With two clear rounds in the individual final of the Agria FEI Jumping World Championship, Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. jumped their way up the standings to claim the bronze medal in Herning. This was the pair’s second medal of the week; on Friday night, they also took the silver with the Dutch team. 

“Beauville really deserved this medal, he jumped his heart out, he gives everything,” Van der Vleuten said about the gelding – that also won the individual Olympic bronze in Tokyo last year. “I know the hardest part is to keep him in the middle, I work hard for that – for the rest, he really tries, he is extremely careful, and he really deserves this bronze medal.” 

“He has a fighter mentality without being overly sensitive,” Van der Vleuten continued. “You can make him even a bit more hot; he always wants to do with the rider. It is important that you are a good combination with your horse, it is not a guarantee if a good rider gets a good horse one month before a championship. Like with Henrik; you have to know how to support your horse to help them jump these classes.”

And with this photo special, we celebrate Maikel and Beauville's fantastic partnership and bronze medal in Herning! 

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.