last updated on May 06, 2010 17:02

British paralympians Anne Dunham and Deb Criddle made their mark at the Manheim CPEDI, Germany, taking double wins apiece at this important selection trial held 3-4 May 2010. With so many young hopefuls coming through in the squads they more than proved there is space for their maturity and experience in the mix.

Competing in her first international show for two years following major heart surgery, Anne Dunham, 61, (pictured) returned to the competition arena in fine style with her Beijing partner Teddy. The pair scooped an emphatic victory in both the individual and freestyle tests in the grade 1 section scoring 73% and 75.91% respectively.

“I’m thrilled my horse went so well; he travelled beautifully and was calm and attentive; I couldn’t have asked any more of him. My recovery has been slower than expected but I’m fine now and feeling stronger than ever. It’s wonderful to be back competing abroad and Teddy is glad to be back too, he’s loving all the attention and being back in the limelight.”

Dunham added: “It was nerve-wracking to come back into such a strong grade but a relief to see I still have it. I’m riding better than ever and feel stronger than I did two years ago. It’s great for the team to have the strength in depth but there’s no room for complacency. My sights are set firmly on selection for WEG later this year.”

In the same class Alison Moore, 47, from Ludlow in Shropshire took second and third in the Individual and freestyle classes, the former with a respectable 71.01% partnered with her own six year old Dutch bred gelding Just Z.

Deb Criddle, 43, topped the leader board for the Brits in the competitive grade III section with her Paralympic horse Pavaroti. Now 12 the 17.1hh bay gelding excelled to take the individual test with 69.11% and the kür with 73% from the reigning European Champion, German rider Hannelore Brenner. GB Paralympic and European medallist Simon Laurens slotted in for third with Ocean Diamond.

In the grade II class 20 year old Natasha Baker finished third in the individual test with 66.03%. Team mate Jo Pitt, fresh from success at Moorsele CPEDI, improved from sixth in the individual to take third in the freestyle on her second ride Rocadero with 68.58%.