Champagne showers and celebrations as the Dutch team takes third title in Barcelona

There were smiles all around on the Dutch team after Maikel van der Vleuten on Beauville Z (Bustique x Jumpy des Fontaines), Willem Greve on Carambole (San Patrignano Cassini x Concerto II), Sanne Thijssen on Con Quidam RB (Quinar x Cardino) and Harrie Smolders on Monaco (Cassini II x Contender) claimed the title at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final 2021 in Barcelona. It was the third time Rob Ehrens and his team could step to the top of the podium at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, the Netherlands also won in 2014 and 2017.

We look back at the celebrations on the Dutch team as the 2021 Nations Cup-season concluded with an afternoon filled with fantastic sport and emotions.

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of these images is permitted.

Double clear over the two rounds in Barcelona: Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z.

Willem Greve hugs Carambole after their clear round for the Dutch team. "He is seventeen years old, jumping his heart out for me every time, and for me it’s very emotional that he shows at this stage and at this high level that he is still one of the best horses in the sport. He really deserved a victory like this. I am so proud of him; he deserves all the credit!” Greve said about Carambole.

As the anchor pair, Harrie Smolders and Monaco secured the win with a clear round. “To finish the job like that, it’s how dreams come true,” Smolders said.

There were high-fives, hugs, kisses and big smiles on the Dutch team when the win had been secured!

What a summer season it has been for Team Thijssen and Con Quidam.

Kisses for Beauville...

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...and for Monaco.

Willem Greve was smiling from ear to ear.

A happy Team Smolders.

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Monaco and Beauville having a little chat about their win.

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Maikel van der Vleuten and Willem Greve. “Nothing beats winning with your nation in a Nations Cup: Nothing, nothing!” Greve said.

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Con Quidam and Katy.

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All eyes on Willem Greve's mighty Carambole, that at the age of 17 is in incredible shape! "He basically made my career and I owe everything to him," Greve said about the stallion that he has had since he was a 4-year-old.