Britain’s Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris (pictured) had a successful first outing of the year at the highly-competitive Hagen CDI in Germany, 23-27 April 2008, finishing sixth in both the grand prix and grand prix special.

 

The 13-year-old 17hh Danish-bred gelding by Michellino, who had time off with injury at the start of the year, earned 69.04% in the grand prix and 69.44% in the special.

 

“I was pleased with how relaxed ‘Alf’ was compared to previous shows. It was fairly difficult arena and he was quite distracted in his canter work, which is why he didn’t achieve his usual scores. Overall, though, I was pretty happy with his way of going and am confident we will improve over the next few months,” said Laura.

 

Laura is currently top of the British Dressage Grand Prix Rankings and earned a record British international score at Alf’s last show, Olympia CDI-W in December 2007. The combination achieved the best British score in the team competition at the 2007 European Championships and this competition begins their campaign for selection for the Bejing Olympics.

 

Another British hopeful, Emma Hindle, recovered well from an 11^th place in the grand prix to finish seventh in the special with 69.3% riding the 16.2hh German-bred stallion Lancet. Also competing in the grand prix were Carl Hester and Dolendo, who finished 13^th,and Anna Ross-Davies, who was 17^th with Liebling.

 

For the full results, visit www.psi-events.de.

 

British riders were also out in force at Saumur CDIO in France, 24-27 April 2008, and finished fifth in the nations cup. The team consisted of Wayne Channon and Lorenzo CH, Camilla Sygall and DJ, Nicola Jourdain and Sancerre II and Emile Faurie on Dream Of Heidelberg.

 

Under-21 successes included young rider Charles Hutton and Abira, who took two fourth places, one with more than 70%.

 

For the full results, click www.cadrenoir.fr.