Lee Pearson, the multi-gold medallist and elder statesman of the British para dressage squad, was the first Brit to face the challenging wet conditions in the para dressage competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen, Normandy.
Lee returns to the team after a couple of years off, but he is back with a vengeance and went straight into the lead in the Grade Ib competition. He is riding the 10-year-old Flemmingh gelding Zion, owned by Lee with his parents Lynda and Dave Pearson, and Gillian Chin.
The test was a little tense at times as Zion (known as “Kevin” at home because he’s so laid back) “doesn’t like plastic” and the constant rain meant plenty of stewards, officials and volunteers were wearing plastic capes.
While there was some tension on show, Zion held it together in the walk and also produced some lovely trot work.
“There was far too much atmosphere,” joked Lee afterward., “what with the rain and the music and quad bikes, and a lot of plastic around! He has been quite settled, but he is only 10 years old and it’s his first major championship.”
Ricky Balshaw also produced a strong test, looking very polished apart from a mistake when LJT Enggaards Solitaire jogged for a few strides between the walk and trot movements. Otherwise his test looked very impressive and scored a more than respectable 71% to finish in eighth place.
In the Grade lll test, where Britain doesn’t have a rider competing, the talented German rider Hannelore Brenner came out on top on her Hannoverian mare Woman of the World scoring 72.47%. Dutch rider Sanne Voets took second place very close behind with Vedet PB NOP.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
With another two days of team competition to come it’s too early to call, but Team GBR look to be in a strong position.
Horse & Hound tells you all you need to know to enjoy the para dressage competition at WEG
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
