Para-Dressage Europeans to begin in Denmark

The British enter the event as heavy favourites, but 18 other nations will look to steal their thunder on the podium. 22 Aug 2013
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Sophie Christiansen

Great Britain's Sophie Christiansen celebrates winning gold in the dressage individual championship test grade 1a on Day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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By IPC

Great Britain topped the medals table at the 2011 edition of the European Championships in Moorsele, Belgium, winning eight golds.

The JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championships begin on Wednesday (21 August) in Herning, Denmark, where horses were presented on Tuesday (20 August) for their first veterinary inspection.

Sixty athletes from 19 nations will battle it out for the medals over the coming days, with the team action kicking off the first day of action.

This event marks the first time the para-dressage discipline will take place alongside the able-bodied competition at a European Championships.

Great Britain topped the medals table at the 2011 edition of the European Championships in Moorsele, Belgium, winning eight golds.

The British continue to be the ones to beat in this sport that has enjoyed increased popularity and visibility in recent years, and particularly in the aftermath of last summer’s Paralympic Games on their home turf in London.

The British team lineup in Herning includes triple Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christensen, Natasha Baker and Sophie Wells. Ricky Balshaw will compete individually.

Baker is unbeaten in Grade II for the last two years and is making her team debut.

Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark, meanwhile, have upped their game this year, while Ireland pulled a major surprise last summer, taking home team bronze at their first Paralympics.

Stinna Kaastrup, who secured freestyle grade Ib gold and individual grade Ib silver in Moorsele, carries the high hopes of Danish supporters as the Championships get underway.