TOKYO is playing out to be the closest Games in history for a blistering 25th anniversary year of dressage at the Paralympics.Britain’s golden grip on the sport has eased in recent Games, as the balance of power shifts with the growing strength in depth of talent and horses in other nations.
We know the Netherlands are strong – it was the Dutch that ended the British team’s unbeaten streak at the senior championships at the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG), followed up by a second victory at the 2019 Europeans. Three combinations that were on those gold medal-winning teams are on the Netherlands’ Tokyo squad.
But the Dutch are not alone, as Britain faces a multi-pronged challenge from a number of nations, each hungry for Paralympic golden glory. A total of 78 competitors from 27 nations, including 16 teams, will be chasing medals.
The US is tipped to set a new world order, spearheaded by multiple record-breakers Roxanne Trunnell and Dolton. The world number one is joined by a strong squad, under the guidance of coach Michel Assouline, who led Britain to victory for 12 years before his move to the US in 2017.
Denne historien er fra August 19, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 19, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions