Paul Tapner and Inonothing Photo: Libby Law
The first day of the dressage at Luhmuhlen comprising the CIC 3* class has completed.
The Germans and Swedish riders dominate the leader board with Germany’s Michael Jung, the current World and European champion, riding Weidezaunprofi's River of Joy and Frank Ostholt riding Little Paint in first and second place while Sweden’s Sara Algotsson-Ostholt riding Wega is in third.
The only non-German or Sewdish rider in the top ten is the Japanese rider Yoshiaki Oiwa riding Noonday de Conde in ninth place
The only Australian to ride in the CIC 3* class today was Paul Tapner on Caicos. Caicos didn’t do a full season last year due to injury but is one of Paul’s hopes for the future; lying in 31st position on a score of 50.60 after dressage Paul says
“Caicos scored a very good 50.6 for his first CIC*** he produced a test that was of the best work he is capable of at the moment so we are really happy with him”
Tomorrow the competition hots up when the CCI 4* competition, part of the FEI HSBC Classics series, gets underway. With William Fox-Pitt opting to miss this leg of the Classics series Andrew Nicholson, who is currently 14 points behind William, is poised to close this gap with a successful weekend here.
Wendy Schaeffer and Koyuna Sun Dancer Photo: Libby Law
All of the Australians will be looking to shine but Paul Tapner on Inonothing and Wendy Schaeffer on Koyuna Sun Dancer will have their eyes firmly on a last minute attempt for selection for London 2012. Both are on horses capable of selection; 2010 Badminton winner Inonthing and 2010 Australian 3 Day Event 4* winner Koyuna Sun Dancer could both pull off something spectacular if all goes well.
