Who will be crowned World Champion?

The French squad have regrouped following the sad death last year of their successful chef d’equipe Pierre Cazes and will be looking to repeat their victory at the last FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez. Now led by Jean-Louis Leclerc, their line up features several well known names including Virginie Atger, Phillippe Tomas, Cecile Miletto and Philippe Benoit, although reigning world champion Barbara Lissarague is absent.

Italy, current world champions should present a strong challenge. Australia have a good record of enjoying success in Europe and took the world championship title at Compiegne, France in 2000. Members of that gold medal winning team, including Peter and Penny Toft and Meg Wade will feature in a strong line up.

The Netherlands, again on home territory will be hoping to build upon their bronze medal at the FEI European Championships at Punchestown in 2003. Hosts Germany, with chef d’equipe Roy Thiele at the helm will be looking to put their squad’s name in lights by securing a place for their country on the medal table for the first time. Melanie Arnold and Belinda Hitzler at among the strong contenders.

Switzerland, whose riders performed well at the European Championship, will be looking for a repeat and could be in with a chance of a medal. The USA, which has an impeccable team and individual record going back to the early world championships will be led this year by double world champion Valerie Kanavy, who takes on the role of chef d’equipe for the first time. Britain, which won gold at the first world championships and the first World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, will be in the hunt for a return to form.