Record Number of International Driving Entries at CAI Pärnu
SportThe sixth edition of CHI Pärnu 2026 concluded successfully with a record number of international carriage driving entries for Estonia. In the 3* single horse class, victory went to Finnish driver Talvikki Järvinen, while Norwegian driver Kjell Oeivind Mikkelsen won the single pony class.
This year marks ten years of international carriage driving in Estonia, with the country’s first CAI having been organised in Olustvere back in 2016. In previous years, international events in Estonia typically attracted around 25 competitors, but this year the organisers of the multidisciplinary CHI Pärnu welcomed no fewer than 39 turnouts from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, and of course Estonia itself.
Finland & Norway claim podiums
As many Scandinavian drivers were aiming to secure qualification results for this year’s FEI World Championship Single Horses and next year’s Pony World Championship, Latvian course designer Kristaps Caune designed a marathon and cones course that matched international championship level. The high standard of driving was reflected by several “double clear” rounds in the cones phase.
In the CAI3* single horse class, Finland claimed the entire podium. Talvikki Järvinen finished both first and third, while Eveliina Koivula secured second place.
The CAI3* single pony class was dominated by the Norwegians. Kjell Oeivind Mikkelsen took the win ahead of compatriot Vilde Hedemark Valen-Sendstad in second place. Swedish driver Lida Sjödin finished third, while the best Estonian result came from Riina Rõa in fourth place.
Kjell Oeivind Mikkelsen - Photo: Sigrit Lendrel
Click here for the photo album from the prize giving Sunday
Source: Hoefnet
