British riders came out on top at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Haras du Pin, France (9-13 August), securing team gold, individual gold and individual silver. Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo took the premier position, with Kitty King and Vendredi Biats taking second place ahead of Germany’s Sandra Auffarth in bronze.
The team ranking established after Saturday’s cross-country remained the same, with Germany winning silver and France bronze. German chances were compromised when Michael Jung was eliminated for a fall just a few fences from home with Fischerchipmunk FRH.
Team Ireland finished fourth, with Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium and The Netherlands completing the line-up. A total of 56 combinations started the dressage on Thursday but just 37 contended Sunday’s showjumping.
Following their victory in Avenches, Switzerland, two years ago, this was Britain’s 24th team and 20th individual title in the 70-year history of this championship. Ros said the team’s success means even more to her than her individual achievement.
“For me the team always comes first, it’s what I do it for, it’s what I dream of doing,” said Ros, who took team and individual gold at the World Championship in 2018 and European team gold in both 2017 and 2021. “Our family are sporty all-rounders and it’s always been about riding for Great Britain. After (winning) Badminton that was such a massive box ticked for me and I didn’t think it could get much better! I’ve got Walter to thank for it all, he’s just unbelievable!”
Kitty added that she wasn’t expecting to feature so prominently at the championships.
“I thought I’d be coming out here just to put a score on the board and be a good pathfinder and that it would be up to the rest with their amazing horses,” she said. “So to come home with a medal of any colour is a huge honour and achievement and I’m very, very proud of my horse! I’m delighted with silver – and Ros definitely deserves the gold!”
Lead image of Team GB, comprising of Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Kitty King, Yasmin Ingham and Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood. Image copyright: FEI/Libby Law Photography.
