European silver and bronze medals for British showjumpers

In a rollercoaster day of emotions, Great Britain filled both the silver and bronze medal positions in the individual final of the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships in Denmark.

Ben Maher came into the final 2 rounds as the overall leader but, in a heartbreaking twist, Cella knocked out a pole at an oxer in round 1 — her 1st error in the whole championship.

This left the door wide open for Frenchman Roger Yves Bost (Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois) to snatch gold. Despite his acrobatic style, the 47-year-old is a master horseman and held his nerve to jump a double clear and lift the European title.

Ben Maher (pictured right) took the silver and Scott Brash, who’d come into the final day in 10th position, soared in to 3rd spot on the podium with a sensational double clear over 2 immensely difficult tracks.

“Each day I did the maximum to make sure I ride the clears,” said Bosty. “She’s a very good mare.”

Ben explained: “I knew that fence would be expensive. I did as much as I could to put the pressure on Roger but he was too good.”

Michael Whitaker and Viking produced 2 superb rounds to finish 9th, meaning Great Britain filled 3 of the top 10 places.

Don’t miss the full report, pictures and news from the ECCO FEI European Championships in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out 29 August).

Individual European Showjumping Championship results

1. RY Bost (Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois) FRA 1.58
2. Ben Maher (Cella) GBR 4.00
3. Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) GBR 6.72
4. RG Bengtsson (Casall ASK) SWE 9.63
5. Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) GER 11.01
6. Ludger Beerbaum (Chiarra 222) GER 11.34

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.