Equestrian: Two Kiwis in contention at Luhmuhlen

Rider Lizzie Brown. Photo / Wayne Drought.

Two New Zealanders, largely unheralded on the international stage, sit third and fourth at the halfway mark of the dressage stage at the four star Luhmuhlen event in Germany.

Jesse Campbell and Lizzie Brown produced top class tests to be ideally placed for a strong weekend at the event won last year by fellow New Zealand rider Tim Price.

Campbell, on 12-year-old Kaapachino, managed a score of 36.8 penalty points, just behind leader Julien Despotin of Belgium on Waldano, with 31.9 points, and star German Michael Jung on La Biosthetique Sam on 34.2.

Brown, riding Henton Attorney General, had a score of 38.2. Fifteen of the 38-strong field completed their dressage today, with the rest of the field to enter the ring late tonight.

"He is such an incredible little horse who always tries so hard for me," said Campbell of Kaapachino. "I'm so lucky to have him."

World No 5 Jonelle Price is leading the three star discipline on 36.8 points with her mount Cloud Dancer, while husband Tim Price on The Court Jester are fourth on 48.6.

"He behaved impeccably and didn't put a foot wrong," Jonelle Price said. "He has never done this test without any mistakes before, so I am super proud. He is a great mover and I am over the moon with his performance."

Twelve of the 28 competitors in the three star have completed their dressage.

Other New Zealanders in four star action today were Annabel Wigley on Frog Rock who sit in 12th on 52.9, and Fraser King, who is riding for The Netherlands, on Nadal who sit on 66.3.

New Zealand heavy hitters Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson start their bid tonight, while both Prices and former world champion Blyth Tait are also entered in the four star.