The rivalry for valuable points in the fourth leg of the Nations Cup in equestrian triathlon will be decided this weekend in Morawa, during the 20th jubilee edition of LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials.

280 horse-and-rider combinations representing 25 countries will compete in 10 international classes from one to four stars starting Thursday, including the FEI Eventing Nations Cup. This year, the stakes are incredibly high. The Nations Cup series is a chance for teams that have not yet qualified to secure their ticket for next year's Olympic Games in Paris. There is a record number of teams entered this year. As many as 10 squads will compete in Strzegom, including the representatives of Japan and the United States for the very first time at the venue.
 
The arenas in Strzegom will host, among others: Germany’s multi-medalist Michael Jung, a double Olympic champion, who also held the titles of European and World Champion. His compatriots Andreas Dibowski and Dirk Schrade, Olympic team gold medalists, and the Dutch Merel Blom, team bronze medalist of the World Equestrian Games. The entry list also includes leading Polish eventers, members of the national team: Paweł Warszawski, Jan Kamiński, Joanna Pawlak, Wiktoria Knap and Julia Gillmaier.
 
The competition starts on Thursday, June 22 with the dressage trial. During the first two days of the competition, the riders will present programs assessed by the judges in walk, trot and gallop. On Saturday and Sunday are for spectacular cross-country and showjumping trials - these requiring precision and technical skills.
 
The program will be complemented by a lot of attractions for spectators. The stuntmen from the Apolinarski Group will present their vaulting skills in a show of jigit, originating from the Caucasus - a Cossac riding style. For dog lovers, the organizers have prepared agility shows performed by the finalists of the "Mam Talent TVN" show. There will also be driving demonstrations, performed by the Youth National Team.
 
The competition will take place from 22 to 25 June at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom. Admission is free. Car park costs PLN 20.
 
Photo: Mariusz Chmieliński