Brits in fifth after first day of reining

The British team has made a good start in the reining competition at theAlltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, sitting in fifth place after day one.

Leaders

The USA were the favourites to win gold in this discipline, and they’ve already established a firm lead – topping the leaderboard with a team score of 445.0.

Britain’s squad have 429.0 points, well within reach of the medal table. Belgium are second on 439.0, while Germany and Australia hold third and fourth spots respectively.

American rider Andrea Fappanileads the way in the individual competition, witha score of 224.0.

Best of the Brits

Josh Collins, 24, is best of the Brits so far. He is in10th place so far, with a score of 216.0.

“I went out to be nice and correct and try to get a clear round for the team and he felt great in there,” said Josh of his horse Spook A Little, an eight-year-old stallion.

“I couldn’t be happier; this is a perfect start. My horse is a cool little guy, I might have wanted a slightly higher score but this is just the beginning. I’m hoping it’s enough to make the finals.”

Family team

His team mate Jessica Sternberg, also 24, is close behind in 18th, having scored 213.0 with Smart Like Valentino. Three members of the same family are on the British squad, with Jessica’s aunt and uncle Francesca Sternberg and Doug Allen competing tomorrow.

Jessica had a difficult week in the run-up to the Games, when her top horseShiners Chic got hurt a few days before they left for France. “I’m just grateful to Francesca for the chance to show at all. He’s been the defining horse of my career – we’ve won over $80,000 together – so it was disappointing to have to leave him at home,” she said.

“Smart Like Valentino is an old show horse who has been there and done that and he gave me a challenging time in there today. I haven’t shown him since he was a four year old so I didn’t really know what to expect,” Jessica added.