Team GB Pony Squad Secure Superb Nations Cup Runner-Up Spot in Busto Arsizio

The FEI Jumping Nations Cup Pony Team delivered a determined and impressive performance in Busto Arsizio at the weekend, securing a fantastic second-place finish after two competitive rounds against strong international opposition. 

Leading the way for Team GB in the opening round was Henry Leggott aboard Blossom’s Jessop Panache. Despite showing plenty of fight, an unfortunate combination of fences down and two refusals resulted in elimination in the first round. 

Next into the arena was Keira Merriman riding Qrevette GII. Producing a confident performance, the pair picked up just four faults after a single rail fell in the middle of a combination. 

Third to go for the British side was Cora Dowey with Armene Du Costilg. The combination also finished on four faults after a solid and composed round. 

Anchoring the team was Tabby Morgan Evans riding Conella, who produced a superb clear round under pressure to leave Team GB on a total of eight faults heading into the second round. 

Returning first in round two, Henry came back into the arena with a fresh mindset and produced a much-improved performance, completing his second effort on eight faults. 

Keira was next to jump, but unfortunately two refusals at the final fence resulted in elimination for the combination. 

Cora then stepped up once again for Great Britain and delivered a fantastic clear round, leaving every fence intact and giving the team a huge boost at a crucial stage of the competition. 

Last to go was Tabby, who once again rose to the occasion with another strong performance. Just one fence down left the pair on four faults and secured Team GB a second-round total of 12 faults. 

Finishing the competition on an overall score of 20 faults, the British Pony Team claimed an excellent second-place finish in the Nations Cup standings — a brilliant achievement for all the riders and support team involved. 

FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup Pony Teams 

1st – Netherlands – 16 

2nd – Great Britain – 20 

Henry Leggott & Blossom’s Jessop Panache – el/8 

Keira Merriman & Qrevette GII – 4/el 

Cora Dowey & Armene Du Costilg – 4/0 

Tabby Morgan Evans & Conella – 0/4 

3rd – Belgium - 33 

Team GB’s young riders delivered a strong and determined performance at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth in Busto Arsizio at the weekend, with the Children’s team securing an impressive podium finish to kick off the competition. 

Friday 1 May saw the Children’s team take to the ring first, and they got off to the best possible start thanks to Mia Breen and Crack 41. Leading the team out with confidence, Mia produced a superb clear round to set a positive tone early on. Elle Hourihan followed aboard Gilka B, but an unfortunate touch at the triple bar resulted in eight faults. Freddie Hodges and Muze VD Withoeve were next into the arena, and despite a determined effort, three fences down left them with 12 faults. Anchoring the team, Charlie Barker and Acarno B delivered a solid round, picking up just four faults. At the end of the first round, Team GB sat on a total of 12 faults heading into the second phase. 

Returning for round two, Mia once again took on the role of pathfinder. Although she couldn’t quite replicate her earlier clear, a single rail at fence two meant she finished on four faults – another composed and competitive round under pressure. Elle rose to the occasion next, producing a fantastic clear round when it mattered most, helping to keep the team firmly in contention. Freddie followed and, despite showing great determination, an unlucky refusal at the final fence combined with time penalties saw him finish on 10 faults. With everything to play for, Charlie entered the arena as the final rider for the team, delivering a steady round with four faults to bring the British tally to a second-round score of eight. 

With consistent performances across both rounds, Team GB’s Children’s squad secured a well-earned third place finish, claiming a spot on the podium against strong international competition. It was a fantastic team effort and a promising start to the Nations Cup Youth campaign, showcasing the talent and determination within the next generation of British showjumping. 

FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup Children Team 

1st – Natherlands – 8 

2nd – Italy – 8 

3rd – Great Britain – 20 

Mia Breen & Crack 41 – 0/4 

Elle Hourihan & Gilka B – 8/0 

Charlie Barker & Acarno B – 4/4 

Freddie Hodges & Muze VD Withoeve – 12/10 

A thank you to Coldstream for supporting the Youth Teams with their team jackets, and LeMieux for supplying the team saddle pads.

Image: Etrea ASD