SPOILER ALERT!!! STUNNING UPSET IN TEAM DRESSAGE!!!! [View all]
For 40+ years the Germans, Dutch and Swiss have dominated international dressage competition.
This year, led by a 27 year old woman on a young horse, Valegro, who is owned by her coach, the British have broken the stranglehold the Germans had on Olympic gold. Her coach, Carl Hester on Uthopia, placed 3rd in this mornings Grand Prix Special.
In London...just frosting on the cake! 
In 2 days the top placing horse/rider teams will advance to the individual competition in the musical freestyle. This is where they perform the Grand Prix movements choreographed in timing with music, in a ballet-like presentation that demonstrates the precision of timing, balance, and complete synchronization of horse and rider partners.
In other news, Rafalca trailed the 7th placing US team, coming in 28th out of 32 and will not advance to the individual finals. Stefan Peters and Ravel appear to be the only US partners advancing to the finals.
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