Auffarth demonstrated the same skills that saw her win six championship medals, including the world title in France last year, to claim pole position.

She was mistake free to earn the pair a mark of 31.4 points, leaving them 0.3 ahead of yesterday's leaders, Britain's Holly Woodhead and her ride DHI Lupison.

“He was perfect and relaxed, and he really enjoyed the test,” said Auffarth.

"When I was trotting round the arena and the commentator introduced me as the world champion, I did think, ‘That’s nice, that’s me'".

Another German sits in third spot, Michael Jung on his ride fischerTakinou.

His country's combined efforts have seen Germany go top of the team standings as well, leap-frogging hosts Britain.

Meanwhile, the hosts' Pippa Funnell was pleased with her score of 41 aboard the relatively inexperienced Sandman 7.

Two costly mistakes – a break to canter in the first shoulder-in canter, and an impromptu flying change before the final – prevented her from breaking into the 30s and she finds herself 19th.

“There's a lot out there for a young horse to take in and he just went a little bit shy on me in the arena," she said.

"I could feel he was a bit nervous, but he was trying very hard and I think his performance shows the quality of horse he is."

Third man out for France, Thomas Carlisle, posted a score of 43.2 with Sirocco du Gers.

“It’s not a mark that’s going to win me an individual medal, but hopefully it’s a solid team score,” he said, with his country third.

The cross-country is due to begin at the Perthshire venue tomorrow. 



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