“What can I say about United Touch S? He’s simply an extraordinary horse,” said Vogel after the final. “He keeps giving me an incredible feeling, and I’m so happy with this medal. United Touch S truly deserves it!”

Scott Brash praised his mare enthusiastically: “She showed incredible fighting spirit!” said the Brit. “The feeling in the warm-up didn’t match the effort she gave in the ring,” he laughed. “I want to thank the entire team, as well as the owners of this fantastic mare. As Richard already said — these medals also belong to them!”

“I said earlier that my horse deserved the team gold — and today, he proved it again. I’m incredibly grateful to Ermitage!” said Gilles Thomas.
“I’m happy that everyone believes in him just as much as we do. He keeps living up to expectations… and honestly?” he laughed, “the hype around him actually helps me stay focused!”

Re-Experience the ultimate final...

Twelve combinations started in the second round. First up was Steve Guerdat with the 11-year-old sBs gelding Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte (by Bamako de Muze), who finished with two jumping faults.

Donald Whitaker followed with his grey mare Millfield Colette (by Cornet Obolensky). Taking calculated risks down the final line, they made an extra effort over the last oxer — delivering the first clear round of the final, setting the tone for those to come.

Next in was Thibeau Spits and his 10-year-old stallion Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye (by Indoktro-K van ’t Kattenheye). Watching anxiously from the stands was his grandfather, Jos Ceulemans. Earlier, the 24-year-old Belgian rider had expressed full confidence in his horse — and rightfully so. Impress soared powerfully over every jump, delivering a flawless performance and keeping Spits in the lead.

Kim Emmen and Imagine N.O.P. (by Cassini Gold) were next. The Dutch rider took over the lead with a clear round, bringing her total to 4.13 points — just 4.12 points ahead of Richard Vogel and United Touch S (by Untouched).

Ireland’s Darragh Kenny followed with Eddy Blue (by Eldorado vd Zeshoek). “I’ll leave it all to him — I’m already extremely happy with my horse,” Kenny said beforehand. His trust paid off with a clean round, further raising the stakes for the remaining riders. With several faultless rounds, there was little movement on the leaderboard going into the top four.

Fourth-ranked Ben Maher entered with Dallas Vegas Batilly (by Cap Kennedy). With the scores tightly packed, everything was still possible. Maher galloped to the final oxer in six strides, keeping the pressure on.

Next was Belgian Champion Gilles Thomas with Ermitage Kalone (by Catoki). The double Belgian champion aimed for a clear round. Under the watchful eyes of Marc and Joris Van Dijck, Pieter Devos, and the Belgian delegation, Thomas made a confident start — and the Belgian camp erupted in celebration after a perfect round. He finished fault-free across all five courses!

Scott Brash then entered with Hello Folie (by Luidam). This pair also delivered a clear round, guaranteeing at least a silver medal.

Now the pressure was fully on Richard Vogel and United Touch S. To win gold, they needed to go clear within the time allowed. The powerful stallion soared over the fences — and secured the gold with a masterful performance!

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