Controversy surrounds Britain’s dressage squad for WEG

British Dressage (BD) has now announced all four riders who will contest the World Equestrian Games this September in Kentucky — Laura Bechtolsheimer will ride her own and Dr and Mrs Bechtolsheimer’s Mistral Hojris, Fiona Bigwood her own Wie Atlantico, Maria Eilberg her father Ferdi’s Two Sox and Carl Hester Cheryl Meisner’s Liebling II.

BD have named Henriette Andersen (Louis D’Or III) and Emile Faurie (Elmegardens Marquis) as non-travelling reserves.

H&H learnt on Monday that three riders — Laura, Carl and Maria — had been informed that they were on the team. The fourth team member was as yet undecided and riders in contention were told that they would need to compete again before the fourth team rider was selected.

World Class Performance Director Will Connell told H&H today that selectors had continued their discussions and changed their minds.

“Initially, selectors felt they wanted to select three riders, but then their discussions continued and they decided it was in the best interests of the team to select all four riders now.

“No formal announcement was made on Monday, they came to their final decision and today announced the four riders that would go to WEG. We now have to support those four riders.”

Dressage team captain Richard Davison said of the selection: “This is yet another strong quartet, mostly composed of last year’s silver medal winning team. Whilst Laura is ranked third in the world, the other riders have had to fight hard for their place and I am confident they will deliver the goods in Kentucky.”

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