British riders’ supreme performances have taken this country to the top of the medal table at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the four-yearly equine extravaganza that this time has taken place in Blue Grass country in Kentucky, USA.
Britain’s para-dressage riders swept the board, taking overall team gold and most available individual medals. Sophie Christianson won the 1a classification, just ahead of 62-year-old Anne Dunham, silver, and newcomer Emma Sheardown, who captured bronze.
The invincible Lee Pearson CBE, riding the aptly named Gentleman, took the 1b class and secured the team title.
‘The power of the trot work was improved today but with Gentleman’s walk, you’re always walking a tightrope and I worked hard to keep it as correct as I could,’ said Lee. ‘I have to admit to being really nervous and had to tell myself to breathe! There’s a huge expectation on me but I rode my heart out.’
Britain now has an amazing 13 medals – six gold, six silver and a bronze – and the possibility of more to come. Joanne Eccles is lying in silver medal position in the vaulting, with one more round to come, and you can never rule out show jumper Robert Smith, who is through to the individual final.
Follow the action on www.alltechfeigames.org
