Andretti H is currently ranked 20th in the FEI World Dressage rankings

Laura Bechtolsheimer had a dream warm up to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this month, by winning the National Dressage Championship.

The 25-year-old, from near Cirencester, won on her second horse Andretti H, who set a new personal best of 78.55%.

Bechtolsheimer said: "To win feels absolutely amazing. My mind is already in Kentucky and this horse deserves a completely concentrated rider.

"He doesn't really make mistakes regardless of what I do on top."

Bechtolsheimer's win in the main section crowned a good weekend for Gloucestershire riders at at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, with success in two other categories.

I've met up with the whole team here and everyone is on top form Laura Bechtolsheimer

Charlotte Du Jardin from Newent won the Jeffries Saddlery Prix St. Georges Championship riding Valegro, while Tetbury-based Christian Landolt claimed the Dodson & Horrell Novice Open Championship on-board Don Jovi.

In Kentucky, Becholsheimer will ride her main horse Mistral Hojris, who is known as 'Alf' at home and is currently ranked third in the world, with Andretti H in reserve.

"Alf's (Mistral Hojris) training is going really well, I've met up with the whole team here and everyone is on top form," Bechtolsheimer added.

"The horses travel on Saturday and we follow the day after - we can't wait to get there now."

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