The Welsh mounted games team demonstrated their incredible strength and talent when they withstood a strong challenge from France at the Mounted Games World Team Championships at Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Champions in 2002, Wales were pre-match favourites, but the team of Christian Jones, Alex Jones, Boo Price, Jo Dale and Huw Whitney were pushed right to the wire by France, who took the silver medal position by just one point, finishing on 58.
England’s Choc Adcock, Elaine Trevor-Jones, Richard Pringuer, Ross Elliott and Vicky Thomas took the bronze medal on a score of 52.
Canada, world champions in 2001, finished just outside the medal positions, beating the home team to fourth place. Canada and USA had the advantage of using their own ponies, while all overseas riders were riding borrowed ponies.
Scotland headed the runners-up final, ahead of Northern Ireland and South Africa.
Results
Grand final: 1, Wales 59; 2, France 58; 3, England 52; 4, Canada 49; 5, USA 48; 6, Ireland 42; 7, Germany 25.
Runners-up final: 1, Scotland 61; 2, Northern Ireland 56; 3, South Africa 52; 4, Australia 50; 5, Norway 40; 6, Denmark 38; 7, New Zealand 36.
