The 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Netherlands CCIO4*-NC-L, held at the Military Boekelo-Enschede, this weekend concluded the eventing season. The top nations battled it out for the final competition of the year. Often referred to as “the horse triathlon, The combinations competing took on a series of challenging obstacles in the disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and jumping.

In a closely contested competition, Team France emerged as the victors, displaying exceptional consistency throughout all three phases of the event. Let’s take a look at the final standings after each discipline:

France (FRA): France secured the top spot with an impressive final score of 97.8. They maintained a strong position after dressage (86.5) and seized the lead after a near-flawless cross-country performance (97.8). They completed the competition on this score, as 3 of their 4 riders finished on their dressage score after going clear and within the time in both cross country and showjumping.

Great Britain (GBR): The British team put up a commendable fight, finishing second overall with a final score of 111.2. They started strong after dressage (84.9) but picked up some penalties in the following phases which pushed them into the silver position.

Belgium (BEL): Belgium showcased their resilience by claiming the third spot with a final score of 129.0. They made a remarkable comeback, moving from sixth place after dressage (97.8) to secure a podium finish.

United States of America (USA): The American team finished fourth with a total score of 131.0. Ranked 11th after dressage their team performances over the latter phases skyrocketed them into 4th.

New Zealand (NZL): New Zealand secured the fifth position with a final score of 132.5. They maintained a strong performance throughout, beginning with dressage (92.1).

Netherlands (NED): The Dutch team finished sixth with a total score of 135.8. They remained consistent in their performance, especially in cross-country (117.4).

Ireland (IRL): Ireland secured the seventh spot with a final score of 140.5. The team put up a strong fight, moving up 2 places from 9th, steadily improving from their dressage score of 102.1.

Sweden (SWE): Sweden finished eighth overall with a final score of 154.5. They maintained their position after a consistent performance in dressage and cross-country.

Australia (AUS): The Australian team claimed the ninth position with a final score of 155.1, despite a strong dressage score (87.5). The cross-country phase proved costly pushing them from an initial 4th place in dressage to their final standing.

Italy (ITA): Italy finished tenth with a final score of 172.3. Their performance improved over the course of the competition, but they couldn’t break into the top ranks.

Switzerland (SUI): Switzerland secured the eleventh position with a final score of 1070.1. Cross country proved too challenging as they lost two combinations.

Germany (GER): Germany finished twelfth with a total score of 1072.0. Despite leading after dressage. Germany also fell victim to the cross-country course and lost two combinations pushing them to the bottom of the table.

Individual Irish Rider Results

Our Irish riders and horses put on a strong showing at the final Nations Cup event of the year. Among the standout performances was Claire Abbott who had a top 20 finish.

Here are the individual results of the Irish riders:

Clare Abbott riding Jewelent: Clare Abbott put up a strong performance in dressage with a score of 31.6, securing the 12th position. She maintained her rank after the cross-country phase and concluded with a final score of 35.6.

Robbie Kearns riding Ballyvillane OBOS: Robbie Kearns displayed his skill in dressage with a score of 33.5, securing the 51st position. Although facing challenges in the cross-country phase, he concluded the competition with a final score of 50.7.

Ian Cassells riding Shanbo Super Flex: Ian Cassells scored 37.0 in dressage, landing in the 85th position. Despite some slight difficulties in the cross-country phase, he maintained a final score of 54.2.

Sam Watson riding Ballyneety Rocketman: Sam Watson scored 41.0 in dressage, landing in the 108th position. The combination picked up for penalties in the following phases and, concluded with a final score of 70.6.

Congratulations to all the nations and riders who participated, and special kudos to Team France for their well-deserved victory. As the season concludes, I for one, am looking forward to the season and the build-up to the Paris Olympics.