26th WMC Equestrian - Summary News

QUITO (ECU) – The 26th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship successfully concluded in Ecuador after five days of world-class competition, bringing together military riders from 18 nations in a celebration of sporting excellence, military professionalism and the CISM values of "Friendship through Sport."

Hosted from 2 to 6 June 2026 at the San Jorge Military Fort in Sangolquí, the championship officially opened with a colourful ceremony at the Eloy Alfaro Military Academy, featuring the traditional Parade of Nations, the raising of the CISM flag and cultural performances highlighting Ecuador's rich military heritage. Addressing the participants, Official CISM Representative Lieutenant Colonel Jan Van den Dool underlined the importance of military sport in strengthening cooperation, mutual understanding and friendship among the Armed Forces of the world.

The sporting programme immediately delivered high-level competition. The opening FEI Special Two Phases event saw Major Joel Murdoch Salinas (Paraguay) take victory ahead of reigning world champion Stefania Alina Stoica (Romania) and Filippo Codecasa (Italy), giving Paraguay an early advantage in both the individual and team standings.

Momentum shifted on the second day during the Accumulator with Time competition, where Patricia Maria Stoina (Romania) produced a flawless performance to claim victory. Ecuador delighted the home crowd through Captain Xavier Mosquera Salgado, who finished second, while Norbert Schumann-Raducanu (Romania) completed the podium. The team event of the day was won by Bolivia, ahead of Romania and Ecuador, leaving both the individual and team titles wide open heading into the final.

The championship reached an exciting conclusion with the demanding Two Rounds competition. Ecuador celebrated victory on home soil as Major Edwin Valverde Varela won the final individual event, ahead of Lieutenant Jorge Antequera Popespi (Bolivia) and Sergeant Second Class Rafael Rodrigues (Brazil).

Consistency across all three competition days ultimately proved decisive in the overall standings. Lieutenant Jorge Antequera Popespi was crowned 2026 CISM World Military Equestrian Champion, leading a historic one-two finish for Bolivia, with Lieutenant Álvaro Miguel Guarachi Arenas taking the silver medal. Patricia Maria Stoian (Romania) secured the overall bronze medal.

Bolivia also captured the overall team title, confirming its outstanding consistency throughout the championship. Romania finished second, while host nation Ecuador completed the podium in third place.

The Closing Ceremony brought together military authorities, ambassadors, CISM representatives, Heads of Delegation and athletes to celebrate the championship's success. During the ceremony, the prestigious "Friendship through Sport" Award, sponsored by A5 Defence Magazine (A5 DM), was presented to Ecuador in recognition of the exceptional hospitality, fair play and spirit of camaraderie demonstrated throughout the event.

On behalf of CISM, Lieutenant Colonel Jan Van den Dool congratulated the Ecuadorian Armed Forces and the Organising Committee for delivering an outstanding championship, praising the quality of the facilities, the professionalism of the organisation and the warm welcome extended to all participating delegations.

As the CISM flag was lowered to officially close the championship, attention turned towards the future. The international military equestrian community will meet again in 2027 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, USA, where the equestrian competitions of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games – Charlotte 2027 will be held.

The 26th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship once again demonstrated how military sport transcends competition, strengthening cooperation, mutual respect and friendship among Armed Forces from around the world while showcasing the very best of international military equestrian sport.