Fiona BIGWOOD (GBR) riding Atterupgaards Orthilia during the Grand Prix Team Competition at the FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany on 12 August 2015
Britain lie in bronze at the end of the first of two days of competition to decide the team medals at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Aachen. Germany lead the way with the Netherlands sitting in silver. Sweden, Belgium and Spain – all nations chasing that all-important Olympic qualification – are very close indeed in fourth, fifth and sixth places.
Britain’s second team rider, Fiona Bigwood (pictured top), pulled off a stonking test to sit in individual second overnight, just 0.01% adrift. The leader Diederik van Silfhout (Arlando) is on 75.814%, with Fiona breathing down his neck with 75.8%.
She was delighted with her ride on Atterupgaards Orthilia (Tillie) – the first time the 10-year-old Oldenburg mare by Gribaldi had ever performed in such a big atmosphere.
“She was nervous in the 10-minute box,” said Fiona, “and as this was only really our sixth show together, I don’t actually know her that well.
“My main aim was a clear round and I feel we more or less got that. I’m so pleased to have put down a good score for the team.”
Fiona gives a thumbs up to spectators after her grand prix test scored 75.8%
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
There was a murmur of appreciation during Tillie’s first extended trot, as her lack of competition exposure means many spectators had never seen her before. There was a less welcome hulabaloo when the live scoring malfunctioned and was turned off during her test – it was showing a worryingly low trending score of 66% for a time.
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During this afternoon’s session, Germany’s second rider Isabell Werth had a few issues with the opinionated Don Johnson, by Don Frederico.
He made mistakes in the one-time changes and had to settle for a final score of 74.78%; below what he is capable of, and also below their compatriot Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. If Germany’s remaining two combinations perform as expected tomorrow, Isabell’s mark will be her nation’s drop score.
The second and final day of the team competition kicks off at 10am UK time, with Carl due in at 2pm UK time and Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro fourth from last at 6pm UK time.
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