Northumberland horse rider wins gold with Great Britain team

Helen Dodd was part of the Great Britain team that won the 3* European Cup competition in Belgium, with the rider from Elsdon coming in tenth individually.

On her horse, Toledo R (Cruise), Helen competed in dressage, show-jumping, and cross-country events between July 8-13.

"This was undoubtedly the best week of my life," Helen, 48, said.

"The sport of eventing has been my whole life, and my family has made some incredible sacrifices to allow me to live my dream.

Helen competing in a Showjumping event during the 3* European Cup. (Image: Laura Fowler) "Eventing is not an easy sport. There have been many years of hard work leading up to this. To get selected for the team was a huge achievement, but to contribute to the Team gold medal and finish tenth individually in Europe was beyond my wildest dreams.

"My horse didn’t put a foot wrong all week; he performed beautifully for me, and I loved every minute.

"It was a very emotional moment at the end when they played the National Anthem, and all the years of blood, sweat, and tears became worth it."

Great Britain’s chef de mission, David Sheerin, praised the team’s performance, stating: "The whole experience from start to finish was one of community spirit, dedication and good sportsmanship.

"Returning to the European 3* Cup after a few years away, we were made to feel very welcome by all the nations in Belgium, even after we managed to win the Team Gold for the first time for Great Britain on Mainland Europe and take home three of the four medals on offer."

British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams added: "Huge congratulations to our British team on their outstanding performance at the European 3* Cup in Minderhout this weekend - bringing home team gold is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication, and teamwork of everyone involved.