Three superb clear rounds in the final phase gave the jubilant British their longed-for team title at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Strzegom (POL) today.
“We are very excited to be back on top,” says Tina Cook. “We’ve got some amazing riders and horses, and we’ve worked hard for this.”
Ingrid Klimke, who has been a key member of the German team for 17 years, also delivered a perfect round under pressure on Horseware Hale Bob, winning her first individual title and leading Germany to team silver.
“You just have to keep going and after 20 years it will happen! I always want to be a team player, but this was my dream,” says Ingrid.
Triple European champion Michael Jung’s winning run finally ended, and the German sportingly settled for individual silver with a clear round on fischerRocana.
Sweden held on to team bronze, but Sara Algotsson Ostholt had a less than happy jumping round on Reality 39 and dropped from third to ninth.
Britain’s Nicola Wilson went clear on Bulana to take bronze, her first individual medal, while Kristina Cook and Rosalind Canter lined up behind her in fourth and fifth. Oliver Townend, who was the discard score, did not present Cooley SRS at the final horse inspection.
Ten teams and 56 riders competed, although there was disappointment when host nation Poland’s best rider, Pawel Spisak, was denied a fairy-tale finish when Banderas did not pass the final horse inspection.
