The British are off to a good start in their quest to win the FEI Nations Cup for eventing, at the last of the series at Boekelo, but the Aussies have put up the best result so far. Isabella Innes Ker from GB is leading narrowly on Carolyn on 42 penalties, but she isn’t in the British team – she is riding as an individual.
The two Australians, Paul Tapner and Sam Griffiths are second and third on 42.2 and 43.6 respectively, getting the Aussies off to a great start. Their team mates, Samantha Birch and Emma Dougall, ride tomorrow.
Right behind them are two of the British team; Ollie Townend and Flora Harris are fourth and fifth (45.2 and 46.2). Their fierce competitors and the team that could easily overtake their narrow lead in this league are the German, and Ben Leuwer on NZB Port Royal (an ex-Mark Todd horse) is sixth on 46.2 with Anna Siemer on Chloe 21 in 15th spot on 50.6.
The best of the New Zealanders on day one of the dressage was Blyth Tait who is ninth on Xanthus with a score of 47.7. Team mate Dan Jocelyn is further down the field in 29th place on 57.2 with Beaucatcher. As New Zealand has only competed in a few of the Nations Cups they have no chance of winning the series, but of course we hope they get a good result.
The rest of the Kiwis (Megan Heath, Jesse Campbell, Blyth on Leo Distinction, and Sir Mark Todd) ride on the second day.
