The Rural Riders European Championships at Minderhour, Belgium, last weekend, were marred by the death of The Ribble Rebel, the horse of British individual rider Julia Hardy.
The British team of six riders – plus two individuals from the British Riding Clubs – trained by Capt Richard Waygood and Warrant Officer Martyn Thompson, struggled to cope with the testing cross-country course in searing heat of more than 35øC.
“The cross-country was very demanding, asking question after question,” said Richard.
The course was situated on very sandy soil, which posed grip problems for some of the horses, but Julia’s grey looked to be enjoying himself as he stormed around the cross-country. Sadly, after being vetted and untacked, he collapsed and died with a ruptured aorta.
Home team triumph
The Belgian riders were delighted to win the team event on home ground, with Germany second and Sweden third.
Marc Fiege and Armani from Germany claimed the individual title with Nick van Laer on Roxanne Des Tilleuls from Belgium second and Sigrit Aernouts and Risk It, also from Belgium, third.
Emma Mould on Lord Bertram was presented with the Sue Picken award for the highest-placed British member.
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