This year’s European Championships were a resounding success for Britain – and you can watch all those magical medal moments on H&C.
Seven gold medals
Team GB won a total of seven gold medals, one silver and two bronze in para dressage and eventing, and came agonisingly close to attaining another two bronze in the dressage.
The para dressage team maintained its unbroken record of team gold, while Britain put themselves firmly back on the eventing map, with the first team gold in eight years.
What is even more remarkable about the para dressage team’s run of success is that three of the team made their championship debut and one was the reserve.
Magic number
Three seemed to be the magic number at this year’s Europeans, as the event team were down to three riders on the final day when Oliver Townend withdrew Cooley SRS. However, Tina Cook (Billy the Red), Nicola Wilson (Bulana) and Ros Canter (Allstar B) all jumped clear to take gold. Nicola also won bronze behind Germany’s Michael Jung in silver and Ingrid Klimke in gold.
Only three of the British dressage team competed, after Gareth Hughes’ ride Don Carissimo failed the trot up. Without Charlotte and Valegro on the team and with one man down, the pressure was on the remaining three.
Carl Hester (Nip Tuck), Spencer Wilton (Supernova II) and Emile Faurie (Lollipop 126) put in a valiant effort, but couldn’t score quite high enough to medal. They were fourth in the team event and Carl was fourth in the Freestyle.
Valiant effort
The Irish showjumping team was also down to three riders, after Bertram Allen withdrew, but they managed to scoop team gold. Cian O’Connor then went on to take individual bronze.
If you missed the action, or you just want to relive those amazing moments, H&C is showing a round-up of all the best bits from the dressage, eventing and showjumping.
Don’t miss FEI Europeans 2017: Round-Up on 4 September at 8.30pm on Sky 253, or you can watch online via H&C Play or Amazon Video.