Germany's Richard Vogel and United Touch S Make History at 2025 FEI Eu

Setting Records and Hearts Ablaze in the Equestrian Arena

In the enchanting world of equestrian show jumping, 2025 stands out as a year where records didn't just simmer; they blazed. At the 2025 Longines FEI Jumping European Championship, history was inked anew by Germany’s Richard Vogel and his majestic stallion, United Touch S. Held in the picturesque landscape of Casas Novas Equestrian Center in A Coruña, Spain, this championship wasn’t for the faint-hearted. With a score of just 0.01 penalties, Vogel captured not only the individual gold medal but etched his and his stallion's names in the annals of equestrian greatness.

The Thrill of the Competition

This championship was a **high-octane event** from start to finish. It all began with 25 of the world's elite riders but the course designers clearly weren't in a generous mood. With demanding obstacles such as a tricky double right after the water jump and an intimidating triple combination heralding a trio of bars, competitors were put through their paces. The result? Many found themselves biting the dust earlier than expected. Notable names like Riccardo Pisani, Kevin Staut, and Janika Sprunger saw their dreams halted due to faults that would betray even the steeliest equestrian nerves. As the tension built, only 13 riders would find the sweet satisfaction of a clear round.

Beaming Like a Stallion: Vogel’s Triumph

In this tumultuous setting, Vogel and United Touch S showcased an almost poetic symbiosis. Their performance wasn't just about competing—it was an artful display of harmony. Gliding over obstacles with unparalleled serenity, the duo showed exactly why a decade-long partnership doesn’t merely build experience; it forges an unbreakable bond. It was a cocktail of concentration, sheer will, and flawless technique from Vogel's end. But credit where it’s due: United Touch S was nothing less than a masterclass on four legs. Vogel couldn’t help but shower his equine partner with praise. He described how United Touch S’s unwavering focus and lively spirit turned what was a mere competition into a defining moment of their shared journey.

The Podium Finishers

With great competition comes fierce competition. This event was no exception. Right behind Vogel were the quintessential masters. Great Britain’s Scott Brash on Hello Folie gave the gold medalists a run for their money with two impeccable final rounds that secured silver with a cumulative score of 1.08. Gilles Thomas riding Ermitage Kalone was hot on their heels, taking home bronze, and along with it, the admiration of show jumping enthusiasts around the globe.

Beyond the Jump: The Emotional Element of Equestrian Sport

For those who may see this sport as nothing but a series of jumps and landings, think again. The core of equestrianism lies in the unique, almost eerie bond between human and horse. It’s a friendship based on trust, subtle communications, and synchronized heartbeats that drive each movement with intent and precision. This event was a living, breathing testament to that remarkable connection, with athletes displaying not just physical prowess, but depth of emotion and intuition unlike any other.

Looking Forward with Excitement

Vogel and United Touch S's record-setting performance set a fresh benchmark—not just in numbers, but in the spirit of the sport itself. Their score was the lowest recorded in a European Championship in the past two decades, nestling their achievement rightfully into sporting folklore. As curtains drew on this chapter filled with dramatic leaps, skimming near-misses, and impeccable landings, all eyes seem locked onto the horizon—the 2027 European Championships. What more could one hope for than more records to tumble, more alliances to enthrall? At its heart, show jumping is about the power of the unexpected: suspense, skill, and symbiosis that captivates audiences and participants deliciously hanging onto every second as it tics closer to triumph or heartbreak. Here’s tipping our hats to a legendary ride into history, one that's already making the future seem that much brighter.

References

1. [World of Show Jumping](https://www.worldofshowjumping.com/Regional-Championships/Untouchable-United-Touch-S-and-Richard-Vogel-take-the-title-at-the-Longines-FEI-Jumping-European-Championship-2025.html) Sources for inspiration include summaries from the articles: Horse Network and World of Show Jumping.

Germany's Richard Vogel and United Touch S Make History at 2025 FEI European Jumping Championship