Britain’s Riders Score High in Freestyle

Great Britain’s para-equestrian riders excelled on day three of the Hartpury Festival of Dressage with four athletes scoring more than 80% in the Individual Freestyle event.

In grade Ia, Sophie Christiansen pulled out her third over-80 score of the competition with 82.950% on Janeiro 6. Anne Dunham followed in second and third place with 77.100% on LJT Lucas Normark and 76.650% on Teddy Edwards.

Lee Pearson had two top scores in grade Ib with 86.050% on Gentleman and 83.300% on Zion. Japan’s Nobumasa Asakawa was third with 67.600% on Rosado.

Sophie Wells also dominated the top two spots in grade IV achieving 80.650% on Pinnochio and 76.950% on Valerius. Ireland’s James Dwyer took third place with 73.250%.

Natasha Baker notched 81.350% on Cabral in grade II, beating Erin Orford who scored 74.200% on Nirvana Morroko.

“2nd in the Freestyle today on 74% with a few mistakes,” Orford tweeted from @ErinOrford “Really pleased with my boy this week.”

In grade III, Deborah Criddle won her third gold of the competition with 77.650% on LJT Akilles. Nicky Thompson was second with 69.550% on Welt Santa Cruz.

Following Great Britain’s riders’ performance this week, the London 2012 Paralympic team is expected to be announced on Monday (9 July).