The first day of dressage for the FEI WBFSH World Young Horse Championships at Le Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel in France on Thursday was dedicated to the 7-year-old horses. It also marked the debut of the new “short format” dressage tests, now in effect at Mondial du Lion, as well as at the Olympic Games and other major international Championships.
In the afternoon, the in-form Belgian rider Lara de Liedekerke, fresh from her victory at Boekelo CCI4*-L with Kiarado d’Arville (the 2023 Mondial du Lion 7-year-old reserve world champion), took the lead with Helios, scoring 28.3 penalties. Her performance would not be matched, although Hallie Coon (USA) came close with a score of 28.7 riding Boleybawn Olivia (5th in the 6-Year-Old Championship last year).
Britain’s Emily Young-Jamieson (GBR) and La Vita 44 tied for third place in a very tight provisional ranking with Tom McEwen (GBR) riding Brookfield Danny de Muze and Thomas Carlile (FRA) riding Iam du Loir.
Another highlight came from Korntawat Samran, the first-ever Thai rider to represent his country at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel, who placed 12th after this first day with Iwi du Cellier LA (31.4 penalties).
While the favourites have lived up to expectations, they remain within a very narrow margin — the top eight are separated by just 1.3 points, including five within a single point.
Australia had several combinations in the arena today with Kevin McNab riding RF Chanel currently the best placed, sitting in equal 6th place (29.9). Ellie Fredericks, flying her new flag for Australia, is in 16th place (32.1) on Upper Class Brit and Sammi Birch is in 29th (34.5) riding Rosa’s Party.
Of course, the competition is far from over. Tomorrow, dressage will resume at 2:30 p.m. with Laura Collett (GBR) — the newly crowned European Champion — riding the French-bred Cooley Iceage (formerly Ilicante d’Elonie), Britain’s 7-year-old national champion.
Before that, the 6-year-olds will begin their World Championship campaign on Friday morning from 8:45 a.m.
