The event took place at Sportsrideklubben in Bernstorffsparken, located just north of Copenhagen, Denmark. The championship is a celebration of some of Europe’s most experienced and accomplished riders over 45 years of age.

Twenty-five riders returned for the first round of the Individual Final on Sunday, with Gondailler returning last on zero penalties. They were able to notch another clear round thanks to an incredible save by the pair after slipping on the grass in a turn, with Gondailler almost unseated. She gathered herself quickly on the short turn and galloped down the next line of jumps.

“When my horse slipped, I thought I was going to fall, but then the encouragement of my team helped me get back on my horse and continue the course,” said Gondailler.

A new course was set for round two, and the top four coming back were all within one rail of each other. The pressure did not affect 45-year-old Gondailler and Raf van de Helle, as they recorded a fifth and final clear round that sealed the individual gold medal.

Gondailler, who is a professional young horse trainer, found Raf van de Helle when he was three years old and has brought him up the levels and trained him herself.

“My horse was very consistent,” she said of Raf van de Helle, her own nine-year-old BWP gelding by Veneur d’Isigny x Calippo. “Raf is exceptional because he's a horse who always gives his best. I have a very close bond with him and know him inside and out. I'm incredibly grateful to him.

“I'm very proud of this medal because it's been a difficult year for me, and I’m honoured because hard work always pays off,” she added.

Rossella Olgiati, who is 57 years old, and Romulus van het Nederveld, a nine-year-old BWP gelding by Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Bufero van het Panishof owned by Patrick Jonkmans, sat in second place with only 0.4 penalties. They finished the second round with a heartbreaking one time fault, but the clear jumping kept her in second place for the silver medal.

“I’m very happy and have a very good horse and a very good team with me,” said Olgiati, who jumped at this venue in Copenhagen 10 years ago. 

Douglas Edward, who will turn 55 in one week, and his own Golden Boy de Jarsay, a 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by L’Arc de Triomphe, were at 1.84 penalties. Their clear in the final round helped them maintain third place for the bronze medal.

Edward was riding in his first FEI Jumping competition, having competed at the international level in Eventing since 2002. Golden Boy de Jarsay completed a CCI2*-S in 2023.

“We have had an unbelievable experience,” said Edward. “This horse has been a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me and given me this opportunity. You have to keep pinching yourself and live in the moment. The whole British team thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

France’s Golden Moment

France took home the team gold medal thanks to double-clear performances from Nadege Criton on Concerto de Puychety and Gondailler. Their total score of 6.22 easily gave them the win over Italy, last year’s gold medalists, who finished with 11.45 penalties. Antoine Guy Breant and Eagle Eye de la Roque and Franck Monteuuis on Graphit du Caillou rounded out the French team.

“I’m very, very happy with the gold medal,” said France’s Chef d’Equipe Véronique Bartin, who was serving as a team leader for the first time. “We had a very good team, and everyone was very concerned about the sport and wellbeing for the horses. It’s been a pleasure for us to be here.”

In total, there were five double clears over the 1.25m course set by Mark McGowan (GBR).

Olgiati contributed two clear rounds for her team’s silver medal. Olgiati’s teammates included Vittore Ripamonti on Chagall, Francesco Vergine with Tailormade Congeisha Blue, and Susanna Violanti riding Zagali’.

Great Britain’s team of Edward, Corinne Beech and Amigo, Jo Siddans and Nimble-S, and Anthony Clark and Toronto won the bronze medal on 13.59 penalties.