In two out of the last four years, Team Belgium has won the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final – a pretty impressive stat in the show jumping world.
Following a disappointing 11th place team finish at the World Equestrian Games last month in Tryon, North Carolina, team members Nicola Philippaerts, Niels Bruynseels, Jos Verlooy, and Pieter Devos arrived to the Nations Cup Final held at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain with their guns blazing ready to produce a redeeming performance.
Over three days of nail-biting competition with tracks set by Spanish course designer, Santiago Varela, the Belgians kept their cool following their 3rd place position after Round 1. Only three faults behind the tied leaders of Austria and Italy, the Belgians posted two clear rounds by Niels Bruynseels on Gancia de Muze and Nicola Philippaerts aboard H&M Harley Vd Bisschop on the final day to clinch the championship title.
The Belgians continue to prove that anything is possible when you have a little luck, a lot of hope, and never give up.
To see the full results of the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Final, click here.
Feature photo by Sportfot.