Saturday's Nations Cup in Mannheim was the 100th in Germany, and a very special occasion - so to go to the top was quite an honor. USA's Kirsten Coe made sure to celebrate the moment with Baronez after contributing to the win with a great second clear round. All photos (c) World of Showjumping.
The pressure was on for Belgium's Jerome Guery in the second round, but he delivered with Papillon Z - making up for the eight faults in the first round. And after a three team jump-off, Belgium finished second.
Christian Ahlmann was a bit disappointed after he had to see the second fence fall in round two, after his first clear - but nevertheless he took a little time to thank Taloubet Z for the job. In the end the two had to go back in for the jump-off.
An Irish supporter.
Celebrating the 100th Nations Cup of Germany.
Reveur de Hurtebise HDC gets a little TLC after jumping clear in the first round.
Belgium's Jos Lansink getting ready for his second round. Only a clear would be good enough to hold on for a finish in the top, and Lansink delivered - securing a spot in the jump-off for Belgium.
Robert Ridland obviously wanted to share something with Cortes C after the amazing gelding jumped a double clear for USA.
Living legend Ludger Beerbaum getting ready for his last round, where he again jumped clear taking Germany to the jump-off against USA and Belgium.
Full focus on the TV in the warm-up!
It was extremely warm, and all the riders were handed a little something to drink once they came out of the ring - here Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum makes sure to stay hydrated.
Stephex-colleagues Daniel Deusser and Lorenzo de Luca having a pep talk.
Then