Laura Bechtolsheimer is crowned national dressage champion

Laura Bechtolsheimer was crowned Dressage Deluxe national champion on her World Equestrian Games (WEG) reserve horse at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, today.

Having topped yesterday’s grand prix by four per cent, Laura would have needed a disaster not to take the overall title. Instead, Andretti produced a mistake-free kür for a massive 78.55%.

“My mind is a little bit in Kentucky already, but I didn’t want to let Andretti down, he deserves a completely focussed rider and he deserves this title,” said Laura.

Woodlander Farouche won the four-year-old and supreme Shearwater potential international dressage horse championship with Michael Eilberg. The mare has won every young horse class entered this year, including Badminton and the Shearwater classes at Hartpury in July.

Joint owner Lynne Crowden said: “What can I say about this horse? She’s got three fantastic paces and has been expertly produced.”

Peter Storr topped the Martin Collins advanced medium open riding Shiree Darley’s Vinducath, while Darryl Thickitt won a close Stretch & Flex elementary open on Jennifer Charlesworth’s Warlocks Charm.

“He’s a very sensitive horse and we had to take our time with him as a youngster, but he’s been here for three days and has really settled. There’s nothing he finds difficult,” said Darryl.

For full report, pictures and results don’t miss this Thursday’s Horse & Hound

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