After a battle against the Belgian, British and Swiss riders, the Germans took a popular home win in Thursday's CSIO5* 1.60m €1.000.000 Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen.
Entering the second round with a single penalty each, the German and Swiss teams were leading the way at a rainy Soers, but unfortunately for the Swiss their luck turned and they fell down to fourth.
Here a big smile from a very wet Steve Guerdat, double clear for Switzerland, with Venard de Cerisy.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
The rain could not stop Germany's Jana Wargers from smiling after recording only one time fault with Limbridge.
Reigning European Champions Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria only had to jump one round for Germany, that were declared the winners as their anchor pair was about to enter the ring.
A very determined Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, double clear for Germany with Messi Van't Ruytershof.
Shared joy on the German team.
The triple combination at 9abc caused trouble for many, here Francisco José Mesquita Musa and Carte de Blue PS Marathon.
The line from the open water to the plank also claimed its victims.
World no. one Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei did not have their best day as anchors for the Swiss, and retired in the first round, then finishing round two on eight faults.
Cordial celebrating his clear first round with Megane Moissonnier.
Nicola Philippaerts piloted Katanga vh Dingeshof to a clear in round two for Belgium, helping his team to finish second.
USA's Adrienne Sternlich and Cristalline.
It was not the day for the Dutch riders, that finished 7th of the eight teams. Here Harrie Smolders and Bingo Du Parc, clear in round one.
The rain came down for Ben Maher and Faltic HB, that nevertheless delivered a first clear for Great Britain, helping them to finish third.
A big smile from Scott Brash's groom David Honnet after Hello Jefferson jumped clear in round two.
Hugs all around on the German team.
There's nothing like a home win in the Nations Cup in Aachen.
The look of love: Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Messi Van't Ruytershof.
Girl power: Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Jana Wargers.
Then