last updated on August 21, 2009 23:17

Day one of the Para Equestrian Dressage European Championships 2009 and GB riders have laid down the gauntlet with strong performances across the grades. The British contingent of Sophie Christiansen, Lee Pearson, Simon Laurens and Sophie Wells are away to a flying start in Kristiansand, Norway, each posting plus 70% scores to lie in gold medal position at the half way stage of the competition.

Experienced team members Sophie Christiansen with Lambrusco III (grade 1a) and Lee Pearson with Gentleman (grade 1b) each head up the leaderboards of their respective grades while Simon Laurens and Ocean Diamond were just pipped to second place by Germany's Hannelore Brenner in grade III. 19 year old Sophie Wells with Pinocchio (pictured) produced a stunning ride on her championship debut to head the grade IV class on 71.71%. The team competition is decided tomorrow on the combined score of the team and individual test scores.

World Class performance manager Will Connell commented: "These are all very pleasing results but the highlight of the day has to be Sophie Well's achievements in the grade IV competition. We're absolutely thrilled; both Sophie and Emma Sheardown are new combinations for the British team and it's fantastic to have such promising young riders coming through."

Riding as individuals Emma Sheardown and Jo Pitt also completed the team test as a warm up for tomorrows competition. Sheardown finished second to team mate Sophie Christiansen in the Grade 1a with Purdy's Dream posting a score of 69.41%. Pitt was unfortunately eliminated from the grade II competiton when Estralita stepped out of the arena during his canter work.

All six riders compete in the individual competition tomorrow (Sat 22 August) and in the freestyle competition (Sunday 23 August). For full results click here