Laura Bechtolsheimer, 24, and Mistral Hojris have moved up to third place in the FEI World Individual Dressage Rankings, H&C has learned.

British Dressage say that the partnership of Bechtolsheimer and the charismatic 15-year-old Michellino gelding has gone from strength to strength and this position reflects what a force they now are on the world stage. They were instrumental to the success of the Brits at the European Championships, Windsor, and have continued their great form into 2010, achieving new personal bests and smashing previous British records.

The pair kicked off 2010 with phenomenal scores at Amsterdam CDI-W, where they finished second in both the grand prix and freestyle, hot on the heels of the Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas. They also enjoyed convincing wins at last month’s Lingen CDI4* clinching both the grand prix and grand prix special, ahead of Germany’s Isabell Werth and Satchmo.

“It is really satisfying to find that our performance is consistent enough to creep up the rankings, and to be number three in the world is very confidence building,” said a delighted Bechtolsheimer. “I am absolutely thrilled, pleased with my consistent achievements over the last two seasons and hope to build on it for this year.”

British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond commented: “This is an amazing achievement. Laura has produced some outstanding results which has taken dressage in Britain to the next level. We are now right up there with the best in the world. I am sure every dressage fan in the UK will join me in congratulating Laura and her team.”