British Showjumping Team Wins Silver Medal at FEI European Championships 2025 A Coruña Spain
The British showjumping team has secured a magnificent silver medal at the FEI Longines Jumping European Championships 2025 in A Coruña, Spain, following a thrilling team final that showcased world-class equestrian sport at its finest.
FEI European Championships 2025: Team Final Results
Starting the final day with the narrowest of leads over Germany and Belgium, the British quartet faced mounting pressure as nations competed in reverse order of merit. The course, designed by Santiago Varela Ullastres, proved more technical than previous days with multiple striding options challenging riders’ decision-making skills.
British Team Individual Performances at European Championships
Jessica Mendoza Delivers Clear Round
Jessica Mendoza and In The Air continued their impressive European Championships form, delivering another clear round to climb to 29th individually. The scopey mare, described by Mendoza as having a “cat-like personality,” navigated the technical course expertly.
“She was amazing – honestly, every round, she’s jumping better and better,” said Mendoza after her clear round.
Ben Maher Sets Championship Standard
Pathfinder Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly opened Britain’s team account with a textbook clear round. The experienced combination demonstrated why they’re considered one of the world’s elite showjumping partnerships, with Maher having already won the morning’s CSI3* class.
“The course today was a little bit more testing with options on strides and quite twisty, which isn’t always the best for Tilly to get her rhythm,” explained Maher. “But she jumped out really well – it’s a great start for the team.”
Matt Sampson Shows Championship Resilience
Sheffield’s Matt Sampson faced emotional challenges with Medoc de Toxandria after yesterday’s difficulties. Despite another refusal at the treble combination, the pair showed tremendous character by successfully completing it on their second attempt, adding 14 penalties but proving their championship resilience.
“There aren’t many horses that can lose confidence like that and come back from it,” reflected Sampson. “I’m disappointed with the score, but very proud of the horse.”
Donald Whitaker’s Near-Perfect Round
Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette, sitting second individually, delivered another strong performance but suffered heartbreak at the penultimate fence. A single rail cost them four penalties in an otherwise excellent round.
“If you’d said we’d get a silver medal before I came here, I would have taken it,” said Whitaker. “It’s just a little bit bittersweet – I feel like I made a bit of an error.”
Scott Brash Secures European Championships Silver Medal
Anchor rider Scott Brash faced the ultimate pressure with Hello Folie, needing a clear round to secure silver. The 10-year-old mare, competing at her first European Championships, rose to the occasion magnificently, delivering a faultless performance that secured Britain’s medal.
“I’m delighted. Folie was incredible today,” said Brash. “You’ve just got to focus on your job and try to beat the course. She’s jumped three brilliant days here and hasn’t touched a fence.”
FEI European Championships 2025 Final Team Results
Gold: Belgium (5.61 penalties)
Silver: Great Britain (7.96 penalties)
Bronze: Germany (8.19 penalties)
This marks Great Britain’s 15th FEI Jumping European Championships medal since 1975, bringing their tally to five golds, six silvers, and four bronze medals.
Individual Final Qualifiers from the British Team
Four British riders have qualified for Sunday’s individual final at the FEI European Championships 2025:
- 2nd: Scott Brash and Hello Folie (1.08)
- 8th: Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly (2.35)
- 16th: Jessica Mendoza and In The Air (4.55)
- 18th: Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette (4.67)
The individual championship concludes on Sunday at 13:00 UK time, with live coverage available via FEI.TV powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.
Performance Manager Di Lampard summed up the week: “It’s been an unbelievable week. The team are fantastic – they fought well together. I couldn’t be more pleased that we’ve got a silver medal from the Europeans.”
Watch the individual final live on Sunday via FEI.TV. Full results and start lists available on the Longines Timing site.nes Timing site.
Feature image: Jessica MENDOZA (GBR) & IN THE AIR compete in the team final at the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship 2025. Image credit Jon Stroud Media