Nicola’s ride was the lovely mare Bulana, an 11 year old KWPN by Tygo, owned by Jo and Jamie Lambert. Nicola and Bulana have been in outstanding form all year, finishing in 4th at Chatsworth in the CIC***ERM and 2ndin the mares first four-star at Luhmuhlen CCI****.
Said Nicola: “I’m still pinching myself, this is a dream. Bulana was a superstar all week; she’s such a good friend to me and I’m honoured to ride her.”
It was a brilliant start to the dressage phase for Nicola with a personal best score with Bulana rising to the occasion. Bulana finished the dressage in seventh place with highlights of her test including a nine for shoulder-in and the counter-canter while Nicola also scored a nine for her riding.
“There’s a lot of waiting when you are last and the temptation is to overwork, but Bulana schooled beautifully on the first day so after that she was just hacked and lunged,” said Nicola.
Bulana was impressive round a technical cross-country track. “Bulana is really keen on the cross-country and can appear strong but it’s all in her head and we’ve worked at slowing things down in her mind.
“She has tons of ability but doesn’t act like a princess. She’s getting better in every competition,” added Nicola.
Nicola and Bulana then jumped a superb clear round in the show jumping to take the Individual Bronze Medal and the best British performance helping Team GBR to win Gold.