Nicola’s ride wasthe lovely mareBulana, an 11 year oldKWPN by Tygo,owned by Jo and Jamie Lambert. Nicola and Bulanahave been in outstanding form all year,finishingin 4that Chatsworth in the CIC***ERM and 2ndin the mares first four-starat LuhmuhlenCCI****.
Said Nicola: "I’m still pinching myself, this is a dream. Bulana was a superstar all week; she’s such a good friend to meand I’m honoured to ride her.”
It was a brilliant start to thedressage phase for Nicola with a personal best score withBulanarisingto 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 atechnical cross-country track."Bulana is really keen on the cross-country and can appear strong butit’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 asuperbclear round in the show jumping to take the Individual Bronze Medal andthe best British performance helping Team GBRtowin Gold.