Barcelona: a battle for Nations Cup glory

Riders from 18 nations will do battle for a place in the record books as the very first Furusiyya Nations Cup champions in Barcelona this weekend.

While warm-up classes are already underway at the venue, the drawn order will be announced later today (Thursday 26 September) with the 1st of the 3 competitions comprising the final being held on Friday. Only the top 8 teams will go through to Sunday’s finale, with the remaining 10 teams competing in Saturday’s team consolation competition.

British hopes are being carried by the squad of Ben Maher (Tripple X), Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos), William Funnell (Billy Congo), Michael Whitaker (Viking V) and Louise Saywell (Hello Winner). The 4 riders selected for the team will be announced after the trot-up.

• Listen to British chef d’equipe Rob Hoekstra talk about the British team’s chances following their success at the European Championships and in the Aga Khan Trophy in Dublin earlier this year.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

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.