“AS a sportsman, nothing beats winning with your country in a Nations Cup,” summed up Dutch rider Willem Greve after his side lifted the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final for a record third time.
This season finale follows in the wake of a feast of team showjumping at both the Tokyo Olympics and European Championships. However, such is the unpredictable nature of our sport that several nations’ fortunes have ebbed and flowed throughout the year.
The Netherlands certainly wouldn’t have come to Barcelona as favourites but, displaying the fighting team spirit and resilience required in these competitions, the Dutch took it to the wire against defending champions Ireland, who similarly have not enjoyed a stellar year, to triumph by just one time-penalty in Sunday’s thrilling €1.25m (£1,068,890) eight-team decider.
“We had a bit of a struggle the whole year,” said Dutch chef d’equipe, Rob Ehrens. “But I must give big compliments to all our riders – we all fight together, we don’t have big names who, when they are winning, go in a completely different direction.
“It all comes down to these five people for the perfect management of their horses, who want to do everything for their country and who showed us today a marvellous performance. That’s one of the strong pillars of the Dutch team.”
Esta historia es de la edición October 07, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 07, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
