Leading German pony rider Katharina Winkelhues confirmed her pre championship form when winning the preliminary dressage competition on the opening day [Wednesday 23rd July 2003] of the Pony European Championships in Necarne Castle, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Riding Dressman 16 she scored 74.89% to secure the top slot ahead of team mate Patricia Hohn on Konrad 15 who slotted into second place on a score of 73.41%.

Dutch rider Marrigje Van Baalen and Power and Paint placed 3rd on 71.48%

The leading British rider is Lorna Edmonds lying in 6th place with Manitu N on a score of 68.67%.

Irish rider Audrey Hickey on Ronald David scored 58.81% to place 31st just ahead of fellow team member Kathryn Moore and Chestons Promise who scored 56.81% to place 32nd. Melanie Mackey and Cairnearl Blue Falcon are lying in 35th place on a score of 53.85%.

Today [Thursday 24th July 2003] is a rest day in the dressage competition at the pony europeans. The team competition takes place tomorrow [Friday 25th July 2003] and the individual final will take place in the walled garden on Saturday 26th July 2003.

Meanwhile yesterday [Wednesday 23rd July 2003]at the European Junior Dressage Championships in Saumur Dutch rider Angela van der Berg riding Mix won the preliminary class on a score of 70.22%. There are no Irish riders competing in the junior championships this year

The young riders team competition takes place today [Thursday 24th July 2003] and tomorrow [Friday 25th July 2003] in Saumur. The three riders on the Irish young riders dressage team are Kate Dwyer (Montana Bay), Christiana Manoras (Kanjo) and Laragh Hamilton (Claggan Roxy Music).

RESULT

PONY EUROPEANS - DRESSAGE - PRELIMINARY COMPETITION - 23RD JULY 2003

NECARNE CASTLE, NORTHERN IRELAND

1. Dressman 16 Katharina Winkelhues GER 74.89%
2. Konrad 15 Patricia Hohn GER 73.41%
3. Power and Paint Marrigje van Baalen NED 71.48%

OTHER SELECTED SCORES
6. Manitu N Lorna Edmonds GBR 68.67%
17 Carnegie Sinalco Amber De Savary GBR 65.19%
19 Bjurmen's Wytse Georgina Somerset GBR 65.04%

IRISH SCORES
31. Ronald David Audrey Hickey IRL 58.81%
32. Cheston's Promise Kathryn Moore IRL 56.81%
35. Cairnearl Blue Falcon Melanie Mackey IRL 53.85%

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