Dakar, Senegal – November 30, 2025 – The 2025 FEI Jumping World Challenge Final concluded in Dakar (SEN), capping an historic week for Senegalese equestrian sport and marking a significant step forward for the nation as it prepares to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Held at the Diamniadio International Arena Equestrian Centre (CEDIA), the event brought together 16 combinations from 13 countries, all of whom had qualified through national FEI Jumping World Challenges across their respective regions.
As one of the FEI’s flagship Solidarity initiatives, the Final once again demonstrated the power of equestrian sport to expand opportunities, develop emerging talent, and strengthen equestrian communities around the world.
This was the first time Senegal had hosted an FEI Final, and only the fifth edition staged on African soil in the competition’s 18-year history. The achievement was widely celebrated by the Senegalese Equestrian Federation, whose president, Ibrahima Wade, is also the Coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games:
“We are honoured by the confidence the FEI has placed in Senegal. Equestrian sport is thriving in our country, and hosting this Final is both a responsibility and a source of immense pride. It forms a crucial part of our preparation for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and we are committed to delivering world-class events that reflect the potential of our athletes and our facilities.”
CEDIA, which also serves as the National Gendarmerie’s training venue, received praise throughout the week for its modern infrastructure, excellent footing, and competition-ready environment. The arena will host the Youth Olympic Games equestrian events next year, and the smooth running of this Final was regarded as an important test of operational readiness.
A Global Field, United by Opportunity
The FEI Jumping World Challenge provides a unique pathway for athletes from developing equestrian regions who may not have regular access to international competitions. Through its hybrid structure – accessible national qualifying rounds held at home, followed by a Final with borrowed horses – the programme aims to level the playing field and encourages the continued growth of the sport in countries with smaller equestrian communities.
The 2025 Final brought together a diverse field: athletes from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Host nation Senegal fielded two combinations, joining representatives from South Africa, Zambia, Tunisia, Costa Rica, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Bolivia. The horses were provided by Senegalese stables including Hann Marinas, ASFA, the Hann Racing Club, Hann Pony Club and the Horse Jumping Academy, and were assigned by random draw to ensure fair play.
The FEI praised the host nation, saying that Senegal has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the development of equestrian sport. The hospitality, professionalism, and quality of the CEDIA venue have been exceptional. The FEI Jumping World Challenge Final is about creating opportunity and inspiring the next generation, and this week in Dakar has embodied that mission.
Competition Kicks off: Strong Form & Local Pride
The action began on Thursday with the Welcome Competition, a 115cm speed class designed to familiarise athletes with their new equine partners. Seven athletes produced clear rounds, including Senegal’s Arnaud Rosière on Barentin de Rampan, who delivered one of the day’s most polished performances. Athletes from Bolivia, Zambia, Tunisia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, and India also jumped penalty-free, setting the tone for a competitive week ahead.
Friday’s first qualifier saw the home crowd erupt as Senegal’s Elimane “Abdou Gueye” Sarr (SEN) delivered a brilliant clear in 71.87 seconds – the fastest of the day – riding Crazy Horse Boop. His confident round showcased both talent and composure, and it added welcome momentum for the local supporters. South Africa’s Divan Bosman, the Dominican Republic’s Gregori Jesus (DOM), and Tunisia’s Ellouze Ghazi also posted clear rounds to position themselves among the early favourites.
Saturday’s second qualifier brought another shift in the leaderboard. South Africa’s Divan Bosman, riding Dexter de Jonkiere, took command with a precise clear in the first round before winning the jump-off in convincing style. Bolivian rider Mathias Céspedes Casal (BOL) and Puerto Rico’s Kira Zapolskikh (PUR) completed the top three after consistent performances.
A moment of drama struck when Senegal’s Elimane Sarr (SEN), who had jumped clear in the main round, suffered a fall in the jump-off and was forced to withdraw from the rest of the competition. Although his elimination was disappointing, his earlier performances earned admiration from spectators and fellow competitors alike.
Final Day: Senegal Celebrates, Dominican Republic Dominates the Podium
Sunday opened with the Farewell Competition, where Senegal once again shone. Riding Barentin de Rampan, Arnaud Rosière delivered his second victory of the week with two immaculate rounds, including a decisive jump-off in 42.29 seconds. Zambia’s Cerys Lillie took second, and India’s Arjan S. Nagra completed the podium. The result reinforced Rosière’s reputation as one of Senegal’s most promising riders and delighted the local audience, who celebrated another rendition of their national anthem at CEDIA.
The spotlight then shifted to the Championship Final, contested over two rounds. With seven combinations making it to Sunday’s final and six advancing to the second round, the atmosphere was electric.
In the end, the Dominican Republic delivered a remarkable 1–2 finish. Gregori Peralta de Jesus (DOM) produced two outstanding clear rounds (0/78.65 and 0/70.08) to secure the title, while teammate Tomas Vargas Rodriguez Santo (DOM) delivered the fastest second-round time of the day (0/61.10) to claim silver. Their performances highlighted the Dominican Republic’s increasing strength on the international stage and the effectiveness of national development programmes feeding into FEI Solidarity pathways.
Bolivia’s Mathias Céspedes Casal (BOL) claimed a well-earned bronze, followed by Tunisia’s Ellouze Ghazi, who had jumped clear in the first round. South Africa’s Divan Bosman, Puerto Rico’s Kira Zapolskikh, and Costa Rica’s William de Carvalho rounded out the final standings.
On his experience of the FEI Jumping World Challenge Final 2025, winner Gregori Jesus said “I am very grateful and love that I could have this experience and take this win home to my country. The hospitality was wonderful and everyone was warm and welcoming, for which I am thankful. My mare [Easy De Sciotto] was very good and it took me a day to get to know her, but by this final day I knew her and was confident in my ride. This is a very big achievement in my career, and I am honoured to take it for my country. I would like to thank my coach and my team for their support.”
Teammate Tomas Vargas Rodriguez Santo (DOM) also praised his horse, Alato de La Sense, underlining his overall strategy to develop confidence and experience over the competition with the ultimate goal being a successful final, a plan that clearly worked for a silver medal. He was pleased with the facilities and footing, which he said was key to a successful show. “I am very thankful for this opportunity and the support of our national federation,” Rodriguez ended.
Bronze medalist Mathias Céspedes Casal (BOL) thrilled the crowds by waving the Senegalese flag on accepting his medal pointing out that not only do the flags share colours, but that he wanted to extend appreciation to the wonderful hosts; “I felt like I was riding at home.”
He was proud of his performance and his partner Elite Longane, who he referred to as “a really great horse” that he connected with, citing personal pressure as the only challenge of the show. He hopes his achievement will inspire more Bolivian athletes as he looks forward to travelling more and developing over 2026, and extended thanks to his wife and country who have supported this journey.
A Landmark Week for African Equestrianism and for the FEI Solidarity Movement
The closing ceremony, attended by Senegal’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Biram Diop, and representatives from the Ministry of Sports, National Assembly, and National Gendarmerie, underscored the national significance of the event.
Beyond the medals, the week highlighted the transformative impact that the FEI Jumping World Challenge – and FEI Solidarity more broadly – can have in expanding access to equestrian sport.
As the sun set over the CEDIA arena, athletes, officials, and supporters celebrated not only the conclusion of a successful competition but also the beginning of a new chapter for Senegalese equestrian sport. With the Youth Olympic Games on the horizon, Dakar has firmly positioned itself as an emerging hub for international equestrian events – and as a testament to what can be achieved when opportunity, talent, and global collaboration meet.
Source: Press Release by Georgie Roberts for the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale
Photos: © FEI
