Great Britain's dressage riders will today reflect upon the fact that they are world equestrian games silver medallists after finishing just behind the Netherlands at the Kentucky Horse Park in America.
It is the first time in the history of the event that Great Britain has won a medal with team members Laura Bechtolsheimer, Fiona Bigwood, Maria Eilberg and Carl Hester now also qualifying for the grand prix special where they will compete as individuals.
Laura Bechtolsheimer was the star of the show as she produced a career-best score of 82.51% aboard Mistral Hojris. "Even before I started my test, my team-mates had given me a real boost with their performances," described the Cotswolds based rider.
"Mistral Horjis found it easy from start to finish, with no mistakes. He amazes me that he's so extravagant, but still stays relaxed. He travelled well here to Kentucky and has been working in seventh gear ever since we arrived! I was just hoping I had him right for yesterday and I guess I did."
The success at the world games follows a silver medal at last year's European Championships in Windsor, while Bechtolsheimer is also riding on a golden wave having climbed to third in the global rankings.
The experienced Carl Hester, who Sportsvibe spoke to before traveling to Kentucky, also put in an assured and consistent performance on Liebling II to help ensure the silver.
"I'm over the moon," Hester told the Guardian. "I remember my first championship over 20 years ago and not being at all nervous. Twenty years on, I'm really nervous!
"I suppose the older and more experienced you are, the more people expect of you and you don't want to let them down. Liebling II wouldn't be the biggest mover like some horses here, but he's very honest and workmanlike. He's never let me down, and is a professional at his job."
