Anky reigns supreme at Olympia
last updated on December 15, 2005 00:00
HollandÂ’s Anky van Grunsven, who is number one in the world rankings, was in a league of her own at Olympia, the London International Horse Show 2005.
She partnered the 14-year-old gelding Hanovarian Keltec Salinero to head both the grand prix and World Cup qualifier, the latter with more than 82%. Anky is the reigning World Cup champion and has won this title a record seven times.
The best British rider was Laura Bechtolsheimer, who is the current national champion, the youngest ever at only 20. She rode the 14-year-old gelding Douglas Dorsey by Donnerhall to score nearly 74% in the freestyle and a creditable sixth place among strong competition, the highest standard ever at a British qualifier.
The British Equestrian Writers Association recognised Laura's achievements by awarding her the Vivien Batchelor trophy for young riders.
Also during the show, Sarah and Tony Pidgely’s Spirit of Freedom, ridden by Damian Hallam, received the THB British Equestrian Dressage Horse of the Year 2005 award.
