Laura Bechtolsheimer now third in world dressage rankings

As of 30 June, Britain’s European bronze medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer, 24, ranks third in the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) world individual dressage rankings for the first time.

These rankings are based on results over the past year and are led by the Netherlands’ Edward Gal (Moorlands Totilas) followed by compatriot Adelinde Cornelissen (Jerich Parzival). Dressage stars Anky van Grunsven and Isabell Werth are in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Laura and her 15-year-old gelding Mistral Hojris helped Britain to their first European silver medal since 1993 at Windsor last year, as well as taking individual honours. They have broken all former British dressage records with their international scores over the past year.

Laura said: “I’m thrilled with my achievements over the past two seasons and hope to build on those this year. It’s satisfying to find that our performance is consistent enough to creep up the rankings. To be number three in the world is very confidence building!”

British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond added: “This is an amazing achievement. Laura has produced outstanding results that have taken dressage in Britain to the next level. We are now right up there with the best in the world.”

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