Young endurance rider Katriin Kalle represented Estonia and the entire Baltic region with determination at the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders & Juniors, finishing 32nd under challenging conditions.
On 20 September, Buftea, Romania hosted the FEI World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors (120 km). Representing both Estonia and the Baltic states, Katriin Kalle competed with her equine partner Kotkas, an Estonian Sport Horse — the only non-Arabian horse in the entire event.
Endurance riding is among the most physically and mentally demanding equestrian disciplines. Covering 120 km in one day requires not only exceptional fitness from both horse and rider, but also precise pacing, recovery management, and unwavering teamwork. Katriin and Kotkas completed the course with perseverance, placing 32nd — a commendable result, especially as Katriin was the sole Baltic participant.
“The weather was very hot, around 30 degrees all day, with no clouds and no wind,” Katriin recalled. “It was even tougher than the heat in Dubai. Kotkas, being dark-colored, was at greater risk of overheating.”
The course offered little relief. “It was mostly flat, on hard gravel and clay roads between dry, scorched fields. Five identical loops made up the track — in total, 126.5 km instead of the usual 120,” she explained. “Honestly, it was the least scenic venue I’ve ever competed in,” she added with a laugh.
Supporting Katriin was Dr. Felipe Corrêa, Head of the EMU Equine Clinic. An experienced equine surgeon and orthopedist originally from Brazil and raised in Chile, Dr. Corrêa has worked in top veterinary hospitals across Chile, Canada, and South Africa. His international expertise ensured Kotkas’ well-being throughout the event and added a unique layer of international collaboration — a foreign expert proudly supporting Estonia on the global stage.
Katriin Kalle’s result in Buftea is a new milestone in her steadily rising career. She was named Estonia’s Best Endurance Pony Rider in 2019, Best Junior Rider in 2021 and 2022, and Best Young Rider in 2023 — clear recognition of her consistency and growth in the sport.
This year’s championship in Buftea was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of endurance, partnership, and Baltic pride — a powerful combination of a young rider’s resilience, a loyal Estonian horse, and a world-class veterinary team from EMU.
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Head Veterinarian of an Equine Clinic
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
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