Budești commune hosted the national horse riding championship
Budeşti commune hosted equestrian sports in the Republic of Moldova for two days. The event took place at the Sparta Sports Club in Chisinau municipality, where spectators could admire some of the most beautiful, fast, and powerful horses in the country.
“I loved horses since I was a child. Even though my parents did not approve of this passion, I pursued it and became an athlete. I am a member of an equestrian club in Tiraspol and frequently participate in national competitions,” said athlete Vitalie Storojenco.
“There are mistakes I have made in the past that I must avoid in future competitions. Mistakes are part of sports. Perhaps it is better that they happened now so I can identify what I need to improve,” explained another athlete from Tiraspol, Valeria Morari.
Twenty-three riders from across the country showcased not only their skills but also the elegance and strength of their horses. Spectators eagerly followed the competition, cheering on their favorites. Each horse-rider duo was evaluated based on technique, speed, and precision. Ecaterina Vîhrist emerged victorious in the senior competition.
“I always get emotional during competitions. I’m glad to have become a champion. I believe this sport is developing in our country, and the competition has become fiercer compared to previous years,” said champion Ecaterina Vîhrist.
Isabelle O’Connell, one of the most talented athletes, was born in Ireland to an Irish mother and a Moldovan father. She won the junior competition and shared her passion for horse riding.
“When I was little, my grandfather promised he would buy me a horse or a pony. I started practicing equestrianism at the age of eight,” noted junior champion Isabelle O'Connell.
The competition involves completing an obstacle course, a challenging event that tests agility, speed, and precision, organized by the National Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Moldova.
“In equestrian competitions, success depends not only on the skills of the rider or the condition of the horse but also on the deep connection between the two. Behind each performance are countless hours of work, discipline, and a unique bond between human and animal,” reiterated Constantin Ciupercă, president of the National Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Moldova.
“It was more difficult at the beginning. Due to the weather conditions the previous day, the sand was viscous, making it hard for the horses to demonstrate their true potential. There were also mistakes made by the competitors,” concluded the track referee, Daniela Tortola-Menesis.
The federation organizes the national championship, the Cup, the Chișinău municipality championship, and competitions among clubs annually.
