Germany took the lead after the team competition portion of jumping on Tuesday at the World Equestrian Games.
Germany had a combined score of 17.8 faults after the speed and team portions to take the top spot heading to yesterday’s final round. Brazil were second with 18.49 faults and the US third with 18.69.
“The results are unbelievably close,” Germany’s Otto Becker said. “One fault can make the decision. There are riders from countries that 10 years ago you would never expect to ride a clear round. It is harder for the bigger nations to stay in front. To get a medal, you need the optimal week. Otherwise, you have no chance.”
The finals were to feature the top 10 teams. The other qualifying teams were: Canada (18.93), France (20.32), Saudi Arabia (21.48), Australia (21.87), Belgium (22.7), Sweden (23.18) and Britain (23.8).
In show jumping, every time a horse and rider knock rails off a fence, it costs them four faults. Additional faults are issued if the course is not completed in the required amount of time. Teams consist of four riders, and the worst score of each round is dropped. Going into the final, the top six teams are separated by less than one rail.
The team final also serves as a qualification for individual competition. As a result, the top 15 individual riders who are not part of the leading teams were also to compete last night.
There was also to be afternoon session for those who did not make the team final.
Individual competition will continue later in the week.
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