Pony European Championships eventing
Libby Soley and Noble Springbok were crowned individual European pony champions and lead the British squad to team victory in Germany at the weekend.
Libby completed all three phases on her dressage score of 41pen to take the individual title, ahead of Germany’s overnight leader Nina Stegemann, who lowered a pole in the show jumping to drop to bronze position. Germany’s Valeska Hauptmann took the silver medal riding Andy 113 on 42.4pen.
Britain’s Tom McEwen on Dick Taytoe also finished on his dressage score, just outside the medals in fourth place on his team debut. Two show jumps down plus time faults for Gina Ruck and Ice Cool Bailey put paid to her individual chances as she dropped down to ninth, but her performance ensured Britain brought home the gold medal ahead of the host nation.
British individual Lottie Kennedy riding Daraks Tonto was the third British rider to complete on her dressage score in 10th, while Chloe Kirkpatrick with Puzzle IV added four to her dressage score to finish in 15th.
Individual results
1. Libby Soley/Noble Springbok (GBR) 41.0
2. Valeska Hauptmann/Andy 113 (GER) 42.4
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3. Nina Stegemann/Mr Hale Bob (GER) 44.5
4. Tom McEwen/Dick Taytoe (GBR) 44.8
9. Gina Ruck/Ice Cool Bailey (GBR) 55.5
10. Lottie Kennedy/Daraks Tonto (GBR) 55.5
15. Chloe Kirkpatrick/Puzzle IV (GBR) 64.5
Team results
1. Britain 141.30
2. Germany 147.90
3. Italy 191.80
4. Netherlands 206.00
5. Ireland 217.80
6. Belgium 228.20
Check out Horse&Hound (2 August) for a full report and pictures from the pony European Championships in dressage, eventing and show jumping
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.