Equestrianism: Dressage could break out and provide a thriller
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dressage is not normally associated with nail-biting tension, but its rather staid image could be about to change during the European Dressage Championships, which begin today at Hickstead. The four members of the British team - Richard Davison, Emile Faurie, Nicola McGiven and Emma Hindle - will be under pressure, trying to secure one of the last two Olympic qualifying places.
Dane Rawlins, the mastermind behind dressage at Hickstead, is convinced the goal is achievable, and believes this team could win medals because all the horses are capable of high scores; Davison and Faurie have been regular team members for the last decade while McGiven and Hindle are making their championship debut on horses that have scored more than 69 per cent in international grands prix this year. British supporters should therefore be in for some exciting viewing today and tomorrow when team placings and Olympic qualifications are decided.
As usual, Germany will be favourites for team and individual gold medals - especially as Ulla Salzgeber, the defending champion, is being allowed to compete despite a positive dope test on her mount, Rusty, after she won the World Cup Final in March.
The British Jumping Derby meeting runs concurrently, so there could be a well-worn path between the two arenas - notably on Sunday, when the Freestyle to Music decides the individual dressage placings before the annual Jumping Derby gets under way.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments