Young rider European show jumping championships
Britain’s Accenture Young Rider team improved on last year’s European silver medal by winning team gold at the European Championships in Auvers, France this afternoon.
The British team of Gemma Plumley (Continue B), Georgie Strutton (R Little Lefanie); Charlotte Platt (Paulien) and William Whitaker (Carnaval Path) finished on a total score of 12 faults, securing gold without William having to jump for a second time.
After a nail biting first round, Britain were equal first with the Netherlands, but they held their nerve to triumph over the 13 other nations taking part by a significant margin. Germany claimed silver on 28 faults and the Dutch team took home bronze on 30 faults.
Speaking from Auvers, Chef d’Equipe Mike Florence said: “An uncharacteristic 16 faults from William in the first round meant the girls had to dig deep to save him from jumping in the second round.
“Charlotte had an unlucky toe in the water, but the standard of riding from the team this afternoon was unbelievable. The track was very big and the team didn’t make one mistake. They have done themselves and their country proud.”
Meanwhile, the junior team missed out on winning a team medal by just one point. Sweden took the gold from Germany, with France narrowly beating Britain to the bronze medal.
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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.