Kazakhstan Wins Second Bronze Medal at CSI2* International Show Jumping Event in the Netherlands

Kazakhstan national team rider Oleg Sokolenko won a bronze medal at the Ermelo CSI2* international show jumping competition in the Netherlands.

In Class No. 7, the Maessen Tent Supply Prize CSI2*, featuring obstacles up to 140 cm, 85 horse-and-rider combinations took to the course. Oleg Sokolenko and Cinderella completed a clear round in 63.79 seconds, securing third place.

The strength of the result is highlighted by the quality of the field. Oleg Sokolenko finished ahead of a number of renowned international riders, including Dutch rider Marc Houtzager, who placed ninth, his compatriot Frank Schuttert in 17th, Germany’s Laura Klaphake in 22nd, and American rider Lucas Porter in 26th.

Also finishing behind the Kazakh pair were multiple Olympic medalist Maikel van der Vleuten of the Netherlands, who competed with two horses, and leading Dutch rider Kim Emmen.

Another strong result came from Raisa Sokolenko, who competed with Uran Nad Wigrami in the same class. The Kazakh pair also completed a clear round, recording a time of 65.75 seconds and finishing eighth among 85 competitors.

As a result, two Kazakh horse-and-rider combinations finished in the top eight in the 140 cm CSI2* class, with both completing the course without penalties.

Earlier, on 19 August, Raisa Sokolenko and Uran Nad Wigrami finished third in the Eventanations Prize CSI2*, featuring obstacles up to 135 cm.

Two bronze medals in classes over 135 and 140 cm, two clear rounds that resulted in podium finishes, and two Kazakh combinations in the top eight of the 140 cm class represent a strong performance by the national team at the international competition in Ermelo.

Oleg and Raisa Sokolenko are competing in the Netherlands as part of their European competition campaign. The Kazakh riders are taking part in international events in the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany, gaining valuable experience against strong international fields and competing with several sport horses.

The European competition program is part of their preparation for the main event of the season — the 20th Asian Games in Japan, where Oleg and Raisa Sokolenko will represent Kazakhstan as members of the national team.

The Ermelo competition brought together 91 athletes and 179 horses from 17 countries.