Germany were the winners in Lummen after a jump-off with Belgium and France ©FEI

There was a thrilling finale in the opening qualifier International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Nations Cup Jumping 2017 Europe Division One today as a three-way jump-off was required to decide the winner.

Germany ended up taking the victory in the showdown between them, Belgium and France, after Andre Thieme put together a clear round in Lummen on Conthendrix.

The 42-year-old got round the course in 39sec after being selected as the rider for his nation, the 2016 FEI Nations Cup Jumping champions, who would compete in the jump-off.

Hosts Belgium went first, but Pieter de Vos faltered when Dream of India Greenfield stopped at the first element of the double hurdle.

Thieme then rode Conthendrix round the course and set Penelope Leprevost, part of the French team who won jumping gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, a target to beat.

Andre Thieme was the rider chosen for Germany in the jump-off ©Getty Images
Andre Thieme was the rider chosen for Germany in the jump-off ©Getty Images

She navigated the jumps onboard Ratina d’La Rousserie perfectly, but was a second slower than Thieme.

“My Conthendrix has done so many Nations Cups for Germany and he is so consistent, such a fighter,” Thieme said afterwards.

“I think he likes me and I really love him.

“We are just a great team together.”