Britain celebrated a triumphant start to the FEI Para Dressage European Championships 2025 in Ermelo, Netherlands, with two bronze medals secured on the opening day of competition. Despite challenging weather conditions with grey skies and rain, British riders Jemima Green and Mari Durward-Akhurst delivered outstanding performances to claim individual bronze medals in their respective grades.
Jemima Green Claims Debut Championship Bronze
Hampshire-based rider Jemima Green made her championship debut one to remember, securing bronze in Grade 2 with her seven-year-old gelding Fantabulous. Scoring an impressive 73.000%, the pair finished third behind Germany’s Heidemarie Dresing (77.276%) and Denmark’s Katrine Kristensen (74.586%).
Green’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of inspirational. A car accident in 2015 left doctors telling her she would be unlikely to ride again, but their verdict only motivated her further. Years of rehabilitation and intensive work on balance and strength not only got her back in the saddle but earned her a coveted place on the British team.
“I’m feeling a lot of joy, and I’m very overwhelmed and surprised – I wasn’t expecting this at our first championship!” said a delighted Green after her test.
The Perfect Partnership
Green spotted Fantabulous as a four-year-old, immediately recognising his star qualities and excellent temperament. Now seven, he’s one of the youngest horses at the championship, making their bronze medal achievement even more remarkable.
“He’s only seven, so it was such a big ask for him to come in there and he really tried for me,” Green explained. “We have such an amazing relationship and it’s just so nice. I’ve had him since he was four and to come out and do that, it’s just amazing.”
The pair’s test was a masterclass in communication and partnership. As the final competitor of seven in Grade 2, Green appeared completely at ease despite the significance of her first championship test. Fantabulous showed excellent rhythm and ground cover throughout, with the judges frequently reaching for their eight button.
Mari Durward-Akhurst Secures Grade 1 Bronze
Buckinghamshire-based Mari Durward-Akhurst added to Britain’s medal tally with bronze in Grade 1, riding Athene Lindebjerg to a score of 75.958%. The pair finished behind Latvia’s Rihards Snikus (78.792%) and Italy’s Sara Morganti (77.417%).
This marks Durward-Akhurst’s second European Championship appearance, having made her senior debut in 2019. Her partnership with ‘The Duchess’, as she lovingly calls Athene Lindebjerg, began in 2023 and has flourished, culminating in Paralympic freestyle bronze at Paris 2024.
“It feels amazing, it was a really good test. She was so forward, which was amazing,” said Mari after her performance. “She’s going the best she’s ever gone – we’re in a different place to Paris now.”
Championship Experience Pays Off
Athene Lindebjerg brings significant championship experience to the partnership, having previously claimed medals at Paralympic and European Championships with former riders. The elegant, leggy mare is owned by Diane Redfern of South Bucks Riding for the Disabled – where Mari rode for therapy purposes as a child – Romilly Hart, and Mari’s father Nick Durward-Akhurst.
“To ride her at another championship is just incredible. She’s just such an incredible mare and my first Europeans was in Rotterdam, so to be back in Holland and to get an individual medal is incredible!” Mari reflected.
Gabriella Blake’s Brave Performance
While not claiming a medal, Wolverhampton-based Gabriella Blake deserves recognition for her resilient performance with Strong Beau in Grade 1. Despite an error of course that cost valuable marks, the pair finished fifth with 72.375%.
Blake, who was part of the bronze medal team at the 2023 European Championships, showed remarkable mental strength to recover from her mistake – a testament to her work with performance psychologist Leonie Lightfoot.
“The test felt absolutely incredible until my little boo-boo,” Blake reflected. “All I wanted to do today was go in and ride a confident test and give him confidence, and I did do that.”
Championship Context and Competition Ahead
The FEI Para Dressage European Championships 2025 are taking place from 3-7 September at the Dutch National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo. Day one featured Grades 1, 2, and 3, with Britain’s three representatives all competing in the Grand Prix A individual tests.
Competition continues with Grades 4 and 5 taking centre stage on day two. Britain has one more representative in Grade 4 – visually impaired rider Nicola Naylor making her championship debut with Humberto L.
Full Day One Results Summary
Grade 1:
- Gold: Rihards Snikus (LAT) and Lord of the Dance, 78.792%
- Silver: Sara Morganti (ITA) and Mariebelle, 77.417%
- Bronze: Mari Durward-Akhurst (GBR) and Athene Lindebjerg, 75.958%
- Fifth: Gabriella Blake (GBR) and Strong Beau, 72.375%
Grade 2:
- Gold: Heidemarie Dresing (GER) and Poesie 143, 77.276%
- Silver: Katrine Kristensen (DEN) and Goerklintgaards Quarter, 74.586%
- Bronze: Jemima Green (GBR) and Fantabulous, 73.000%
Grade 3:
- Gold: Rixt van der Horst (NED) and Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P., 77.100%
- Silver: Tobias Thorning Joergensen (DEN) and Jolene Hill, 76.400%
- Bronze: Tessa Baaijens-van de Vrie (NED) and Happy Grace, 73.000%
Looking Forward
With two bronze medals already secured, the British team has made an excellent start to the championships. The performances of both Green and Durward-Akhurst demonstrate the strength and depth of British para dressage, with inspirational stories of determination and partnership at the heart of their success.
Competition continues throughout the week, with team events and freestyle tests still to come. British fans will be hoping for more medal success as the championships progress.
