Hester leads British Dressage rankings
Carl Hester heads the current British Dressage grand prix rankings following a series of good performances at recent World Cup qualifying competitions with his top ride Escapado.
The BD rankings are based on performances during the past 12 months, with good scores at higher level shows gaining more points than success at less competitive venues.
Hester is currently on 335 points, putting him significantly ahead of Nicola McGivern and Active Walero in second place on 292. Since qualifying for the kür at the Athens Olympic Games, Hester and Escapado have produced a series of plus-74% performances in World Cup qualifiers including Britian’s first win in the World Cup series since 1991.
Only one point separates third and fourth place with Richard Davison on 263 and Wayne Channon on 262. Channon enjoyed a successful Spanish sunshine tour this spring during which he produced a number of plus-70% scores with his top ride Lorenzo CH.
Emile Faurie and Fididas head the small tour rankings, 15 points ahead of Henriette Anderson and Astonish. Third is Peter Storr with Wild Dancer.
BD grand prix rankings
1. Carl Hester, Escapado, 335;
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2. Nicola McGivern, Active Walero, 292;
3. Richard Davison, Ballaseyr Royale, 263;
4. Wayne Channon, Kasjmir/Lorenzo CH, 262;
5. Emile Faurie, Rascher Hopes/Livello/Lucky Star, 258;
6. Peter Storr, Gambrinus, 250;
7. Fiona Bigwood, Nector vh Carelshof/Habana 3, 215;
8. Emma Hindle, Wie Weltmeyer, 192;
9. Laura Bechtolsheimer, Douglas Dorsey/Polarion, 157;
10. Carol Parsons, Walter, 103.
BD small tour rankings
1. Emile Faurie, Fididas, 195;
2. Henriette Andersen, Astonish, 180;
3. Peter Storr, Wild Dancer, 170;
4. Spencer Wilton, Dolendo/Santas/Groove Jet, 165;
5. Rebecca Greenwood, Simple the Best 2/ Falco III, 130;
6. Gareth Hughes, Nurejev, 127;
7. Daniel Timson, Nibbit B/Feinthyme/Playboy, 123;
8. Adam Kemp, Lavine, 122;
9. Jodie Lister, Nicky, 111;
10. Laura Bechtolsheimer, Winniza/Landvogt 19, 98.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.