ROCK ON TEAM GB!

Sir — A couple of weeks ago, I came home from our local event, crestfallen after my horse had a disagreement with his rider on the cross-country and took a tumble. It was back to the drawing board.

The following day, Saturday, we were off on holiday but not before a look at the European Championship cross-country — no early clears and the course was asking questions of both horse and rider with skinnies, corners and tricky angles to negotiate within the time. All the riders and horses at this level have shown promise, but how many riders use their heads when riding a course? The first rider out for Britain, Oliver Townend, indicated the problems that lay ahead to his team-mates as the horse lacked experience. But such a tough competitor will definitely have better days flying the British flag.

At Bristol Airport, I managed to find wifi so continued following. Fantastic teamwork and one by one they returned triumphant — all three have great brains for the job and just get on with it.

On Sunday, from my mountain-top holiday retreat, this dream became a reality as our lasses soared over the jumps to be crowned European champions. Sounds easy, but the following day they’ll be back home putting in the graft that ensures a smooth performance like a Formula 1 motor car. They know the margins between success and failure are small, so they are constantly thinking how they can get better.

Roll on the worlds and then Tokyo — Great British eventing is on a roll.

Richard Oliver

Loddiswell, Devon