By Gary Anderson

Lee Pearson claimed another gold at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy ©AFP/Getty ImagesLee Pearson sealed his third Para-dressage gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy as the Briton topped the podium in the Grade 1b individual freestyle event on board Zion.


After picking up individual test and team golds earlier in the week, the 40-year-old scored 80.050 per cent to once again see off the challenge of London 2012 champion Pepo Puch of Austria on Fine Feelings S and Dutchwoman Nicole Den Dulk and her mount Wallace who claimed silver and bronze.

"It's been an amazing competition for me," said the 10-time Paralympic gold medallist.

"I've trusted this horse for years and this week he has proven me right.

"He's been through a lot over the last five years and I'm over the moon.

"I don't think he could have gone any better today."

FEI President HRH Princess Haya congratulates Lee Pearson on winning his third gold medal in Normandy ©FEI/Leanjo de KosterFEI President HRH Princess Haya congratulates Lee Pearson on winning his third gold medal in Normandy ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster



At the other end of the experience scale, The Netherlands' Rixt van der Horst continues to impress on her major international debut as she bagged a second gold of the Games.

The 22-year-old won the Grade II individual test yesterday and added freestyle gold to her collection today with a score of 76.350 per cent on Uniek.

"It's what I've dreamed of," said the Dutchwoman.

"I tried to relax and enjoy it because I had nothing to lose.

"Maybe tomorrow I will realise I am double world champion."

Canada's Lauren Barwick took silver while van der Horst was joined on the podium by compatriot Demi Vermeulen who claimed bronze.

There was further Dutch success in the Grade III class as Sanne Voets reversed the result from the individual test competition as her and mount Vedet PB beat Germany's Hannelore Brenner on Woman of the World to gold.

Denmark's Annika Lykke Risum won bronze on board Aros A Fenris.

"It's amazing," said Voets.

"I can't believe it yet - this is big.

"It's the reward for a lot of hard work.

"The partnership me and my horse have is very special.

"He gave it everything and was there for me.

"We did this together."

German Hannelore Brenner had to settle for second behind The Netherlands' Sanne Voets today ©FEI/Jon StroudGerman Hannelore Brenner had to settle for silver behind The Netherlands' Sanne Voets ©FEI/Jon Stroud



The Netherlands was represented on the podium again in the form of Grade IV bronze medal winner Frank Hosmar on Alphaville N.O.P.

Belgium's Michèle George rode FBW Rainman to victory ahead of Britain's Sophie Wells.

Britain had to settle for its second silver of the day as Paralympic champion Sophie Christiansen and Janeiro 6 could not match the score of Italian Sara Morganti with Royal Delight as she registered 78.800 per cent to take gold with Germany's Elke Philipp on board Regaliz taking bronze.

"This is a dream come true," said Morganti.

"Royal Delight was beautiful today.

"She was on the music and did everything she could.

"I hoped and worked for a medal, and I dreamed of gold."

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