German rider Naepel Britta won the first equestrian individual championship Grade II gold medal of the Beijing Paralympic Games at the Shatin Equestrian Venue yesterday in Hong Kong.

Britta ranked first out of 18 riders with 71.900 percentage points. Silver went to Barwick Lauren of Canada who scored 68.454 points and Nielsen c.c. of Denmark took bronze with 68.182 points.

South African dressage rider Philippa Johnson, riding Benedict, is applauded during the overall team competition yesterday morning. She later won the individual championship test grade IV gold. [China Daily]

"I'm speechless. It's really a dream come true," said Britta shortly after the competition at a press conference. "I felt awful yesterday because the horse (Cherubin 15) did not do what I wanted, probably the weather was too hot. I tried to analyze this with my team until one o'clock this morning."

Silver medalist Lauren also struggled for words over her eight-year long dream.

"I'm a bit speechless, I need to absorb the goal I've achieved and then keep doing what I'm passionate about," said Lauren. "Four days ago I didn't even think I was competing. I have an amazing team to help my horse (Maile) to get through during the tough times."

Nielsen was also pleased with his third place finish.

"Today was what I'd dreamt of. It's a tremendous effort of a new horse (Rostorn's Hatim-T) and a new coach."

Meanwhile, Peng Yulian of China and Yip Sui Hong of China's Hong Kong made Paralympic Games history yesterday when they stepped out to compete in the Grade II individual championship test in dressage at the Shatin arena.

Applause from the crowd at the Shatin Equestrian Venue greeted the two when they entered the competition arena. It marked the first time China and Hong Kong have sent riders in the dressage events.

Peng placed ninth with 64.545 percentage points while Yip scored 50.545 points finishing 18th.

"I was quite satisfied," Peng told reporters afterwards. "It was an honor to represent China in the Paralympic Games. I just want to do my best in the Games, regardless of the ranking. I have chosen some lively music for the Freestyle on Wednesday."

Yip was also happy with his result.

"The horse and I did our best in the arena. I am satisfied with the performance, no matter how much the score is. We have been working very well," said Yip. "But the spectators in the arena made me a bit excited and also nervous."

Peng and Yip will both compete in the Freestyle tests tomorrow.

Meanwhile, South African rider Johnson Philippa won individual championship grade IV gold.

Norwegian Lubbe Ann Cathrin took silver while Austrian rider Bruce Georgia was in bronze position. Dressage is the only equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games.

Xinhua