Thursday, 16 October 2025 – Parc Départemental de l’Isle Briand, Le Lion-d’Angers

The first day of the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel, dedicated to the 7-year-old horses, unfolded under glorious sunshine. It also marked the debut of the new “short format” dressage tests, now officially adopted at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel, as well as at the Olympic Games and other major international championships.

Among the early starters, Tom McEwen (GBR) with Brookfield Danny de Muze posted the first score above 70% (29.2 penalties), soon followed by Thomas Carlile (FRA) on Iam du Loir, who joined the leading group.

In the afternoon, Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke, in excellent form following her victory at Boekelo CCI4*-L with Kiarado d’Arville – the 2023 Mondial du Lion 7-year-old reserve world champion – took the lead with Helios, scoring 28.3 penalties (71.67%). Her performance remained unmatched, although Hallie Coon (USA) came close with Boleybawn Oliva (28.7 penalties), fifth among the 6-year-olds last year. Emily Young-Jamieson (GBR) and La Vita 44 joined the tie for third place in a tightly packed provisional ranking.

Another highlight came from Korntawat Samran (THA), who made history as the first-ever Thai rider to represent his country at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel. He currently sits in 12th place with Iwi du Cellier LA on 31.4 penalties.

The top contenders lived up to expectations, but the margins remain razor-thin: the top eight are separated by just 1.3 points, including five within a single point.

Competition continues tomorrow, Friday 17 October, with the remaining 7-year-old dressage combinations starting at 2:30 p.m. Among them, the newly crowned European Champion Laura Collett (GBR) will compete with Cooley Iceage (formerly Ilicante d’Elonie), Britain’s 7-year-old national champion.
Before that, the 6-year-old horses will kick off their World Championship campaign from 8:45 a.m.