The Danish equestrian federation and Danish team trainer Rudolf Zeilinger have announced the team that will represent Denmark at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France on 25 - 29 August 2014. Denmark called back Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein's 17-year old Digby from team retirement in order to have a team strong enough for their attempt to secure Rio Olympic qualification.
Denmark struggled this year with the fitness of several of its top combinations. Shooting star Nanna Skodborg Merrald's Millibar injured himself at the 2014 World Cup Finals and is out for the larger part of the year. Andreas Helgstrand and Akeem Foldager were not up for team contention after the negative publicity in the media and team short listed member Lone Bang Larsen and Fitou E had to withdraw on the brink of team announcenment due to fitness issues.
The Danish WEG includes:
- Anna Kasprzak - Donnperignon
- Lars Petersen - Mariett
- Mikala Münther Gundersen - My Lady
- Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein - Digby
Anders Dahl and Wie Atlantico are the team reserve combination.
"It will be very exciting at the World Equestrian Games," said team captain Kimi Nielsen. "We're trying for a top five place in the team ranking, but the competition is strong. Dressage is a sport in which anything can happen. However we are happy and sure that the Danish team will give it their best."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2014 World Equestrian Games