An impeccable start for Britain and 9 other must-read stories from day one of the eventing World Championships dressage

The first day of the eventing World Championships dressage in Pratoni del Vivaro in Italy is now complete (15 September) and the reigning Badminton champion Laura Collett shot to the top of the leaderboard riding London 52 with an impeccable test.

• See what Laura scored and what she had to say after this stunning performance

Young British rider Yasmin Ingham really impressed on her senior championship debut to finish second on the leaderboard.

• Find out what Yasmin said after her test and why a change in tactics has paid off

The first of the British team riders, Ros Canter, didn’t let the side down with her ride, Lordships Graffalo, in the eventing World Championships dressage phase.

• Read Ros’ assessment of her test with this talented 10-year-old

There was delight for French rider Tom Carlile, but disappointment for the second of the German riders, Sandra Auffarth, after their dressage tests.

• Find out more about the temperament of Tom’s horse

We got the lowdown from some of the world’s top riders to find out what their initial thoughts are on Saturday’s cross-country track.

• What do riders make of the Giuseppe Della Chiesa-designed course?

We also caught up with Alison Bell, who is groom to Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir.

• Find out what it’s like to work for Yasmin, how Alison got into the job and what Banzai is like as a character

Sarah Charnley has been groom to Ros Canter for almost 10 years, and she told us about juggling this role with another full-time job.

• Discover what it’s like grooming for Ros and why Lordships Graffalo is a “clown”

In the latest episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which was released today, we speak to Jeanette Brakewell about her first World Championship experience, which was in Pratoni in 1998 with the brilliant Over To You. We also preview all of the eventing World championships action.

• Listen to this episode of the podcast now

You can also read about Jeanette Brakewell’s 1998 World Championship experience and what Over To You is up to these days.

• Find out how Over To You is getting on, aged 34

The late, great Allstar B, who is reigning world eventing champion, is still with his groom this week, thanks to a lovely tribute.

• Find out what it is that’s keeping Allstar B’s memory alive in Pratoni

You may also be interested in…

Would you take this leap into thin air? View the World Championships cross-country course

Meet Yasmin Ingham’s groom Alison Bell: ‘I never thought I would be in this position’

‘Lordships Graffalo is an absolute clown’: Sarah Charnley on 10 years grooming for Ros Canter – and juggling it with a full-time job

How to watch the eventing World Championships: your essential guide

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Gemma Redrup

H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.