit https://casasnovasfeijumping2025.com/