2014 World Equestrian Games

It was an early start on the first day of Grand Prix dressage, with the first rider out at 8am. Finland's Stella Hagelstam is pictured aboard her Contendro 1 stallion, 'Chopin III'. They earned 65.500% and are in 14th place half way through the first day of competition.

America's Tina Konyot, also a member of the London 2012 US Team is pictured aboard the impressive Come Back II stallion, 'Calecto V. They earned 69.643% and rest in the top half dozen after the first morning of two days of dressage competition.

Belgium's, Jeroen Devroe rode his 'Eres DL' to score 70.214% to hold fourth place after the first morning of Grand Prix competition.

Maree Tomkinson was the much anticipated first of the Australian team to contest the Grand Prix. Maree and Diamantina were announced and there was a rather dramatic wait of them to appear in the arena. Kath Tomkinson and Lyn Sultana must have been having kittens at this point. Apparently Diamantina did not want to come down the underground tunnel that leads to the arena and Maree had to dismount and lead her. But when they did enter the arena Diamantina certainly put her best foot forward to produce one of her best Grand Prix tests to date.

Diamantine's canter work was as always a highlight.

As always a strong Australian contingent gave Maree and Diamantina a huge cheer at the end of their test, which gave them victory on the applause meter. There are some familiar faces in the crowd including Helen and Peter Heagney.

The smile says it all. Maree and Diamantina after a nightmare lead up to WEG earned 69.30%. Maree was happy with the test and said, 'Daimantina could not have done any more.

Team Australia stands out at the Para dressage.

The Australian contingent accompanied Chelsea Higgins and 'Holstein Park Comedian' by Contango II to the competition arena.

The Australian Para crew including, Australian Chef de Mission, Chris Webb and Para Chef d'Equipe, Sally Francis on deck during the first day of Para Dressage conducted at the Hippodrome Racecourse.

Chelsea Higgins and 'Holstein Park Comedian' during their Grade III Team test.

Australian Grade III Para Dressage rider, Chelsea Higgins acknowledges the applause having completed her test riding , 'Holstein Park Comedian'.

Sadly the skies opened on the first day of competition and it was umbrellas only for these Para Dressage spectators.

Visually impaired Grade III rider, Anne Cecilie Ore from Norway is pictured aboard her Fidertanz gelding during the Grade III Team Test.

Dutch rider, Sanne Voets is pictured aboard her Florestan 1 gelding, 'Vedet PB N.O.P' that took second place with 72.053% in the Grade III Para Dressage Team Test.

Hannelore Brenner from Germany is pictured during the Grade III Para Dressage Team Test riding her Walt Disney mare, 'Women Of The World'. They won the test with a score of 72.47%.

Sadly there is no disabled access under cover at the Para Dressage venue.

There is plenty of walking and wet weather gear is essential.

Italian Team member, Steffan Angelucci sides to a good stop aboard 'AB Captain Badger' during the first round of the Reining Team Championships.

Australian Reining Team member, Shaun Saunders aboard 'Sparkin Tinsel'

Australian Reining Team member, Shaun Saunders is pictured making a good side stop aboard 'Sparkin Tinsel' on their way to eighth place with a score of 217 on the first day of WEG Reining competition. Australia is placed well, as Martin Larcombe holds fourth place after day one with a score of 218.5 riding 'Wimpy's Cute Tune'.

David Marcus from Canada is pictured riding ,'Chrevi's Capital' a Danish Warmblood by Chrevi's Lavalo that scored 70.357% to finish in the top 15 after the first day of the Dressage Grand Prix.

Finland's, Evamaria Porthan-Broddell earned 68.70% riding the Danish Warmblood by Castro, 'Solos Lacan'.

Adrienne Lyle from the USA created a good impression with the handsome Weltmeyer gelding, 'Wizard' that earned 72.20% and holds seventh place after the first day of Grand Prix dressage.

Lyndal Oatley produced a good test for Australia aboard her lovely, 'Sandro Boy' for 70.60% and eleventh place after day one. Australia holds provisional Team fifth place after day one.

Lyndal and her lovely Sandro Hit stallion, 'Sandro Boy' received a rousing cheer from the many Australians in the audience, who were not the least bit daunted by the weather.

Successful Australian Para Equestrian Team Member, Joann Formosa rode her beautiful, 'Worldwide PB' by Weltbuerger to seventh place in the 1BTeam Test with a score of 71.21%.

London Para Olympic Gold Medalist, , Joann Formosa rode her , 'Worldwide PB'

This supporter was certainly making up the numbers at the Para Dressage. No lacking in Team spirit here.

British Para Dressage legend, Lee Pearson won the 1B test riding his Femmingh gelding Zion with a score of 77.96%. Pearson is pictured with successful Danish Para Dressage rider, Stinna Tange Kaastrup who rode her 'Steffi' Graf' to sixth place in the 1B with 71.36%.