Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris made their mark in Germany at the 2010 Lingen CDI4* winning the Grand Prix Special on Sunday with 79.46 per cent, more than two points higher than Germany’s own Isabell Werth and Satchmo 78 on 77.21 per cent, say British Dressage.

The high mark capped off a full weekend for Bechtolsheimer who enjoyed equal success on both GP mounts Mistral Hojris and Andretti H – winning the GP special on Alf with 76.89 per cent. With Andretti, Laura took the GP on 71.66 per cent and finished a close second on 76.15 per cent in the Freestyle to Canada’s Ashley Holzer and Pop Art on 76.30 per cent.

Laura, who’s recently been out of action recovering from surgery, was understandably happy with the result. “I’m so pleased with the weekend, I haven’t been out competing in a couple months and Alf hasn’t been out since January, so to come back with such a solid performance from both horses is really reassuring and motivating for the rest of the season. It was so warm in Lingen and was a great way to prepare for summer competition.”

“Andy performed really well in the Grand Prix and helped get me back in the swing of things. Alf had more of a rough start as I think some sweat got in his ear and he started to shake his head quite violently before the test. I thought it was game over, but luckily he got his concentration back and went on to win the class. However it wasn’t until the next day in the Special that he really came into his own and a despite a mistake in his one tempi changes he felt amazing — better than he did in Windsor!”

Fellow Brit Emile Faurie also contested the GP and Special, improving from eleventh place in the GP on 68.43 per cent with his own Elmegardens Marquis to place ninth in the Special on 69.75 per cent. The 11-year-old gelding is by Michelino— the same sire as Mistral Hojris. The combination only recorded their first GP results together in March of this year and are showing promising form at only their second international show.