Monday, 04 September 2023
Britain’s para dressage quartet for the FEI European Championships at Riesenbeck, set in the Surenburg Forest in Germany, has sailed through first horse inspection and been declared fit to compete by the Ground Jury of Elke Ebert (GER), Eva Andersson (SWE), Ineke Jansen (NED), Sarah Leitch (GBR) and Anne Prain (FRA), and Veterinary Commission President Hermann Josef Genn.
First to present was Strong Beau, ridden by Grade 1 rider Gabriella ‘Gabby’ Blake, with mum Estelle doing the honours down the runway. Next up was Grade 2 combination Sakura and Georgia Wilson, and coach Nicky Lickley took the reins to trot down the strip. Then it was on to our two Grade 5 representatives – FJ Veyron, owned by The Veyron Partnership, ridden by Charlotte Cundall and presented by team trainer Nina Venables, and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa, who’s owned by the Lady Joseph Trust and was trotted up by rider Sophie Wells herself.
Huge praise must go to everyone behind the scenes, particularly our travelling grooms for the trip, Beth Revill and Liz Geldard, because the four horses were beautifully turned out and a picture of health.
The dressage foursome of Carl Hester and Fame, Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep, Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Fry and Glamourdale, and Gareth Hughes and Classic Briolinca, all had a leg stretch in the warm up arena, with some even taking a walk around the main arena. They have their horse inspection tomorrow morning at 08:00 local time (7:00 BST) to get their competition underway.
The para competition kicks off tomorrow with the individual test where medals will be awarded. Our first para combination to come in front of the judges will be Grade 2 Georgia Wilson and Sakura at 10:06 local time (09.06 BST). We then move to Grade 1 for debuantes Gabby Blake and Strong Beau, who get their first ride in British team colours at 13:15 local time (12.15 BST).
All the action will be available to stream live with English commentary on FEI.TV via a subscription to ClipMyHorse.TV.
Running orders and results are available from Longines Equestrian Timing.
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The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.
British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, Fairfax & Favor, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek, Horseware, Lotus Romeo, Marksway Horsehage and Point Two. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams.