Day 5 – rest day, for the horses at least. Participants had the chance to visit the National Horse Centre of  Switzerland, spectacular facilities in the centre of Bern. As luck would have it, the World Championships for Vaulting had just started, and as generosity would make it possible, we were invited to watch some of the classes (in the national Icehockey stadion, which accommodates 16.000 visitors, no less). How different as an equestrian discipline but how entirely recognisable in the structure  behind the scenes.

Our host seemed equally familiar with the Vaulting and the Icelandic horse scene, the ground have two indoor schools as well as a magnificent cross country course. It was heartwarming to feel that we are well respected members  in the this wide equestrian community.

Back in Solfaxi, the competition part of the FEIF YouthCup started with first the ‘fit to compete’ vet checks followed by the TR1, trail riding class. This task is that is harder than one might think and only few participants practice these sort of obstacles back home, but 25 riders successfully tackled the course.

As of Thursday you can follow the competition on Icetest NG.