Host nation, Great Britain Took The Team’s Trophy While Australia And Germany Shines In Individual Events At Sparsholt 2024

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After a very rainy start at Sparsholt, the sun not only shined for the riders giving them great weather to compete in, but also for the host nation at the 2024 Virtus Open Regional Para Dressage Championships, Sparsholt.

The Grade IV Novice B – II1 competition showcased remarkable performances from talented equestrians. Leading the field was Roberto Anguilera from Spain, who secured first place riding Scottie. In second place was Christopher Bradley of Great Britain, riding MBF Harley Rebel, followed by Sarah Sherwood from Australia riding Jack. These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their performances.

In the Grade III Novice A – II2 competition, Jaycen Schlesinger from Germany claimed the top spot riding Nola. Sui Watts of Australia followed closely, securing second place on Apollo. Alejandro Espejo Lanzas from Spain completed the podium, taking third place with Elsa.

The Grade IV Novice B – II3 competition saw Chloe Bush from Great Britain emerge victorious on Bashford Black Prince. Australia’s Bel Dabic earned the second-place position riding Tommy, while fellow Australian Phoebe Roche took third place with Eddie.

In teams, Great Britain topped the podium with 205.42% points, followed by Australia with 194.37%  and Germany with 193.40%.

Sparsholt 2024 riders with delegates. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport

Great Britain’s head coach, Sarah Moreland was thrilled by the results of her riders.

“Absolutely delighted with the whole of the GB team. They’ve done amazingly well they’ve excelled and I am feeling quite emotional talking about it. It’s very special. Each rider has really dug deep, they’ve all faced different challenges, and they tried to get the horses ready. Coping with the horses’ challenges and behaviours and that’s difficult for these riders.”
While it’s the second live competition for Christopher and Georgina, it was the first live competition for Chloe, the newest member of team Great Britain. 
 “This is her first live competition and going in internationally with three judges, that’s a big ask. So, you know, managing nerves and performance. It’s a real team spirit and for each athlete coming together as a team is quite difficult for their own personal, personal challenges. And yet through the horses they’ve all come together and supported each other.”

In Grade IV Intermediate A II1, Georgina Maton (GBR) riding on Desperaux won the gold, Sarah Sherwood (AUS) riding Jack secured silver and Roberto Anguilera (ESP) settled for bronze.

In the Grade III Intermediate – II2 competition, Jaycen Schlesinger from Germany claimed the top spot riding Nola. Alejandro Espejo Lanzas from Spain riding Elsa secured second place and Sui Watts of Australia followed closely, completing the podium on Apollo.

In the Grade IV Intermediate A – II3 competition, Chloe Bush (GBR) riding Bashford Black Prince won the title, followed by Bel Dabic (AUS) riding Tommy and Phoebe Roche (AUS) riding Eddie settled for third place.

Ben Waterhouse, British Dressage Chief Operating Officer was delighted to see so many foreign and national athletes at the very first UK-hosted Virtus Equestrian competition.

“We cannot wait to see all of these athletes returning to the UK to compete soon as well as seeing them in our Virtus classes through British Dressage”

Full results will be available on the website soon.