Paraguay takes early lead as 26th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship gets underway

QUITO (ECU) – The sporting action officially began at the 26th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship on 3 June, as military riders from 18 nations competed in the opening qualification event at the Army Equestrian School within the San Jorge Military Fort in Sangolquí, Ecuador.

The first competition, held under the FEI Special Two Phases format (Article 222.2.3), immediately showcased the high level of skill, adaptability, and horsemanship required in military equestrian sport. Competing on horses assigned by draw, athletes were challenged to quickly establish trust and communication with unfamiliar mounts while navigating a demanding course.

At the conclusion of the opening day, Major Joel Murdoch Salinas of Paraguay delivered an outstanding performance to secure first place in the individual standings. Demonstrating remarkable precision, composure, and partnership with his assigned horse, the Paraguayan rider emerged as the early leader of the championship and positioned his nation at the top of the team rankings.

The battle for the podium was particularly noteworthy as two of the most accomplished riders from last year's championship once again demonstrated their class. Stefania Alina Stoica of Romania, the reigning individual world champion after her victory at the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship in Cairo in 2025, secured second place in the opening competition. Close behind her was Italy's Filippo Codecasa, representing the nation that captured the team title in Cairo and whose riders consistently featured among the leading performers throughout last year's championship.

The opening results confirm the depth of talent assembled in Ecuador. Several riders competing this week have previously stood on World Military Championship podiums or contributed to medal-winning team performances, creating one of the strongest fields in recent editions of the event. The presence of reigning champions, former medalists, and rising talents ensures a highly competitive championship in which every round can significantly influence the final standings.

The strong individual performances were reflected in the team classification, where Paraguay moved into the lead after the opening competition. Spain occupies second position, while Italy and Romania remain close behind, ensuring that the fight for team honours remains wide open heading into the next stages of the championship.

The Special Two Phases competition highlighted one of the defining characteristics of military equestrian championships: the ability of riders to rapidly adapt to horses they have never previously ridden. This unique format places equal emphasis on technical riding ability, horsemanship, and tactical decision-making, making success particularly rewarding.

Competition continues on 4 June with the second event of the championship, the Accumulator (Article 269 – One Round Against the Clock). Riders and teams will seek to build on their opening performances as the race for the individual and team titles intensifies.

With several former world champions and medalists already among the leading contenders, spectators can expect the competition to remain exceptionally close throughout the week as athletes pursue one of the most prestigious titles in international military equestrian sport.

The first day of competition was broadcast live and can be rewatched here:

Useful Links

• Official Championship Website: https://mundial.fedeme.app/

• Live Results: https://ecuestre.digital/show/us_686

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)