Kronenberg, 9.11.2026
The CSI Youth 2026 was another fantastic edition at Peelbergen. 288 riders arrived with more than 600 horses to compete across the Pony, Junior, Children, U25, and CSI1* categories.
Alongside the class prizes, leading rider standings were offered in each category and saw some fierce competition to crown the overall winners.
The final day’s competition kicked off with the CSI1* Tucci Grand Prix, which proved decisive for the leading rider award. Corinne Sweeney and Wadro’s Lerina took victory in the class, with Arjen van Diepen finishing in 2nd place, earning enough points to secure the leading rider prize.
Taking the opportunity to compete in the 1* while his son was jumping in the Children’s classes proved a fruitful choice for Van Diepen, who had three young horses with him, including the talented 6-year-old Prommis Me Society, who collected several placings throughout the week.
For Sweeney, the win was a highlight of an enjoyable first visit to Peelbergen. “She’s a very spicy little black mare, and we’ve had a lot of challenges, but today she really rose to the occasion and I’m so proud of her. It’s my first time at the show, my horses are jumping great, I’m having a lot of fun, the facilities are awesome, so it’s been a really great week!”
In the Children’s category, Carl Meyer Zu Hartum took the leading rider award following a hugely consistent week. Two wins aboard Columbcille Gipsy, alongside two further placings and a strong 6th-place finish in the Grand Prix with Legend, made him a very worthy winner.ย
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The CSICH Emmers Grand Prix was hotly contested, with 10 combinations making it through to the jump-off, where Germany’s Emil Meves emerged victorious. Riding Mevia, the pair studied their competitors to produce the fastest time.
“My horse is unbelievable, she always responds and she is so fast, I can’t describe it! I saw Wim [Vos] go and I knew, OK, now I have to go, and it was so fast. I am just so happy, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Meves.
For the Juniors, the final CSIJ Ariat Grand Prix provided a strong test, with the up-to-height course allowing just five combinations through to the jump-off. Luise Konle and Dressed to the Success took the honors. Luna Schroder (GER) claimed second while Joep Schaap (NED) completed the podium.
The result boosted Schaap up the leaderboard and secured him the leading rider title. With a young string of horses, the young Dutchman is focused on developing them for future success.
“I had a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old with me this week, so I was really pleased with how they developed. In the Grand Prix my horse was very careful and everything went really well. He’s not the fastest, but the jump-off suited him and I am really happy. Next season I’m hoping to aim for some Nations Cups with him, and hopefully the 7-year-old can continue to develop and maybe also jump a Grand Prix,” Schaap told us.
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In the U25 division, Germany’s Emma Gruntjens had plenty to smile about. While celebrating her birthday during the show, she recorded two wins and two 2nd places with Hakan and Casadie MK to clinch the leading rider award.
The CSIU25 Equi Alert Grand Prix was also taken by Germany, with Paul Ripploh and the smart 9-year-old Charlie Brown 153 the victors. Just two riders made it into the jump off after a testing first round, with Linquan Zhao (CHN) taking second ahead of the faster 4-faulter Pheobe Farman (GBR).
The event concluded with the CSIP Gumbits Grand Prix, in which Emma Ramponi and Looping de Zeys claimed victory in a lightning-fast jump-off. The leading rider award went to Britain’s Isabella Beaumont, who was enjoying her final few shows as a pony rider.
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“It was a really good week for me. I had It’s a Pleasure and Ezee Ysh, who were both so consistent and didn’t touch a pole all week. This was one of my last shows with them, so it was so nice to spend some of my final moments with them in such a gorgeous place!” said Beaumont.
The event was complemented by plenty of fun activities, from aprรจs-ski parties to a trip to the local Toverland theme park, helping keep both the youngest and oldest participants entertained.
With thanks to the sponsors and supporters who provided a fantastic array of prizes throughout the show, we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next CSI Youth in 2027!
