ECCO FEI European Championship: Para-dressage riders start competing

Para-dressage riders start competing

The first part of the ECCO FEI European Championship took off today with the combinations in grade IV and Ib riding their first tests in a competition presented by Slotsdal Ejendomme.

Grade IV

The first riders on the course were the least disabled riders in grade IV. Among a group of 15 riders the British favourite Sophie Wells turned out best. On the horse Valerus by Flemmingh she scored 74.33%. The victory felt great, Sophie Wells told after her ride:

- It is my first major competition since the Paralympics in London and it feels good to be back out. I really like competing internationally and today I had a good ride with no mistakes in particular. My horse arrived on Sunday and was still a bit tired today. Now he can rest until Friday.

Belgian Michele George and the 7-year-old mare Saganne by Sandro Hit took the second place with 70.50%. Danish Line Kongensgaard and the horse Laponio by Laurentio came third with 70.40%.

Grade Ib

In the competition for the second most disabled riders three combinations stood out with scores above 70%. Austrian Pepo Puch and Fine Feelings S by Fabriano claimed first place with 75.40%. The winner was very pleased with his horse, he told after the ride:

- It is amazing how positive my mare was. It is not an easy arena as the people are quite close and in the free walk you have no reins and the horse has to be really settled and positive. I would say thank you to my mare: she did a good job. The British rider Ricky Balshaw and the Danish horse Lit Enggaards Solitaire by Blue Hors Soprano came second with 73.24%. Danish Stinna Tange and her new horse Steffi Graf by Graf Oldenburg came third with 71.24%.

The para-dressage team competition continues tomorrow with the level Ia, II and III classes. On Friday the individual competition begins.

See start lists and results HERE