Rotterdam (NED), 26 August 2011 – Germany did the double when winning both the last leg of the series, and the overall FEI Nations Cup 2011 title, at the thrilling finale in Rotterdam, The Netherlands this evening. Birthday boy, Ludger Beerbaum, was the hero of the day, but it was a desperate fight to the very end, with a strong challenge from the impressive British that was only settled by a third-round jump-off against the clock.
The Dutch hosts, who headed the leaderboard throughout the closing stages of the eight-leg tournament, had seemed likely to clinch the honours in front of their home crowd following a great run of form. But yesterday German Chef d’Equipe, Otto Becker, warned that his side would pounce if the opportunity arose, and today, when it did, they seized it and held on tight.
It was a sad day for the USA however. Despite their best efforts they could only manage sixth place, one spot behind the Belgians who were also lying in the relegation danger-zone. And although Belgium collected 17 faults in a high-scoring competition, the 18 collected by the Americans was simply too much, and they now join the long-resigned Danish side in the Promotional League for 2012.
LYING LAST
The Danes were already lying last at the end of the first round with 21 faults on the board. But the big surprise was the 16 faults collected by the Dutch who were positioned seventh of the eight competing nations at the halfway stage. Irish chances were hampered by the elimination of Alexander Butler when his grey, Will Wimble, slammed on the brakes at the 4-metre-wide open water at fence eight and they were carrying 14 faults, while the Belgians appeared to be seriously compromised when racking up 12-first round faults – 2010 world champion Philippe Le Jeune (Vigo d’Arsouilles), 2006 world champion Jos Lansink (Cavalor Valentina Van’T Heike) and Gregory Wathalet (Copin van de Broy) each coming home with single errors while young Nicola Philippaerts (Carlo VHPZ) had the discount score of nine.
Continue reading Germany Wins Final Round and FEI Nations Cup 2011 Series
The Women’s Horse Industry Network is pleased to announce a partnership with Speaking of Horses TV. Speaking of Horses TV CEO Wayne Williams has long been a supporter of the WHIN and WHIN’s CEO Catherine Masters has been a longtime supporter of Speaking of Horses.
Denver, CO – Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute is proud to host a unique clinic with incredible insights into equine behavior with world renowned equine specialist Anna Twinney on October 1-2, 2011 in Littleton, Colorado. Through hands-on and lecture, participants will build their understanding of equine behavior and learn how to develop a two way communication system with an equine partner.
