Germany demonstrated the strength of its young eventing squad at the Pardubice racecourse in the Czech Republic when Christine Seitz, riding Amigo, successfully defended her gold medal, leading from start to finish.
German individual rider Leonie Dissmann, riding the 10-year-old Irish gelding, Santa’s Little Helper, took bronze, while consistent riding by France’s Amelie Billard, saw her maintain second position throughout the competition.
The Germans had less luck in the team competition, however, which went to Italy, with France and Belgium close behind.
British disappointment
After the dressage, the British team — sponsored by Joules, Gatehouse Range, Barbour, Land Rover and KC Sports — was languishing in eighth place despite personal bests from Oliver Signy on Master Barley and Amy Young on Highville.
Individual rider Gemma Tattersall, on Balfern Milly Molly Mandy, 13th, was the highest placed British competitor with 50.7.
British fortunes did not really improve on cross-country day, although the team did manage to move up one place. Britain’s pathfinder Amy Young parted company with Highville at a double of hedges, and Nicola Wilson on Oingy Boingy, had a run out after slipping on some sand going into a wall drop combination.
Gemma Tattersall had risen to eighth place after the cross-country and Tamsyn Hutchins, riding as an individual on Tully Lane, had a stylish clear round, leaving her in 38th place.
The British team moved up another place thanks to three clears on the final day to finish sixth, two fences ahead of the Irish. Gemma Tattersall had one down to hold on to her eighth position and Tamsyn Hutchins finished 30th.
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