The European Jumping Championships for Junior and Young Riders are the pinnacle of competition for riders aged between 14 and 21 years.

Riders from all the European countries compete at an incredible level, which is bigger than many countries National Senior competitions and equal that of the Nations Cup competition. The tracks are big and technical and the pressure is intense for these young riders who are competing for both individual and team titles for the country.

The start list often replicates the senior International lists except that it is the children of the best riders in the world competing - and the quality of horses is outstanding. This is serious competition and gives the younger riders experience of the pressure, the highs and the lows of competing for your country and sets a foundation for when these riders join the senior ranks in years to come.

This years competition is being hosted by the Greek Equestrian Federation and is being held at the Athens 2004 Olympic venue.

The 68 Young Riders will be jumping courses which start at 1.45m in the early stages with the Final seeing the first round standing at 1.50m.

The 90 Junior Riders will be jumping courses starting at 1.30m in the early stages of their competition with the Final starting height being 1.40m.

Competition began this morning (Thursday) at 9am and we will bring results as we get them.