The FEI European Dressage Championships drew to a close yesterday afternoon with Germany in pole position, having maintained a significant lead over the Netherlands. Good tests from Laura Bechtolsheimer (20) and Maira Eilberg (21) saw Britain moving into third place, ahead of Denmark.
On day one, tests scoring over 70% from Germany’s first two riders, Benjamin Werndl and Dirk Viebrock, propelled the dressage giants into a 4.1777 % lead over the Netherlands. A very respectable 69.022% score from Matthias Rath yesterday and a staggering 72.667% from Jessica Werndl confirmed Germany as the outright victors.
Holland finished 6.133% behind, with three team members scoring just over 68% and Angela Van der Berg achieving 70.489%.
With Bechtolsheimer and Eilberg both scoring over 65%, Britain managed to close up the 1.512% margin with Denmark, pushing Britain into bronze medal position. Partnering her Danish warmblood Mistral Højris, who was bought from Danish rider Hasse Hoffman earlier this year, Bechtolsheimer finished in eighth position individually. Eilberg, who has been getting senior international mileage under her belt with her grand prix horse Two Sox, finished 15th individually.
Britain’s Henry Boswell (18) gave an excellent debut Young Rider performance on DHI Faederlite ending the first day in 10th place a score of 65.333%. Holly Burrough (21) finished the day in 12th position having gained a score of 64.444% with Orvieto.
The Championships took place in Barzago, Italy. Young Rider Chef d’equipe Jennie Loriston-Clarke accompanied the British team, along with team trainer Henk van Bergen.
Results
· 1. Germany – 214,400%
Viebrock 70,533%, Benjamin Werndl 71,200%, Matthias Rath 69,022%, Jessica Werndl 72,667%
· 2. Holland 208, 267 %
Jenny Schreven 68,667%, Tommie Visser 68,889%, Dominique Filion 68,889%, Angela Van den Berg 70,489%
· 3. Britain 199,955%
Holly Burrough 64,444%, Henry Boswell 65,333%, Maria Eilberg 65,644%, Laura Bechtolsheimer 68,978%
· 4. Denmark 197, 600%
