(Gloucestershire, Great Britain)-With the most countries ever represented in a Para Equestrian World Championship, Hartpury College in Gloucestershire England welcomed approximately 150 riders to the 2007 Para Dressage World Championships. The teams woke up to torrential rain on the first day of competition, Friday July 20th. Roads into and out of Gloutcestershire and surrounding areas were closed due to flooding and several officials and staff trying to get here spent the night in shelters.

USA team member Barbara Grassmyer, riding her Dutch mare “Mibis” was the first US rider to test out the new four million pound Hartpury College indoor arena. Barbara scored 63.154, riding at grade 3. Rebecca Hart another grade 3 rider soon followed, riding her gelding “Norteassa” bringing in a solid ride of 64.846. With no let up in the rain, Robin Brueckmann braved the elements to compete her grade 4 test in one of Hartpury’s outdoor arenas. Robin and her Hanoverian gelding “Richmond” rode a consistent test and scored 66.357. Due to an injury. US grade 1b rider Lynn Siedmann rode as an individual on a borrowed horse whom she sat on for the first time three days before the competition. Lynn’s experience and tactful riding paid off with a score of 65.765. Former Paralympics rider Keith Newerla rounded off the US team competition on his mount “Avery at Daybreak” Keith rode “Herbie” as he’s fondly known, to a score of 65.294.

Individual competitions are scheduled for Saturday and will be followed by the Freestyle and closing ceremonies on Sunday. FEI President, H.R.H. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein will be in attendance at the closing ceremonies.

For more information please contact Joannie Morris, Communications Manager, High Performance at [email protected].