Germany heads into the cross country phase of the competition at the Longines FEI European Championship in the lead on a score of 102.70 ahead of Great Britain on 112.50 and France on 115.20
There are only two events in Germany which have hilly terrain and, although the technicality of Ian Stark’s course may be well within the capability of this very experienced team, the combination of the terrain with these questions may pose particular problems
“We have been focussing for quite some time now on hill training, not just from a conditioning point of view as the fitness aspect is only a small part of this track, but also the balance and control downhill, which is as important, if not more important” says Chris Bartle, coach of the German team who has been working with the German riders at his home base, the Yorkshire Riding Centre in the north of England
View every fence on the cross country course in our photo gallery here
Christopher Bartle
