British eventers win sixth consecutive young rider team gold
Britain has won team gold at the young rider eventing European Championships for the sixth year in a row.
This year’s squad clinched victory at Pardubice in the Czech Republic in a tight final showjumping phase yesterday. They well went clear across country on Saturday to take the lead from the Germans, who held top spot after dressage.
Emily Parker went clear on Treefers to hold her overnight lead and become young rider European champion.
This is also the third year in a row Britain has fielded the individual gold medallist and in the team contest this time Emily was ably backed up by the two riders who took that title in 2008 and 2009, Emily Llewellyn and Laura Collett.
Emily, riding Society Spice, and Laura, riding Fernhill Cristal, each had one showjump down yesterday to finish fifth and eighth and provide the other two counting scores for the British team.
Britain finished just 0.1pen ahead of Germany and there was briefly some confusion about who had actually won, before the British riders were given the gold medals.
All the Brits finished in the top 15 individually, with fourth team member Tom McEwen (Major Sweep) 14th and individuals Willa Newton (Neexlix) and Rosie Fry (Bankon Louie) sixth and 15th.
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Chairman of selectors Alex Colquhoun said: “You couldn’t ask for a better result for a nicer group of riders. They have all been fantastic throughout the championships and have shown real maturity. I would also like to thank all the parents and sponsors who have been so supportive.”
Full report from the young rider European Championships in H&H, 12 August issue.
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Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.