Tara Van Het Leliehof and Brookfield Danny de Muze crowned World Champions at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel 2025

19Oct

The Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel came to a close on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Parc départemental de l’Isle Briand, in front of more than 46,000 spectators celebrating the 40th anniversary of the event. A record-breaking edition, filled with thrilling sport and unforgettable moments.

 

6-Year-Old World Championship: Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Tara Van Het Leliehof on top

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier claimed her first victory at the Mondial du Lion with Tara Van Het Leliehof, after a tense show jumping phase that reshuffled the standings.
Second after dressage and leading after cross-country, the pair held their ground with a clear round in the final phase to secure the 6-Year-Old World Championship title.
A meaningful success for Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, one of the Mondial’s most loyal riders, with nearly twenty appearances since 2007.

“This is the kind of emotion that keeps you going through the tough times, the injuries, the setbacks. I may be the one in the spotlight, but this victory belongs to the whole team.”
— Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL)

Ian Cassells (IRL) and Rutland Flamenco took second place, marking Ireland’s first podium in this category.
Hallie Coon (USA) and Tykillen Tango completed the podium, finishing on their dressage score.
France’s best performance came from Thomas Carlile and Juste Unetoile, who placed 7th after a jumping fault in the final phase.

7-Year-Old World Championship: Tom McEwen and Brookfield Danny de Muze shine

The 7-Year-Old class delivered a nail-biting finish, with five riders separated by less than one rail going into the show jumping.
It was Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Danny de Muze who produced a flawless clear round to take the win — McEwen’s first title at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, this time riding Helios, narrowly missed the double after a rail down at fence 8 but held on to second place.
Once again, Ian Cassells climbed onto the podium, finishing third with Noa W, after another strong comeback — achieving a double podium across both age categories.

France’s Benjamin Massié impressed with a remarkable rise from 40th after dressage to 4th overall, securing the best French result of the championship.

“The Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel offers the perfect conditions to shape the best horses for the future. Not all winners go on to become stars — Lordships Graffalo, for instance, was 8th here — but Danny has all the qualities of a modern top-level event horse, and I truly believe in his potential.”
— Tom McEwen (GBR)

A symbolic anniversary edition

This 41th edition was filled with memorable moments:

  • Two long-time Mondial riders claimed their first-ever wins.

  • Two riders achieved double podium finishes.

  • A first-ever Thai rider, Korntawat Samran, competed and finished 14th with Iwi du Cellier LA.

  • One of the event’s volunteers, Baptiste Decouacon, celebrated his 40th birthday during the weekend!

A true celebration of equestrian sport

With over 46,000 visitors over four days, the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel 2025 once again confirmed its status as a highlight of the international eventing calendar.
Blending elite sport, an exceptional natural setting, and a warm atmosphere, this anniversary edition will remain one of the most memorable in the event’s history.