The Dressage Deluxe National Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire has kicked off by crowning the first four of seventeen national titles up for grabs. Straight off the back of their success at the Windsor Europeans, team silver medallists Carl Hester and Maria Eilberg were on impressive form, each clinching a title and setting the scene for an exciting four days of competition.

In the Biotal Medium Open Championships, Maria Eilberg and Woodlander Rockstar scored 72.27% to clinch the title.

“He was really good today – the strongest he’s ever felt”, said Maria. “We’ve been doing PSG work at home and I’m finding that now, I need to occupy him more at shows, doing some more difficult movements to get him more submissive and ‘through’. His canter has always been good and now his collection has improved a lot - now it’s a case of being precise and riding extra expression.”

In the Jeffries Saddlery Prix St Georges Championship, H&C favourite Carl Hester and Uthopia scored 72.74% to win the title.

“That was my 47th national title - I’m trying to make it 50 this weekend!” said a delighted Carl. "Uthopia is only eight years old so he needs a little bit of help from me. This was only his fourth PSG so that really shows his rideability and temperament. He’s so elastic and natural and a pleasure to ride."

In the NFU Mutual Intermediaire II, Amy Stovold and MacBrian scored 67.74% to win the title.

“I saw my Mum cry and that made me cry.” said Amy, talking about her reaction to her win. "MacBrian was great today. He felt very strong and a lot more confident than he has been. He can be a little tense but I’ve been having lots of help from my trainer Richard White and can feel a real improvement.”

“I’ve got a great team around me. I owe a lot to Julia and Nick Jacobs, who co-own him with my Mum and also my groom Claire Young - I couldn’t do it without them.”

The competitions continue until Sunday.