Some 15 riders from nine nations competed in grand prix, grand prix special and freestyle over the two-day competition to test all areas of the organisation, including the field of play and training areas, footing, results and timing systems, as well as the back of house facilities, stabling, horse arrival and departure areas, and media services.

British Olympic champion Carl Hester, who acted as foreign rider representative for dressage and also won today's Grand Prix Special with Nip Tuck, praised the set up ahead of the Games, which are due to take place from August 23 to September 7.

"It's going to be brilliant," he said.

"It's absolutely spot-on from a structural perspective.

"The footing is excellent and it will only improve for staying in place between now and the Games so that we can really ride to the maximum.

"It was definitely worth coming here and it should give the riders lots of confidence going into the Games."

Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein was impressed by the footing and stables at the World Equestrian Games dressage test event ©AFP/Getty Images


Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of Denmark, who finished third on both days with Fabienne, was also impressed by the test event.

"I came here with no expectations and have been really positively surprised," she said.

"The footing is really nice, the stables are good and the access is excellent.

"I'm very confident that things are going to work out well here."

Trond Asmyr, the FEI's dressage director, was pleased with the test event and said the sport's world governing body will now examine the details to ensure that any necessary improvement work is done.

Normandy 2014 chief executive Fabien Grobon is looking forward to the remaining test event, with horses from 24 nations arriving tomorrow to take part in four jumping competitions, but is keeping his focus on the Games in August.

"The two days went as expected, and even though we decided not to have spectators for the dressage so that we could test other aspects, we had a great show for the horses," he said.

"Now we need to stay focused for a lot more horses in the jumping and a big crowd coming tomorrow when our goal is to welcome around 24,000 spectators to the venue.

"We've had a lot of very positive feedback so far, but although the test events are a vital part of the process, we must remember this is only a test.

"What really matters is August."

Test events in endurance, eventing and driving were held last August, while technical aspects for the reining, vaulting and Para-equestrian disciplines have also been trialled.

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