Why This Edition Matters: A Turning Point for Spanish Show Jumping

This year’s CSI Maeza isn’t just another stop on the circuit—it’s a statement about the growing appeal of Spanish equestrian events. According to Oxer Sport, the event’s organizers, the surge in international riders reflects both improved infrastructure at the Hipódromo de Maeza venue and a strategic push to attract top-level competition ahead of major tournaments.

“When you work with passion and aim for excellence, results follow,” said Álvaro Arrieta, president of Oxer Sport. “This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a reputation that draws the best riders in the world.”

Key context: The 2024 edition saw a 30% increase in total prize money to €120,000, with the top prize now valued at €25,000—a figure competitive with mid-tier FEI CSIs across Europe. The event’s timing, just weeks before the Paris Olympics, has also made it a warm-up destination for riders targeting Olympic qualification.

Who’s Coming: A Global Lineup of Top Riders

While the full rider list remains under embargo until June 25, organizers have confirmed participation from 12 countries, including riders from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK—nations traditionally dominant in FEI show jumping. Notable absences from last year’s field, such as Piet Raijmakers (who competed in 2024) and Maikel van der Vleuten, suggest a shift toward younger talent and riders seeking lower-key preparation before major competitions.

Verified highlights:

• 39 foreign riders (up from 25 in 2024) – FEI CSI records show Maeza now ranks among the top 15 most international CSIs in Europe.
• 15 Spanish riders confirmed, including Javier Muñoz, who won the 2023 CSI Maeza.
• No major injuries reported among top riders targeting the event, per Equestrian News’s latest updates.

Reader note: The event’s 1.40m/1.45m/1.50m height progression (with optional oxers) is designed to challenge riders without deterring top-level competitors. Last year’s winner, Manuel Fernández Saro, cleared the 1.50m final with his horse Lorenzo in just two attempts—a benchmark for this year’s field.

What to Watch: Three Key Storylines

1. The Dutch-Belgian Rivalry

With riders from the Netherlands and Belgium making up nearly 40% of the foreign field, the event could see a repeat of last year’s Dutch-Belgian dominance in the standings. In 2024, Niels Hufnagel (NED) and Nico van der Borgh (BEL) finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively. This year, watch for Gerco Schröder, who has been training with London 52 ahead of the Olympics.

2. Spanish Riders’ Home Advantage

Local favorites like Javier Muñoz and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat will aim to capitalize on crowd support. Ferrer-Salat, who placed 5th in 2024, has been working with Zara, a horse known for her consistency over big fences. “The crowd in Maeza is electric,” Ferrer-Salat told Equestrian Magazine in May. “It’s a huge motivator.”

3. The Prize Money Incentive

The €25,000 top prize (up from €18,000 in 2024) has attracted riders who might otherwise skip smaller CSIs. “For riders targeting the Olympics, this is a smart way to earn points without the pressure of a bigger event,” said Dr. Sarah Coleman, an equestrian performance analyst at the British Equestrian Federation. “It’s a test, not a showdown.”

How to Follow: Live Updates and Broadcast Details

The event will be live-streamed via Oxer Sport’s official platform, with highlights available on FEI’s YouTube channel. Key details:

• Dates: July 3–5, 2025
• Venue: Hipódromo de Maeza, Sariego, Asturias
• Time Zone: All sessions in CEST (UTC+2):
  • July 3: 10:00 AM – Qualification Round 1 (1.30m)
  • July 4: 10:00 AM – Qualification Round 2 (1.35m)
  • July 5: 10:00 AM – Final Round (1.45m/1.50m)
• Entry Fee: €50 for spectators (includes arena access and refreshments).

Travel tip: Sariego is a 45-minute drive from Oviedo Airport (OVD), with direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona. Local organizers recommend arriving by 9:00 AM on competition days to secure seating in the 6,000-capacity arena.

What’s Next: The Road to Paris and Beyond

CSI Maeza serves as a critical warm-up for riders eyeing the Paris Olympics (July 26–August 11). The event’s 1.50m final mirrors the Olympic format, making it an ideal test for horses and riders. “This is where we’ll see who’s truly ready for Paris,” said Lucinda Green, a former Olympic show jumping coach. “The pressure here is real, but the stakes are lower—perfect for fine-tuning.”

Looking ahead, the next major FEI CSI in Spain is the CSI Valencia (July 17–19), which will feature a 1.55m final—a step up from Maeza’s heights. Riders who excel in Sariego will likely target Valencia as their final Olympic prep before the Games.