The green pastures of Hartpury were adrift to the dancing melodies of the World Individual Freestyle Competition playing out in both the new Hartpury Indoor and b& Outdoor arena. Indeed, to the delight of all the athletes and spectators, the clouds retreated to reveal the glorious and magical setting that makes Hartpury the fabulous International venue that it is. Lest we forget the tremendous efforts of the Organizing Committee and the volunteers whose dedication and commitment in hail, rain or shine is more than deserving of a gold medal!
Great Britain was still floating to the tunes of yet another British team title and there was little to stop the British verve which dominated the Freestyle Competition.
And now, the new World Freestyle Champions are:
Grade Ia
Freestyle Gold went to current European Champion Sophie Christiansen (GBR) aboard Gazel, with whom she has only trained for one week as her previous mount went lame. Silver went to experienced fellow British rider Anne Dunham with BB Call me Caine who stated that even with this second medal under her belt at these Championships (she also won team gold) she is more than ever b determined to go on, with clear goals setb as Hong Kong looms in the not so distant future. Anne is by far the most experienced Championship rider from the British squad, having won 10 gold as well as countless silver and bronze medals and is the current Paralympic, World and British Champion. Bronze went to Brazilian Sergio Oliva, current World Champion (see press release A New Day Dawns on the FEI World Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships as World Champions are Crowned) with El Grand Champ.
Grade Ib
A spectacular performance by Lee Pearson and Altino secured yet another Gold medal for the new and very successful partnership with 79.885%, making him the only treble gold recipient at these Championships as he has effectively won everything he has competed in since the onset of the event. A little like Midas, everything he touches turns to Goldb& Asked why the level of British Para-Equestrian never ceases to increase, he nonchalantly said b Success breeds successb . Silver went to Jens Lasse Dokkan with Lacour from Norway while Bronze went to Nicole Kullen from Australia and again another remarkable performance on her borrowed horse Worlseton Billy (Nicole also goes home with Individual Silver).
Grade II
Breaking the British winning streak, Britta Napel from Germany with Durbridge 28 are the new Freestyle World Champions. Closely followed by Nicola Tustain and Hotstuff, who is the current Individual World Champion (see Press release A New Day Dawns on the FEI World Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships as World Champions are Crowned). In third place, came fellow British athlete Felicity Coulthard with Roffelaar.
Grade III
The British resumed their domination in Grade III, with Simon Laurens clinching Gold and Deborah Criddle Silver. Simon became a Grade III Para-Equestrian rider in 2005 and recently moved from Jersey to Gloucestershire so as to be more readily available for training and the Para-Equestrian British squad. Debbie Criddle (see Press Release The Show Must Go On) and Figaro IX are the only combination to have won individual, freestyle and team gold at the 2001 European Championships, the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 Athens Paralympics. While Bronze went to Hannelore Brenner and Women of the World from Germany, runner up in yesterdaybs Individual Championship.
Grade IV
The same three medal winners from the Individual competition returned today to the Freestyle with a lot more to show, and successfully so, as Norwegian rider Ann Cathrin Lubbe with Zanko emerged victorious yet again, confirming their stronghold on the Grade IV competition. Swapping places on this occasion, Sabine Peters from The Netherlands took Silver while Philippa Johnson and Benedict took claimed Bronze.
A grand and fitting prize-giving ceremony ensued with FEI President Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philippe Craven, FEI Para-Equestrian Director Ian Williams and Para-Equestrian Committee Chairman Mrs Jonquil Solt all united to congratulate the athletes on their successes and the future of Para-Equestrian, which they as active ambassadors have taken to greater levels.
As the FEI President eloquently stated in her speech, the inclusion of Para-Equestrian within the FEI has made horsesport all the richer and these past few days have, in more ways than one, demonstrated the incredible commitment and determination which has made Para-Equestrian sport a truly global affair. These Championships have raised the bar in more ways than one, and it is with great satisfaction that we declare these Championships officially closed.
Campus
