The dressage team competition got underway today with the first two riders for each national team riding their Grand Prix test.  It looks as if the judges are scoring somewhat conservatively with only four riders breaking the 70% barrier, but many of the big scoring horse/rider combinations will be performing tomorrow.

So far, The Netherlands are dominating:  Hans Peter Minderhoud and Exquis Nadine topped the leaderboard for most of the competition with a 72.638.  Imke Schellekens-Bartels with Hunter-Douglas Sunrise then moved into the top spot with 73.447.  German rider Christoph Koschel, riding later in today's order of go, moved into the second slot with 73.638 on Donnperignon.

Koschel's team-mate, Anabel Balkenhol, riding the young and very talented Dablino, scored a very respectable 67.702% for twelfth place currently.  

The British team got off to a good start with Fiona Bigwood breaking the 70 point barrier on Wie-Atlantico de Ymas to move into 4th position.  Her team-mate, Maria Eilberg also scored in the top ten, riding Two Sox for 68.213.

Canada's Belinda Trussell and Anton earned a solid score of 69.021% for seventh position while team-mate Victoria Winter earned a 66.681 for 15th - the Canadian team is truly placed well for a strong finish.

Leading off for the U.S., Todd Fletrich and Otto scored just behind Winter in 16th with a 66.553.   Katherine Bateson-Chandler, riding last in the order, achieved a fifth place finish with a score of 69.617 just off the leaders with her recently acquired Nartan, truly a remarkable achievement for such a new partnership.  

For complete results, check www.alltechfeigames.com.