DRESSAGE – 7-Year-Old Horses - Thursday, 16 October 2025 Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel Parc départemental de l’Isle briand - Lion d’Angers
The first day of dressage, dedicated exclusively to the 7-year-old horses, unfolded under bright sunshine. It also marked the debut of the new “short format” dressage tests, now in effect at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel, as well as at the Olympic Games and other major international championships.
Fourth to enter the arena, Tom McEwen (GBR) with Brookfield Danny de Muze posted the first score above 70% (29.2 penalty points). Shortly after, Thomas Carlile (FRA) and Iam du Loir joined the leading pack. In the afternoon, the in-form Belgian rider Lara de Liedekerke, fresh from her victory at Boekelo CCI4*-L with Kiarado d’Arville (the 2023 Mondial du Lion 7-year-old reserve world champion), took the lead with Helios, scoring 28.3 penalties (71.67%). Her performance would not be matched, although Hallie Coon (USA) came close with a fine 28.7 on Boleybawn Olivia (5th among the 6-year-olds last year).
Emily Young-Jamieson (GBR) and La Vita 44 tied for third place in a very tight provisional ranking. Another highlight came from Korntawat Samran, the first-ever Thai rider to represent his country at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel, who placed 12th after this first day with Iwi du Cellier LA (31.4 penalties). While the favorites have lived up to expectations, they remain within a very narrow margin — the top eight are separated by just 1.3 points, including five within a single point.
Of course, the competition is far from over. Tomorrow, dressage will resume at 2:30 p.m. with Laura Collett (GBR) — the newly crowned European Champion — riding the French-bred Cooley Iceage (formerly Ilicante d’Elonie), Britain’s 7-year-old national champion. Before that, the 6-year-olds will begin their World Championship campaign on Friday morning from 8.45am.