The second leg of the FEI Nations Cup in Europe Division 1 was staged in beautiful La Baule this past weekend, and it was the host nation that fought their way to victory after two thrilling rounds. Here Penelope Leprevost's Flora de Mariposa gets some well-deserved kisses after jumping two incredible clear rounds for France. All photos (c) Tiffany Van Halle for World of Showjumping.
The wonderful 12-year-old mare made the difficult track look like a walk in the park, and was one of five horses jumping double clear rounds in Friday's Nations Cup.
That worried look on French Chef d'Equipe Philippe Guerdat's face was there for many reasons: A) He was one man down for round two after Roger Yves Bost and Sangria du Coty suffered a bad fall in the triple combination during the first round B) Sweden was in the lead after the first round, and their pathfinder Peder Fredricson did a double clear on Christian K C) It was incredibly tight all the way, and ended in a jump-off between France and Sweden where Kevin Staut nailed it for the hosts.
Henrik von Eckermann congratulates his team-mate Peder Fredricson who did two perfect rounds on new-kid-on-the-block Christian K.
Von Eckermann also impressed himself, riding a first-clear round on Copperphild. Unfortunately, the pair had to see two poles down in round two which put Sweden in the jump-off against France where the blue&yellow riders had to settle for second.
Roger Yves Bost was very lucky to escape unharmed after a horrible fall with Sangria du Coty, that took off on one stride instead of two from the first to the middle element in the triple combination. That left France with only three riders for the second round, but still they managed to bring home the win after some serious fighting spirit.
Not even Marcus Ehning could help Germany... They finished second last with 29 penalties.
This young man keeps on impressing: Michael Duffy on Belcanto Z for Ireland had a single time penalty in the first round, and only a foot on the tape on the water jump in round two contributing to their third place.
Steve Guerdat was surprisingly the discharge score for Switzerland in the first round, but came back stronger for round two with Ulysse Des Forets to help his team to fourth place.
Belgium are not in Europe Division 1 this year, and had send their very best men to Drammen to take points in Division 2 - still a strong Belgian team took part in La Baule ending fifth. Here Jerome Guery on Garfield de Tiji Des Templiers who was clear in round one.
All Star 5 gets some treats after two great rounds.
The man who brought the victory home: Kevin Staut and his experienced 16-year-old partner Reveur de Hurtebise HDC left little room for error to Peder Fredricson and the 10-year-old Christian K in the jump-off. The risk paid off, and Kevin could smile big having nailed it on home soil.
Sportsmanship: Steve Guerdat congratulates Kevin Staut.
The winning French team!
Then