Lee and Natasha set up Team GB for team music success

Sir Lee Pearson and Breezer © BEF / Jon Stroud Media

Today marked the first round of the team dressage to music competition, and GB’s first two riders Sir Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker certainly didn’t disappoint

Dressage to music might be a little different in the Paralympics, but with great tracks and some gorgeous tests, it was no less fun to watch. With Grade I, II and III riders entering the ring today, GB’s Sir Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker took to the stage to pull two fantastic tests out of the bag and leave the team in a great position going into tomorrow, where remaining team member Sophie Wells will take on the challenge.

Individual gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson and his horse, Breezer, scored a whopping 77.636%, leaving him in a brilliant position not far behind Roxanne Trunnell and Dolton, who had the highest score of the day with an extraordinary 80.321%. Their test was fluid and harmonious, a pleasing picture for the judges who are looking for a rhythmical and consistent test. Lee uses one whip, rather than two, and his voice to encourage Breezer through the test. With his score up, the fate of the GB team overnight sat with Natasha and Keystone Dawn Chorus.

Leaving no doubts about the quality of the GB Paralympic dressage team, Natasha Baker and ‘Lottie’, as she’s known at home, scored 76.618%, giving the team of three a great chance to defend the gold medal they’ve won at every Paralympic Games since 1996! The test was full of activity and spectacular extended trots, as well as fluent leg-yields. Natasha rides without stirrups, because it aids her balance, making her test all the more impressive on the relatively inexperienced Chorus. After the conclusion of Lee and Natasha’s tests, Team GB looks to be edging ever closer to another team gold medal.

With Sophie Wells and Don Cara M to compete tomorrow, it’s all to play for. However, Team GB looks to be in great position on a total score of 154.254 with one rider still to come. In the lead at the moment on a score of 211.699 is Canada, Singapore close behind on 200.792. However, these teams’ riders have all completed so, with GB just 50 points behind and the USA and Denmark following suit on 152.527 and 152.074 respectively, the standings are guaranteed to be tipped on their heads tomorrow.

Lots of today’s teams have only seen one of their riders compete so far, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Australia, with Germany’s Heidemarie Dresing and her mount La Boum 20 scoring a fantastic 72.515% – there’ll be plenty more excitement to come tomorrow!