The U.S. finished fifth of eight teams in the Longines FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain on Friday, when the home side claimed victory for the first time since 2010 with 4 penalties in the two rounds at Hickstead.
The U.S. total was 31, with none of its riders putting in a fault-free trip. The veterans had the best scores. Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 wound up with 4 faults in each round, while Devin Ryan had 7 and 4 on Eddie Blue. The less-experienced riders, Alessandra Volpi (Berlinda) and Paris Sellon (Atoucha) each logged 8 and 4 but gained valuable mileage.
Luckily, the U.S. already made the cut for the Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona, where the team has a shot at qualifying for the Paris Olympics. If it doesn’t happen there, the country gets one more chance at the Pan American Games in Chile this autumn.
“We always strive to hit the podium but sometimes it does not happen and today was one of those days,” said U.S. Coach Robert Ridland.
“It was an interesting class because when you looked at it on paper, Germany and Great Britain had the strongest teams. The British were great and deserved the win. As we know, winning on home soil is good for the sport. It was both a challenging but also a rewarding day.
“Everyone had something they needed to change from the first round, and they made those changes happen and improved their performances in the second round. We are leaving with some more experience, both for our horses and riders, and it’s a part of the building process as we look ahead.”
British chef d’equipe Di Lampard shone with pride (and a tear), saying, “It’s ideal when you get this combination of experience and youth.”
Great Britain team (L-R) Harry Charles, John Whitaker, Di Lampard (Chef d’Equipe), Ben Maher and Tim Gredley, winners of the LONGINES FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain – Longines Royal International Horse Show. (FEI Photo)
“When we have (Olympic individual gold medalist) Ben (Maher) leading us out, it gives us all a great spring in our step to start with – we’ve all got confidence in him to go out first wherever we’re drawn. It was fabulous to have him in the team this week. ”
Tim Gredley, she noted, has “been in the winning team several times, so it’s absolutely fabulous. My third member John (Whitaker) clinched it for us – his reputation goes well before him. And I’m so proud of Harry (Charles). Twice now, he’s been my anchor rider and delivered so well. I couldn’t be more pleased for him. At this age, he’s showing such a maturity.”
The youngest member of the team at 24 (In contrast with John Whitaker’s age of 67), he produced its only double-clear with Casquo Blue.
“It’s my first Nations Cup win, and I’m so happy for all the boys, and for Di,” said Harry. “I think for months this has been our goal, so when a plan comes together like it did today, it’s a real sense of achievement. It’s a really special day.”