As Day II of Team Dressage Grand Prix wrapped up, six countries are in a tight race for the medals.  Germany leads with Great Britain holding the second spot and USA in third ahead of the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. Tomorrow’s scores for the Special will be averaged with the Grand Prix scores for the final Team standings. The best three scores from each team count, allowing one drop score.

There were higher scores today but no ride as heartwarming to me as Steffen Peters and Legolas.  They gave it all they had and looked to be foot perfect as Legs stayed relaxed through the test without losing any brilliance.  Steffen later said it was the test he had always dreamed of having at the Olympic Games.

Stephen Peters 2 C

Laura Graves and Verdades were also a true joy to watch showing the world they deserve to be in the top 5.  Desperados and Kristina Broring-Sprehe of Germany are number 1 in the world rankings and look to be a sure shot for an Individual medal.  But Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin ruled the day, finishing almost 3 points ahead of everyone.  “Blueberry” is coming off a long hiatus from competition and looked fresh and ready to win!

The finals of Team Dressage will be broadcast on MSNBC at 4:00PM ET Friday, 8/12.