Laura Collett and London 52 Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images for FEI
Laura Collett, riding her own, Keith Scott and Karen Bartlett’s London 52, holds the overnight lead after the first day of dressage in the Longines FEI Eventing European Championships in Luhmühlen. Laura took the lead with just 25.50 points followed closely by Kai Rüder (GER) and Thibaut Valette (FRA) with 25.80
Laura is competing here as an individual, while Pippa Funnell and Piggy French, who also performed their dressage tests today, are competing for the team. All three performances mark a positive opening day for Team GBR.
Pippa Funnell was the pathfinder in the main arena for Team GBR. Watched by the other British squad members, she and Majas Hope scored 35.4 and sit in 17th in the overnight standings. Pippa was brought in as a replacement for Tom McEwen after his ride, Toledo de Kerser, was involved in a minor accident just before travelling out to Germany.
Pippa revealed she was at a wedding when she heard that she was going to be competing in Luhmühlen “I got my phone out and saw I’d had four missed calls from [Team GBR Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood]. The team at home were top class, they got things packed up and my lorry organised. It’s just such an honour to be part of the team and very special to be here with Tina [Cook] because we’ve had such a long career together.”
Piggy French on Quarrycrest Echo posted 29.8 in her dressage test to lie seventh after Thursday’s action. Commenting afterwards, she said “I don’t think there was a lot more I could have done. This isn’t a dressage competition – the cross-country course is definitely a tough one with problems all over. I’ll keep fighting till Sunday night.”
However, the best performance from a Team GBR rider came from Laura Collett on London 52. She scored 25.5 to take the lead after the first day. Speaking afterwards, she said “Obviously I’m delighted but I know there’s so much more there [from London 52]. I’m pleased he kept his head because he’s never been in anything like that before. There were only about ten people watching in Aachen but he suddenly saw the grandstand here. Thankfully he listened and did what he had to do. He was a bit scared and almost wanted to close his eyes and pretend it wasn’t happening but if I hold his hand and tell him it’s OK, he trusts me.”
Kai Rüder and Colani Sunrise Photo courtesy Adrian Fohl
With an almost perfect first centre line and salutation, Kai Rüder and Colani Sunrise laid the foundations for their great result: “The test had many highs with some good lateral work and extended canter. Colani is a strong character and he doesn’t want to put a foot wrong. I tried to stay calm to finish the test on a high. I am sure this is what contributed to the good score.”
Thibaut Valette was equally happy after his test: “My horse is extremely reliable in dressage and a good mover. Today we could show our full potential.”
The Belgian team took the lead after today with two very strong scores giving the a total of 57.60 points, followed by Germany with 60.40 and France on 64.20 points.
Thibaut Vallette of France riding Qing du Briot Brecey Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images for FEI
First impressions of the cross-country course (view the cross country video of the course here)
Kai Rüder: “The cross-course looks great. It’s selective and the time is going to be an important factor. There are some great questions which are very clear and evenly spread across the course.”
Piggy French: “This is no dressage competition. I walked the cross-country course once and my first impression is that it’s a proper championship course. You have to think really hard about which lines to choose. It’s a quick track with decent waters.”
Thibaut Valette: “This course is definitely challenging. The second water complex in particular is going to be tough.”
Nadine Marzahl: “I think all three water jumps will need our full attention. I haven’t looked at all the fences in great detail just yet, but the first impression is great.”
Christoph Wahler: “Bold and beautiful, I cannot wait!”
