The Brits cemented their reputation as ‘the ones to beat’ in the Para-dressage arena, with Britain looking likely to win another team gold.
Stalwart
Multiple Olympic, World and European gold medallist Lee Pearson once again led the way in the Grade 1b test.
Riding the 10-year-old Dutch warmblood Zion, Lee produced a score of 77.960% to top the leaderboard.
He was more than 1.4% clear of Austrian former event rider Pepo Puch, who scored 76.520% on Fine Feeling S.
“His trot work felt phenomenal and really off the ground,” said Lee. “Zion’s walk can be a weak point but I’ve worked really hard to improve it. He’s still only ten and has so much more to learn.The individual test and freestyle have much more trot work so I’ll use that to my advantage.”
Team mate
Britain fielded two riders in this grade, and Lee’s team mate Ricky Balshaw also broke the 70% barrier with LJT Engaards Solitaire.
“We started well but a mistake in the middle where he jogged was costly,” said Ricky. “I’m hoping I can use today’s experience to my advantage as the individual test suits me and him better.Hopefully we can put the mistakes behind us and they don’t stay in the judges’ minds.”
Germany win
Britain did not field any riders at Grade III, and the win went to Germany’s Hannelore Brenner and Women Of The World, who scored 72.474%.
Sophie Wells, Natasha Baker and Sophie Christiansen all compete tomorrow.