Great Britain has swept into the lead after cross-country at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Strzegom, Poland, with three brilliant clear rounds from team rookie Ros Canter on Allstar B, Kristina Cook on Billy the Red and anchorman Nicola Wilson on Bulana.

“Bulana is so honest and good on a line,” said Wilson, who’s sitting fourth individually. “She was in a rhythm from start to finish. It’s very exciting! We had a group team hug and a jump around!”

Germany’s multi-medal winning Ingrid Klimke is bidding for her first individual title after galloping into the lead with Horseware Hale Bob at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Strzegom, Poland, today. Photo by Jon Stroud/FEI.

But Britain has only two fences in hand over the defending champions, Germany, who are known for their skill in the final jumping phase. German duo Ingrid Klimke (Horseware Hale Bob) and triple European champion Michael Jung (fischerRocana FST) completed flawless rounds and are in individual gold and silver medal positions.

Germany slipped behind Britain when pathfinder Julia Krajewski, riding Samourai du Thot, picked up 20 penalties for a runout at fence 8 and dressage leader Bettina Hoy (Seigneur Medicott) ran out at the influential double of angled brushes at fence 4 and were then eliminated for a fall at fence 10.

“I felt under pressure for sure, but Bobby was in such good form that I was nearly laughing and really had to concentrate,” said Klimke. “We had such fun out there!”

Sweden was the only nation to achieve four clear rounds and are in bronze medal position with Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39 in individual third place.

Ten nations completed as teams, with the hosts, Poland, in sixth place behind Italy and Belgium. The French, who were second after dressage, finished with only two riders after Gwendolen Fer had a fall with Traumprinz and Thomas Carlile, lying in sixth place, was eliminated for three refusals with the stallion Upsilon.

Bob The Builder, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood ridden by Poland’s Michal Knap, fell at fence 15 in the arena.

“[He received immediate treatment at the fence and was taken to the on-site veterinary clinic for further assessment,” stated a release from the event. “Sadly x-rays revealed an irreparable fracture of the horse’s front right long pastern bone (lower leg) and, on humane grounds and with the agreement of the owners and rider, the decision was taken to put the horse to sleep. A post mortem will be carried out at the on-site veterinary clinic.”

Britain’s day started shakily when pathfinder Oliver Townend had two runouts on the inexperienced Cooley SRS, but he still completed with only 1.2 time penalties, which was one of the fastest times of the day. There were 63 completions, 35 clear rounds and four inside the optimum time of 10 minutes.

“Oliver did a great job because he never gave up and the team was fantastic,” said Christopher Bartle, the former German trainer who’s now training Team Great Britain. “It’s where preparation meets opportunity. I get a lot of teasing from my German friends, but I am thrilled to be working with the British team again.”

View the full scores here. Show jumping will take place tomorrow at 11 a.m. local time.