All lights are green for the 89 competitors from 20 different countries at Haras National Du Pin, France. The pony inspection, carried out on Wednesday morning in front of veterinarians and judges, ensured that the world’s best driving ponies were in good health and authorised them to compete in the FEI Driving World Championships.

The drivers were honored during the traditional opening ceremony in the style of the Olympic Games, in the central ring of the Pôle International de Sports Equestres (PISE), where the championships will take place starting tomorrow. After the official presentations in front of the spectators, the parade, they were able to watch an excerpt from the magnificent show ‘Once Upon A Time’ with the public.

This official event was followed by the eagerly awaited ‘Banquet of Nations’, where each country shared its culinary traditions with all the participants and their entourage. A festive and friendly atmosphere as we always feel in this discipline.

Sweden’s Ella Thorén, the youngest competitor of the weekend at just 16 years old, will be the first driver to begin he dressage for single ponies on Thursday, September 18, 2025.  World No. 1 Karina Blaabjerg (DEN) will close the day at 5:40 p.m. France’s best hope, Marie Verna, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will present her performance at 12:50 p.m., just before the lunch break.

The Pony Pairs and Four-in-Hand Pony teams will begin their competition on Friday morning, September 19.

Heritage Days: Combining Sport and Culture

Visiting the National Stud at Le Pin this week also means enjoying an excellent cultural programme. The public will be able to enjoy both a major sporting competition at the PISE site and extended access to the priceless heritage of the stud farm created by Colbert during the 18th century.

In the historic centre, self-guided and guided tours of the castle and stud farm will be available from Thursday to Sunday. The horse show will take place on Thursday and Friday at 3 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm.

For drivers and riders in the making, carriage rides and pony rides await.

Party Party

Those who love to dance and have fun will gather on Saturday, 20 September at 4.30 pm, after the marathon, with the Fanfare Chik & Chok for a clearly crazy musical and visual show!

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