The British team scored 456.024 points to take the overall team crown with The Netherlands on 436.941 and Germany on 432.510 to ensure they will be in Rio in two years' time.

Five-time Paralympic champion Sophie Christiansen helped contribute to Britain's success by claiming the Grade 1a individual gold on board Janeiro 6.

The 26-year-old bounced back from a disappointing bronze in the Grade 1a team event on Tuesday (August 26) with a score of 77.565 per cent, which was enough to take the win ahead of Italy's Sara Morganti, riding Royal Delight and Singapore's Laurentia Tan, on Ruben James 2.

"I feel amazing," said Christiansen.

"I teared up a bit in the national anthem.

"Today meant a lot to me because I had to come back and fight for the gold medal in a way that I haven't done recently at least.

"It made it all a bit more special."

The Netherlands' Rixt van der Horst was also crying tears of joy as she picked up gold in the Grade II individual test.

Riding Uniek, she scored 72.457 per cent to beat silver medallist Natasha Baker of Britain on board Cabral, with bronze going to Canada's Lauren Barwick, riding Off to Paris.

"I'm very happy that we did it all," said van der Horst, competing at her first major international competition.

"I hoped to get a medal because that was possible, but I never expected gold.

"I can't believe it.

"Now I have individual gold I'm going to really enjoy the freestyle."

Rixt van der Horst claimed World Championship gold in Normandy in what was her first major international competition ©AFP/Getty Images




Belgium's double London 2012 gold medallist Michele George won the Grade IV individual competition on board FBW Rainman with a score of 74.881 per cent.

That was enough to see her beat off competition from Britain's defending champion Sophie Wells, who had to settle for silver on board Valerius ahead of bronze medal winner Frank Hosmar of The Netherlands, riding Alphaville N.O.P.

Tomorrow will see the last Para-dressage action of the World Equestrian Games take place as medals will be decided across all grades in the freestyle competition.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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