The orange wave that has hit European horsesport made itself today at the 2007 FEI European Dressage Championship in La Mandria. After 42 years of unchallenged reign and 21 European team titles for Germany, The Netherlands were crowned the 2004 European Dressage Champions on a total score of 222.083. Hans Peter Minderhoud / Exquis Nadine (70.458); Laurens Van Lieren / Hexagon’s Ollright (68.542 – drop score); Imke Schellekens-Bartels / Hunter Douglas Sunrise (74.167); and, of course, Anky Van Grunsven / Keltec Salinero (77.458 ) made history today.

 “We are so proud,” Anky said. “I have all sorts of medals but this is the first team gold for me. I am very happy.” The Dutch team had believed victory was within their reach even before leaving for La Mandria. The first team member Hans Peter Minderhoud, for whom this is also a first on the national team, had done a good job by laying a solid foundation which was gradually confirmed by the other riders. Anky’s apotheosis first thing in the morning of the second day allowed for more ambitious thoughts, which was confirmed by Imke Schellekens-Bartels, who performed today one of her finest Grand Prix.

The silver goes to team Germany who, having scored only 1.291 points less than the European Champions, finish on 220.792. Monica Theodorescu / Whisper 128 (69.708 – drop score); Ellen Schulten-Baumer / Donatha S (71.667); Nadine Capellmann / Elvis VA (72.417); and Isabell Werth / Satchmo 78 (76.708) performed like true champions and not so much lost the gold as proudly won the silver. Isabell Werth congratulated the winners like the true champion that she is. “This is good for the sport but only this once,” she said smiling. Much had laid on her shoulders today since she was the very last rider of the day. “Satchmo was great and victory was still possible, but after the first half-pass was marked with a four instead of the nine I had hoped for, things were clear. Still I’m very happy.”

And the bronze goes to Sweden (208). Per Sangaard / Orient (66.583 – drop score); Louise Nathhorst / Isidor (67.750); Tinne Wilhelmsson-Silfven / Solos Carex (71.042); and Jan Brink / Bjorsells Briar 899 (69.208) performed as a true team and the victory is the result of the collective effort. The other good news for the Swedish team is the Olympic qualification they earned today.

The other teams, who qualified for Hong Kong today, are Switzerland and Great Britain, who finished in fourth (total score 205.333) and fifth (205.042) place respectively. Ten National Olympic Committees will be qualified to take part with a team consisting of a maximum of 3 riders and 3 horses in the 2008 Olympic Games. The teams qualified so far are: Germany, The Netherlands, USA, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain, Canada and Brazil.

Action will resume tomorrow with the Grand Prix Special where the 30 best riders from the Grand Prix will participate.

The full results are available onhttp://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/266/266zeitplanDEU.htm

The final and perhaps less cheerful note should go to Monica Theodorescu’s father George, one of the world’s most renowned Dressage trainers who coached his daughter to three Olympic team gold medals, who recently passed away at age 81. Ciao George…