GERMANY made history at the start of a new era of team showjumping as the first winners of the brand new Longines League of Nations, with the new format making for compelling viewing.
In a contest that was fierce to the end, with team fortunes oscillating dramatically, the Germans snatched victory at the 11th hour, relegating long-time leaders Ireland into second, with Sweden staying strong for third.
“It’s a super start in the Olympic season, and I’m very happy and proud of my four riders,” said German chef d’equipe Otto Becker.
Spaniard Santiago Varela is such a well-respected course- designer, but really excels at these team competitions. Even his first, seemingly innocuous, fence caused problems, with huge questions coming at a double of 1.60m verticals after the open water, while the treble combination to a dog-leg final line also proved trappy.
The excitement started building in the traditional four-riders-per-team format in round one and Ireland proved why they came into this series as the world’s top-ranked nation, topping the leaderboard thanks to clears from Richard Howley (Equine America Consulent Du Prelet Z), Michael Pender (HHS Calais) and Mark McAuley (GRS Lady Amaro). Denis Lynch’s four-fault round on new ride Cordial was discarded.
Sweden and Germany were hot on their heels, but only three fences separated the top eight teams who qualified for round two from the 11 starters.
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
