Para World Championships final selection trial

Michelle Crunkhorn, 25, had the highest score, 73.55%, riding No Limit at the final selection trial for the Para World Championships — despite riding at the toughest level, grade 4.

Anne Dunham filled second and third spots respectively overall, and first and second in her section, grade 1a, which is for riders with the most severe disabilities. Anne, who has multiple sclerosis, rode her World gold medallist, Astrid Hargreaves’ BB Call Me Caine, for the win, just beating herself on her own Teddy Edwards.

Debbie Criddle produced a flowing, mistake-free test for 71.6% to take the grade III riding Figaro. Debbie lost her right arm and some use of her leg following a motorbike accident in 1985. Simon Laurens was second on Ocean Diamond.

Newcomer Felicity Coulthard took the grade II on Rofelaar with 71.67%. Lee Pearson, having retired his Athens triple gold medallist Blue Circle Boy, won the grade 1b with 70.3% on former broodmare Romanze In Dur.

Read this report in full in today’s Horse & Hound (7 June, ’07)

Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.