The German team impressed once again on British soil winning the Nations Cup for the second year running at Houghton International Horse Trials.
Third leg victory
The German riders’ impeccable dressage scores and fast cross-country rounds saw them claim the third leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup series.
The quartet of Josephine Schnauffer Peter Thomsen Bettina Hoy and Josefa Sommer had momentarily slipped behind the Australians in the showjumping but managed to go back on top of the leaderboard by the end of the competition.
Beating the Australian team by just 0.4 penalties the German team also moved up to third place on the overall leaderboard with six more legs to contest in this year.
Delighted
Christopher Bartle Germany’s team trainer was delighted with the rider’s performance. “We have a great team spirit which I treasure and we work to maintain it.
“The riders support each other and they respect each other’s opinions because they all want to get better however good they are ” he said.
Overall leaders
Elsewhere the French – who are enjoying a fine international season – finished third at Houghton and now lead the overall standings with 250 points.
Great Britain finished the leg in fourth place and sit close behind the French on 225 points.
Nicola Wilson who was not on the British team finished first and third in the CICO3* competition to launch a bid in claiming the Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam bonus.
The new bonus is rewarded to the rider who wins three of the five CIC3* competitions in the series.
The Nations Cup remaining legs
Strzegom (POL) 24-26 June
The Plains (USA) 8-10 July
Aachen (GER) 14-17 July
Vairano (ITA) 16-18 September
Waregem (BEL) 22-25 September
Boekelo (NED) 6-9 October