Britain’s Riders Score High in Freestyle

With four riders scoring more than 80% on day three of the Hartpury Festival of Dressage, Great Britain’s Para-Equestrian team proved they will be tough to beat at London 2012. 06 Jul 2012

Natasha Baker is hoping to be selected for the London 2012 Paralympic Games

ⒸKevin Sparrow

By IPC

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).