The first five riders into the dressage arena for the FEI Eventing Championship U25 at Millstreet, presented by Connollys RED MILLS, give their reactions.

Tom Bird (Lenny, GBR*), score 38.3

‘Lenny is a young horse (9), but she has been moving up through the grades quite quickly. She’s just not quite strong enough to hold herself, but this is a personal best by three marks. It is a proper championship cross-country track out there, but I am quite happy to be going first and will do my best to bring back good information for the team.’

Lenny is a Czech-bred warmblood, found for Tom by agent Ross Miller from the Czech Republic.

Quidley Kellermann (Blakeneys Cruise, USA*), 33.6

‘It’s really special to be here. I’m still only 20, and I’m riding a 9-year-old, so this is a valuable experience for my future. I’ve had a lot of support along the way, from my family and from Kevin and Emma McNab [Australian riders she is based with in England]. I’m living the European dream.’

Faustin Fourreau (Danaos de Gece, FRA*), 35.4

‘Millstreet is a perfect place to complete. People are really kind here, especially this guy in the stable in Blue Gate. It was decided to put me first to go for the team after the vet check and I don’t have any problem with that. I was already so happy to be here in the championships and I know that we will not win the dressage but we are ready for the cross-country.’

Jennifer Kuehnle (Sammy Davis Junior, IRL*), 29.2

‘It’s really exciting to be at a championship in our home country. I am used to being the anchorwoman so being pathfinder is a first for me, but I am delighted with my test. I have been with this horse for a very long time and we know each other well. He is a monkey in the stable – he loves attention. He has been fourth twice in a championship [once with partner Cathal Daniels] so it would be lovely to go one better here.’