last updated on June 11, 2009 17:31

A weekend of personal bests saw two British riders, Laura Bechtolsheimer and Fiona Bigwood enjoy top scores at Lingen CDI, Germany 5-7 June 2009. “What a weekend!” commented a delighted Laura “A personal best in the GP for Andretti H and a personal best and British record in the GP Special with Mistral Hojris!”

From a classy line-up of riders Laura Bechtolshimer with Mistral Hojris and Isabell Werth with Satchmo 78 rose head and shoulders above the field to battle it out in the Grand Prix for Special and Grand Prix Special. The German combination, currently ranked first in the FEI world dressage rankings, eventually won through in both classes but not without being given a serious run for their money by the British pair. Werth’s 76.38% topped the board to Bechtolsheimer’s 75.61% in the GP with nearest rival Germany’s Nadine Capellmann trailing on 71.57%.

Both combinations raised the bar in the GP Special to produce personal best scores. Bechtolsheimer’s 78.04% smashed her own and the British record by almost 3% but it wasn’t quite enough to beat the eventual victors who came in with a massive 79.87%. “Before the canter changes he was absolutely flying on 82%” said Laura. “We had a small mistake in our changes as Alf [Mistral Hojris] got a little distracted but it’s a close arena and overall I was delighted with him. He was the perfect combination of relaxed but totally on my aids; a dream to ride.”

The 24 year old from Gloucestershire also rode to first place in the GP for Kür on her father’s Andretti H to record their best percentage to date (71.31% ) and was just pipped to second in the Kür behind the Swedish rider Patrik Kittel finishing on 74.20%. “Andy went the best he’s ever gone in the Grand Prix; the music was on late at night and it felt hot and hectic but I was pleased with his win. Andy was so thrilled with himself showing off his first placed rug to Alf!”

Just behind Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H fellow team mate Fiona Bigwood also had a successful outing with her own 10 year old chestnut gelding Wie Atlantico. A relatively new combination the pair also recorded their best scores to date finishing second in the GP for Kur on 68.51% and 3rd in the Kur with 73.45%.

“These are some really exciting scores” said International Teams Director Nick Burton. “Fiona and Wie Atlantico are growing in confidence every time out and producing some very pleasing results while Laura’s fantastic achievements make her a very serious medal contender at future championships.”

Britain’s team for the European Championship will be announced on Friday 14 August.

Show Website: www.dressurfestival-lingen.de