PARA POWER

THE pressure was on Julie Payne — her new ride, Athene Lindebjerg (right), was unbeaten internationally under Sophie Christiansen, including taking gold at the Rio Paralympics. But the pair rose to the occasion and won all three of their grade I tests.

“I’ve only ridden her about a dozen times in total, but it is such an honour,” said Julie, who is aiming for European Championship selection with Diane Redfern’s 10-year-old Gribaldi mare. “She’s the kindest horse, but she can be lazier than she looks. I feel as though we are beginning to cement our partnership.”

Natasha Adkinson topped all three grade II tests with well over 70% on the San Remo nine-year-old Sweet Caledonia. It was a comeback for Natasha, who has a lot of time off with illness this year.

“I was quite nervous before my first test, but the horse loves being back out and she supported me all the way,” she said. “I’ve had ‘Cally’ since she was six weeks old, and I’m incredibly proud of her.”

Sophie Wells is Natasha’s trainer and support rider, and she cruised to victory herself at grade V on C Fatal Attraction, with 80.55% in the freestyle. Sophie’s former ride Pinnochio won the team test and individual grade IV with Izzy Palmer, but had to settle for third behind Nicky Greenhill and Gregorian Chant in the freestyle.

Susanne Hext claimed all three grade III tests on Abira.