Despite unpredictable traffic conditions, large crowds of fans were already waiting when the gates opened for cross-country day at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel. After a quick stroll around the event village and a coffee, it was time for a full day of cross-country action.

First out on course with his mare Diacontina C&T Z, who had finished fifth in yesterday morning’s dressage, Belgium’s Jarno Verwimp set the tone with an excellent “maxi” round (completing the course without any jumping or time penalties).

As expected for a competition designed for 6-year-old horses still in training, there were few incidents to disrupt the standings. However, three seconds over the optimum time cost WLS Ravenscourt and Caroline Powell (NZL) 1.2 penalty points, dropping them from joint second to fourth place. This allowed Herakles and Lara de Liedekerke (BEL) to move up from fourth to third. Passoa and Patrick Verbakel (NED) had built up enough of a lead in the dressage to remain at the top despite finishing two seconds over the optimum time. Meanwhile, ACSI Daisy Dynamite and Ann-Catrin Bierlein (GER) held on to second place thanks to a clear round with no time penalties.

The highest-placed French combination in the provisional standings is Kovu de Belle Croix, ridden by Nicolas Touzaint, in 14th place.

Sunshine and crisp temperatures provided ideal conditions for horses and riders during this afternoon’s 7-year-old World Championship. At the finish, competitors praised the well-balanced course, which was well suited to the development of their future champions. Once again, the young horses gained valuable experience over a course and in front of a crowd worthy of the very highest levels of competition.