Top six finish for Brits at U25 European Championships

For the first time in dressage, four riders and their horses left the rainy isles of Great Britain to represent their country at the U25 European Championships in Hagen, Germany (16 – 19 June 2016).

Piloted by chef d’equipe Caroline Griffith, the top three scores from each team in the Inter II created a total score, which dictated the places and medals. Essex-based Bobby Hayler got things off to a fine start aboard her mother’s 17-year-old Welt Hit-sired gelding, Valentino II, scoring an international personal best at Inter II of 65.658%.

22-year-old Pippa Hutton claimed best scoring Brit in the Inter II, achieving 68.974% or her mother’s 15-year-old Danish gelding, Belmondo. Although there was some spookiness, quality moments in Alex Hardwick and Sally Hardwick’s Don Vino gelding, Donauwein (pictured) test secured a mark of 66.816%. Finally, West Yorkshire’s Ryan Todd rode Julie Todd’s 15-year-old son of Carano, Charlex Eskebjerg to a solid score of 68.763%, securing a team placing of sixth.

“Whoooo Team GBR came [sixth] out of 14 nations!” exclaimed Alex from her Facebook page. “Massive well done to my team mates, great riding and so much fun!”

Clearly having settled back into life on European soil, Alex and Dudy – as Donawein is fondly known as – came into their own in the Grand Prix, placing 16^th with a strong 69.00%, qualifying through to the Freestyle where they scored an even more impressive mark of 71.500%, creeping up the places to 14^th.

“Part of the first ever GB team for Under 25 European Championships was incredible! Great horses and a fabulous team” claimed Alex.  Both my boys tried their hearts out and I am so proud of them. Dudy and I were the only GB combination to get through to the music and we came 14th in a mega hot class with 71%.”

Pippa and Belmondo claimed another solid mark of 67.395% in the Grand Prix, Ryan and Charlie were just a place above with 67.535% and Bobby improved on her score from the previous day with 66.512%.

Three of the riders; Alex, Ryan and Pippa also brought second rides to contest the CDI2*, all scores are recorded below.

The U25s team is supported by the Equestrian World Class Programme.

The programme, which encompasses both Podium and Podium Potential squads, focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal winning performances on the world stage. The programme has been funded by the National Lottery via UK Sport since 1998 and is a portfolio within the British Equestrian Federation.

Results

For full results, click here.

CDIO
Inter II
Team
Gold – Germany, 222.026%
Silver – Netherlands, 218.947%
Bronze – Sweden, 212.711%
6^th– Great Britain, 204.553%

Individual
19^th– Pippa Hutton with Belmondo, 68.974%
21^st– Ryan Todd with Charlex Eskebjerg, 68.763%
25^th– Alex Hardwick with Donauwein, 66.816%
31^st– Bobby Hayler with Valentino, 65.658%

U25 Grand Prix
16^th– Alex Hardwick with Donauwein, 69.000%
23^rd– Ryan Todd with Charlex Eskebjerg, 67.535%
24^th– Pippa Hutton with Belmondo, 67.395%
26^th– Bobby Hayler with Valentino, 66.512%

Grand Prix Freestyle
14^th– Alex Hardwick with Donauwein, 71.500%

CDI2*
Inter II
14^th– Pippa Hutton with Duela, 66.623%
16^th– Alex Hardwick with Royal Chester, 66.184%
17^th– Bobby Hayler with Aldborough Rubinhall, 65.614%

Grand Prix
7^th– Alex Hardwick with Royal Chester, 67.033%
14^th– Pippa Hutton with Duela, 63.167%