This weekend, everything in Swiss St. Gallen revolved around elite sport. Course designer Gérard Lachat presented the riders with a tough challenge in the Land Rover Discovery Nations Cup. After a strong first round, Belgium looked to be on its way to victory, but in a thrilling second round, Germany ultimately seized the win in the 1.60m Nations Cup.
The German team kept their cool in the decisive round. Marcus Ehning with Coolio 42 (Casalito), Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella (Cornet du Lys), and Richard Vogel riding United Touch 'S' (Untouched) each delivered a double clear round. Hans-Dieter Dreher also jumped clear in the first round with his 13-year-old Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue), but his second-round result was the drop score. With an impressive final score of zero penalty points, Germany climbed to the top step of the podium.
Belgium just missed out on the win, but with a total of only four penalty points, the team secured the silver medal. Former Belgian champion Jos Verlooy with Parise Van den Dael (Zazu) and Thibeau Spits aboard GP horse Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z (Indoktro-K van 't Kattenheye) delivered strong performances. Nathan Budd went clear in the first round with Touardo Blue Z, a son of Toulon, but had some bad luck in the second round — his score ended up being the drop result.
Emilie Conter also represented Belgium. In both rounds, she knocked one rail down with Portobella van de Fruitkorf (Bamako de Muze).
Host nation Switzerland claimed the bronze, albeit at a distance. With 12 penalty points, the team led by Peter van der Waaij secured third place. Nadja Peter Steiner with Mila (Monte Bellini) and Steve Guerdat with Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel) both posted double clear rounds, making them the standout performers for the Swiss team.
