In a thrilling conclusion to the penultimate leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ held in Lignières, France last weekend (29th Sept, 2024). The Belgian team showcased their skills on a challenging Cross-Country course, securing their first Nations Cup victory of the season, finishing with a score of 143.9, aided by double clears from three of their four riders.
Great Britain (Caroline Harris, Georgia Bartlett, Fiona Kashel & Storm Straker) and France trailed behind, finishing with scores of 1084.90 and 1108.60, respectively, after both teams experienced setbacks with two riders each facing eliminations or withdrawals.
Belgium’s (Seppe VILAIN, Senne VERVAECKE, Wouter DE CLEENE & Lara DE LIEDEKERKE – MEIER) impressive comeback saw them move from last in the Dressage to second after the Jumping phase, ultimately clinching the top spot with solid performances in Cross-Country. Notably, team member Lara de Liedekerke-Meier was eliminated on her mare Hooney D’Arville, but the team rallied around Steppe Vilain, who shone on Kawa de la Cour Z, finishing with a double clear and only 12-time penalties.
Sense Vervaecke also excelled, navigating the course with her 13-year-old mare Google Van Alsingen, incurring 14.8 Cross-Country time penalties. Completing the Belgian quartet, Wouter de Cleese and his 14-year-old Holstein mare Quintera delivered a commendable performance, achieving clear rounds in both phases with 19.2 time penalties in Cross-Country.
Eventing Team Manager Kai-Steffan Meier reflected on the performance, stating, “It was a very strong Cross-Country course and the ground was a factor due to the rain. After a good and solid Dressage and Jumping performance, I am obviously delighted with three clear rounds on the Cross-Country. That this put us on the top of the podium is the cherry on the cake.”
The CIC4* short format competition, designed by Pierre Le Goupil, presented significant challenges, with many seasoned combinations facing faults or eliminations. No participant managed to jump clear within the time limit, highlighting the difficulty of the course.
The Nations Cup Series will now head to The Netherlands, where Boekelo will host the prestigious final from 10 to 13 October. Despite a disappointing home event, France maintains its lead in the overall standings with 370 points.
feature image: Team Belgium at the podium of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2024 in Lignières (FRA). (L-R) Lara de Liedekerke-Meier; Senne Vervaecke; Wouter de Cleene; Seppe Vilain. © FEI/ Libby Law Photography
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