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Our luck ran out on the way home... We were somewhere in France with a broken wheel on the trailer, 500km left to go! Waited for service for ages. Alltogether we lost 5.5 hours. The champion was doing fine though, was not bothered at all.

Otherwise I have no words to describe how I feel! Wednesday still feels unreal, was just amazing!Nino jumped super, Steve rode great, just everything went like in a book. I told Steve the day before to have dreams about the podium, obviously that’s what he did!!!

The games were all in all very successful. Everything was very well organized and people were extremely helpful. The grooms accommodation was just behind the corner,not too far away from the stables which were also great. Food was great and served nearly all day long. There were many rings to choose from to ride in or a big grass field that Nino especially enjoyed. Or I think he liked it even more when we went for grazing there. The only thing was that it was on top of a very steep hill, I was most of the time out of breath by halfway walking it up. Maybe I should take up on some exercise...

Final day started with a vet-check for the final horses. It’s always funny to see the riders trot their own horses. Most of the time they don't do it so well.. Steve has been practicing so he got 10 points and was accepted. After trot up Nino got some personal time in the box before the class. He used it wisely and had a pee and a drink. Between the rounds there was enough time for him to have a quick shower and little rest in the box again.I was over the moon when he jumped clear again.When Nick had 1 down and it was clear we won gold everybody went crazy. I think I was crying and laughing at the same time. Nino took everything very calmly and acted like a true star, just posing for cameras and happily receiving treats from everybody.

I want to thank everybody who has helped Steve and Nino to win this medal!Nino’s owner Urs Schwarzenbach, the people at home, especially Mari and Alex, our blacksmith Julien, the vet and of course trainer Thomas Fuchs just to name few. It’s team work and this time we made it!! I was nearly in tears again when we arrived home. Mari and Terhi had decorated Nino´s box and all kinds of treats were waiting for him and press was here too. I guess this is one of the moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. Just awesome!!

Best wishes
Heidi