FEI European & Open Para Equestrian Dressage Championship: Second Competition Day

The British Para Equestrian Dressage team is considered the best in the world and this was confirmed during the second day of the 2009 FEI Para Equestrian European and Open Championship. Britain won team gold, followed by Germany (silver) and The Netherland in bronze.

Sophie Christiansen (GBR) defended her gold medal from 2005. “I was so nervous, I couldn’t sleep last night but Lambrusco III was brilliant today. I improved what the judges criticized yesterday and it paid off,” said Sophie who was rewarded with the highest score of the day, 74,200 %.

Sunday 23 August is freestyle day. “I love freestyle to music. I can do more complicated things,” Sophie Christiansen said.

Hannelore Brenner was the best of the Germans (73.520%). “I am very satisfied but there is still some room for improvement in my forward riding,” she commented. “We have a difficult freestyle for tomorrow, and I hope we have a chance to show what we can do.” Her mare with the catchy name ”Woman of the World” does not always like the indoors where the freestyle will be.

Individual results

Grade Ia Sophie Christiansen (GBR) Lambrusco III 74,200 %

Grade Ib Lee Pearson (GBR) Gentleman 72,667 %

Grade II Petra van der Sande (NED) Toscane 72,364 %

Grade III Hannelore Brenner (GER) Woman of the World 73,520 %

Grade IV Sophie Wells (GBR) Pinoccio 72,000 %

Team results:

1 Great Britain 218,715 %

2 Germany 217,118 %

3 Netherlands 204,456 %