British showjumping team finishes in the top 10 at the Europeans

Emily Moffitt and Winning Good © British Equestrian / Adam Fanthorpe

Britain’s team of stars in the making tackled a tough test at the FEI Jumping European Championships

A comparatively low mileage British showjumping team – made up of William Whitaker, Joe Stockdale, Emily Moffitt and Georgia Tame – faced a week of fierce competition and tough challenges at the Longines FEI Jumping European Championships. However, the young quartet battled it out against Europe’s best to be rewarded with results that show huge promise for the future. While British riders missed the podium this time, it was Switzerland’s team that came out on top in the team standings while Germany took home the individual gold.

The team competition

First to ride was Georgia Tame on Z7 Ascot. The pair had put in a great effort all week but in the team championship they just didn’t quite manage to pull it out of the bag. Fence three was an eye-catching doughnut shaped wall and Z7 Ascot quickly decided it wasn’t for him. However, Georgia kept her cool and made the decision to retire.

Next up was Emily Moffitt with Winning Good. After an unfortunate four faults the previous day, Emily rode even more determinedly. Her gumption paid off, as they produced the clear round that the team so desperately needed. What’s more, it rocketed Emily’s individual standings with faultless rounds proving rare.

A tough act to follow, Joe Stockdale and Cacharel took to the floor. As the youngest competitor in the championship aged just 21, Joe certainly had a vast amount of support from his fellow riders and fans alike. The combination started with promise but caught the first part of the treble and the C element at fence four, plus accumulated a further four faults at the double for a total of 12.

Last to go was William Whitaker and Galtur. Holding high hopes for a place in the individual final, both horse and rider attacked the course. However, a drift to the left over the wavy planks meant they snagged a pole. They then had the final fence down, leaving William with a round that didn’t deserve eight faults, but cost them a spot in the individual final.

Great Britain finished ninth overall on a respectable score of 53.18. To achieve a top 10 placing for this young and inexperienced team was a significant achievement and it’s given all four future stars valuable experience to take forward with them into the next chapter of their careers.

The individual competition

The only British rider to get through to the individual final was Emily Moffitt, who rode Neil and Heidi Moffitt and Poden Farms’ 12-year-old Winning Good with determination throughout the week’s competition – in what was their championship debut. However, after finishing in 22^nd place in the team final – the round that enabled Emily to book her individual final slot – she made the decision to withdraw from the final day’s competition.

British Equestrian Performance Manager Di Lampard commented: “Emily and Winning Good have really grown this week on their championship debut, culminating with yesterday’s fantastic clear round. However, in consultation with Emily, her owners and trainer, we feel it’s best to save the horse for another day.

“I’m proud of all our riders this week, for such a young team they’ve ridden with great passion and been perfect ambassadors for the country and our sport. While we won’t have a representative in the individual final this time, I’m optimistic this group of riders will be challenging for medals for years to come.”

Team results

Gold – Switzerland

Silver – Germany

Bronze – Belgium

Individual results

Gold – Germany’s Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria

Silver – Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei

Bronze – Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S