Bechtolsheimer is riding Mistral Hojris at Windsor this week

Top dressage rider Laura Bechtolsheimer has put in an excellent performance in the European Championships at Windsor.

The Ampney St Peter rider on Mistral Hojris registered a score of 76.64 to give GB a good chance of a team medal.

The 24-year-old said: "I'm relieved. He's probably the most honest horse I've ever ridden and I was desperate for him not to slip up.

"I had a nap beforehand and tried to keep my routine the same. I'm just happy I got it right for the team."

The team medals will be decided by the top three combined scores from each nation, with the Individual and Freestyle Grand Prix events still to come.

Bechtolsheimer added: "All the guys who work in the yard at home are here, and my brothers were watching too so it's a special day.

"Holland are probably going to get the team gold but after that it's between us, Sweden, Germany and Denmark. I've tried not to look at the scores so it'll be a surprise to me."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version