Best of the Barrière Nations Cup of La Baule, part two

Although it wasn't Switzerland's day in the Barrière Nations Cup of La Baule – the team finished 6th on 24 penalties – Steve Guerdat had good reason to smile, because he clearly has a new super-star in his stable and her name is Dynamix de Belheme. The 10-year-old mare gave her rider an early birthday gift when jumping clear in the second round of the Nations Cup, playing with the challenging course.

Here, we take a last look back at the Nations Cup – which was a magnificent watch with all its twists and turns.

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.

A full house in La Baule!

Two Swiss masterminds: Thomas Fuchs, father of Martin Fuchs, and Philippe Guerdat, father of Steve Guerdat.

French Chef d'Equipe Henk Nooren keeping an eye on Julien Epaillard and Dubai du Cedre.

Richard Vogel's United Touch S has a spectacular canter and jump!

Ireland's young talent Max Wachman and Kilkenny flying over the open water. Unfortunately, it was not the day for the Irish riders who finished on a score of 24 faults in round one.

The Dutch did also not have a good day, and it was game over after 32 faults in round one.

Sweden's Wilma Hellström and Cicci BJN continue to impress; after having the plank down in round one, the two came back with a clear the second time out.

The stunning Nevados S with Gregory Wathelet in the saddle. The two delivered a much needed clear in round two, which secured the Belgians a place in the jump-off against Brazil and Sweden.

It's a family-affair for the Wathelets!

And for Henrik von Eckermann and his wife Janika Sprunger.

A happy Jens Fredricson leaving the ring with Markan Cosmopolit after a clear second round.

Just chilling!

A cuddle for United Touch S...

...and for Dubai du Cedre.

The queen: Steve Guerdat's Dynamix de Belheme is according to her rider a genius and we agree!

The Belgians prepping for the jump-off against Brazil and Sweden.

Sweden's world no. one Henrik von Eckermann getting advice from Chef d'Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona.

As first out in the jump-off, Belgium's Wilm Vermeir had a difficult task. However, he delivered his third clear of the day in a time of 31.88 seconds.

But, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Grand Slam VDL managed to be quicker and stopped the clock on 31.19...

...putting pressure on last-to-go Henrik von Eckermann and Iliana.

Forced to take risk, von Eckermann had to see one rail hit the ground and left the ring slightly disappointed as the Swedes finished third.

The name of the game: Rodrigo Pessoa and Philippe Guerdat on the other hand, were all smiles!

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli's face said it all! “You see how the second round and the drop-score really keep the suspense; today Rodrigo had to jump clear as our last man, Greg had to jump clear, Henrik had to have one down for it to turn around and be a jump-off – and then you have all these emotions of Brazil and Belgium bouncing back against the Swedes when they had one down, it’s just such an amazing part of our sport!" the Brazilian rider said about the traditional Nations Cup format jumped by four horse-and-rider combinations over two rounds and with a drop-score.

The pure joy of the Brazilians...

...Stephan de Freitas Barcha hugs Marlon Modolo Zanotelli.

Marlon and his groom Andrea who have had so much success together.

Calling home to share some very good news!

Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Yuri Mansur.

Stephan de Freitas Barcha hugs his groom Joao.

Philippe Guerdat hugs Rodrigo Pessoa.

Smiles all around!

The man of the moment: Marlon! "I tried to put a little pressure on Henrik – which is not easy, he’s no. one in the world and used to that – but this time it worked!” the Brazilian rider said after he had secured the victory.