This week, Hickstead hosts the last leg of the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 1.  

The hosts, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy are allocated to pick up points at Hickstead and all field strong teams for the CSIO5* event. With Italy sitting 8th, Germany 9th and Belgium 10th, most of the teams eligible for points will be up for a real battle to stay in Europe Divison 1 for next season.

Making it even more unpredictable is the fact that after the concluding leg at Hickstead, Belgium, Germany and Italy will also have points distributed for the cancelled leg in Lummen according to the FEI rules that read:

"8.5 Cancellation of a 2016 Qualifying Competition

In the case of a qualifying Competition being cancelled in any Region or Division where teams are allocated Events counting for points the following procedure applies.

Teams whose result would have counted for points at the cancelled Competition are distributed points for the cancelled Competition, based on the total number of points obtained at their other allocated Events divided by the number of Events at which they have participated for points. This calculation is carried out at the end of the season."

Ireland and Czech Republic have already received their points for Lummen, as their point collection in Europe Division 1 has concluded. The two countries sit respectively 2nd and 7th on the standings.

Netherlands is currently in the lead of Europe Division 1 with 330 points. At the bottom of the scale is Belgium with 100 points. The Swiss team can, if they win or end second at Hickstead, take the overall victory in the Europe Divison 1. 

USA, Netherlands and Ireland will also field teams at the British CSIO5* event but neither of them are eligible for points. 

Click here for the team allocation and standings for the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 1.

The full list of teams, riders and horses can be found in the PDF-document below.

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson