(HONG KONG, August 14) -- Defending Team Gold medalists Germany are well placed to retain their Dressage crown after their first rider notched the best Individual score on the opening day of competition at HK Equestrian (Shatin) on Wednesday, August 14.
Germany's Heike Kemmer, a member of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games team that won gold, had a score of 72.25 percent, with her horse Bonaparte showing his best.
The Netherlands, who have already sent out two riders, while Germany and the United States have their best riders yet to come, are in top position with an average score of 70.25 percent.
Emma Hindle from Great Britain, ranked No. 20 in the world, is a surprise second. Her result boosted Great Britain to second in the team standings with an average of 67.250 percent.
The Swedish team, the European championship bronze medalist, is third with an average of 66.583 percent.
Imke Schellekens-Bartels from the Netherlands, ranked No. 4 in the world, is in third place in the Individual standings with 70.875 percent, followed by Courtney King from the United States, fourth with 70.458 percent.
Read more
China's first Dressage competitor, Liu Lina, finished 19th on 60.625 percent.
A rule change since Athens 2004 means that each team now has only three members and every score counts. Twenty-four riders competed in the first session. The remaining 22 riders will compete on Thursday
