Results of 2025: A Year of Major Victories, Strategic Decisions, and International Recognition
The year 2025 became a turning point in the history of equestrian sport in Kazakhstan. Under new leadership, with renewed goals and strong support from partners, Kazakh athletes not only confirmed their high level at the national stage but also confidently made their mark at international tournaments — from Seoul to Minsk.
We invite you to recall the key events and heroes of the outgoing year.
Strategic Renewal and New Horizons
In March 2025, the Federation was headed by a new President — Rustam Bayaliyev, who outlined a course toward integrating Kazakhstan’s equestrian sport into the global arena, developing infrastructure, and promoting Olympic disciplines.
The culmination of administrative efforts was the participation of the Kazakh delegation in the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong in November. Historic agreements were reached: in 2026, Kazakhstan will officially host three major international competitions — a World Cup stage, the FEI World Cup Challenge Final, and the Eurasian League Final. This will allow Kazakh riders to earn qualification points without leaving the country.
International Triumphs: Kazakh Riders on the World Podiums
In 2025, Kazakh athletes achieved outstanding results abroad in show jumping and dressage:
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Eurasian League and World Cup (Tashkent): In April, Kazakh show jumpers successfully competed in Uzbekistan. Ksenia Batalova on Lady Di won silver in the Grand Prix (160 cm), while Nurila Turisbekova claimed bronze. The national team consistently placed on the podium in both team and individual standings.
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Victories of Raisa Sokolenko: This year was a standout one for Raisa. She won the Eurasian Games in Moscow (U-25 category), claimed victory in the Eurasian Series Final, and secured gold in the team standings at the Commonwealth Cup in Belarus (Ratomka).
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Success in Seoul: Young rider Malika Serik took first place at the Asian Federation Cup in South Korea, competing on a leased horse — a strong confirmation of the high standard of the Kazakh equestrian school.
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Dressage in Bishkek: The Kazakh team (Daria Popova, Karina Zharylgapova, Rosa Daurenbek) won silver in the team competition. In individual events, Daria Popova repeatedly finished second.
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Youth Triumph in Chelyabinsk: Kazakh junior riders made a strong impression in competitions in Russia, winning a total of 23 medals, including 12 gold.
Home Arenas: Astana as a Center of Attraction
In 2025, Kazakhstan’s capital became a venue for major international events.
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In May–June, the Eurasian League World Cup stage (CSI 1-W)* was held at the Argymak Equestrian Sports and Wellness Complex. The Kazakhstan national team won the Maxima Masters Eurasia Small Team Cup. In individual standings, Oleg Sokolenko, Bekzhan Baizhanuly, and Nurila Turisbekova stood out.
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For the first time, Kazakh athletes were able to compete at home against top riders from six countries — an important step in preparation for the upcoming Asian Games.
National Champions of 2025
The domestic calendar was filled with tournaments that identified the strongest riders in the country.
Show Jumping:
According to the results of the Kazakhstan National Championship held in November in Astana:
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Absolute Champion (Group A, up to 145 cm): Oleg Sokolenko on Cinderella. Silver went to Raisa Sokolenko, bronze to Azamat Khassenov and Ksenia Batalova.
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Absolute Champion (Group B): Estella Babayan on Taimaz.
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Winners of the Kazakhstan Cup in June were Nurila Turisbekova (Group A) and Bekzhan Baizhanuly (Group B).
Dressage:
At the National Championship in Almaty Region in October, the leaders were:
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Small Tour: Daria Popova (Sieger Hit II).
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Juniors: Rosa Daurenbek (Idrol OC).
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Medium Tour No. 1: Olga Simonova (Rendi).
Development and Support
The Federation expresses special gratitude to its general sponsors and partners — Kazzinc and the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Their support made it possible to organize competitions at a high level, ensure the participation of national teams in international events, and lay the foundation for future victories.
Active work within FEI committees should also be highlighted. Representatives of the region, including Kazakhstan, are strengthening their positions in the governing bodies of the international federation, opening new opportunities for the development of equestrian sport in Central Asia.
The year 2025 proved that equestrian sport in Kazakhstan has talented athletes, professional coaches, and an ambitious future. Ahead lies a dynamic 2026 season and home World Cup stages!
Press Service of the Equestrian Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan