British dressage team named for Europeans

A record-breaking superstar, a World Equestrian Games team silver medal winner and two fast rising stars form Team GB’s equine line-up for the FEI European Dressage Championships.

Star

Unsurprisingly, the reining World, European and Olympic champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro top the bill.

“He’s in great form as ever and we’re looking forward to defending our European titles but are fully aware of how strong some of the other nations and individuals are – we’re definitely not going to have it our own way!” said Charlotte.

As H&C reported earlier this month, Valegro and Totilas are set to go head to head in Aachen for the first time since July 2014, when Valegro finished an uncharacteristic fifth.

Mentor

They’re joined by Charlotte’s mentor and team mate Carl Hester with Nip Tuck, the horse he rode at last summer’s world championships in Normandy. “I felt that WEG last year brought him really into his own,” said Carl. “Since we’ve been out this year the scores have really been improving and he’s just got better and better, he just always keeps proving me wrong.”

The other two team members are Fiona Bigwood and Michael Eilberg.

New ride

Michael was on the British team in Normandy last summer with his former ride Half Moon Delphi, who has since been sold.

He’s back on the squad with his father Ferdi Eilberg’s Marakov, a 15-year-old gelding. “Marko’s always been a little bit in Half Moon Delphi’s shadow; it was obviously a blow to lose her but Marko has been pulling in consistent scores and I’ve really enjoyed riding him,” he said.

The Eilberg’s have owned Marakov since he was a three year old, and he was Michael’s first dressage horse. “I’m teaching him a lot and he’s teaching me, I’m very chuffed that we’re on the team,” he added.

Horse of a lifetime

Fiona Bigwood is back on the British team for the first time since Kentucky in 2010. She rides Atterupgaards Orthilia, a 10-year-old mare who only made her debut at Grand Prix this season.

However, she’s already wowing the judges, scoring 76.800% in her last Grand Prix at Hartpury.

“To have a horse new to Grand Prix level and get in the team in her first year is just amazing. Tillie is the horse of a lifetime; she’s a dream horse. She has everything; the temperament, movement and ability so it’s up to me as a rider now to produce her in the ring.”

Medal chances

Last summer the Brits finished in the silver medal position at WEG, behind a ludicrously strong German team.

The Germans are favourites to take gold again next month in Aachen, while the Dutch are – as always – strong medal contenders. “The Dutch and German teams are looking strong but if we all go out and put up the scores we’re all capable of, we’ll be in with a medal shout,” said Fiona Bigwood.

Although Britain’s dressage team has already gained their coveted Olympic qualification ahead of Rio 2016, Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood sees this championship as an important step on the journey towards next year’s Games.

“We’re in the envious position that yet again we have competitive riders on the team, and looking ahead this is yet another good stepping-stone on the road to Rio,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with Fiona, as she gets her call-up to the team for the first time since WEG 2010, and for Michael to have a new Championship ride is very exciting.

Format

The dressage competition of the FEI European Championships take place in Aachen from the 12-16 August.

All four selected athletes contest the team competition (with the three best scores counting); the top thirty athletes after the Grand Prix [team test] then go forward to contest the Grand Prix Special, with only the top fifteen athletes progressing through to the Grand Prix Freestyle.

The two reserves are Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II, and Anna Ross with Die Callas.

Equestrian Team GBR is supported by the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme.

Horse & Country’s online coverage of FEI European Championships is brought to you in association withHorse First.

Watch extensive highlights of the FEI European Championships on Horse & Country TV –click here for details.