The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup in Rotterdam ended with a home win for the Dutch team, making it their third back-to-back victory at the Kralingse Bos. Teams from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy and host nation were battling out for points in Europe Division 1 and were joined by Denmark, France and Norway at the 74th edition of CHIO Rotterdam.
Jumped with the traditional format of two rounds, the excitement was tangible until the very end, with the Dutch anchor pair Harrie Smolders and the ever so consistent Monaco N.O.P. jumping double clear, helping their team finish on a total of six penalties and piling pressure on the Irish that were holding the lead with four penalties as their last horse-and-rider-combination – Daniel Coyle and Gisborne VDL – entered the ring. While the Irish have been on fire during the 2023-season, claiming Nations Cup wins left and right, it was not to be this time around: A pole down for Coyle left the victory with the hosts and the Irish lads had to settle for second, while Germany completed the podium in third.
With these pictures, we take a look back at the action in Rotterdam.
All photos © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.
Tell us you're in Rotterdam without telling us you're in Rotterdam!
Jur Vrieling's Long John Silver 3 N.O.P. making his way to the warm-up; a rather long walk from the stable area.
Geir Gulliksen's VDL Groep Quattro waiting for his rider.
The warm-up in Rotterdam is nestled in the middle of the forest.
Harrie Smolders, Monaco N.O.P. and Dutch Chef d'Equipe Jos Lansink.
A serious Henk Nooren – the French Chef d'Equipe – keeping an eye on the action.
German Chef d'Equipe Otto Becker inspecting the course.
Sanne Melsen, Gilles Thomas and Aretino on their way to the ring for Team Belgium.
Before.... Belgium's Pieter Devos waiting for his turn...
.... and after: Pieter Devos thanks Nascar van'T Siamshof after the 10-year-old jumped clear in round one.
All smiles for Jana Wargers after she and Dorette delivered a clear as the German pathfinders.
Ireland's Michael Duffy and Cinca: One of only two pairs to deliver double clears.
Hello, beautiful!
A little cuddle for Kevin Staut's Dialou Blue PS.
With a huge screen on the side of the warm-up, it was easy to keep up on the action in the main ring – here Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam having a look.
Leopold van Asten and VDL Groep Iron Z made a great recovery after picking up 16 penalties in the first round to only record a single time penalty on their second attempt.
The Irish were leading the way until the very end – here Trevor Breen and Highland President.
You can always count on Long John Silver 3 N.O.P... Clear in round two for the Dutch team.
A happy team Vrieling.
Kisses for the incredible Monaco N.O.P. from his groom Tamiles Pezzim.
No sore losers here – German team vet Jan-Hein Swagemakers congratulates Harrie Smolders.
“Monaco was again outstanding! He loves Rotterdam, he always feels amazing here," Harrie Smolders said after the two secured a home win for the Dutch team in Rotterdam.
Happy Dutch team members: Jur Vrieling and Leopold van Asten with Long John Silver 3 N.O.P. and VDL Groep Iron Z.
Orange on top: Congratulations to the Dutch team!
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