Beauville Z. N.O.P. and Funky Fred Marienshof Z help Team NL to silver in Barcelona

After previous rounds in Abu Dhabi, Ocala and Rotterdam, Barcelona's Real Club de Polo was the setting for the final of the first edition of the Longines League of Nations last weekend. The best nine countries of the season competed there and fought for the final victory over two rounds on Sunday afternoon. This included several Z-horses making their appearance and some of them also played a crucial role in this season finale.

Thus silver went to the Netherlands, with two Zangersheide horses being part of the team. Indeed, Chef d'équipe Jos Lansink counted on Maikel van der Vleuten and his 14-year-old bronze medallist Beauville Z N.O.P. (Bustique x Jumpy des Fontaines - B: Pascal Habets), as well as Lars Kersten with the 10-year-old stallion Funky Fred Marienshof Z (Fantomas de Muze x Libero H - B: Stal Marienshof). Both combinations managed to stay clear in the first round, ensuring that the Netherlands ended the first round with a flawless score and took the lead.

In the second round, where three combinations from each team started and all results counted, Jos Lansink chose the trio that finished fourth in the Olympic Nations Cup earlier this season. This left Kersten and Funky Fred Marienshof Z out of action. However, Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. reappeared in the ring and repeated their impressive performance from the first round. The combination again stayed clear and thus had a decisive share in the Netherlands' success.

Another notable combination during this final was Irish rider Daniel Coyle with the 14-year-old mare Legacy (Chippendale Z x Bon Ami), born Chavantele Z to breeder Romain Roty. Although Coyle and Legacy finished just off the podium with the Irish team in ^4th place, they managed to underline their excellent form once again with two strong and clear rounds. Legacy's impressive performance throughout the season earned her the title of best horse of the season, once again confirming her exceptional quality and consistency in international show jumping.