High emotions and an elimination: today’s key stories from the European Dressage Championships

The final day of competition is complete at the senior European Dressage Championships at Hagen, in Germany, and the freestyle proved to be a real thriller with moments that moved the crowd and brought goosebumps to those watching on as some of the world’s best competed for a place on the podium.

European Dressage Championships: day four news and results

Olympic champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB rounded off their perfect week of competition, adding a third gold medal to their 2021 Europeans tally.

• Discover why Jessica said her test today was “the best feeling” she has ever had 

Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Gio, gave it everything they had to secure a medal

• Find out what Charlotte had to say following her test with ‘Pumpkin’

Britain’s Lottie Fry, scored yet another personal best with Everdale to some fantastic contemporary music

• Read what Lottie had to say about her impressive test

Carl Hester put on a masterful display of riding with En Vogue, who was particularly fresh today

• Discover why Carl described their performance today as a “good learning curve”

Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour put her Tokyo demons firmly behind her with Bohemian to claim a place on the podium

• Hear what Cathrine had to say about her test and why she described her situation as “unreal”

There was drama towards the start of the freestyle class when one combination were eliminated

• Discover why this pair were not permitted to complete their test

Unfortunately, the podium did not feature Germany’s Isabell Werth for the first time in six years

• Find out more about how the freestyle competition unfolded

Plus, find out who H&H’s rider of the day is – her story might surprise you

• Discover more about a young British rider who has taken a slightly unconventional route to dressage

You may also be interested in…

‘We were really trying for everything today’: Charlotte Dujardin and Gio bring home Europeans freestyle bronze medal

‘The best feeling I’ve ever had’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on her gold medal-winning freestyle – and aiming for the world record

Horse eliminated from freestyle at European Dressage Championships under blood rule

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Gemma Redrup

H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.