Tuesday April 29, 2003

2003 European Dressage Championships: Preview

The 2003 European Dressage Championships are coming up in Hickstead, Great Britain, August 13 to 17, 2003. So make sure that you have your calenders marked for this exclusive dressage extravaganza.

The Event
Hosting the European Dressage Championships in Britain is a great achievement for the Hickstead Team. It is also a unique opportunity for British dressage enthusiasts to witness the cream of world-class dressage on home soil. The event is considered an “open” Championship, allowing entries from around the globe and also providing the last opportunity for nations to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This major sporting event will attract a large number of spectators from Europe as well as a strong home crowd.

The Riders
In the region of 20 nations are expected to send team and individual competitors to contest the coveted European title. Reigning champion, Ulla Salzegeber (GER), plans to defend her title with Rusty, who she described as being on top form following his recent World Cup win. Current Olympic Champion, Anky van Grunsven (NED) is also expected to challenge for the title and Nadine Capellmann and Farbenfroh (GER) will be a strong contenders following their World Championship win in Jerez. The British team of 4 will be chosen from a pool of top riders including those currently on the World Class Performance Plan. Riders in with a chance of making the team include Richard Davison, Emile Faurie, Nicky Barrett, Laura Richardson, Nicola McGivern, Sandy Phillips, Carl Hester and Fiona Bigwood.

Horsesdaily "On the Scene" at the 2003 European Dressage Championships