As the only team finishing on a total score of zero, Germany – represented by Jana Wargers and Dorette (Dollar du Murier x Fighting Alpha 3), Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On), Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue x Coronado 3) and Richard Vogel with United Touch S (Untouched x Lux Z) – took a convincing victory on the last day of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2023 at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona.
"I’m a lucky guy as Chef d’Equipe of this team, I’m super happy and super proud of them, they rode very well,” Otto Becker, Chef d'Equipe for Team Germany, said in a press release from the FEI following their win in Barcelona.
With this photo special, we look back at the German anticipation as the team watched Vogel's deciding round – and the celebrations that followed when the extravagant pair crossed the finish line with all the fences intact.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
German joy in Barcelona as their anchor pair Richard Vogel and the incredible United Touch S jumped clear, securing the win.
Vogel crossing the finish line, checking the screens to confirm that he was clear.
Thumbs up from the German anchor-man.
Christian Kukuk was among the first to congratulate Vogel on his round.
With them every step of the way... Hansi Dreher made sure to jump with Vogel and United Touch S as they were in the triple combination on the last line of the course.
-
Image Description
-
Image Description
-
Image Description
-
Image Description
It was an emotional win for Simone and Peter Aregger...
...who own Hans-Dieter Dreher's Elysium.
Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium delivered a clear for the Germans as well...
...their second of the weekend.
Christian Kukuk and Checker also jumped a clear round in Sunday's final.
Felicia Wallin and United Touch S.
Richard Vogel.
Stefan, Hansi's long-time groom, couldn't stop smiling after the victory.
Happiness all around.
The German team spirit; Sofie and Felicia.
Christian Kukuk's long-time groom Sofie Karlsson and Checker cuddle up before the prize giving ceremony.
The winning team.
The obligatory champagne showers...
Cheers! The winning grooms Stefan Stan, Sofie Karlsson, Anna-Lena Hex and Felicia Wallin.
German team-vet Jan-Hein Swagemakers with German reserve rider Jörne Sprehe.
Both Hans-Dieter Dreher and Martin Fuchs were in for the extra bonus, with two of the three double clears jumped in the final – the third being Belgium's Wilm Vermeir.
Congratulations Team Germany!
Then