Outstanding performances by Sandra Auffarth, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Dirk Schrade in jumping at the finale of the competition saw German riders securing the full set of titles in the team discipline - Olympic, European and now world gold medals - with a score of 177.9.

Auffarth also took the individual gold, riding on Opgun Louvo, with 52.0.

"It's unbelievable that we are double world champions," said the London 2012 individual eventing bronze medallist.

"When I first rode Opgun Louvo I didn't think he was a future champion, but we have taken every level step by step and he's been fantastic this weekend, really working hard."

Defending champion Jung won individual silver on fisherRocana FST with 52.3, while Great Britain's William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning took bronze on 54.3.

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning claimed the bronze medal ©Getty Images


Britain also secured the team silver medal on a score of 198.8 with the help of a great clear round from Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, but Fox-Pitt admitted he was disappointed with his performance that saw Chilli Morning catching the second fence with his front legs.

"Of course I'm frustrated, but I'm probably lucky not to have had two fences down," he said.

"I've never ridden a stallion at any decent level before.

"He's a real worker and trier, and he's a rare commodity.

"I'm very proud of him and it's great for his future as a sire."

The Netherlands clinched the team bronze with 246.8 - the nation's first ever medal at World Championship level.

"This means more than you can possibly imagine," Andrew Heffernan said on behalf of his Dutch team-mates.

"We came here with one goal, which was to qualify for Rio, and not only have we done that but we've had a fantastic experience.

"It's our first world medal, so watch out the rest of the world."

The top six nations - medallists Germany, Britain and The Netherlands, plus France, Australia and Ireland - have all secured qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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