World Cup of Show Jumping Returns to Croatia After 18 Years, Promises Spectacle in Samobor
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Croatia is hosting the World Cup in show jumping for the first time in 18 years, with the event taking place in Samobor from May 7-10.
- The competition will feature up to 300 horses and riders from 15 countries, including Olympic athletes, with a total prize fund of 85,000 euros.
- Beyond the sport, the event aims to boost Croatia's standing in international equestrianism and offers family-friendly activities, including a drone show and local cuisine.
After an 18-year hiatus, the prestigious World Cup in show jumping returns to Croatia, with the Etno Farma Mirnovec in Samobor set to host this significant international equestrian competition from May 7-10. This event marks a triumphant moment for Croatian equestrian sports, reaffirming the nation's capability to host world-class events and attract top talent from across the globe.
Izuzetno smo ponosni što nakon 18 godina ponovno dovodimo Svjetski kup u Hrvatsku, čime Samobor ponovno dobiva važno mjesto na karti svjetskog preponskog jahanja. Ovo nije samo sportski događaj, već i potvrda da Hrvatska može biti domaćin natjecanja najviše svjetske razine i okupiti vrhunske jahače i konje iz cijelog svijeta
Organizers anticipate a grand spectacle, with up to 300 horses and riders hailing from 15 nations. The roster boasts esteemed international figures, including Olympians Albert Zorzi and Bryan Balsinger, alongside Croatia's own Kim Vukadin and Andrija Hrgović. The competition will challenge participants on technically demanding courses up to 1.45 meters high, with two matches counting towards the FEI World Rankings, culminating in Sunday's Grand Prix.
This event is more than just a competition; it's a statement of intent for Croatian equestrianism. As Franjo Koletić, the main organizer, highlighted, "This is not just a sporting event, but also confirmation that Croatia can host competitions of the highest world level." The return of the World Cup signifies a new era, promising to elevate Samobor's status on the global equestrian map and inspire local athletes. The inclusion of Josipa Koletić, a multiple national champion, underscores the event's importance for domestic talent, providing a crucial platform for growth and international exposure.
Za nas jahače ovakav turnir znači iznimno puno. Imati priliku natjecati se na ovakvoj razini pred domaćom publikom i uz vrhunsku međunarodnu konkurenciju velika je motivacija i snažan poticaj za daljnji razvoj i napredak. Posebno me veseli i činjenica da ćemo podržati troškove sudjelovanja naših reprezentativaca koji su na prošlogodišnjem Balkanskom prvenstvu u Beogradu ostvarili povijesne rezultate za Hrvatsku.
Beyond the thrilling equestrian action, the World Cup Samobor is designed as a comprehensive family experience. Visitors can look forward to a packed schedule of five to eight competitions daily, a spectacular drone show, rider parties, horse rides, a shopping zone, and a rich gastronomic offering featuring local delicacies. The fact that entry to the stands is free for all visitors further emphasizes the event's goal of engaging the wider community and showcasing the best of Croatian hospitality and sporting prowess.
Uz vrhunski sportski program, Etno farma Mirnovec u tim će danima postati središte događanja i idealna destinacija za cijelu obitelj. U subotu navečer nebo iznad Samobora osvijetlit će spektakularni drone show, dok će se večer nastaviti uz riders party - druženju jahača i svih zaljubljenika u konjički sport. Tijekom sva četiri dana posjetitelje očekuju šetnje na konju, atraktivna shopping zona kao i bogata gastronomska ponuda s lokalnim specijalitetima. Ulaz na tribine je slobodan za sve posjetitelje
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.