IN an exciting finish to the 2010 Pony European Championships at Bishop Burton College, the Charles Owen British pony team have won team gold on home soil, some 43.1 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Germany.

It has been three years since Britain last won gold back in 2007 at Freudenberg and Saturday’s cross country gave the six British riders the opportunity to prove that they deserved the gold when they were the only nation to complete with six clear rounds. Course designer Eric Winter had produced a true championship track which required positive and accurate riding from start to finish.

“This year I’ve had six of the best riders and team mates I’ve had in a long time. They have been absolutely fantastic throughout the week and I could not be more proud. Thank you to all of our support team who have been fantastic, especially our team trainer Jonquil (Hemming) who is exceptional. I must also thank the grooms, parents, sponsors, World Class and British Eventing who have all been fantastic,” said pony chairman, Ginnie Keen,

Individually, the Charles Owen British pony riders rode superb rounds in both the cross country and showjumping and ended up occupying five of the top 10 places. Grace Walker, with the ever reliable Noble Springbok, held their nerve lowering one pole to secure the individual silver medal. Sophie Beaty and Done and Dusted narrowly missed out on an individual bronze finishing just 0.3 behind Sarah O’ Brien from Ireland.

Fourteen-year-old silver medalist, Grace said: “I was very nervous showjumping even though I had a fence in hand over third; I was definitely feeling the pressure.”

Team results

Gold – Great Britain 155.3

Silver – Germany 198.4

Bronze – Belgium 210.0

Individual results

Gold Marissa Braig GER 48.5

Silver Grace Walker GBR 50.9

Bronze Sarah O’Brien IRL 51.0

4th Sophie Beaty GBR 51.3

5th Sam Ecroyd GBR 53.1

7th Alfie Bradstock GBR 55.9

10th Sophie How GBR 58.0

11th Harry Humfrey GBR 64.8