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The European Dressage Championships, held every two years, see riders from 23 countries compete in the equestrian discipline of dressage.

This year the competition is taking place in Hagen, Germany.

On the first two days the Grand Prix determines the winners of the team medals.

All riders also aim to qualify for one of the 30 starting places in the second round, the Grand Prix Special, where the first individual medals are decided.

Only the top 15 combinations proceed to the Grand Prix Freestyle for the final individual title decision. But if all four athletes from one nation are in the top 15, only three athletes may participate.

The Freestyle sees combinations ride a floorplan set to music of their choice, based on a list of required movements, with additional marks given for artistic merit and degree of difficulty.

No scores are carried forward from the Grand Prix Special and the highest percentage takes the title.

Charlotte Dujardin riding Gio, Charlotte Fry riding Everdale and Carl Hester riding En Vogue, finished 4th, 5th and 6th respectively in the Grand Prix Special so will all be hoping they can claim gold.

Gareth Hughes, riding Sintano van Hof Olympia, finished 15th in the last qualifying spot, but as only three riders from one country can go through, unfortunately he misses out.

Outside our three British riders, the favourites have to be the three medallists from the Grand Prix Special – Gold medallist Jessica von Bredow-Werndl from Germany, her compatriot, silver medallist Isabell Werth and Cathrine Dufour from Denmark, who won bronze. It’s sure to be an exciting event!

´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer

Coverage of the European Dressage Championships will be available live on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport website and app.

All of the action will be available as catch-up for 30 days too.

The Grand Prix Freestyle is live on Saturday 11 September 11:50 – 15:15 on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Red Button, ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport website.

There will also be live coverage of the European Eventing Championships on 25 & 26 September.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport

Have you been inspired by Team GB’s Ben Maher’s thrilling gold medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics? Or are you looking for a new, unique way to get fit?

Whether you’re an adrenaline junky or someone looking to relax and relieve stress, horse riding may be perfect for you.

The strong bond that riders share with their horses means there are mental benefits, while riding the horse strengthens leg, bum and stomach muscles.

It’s also one of the few sports where women and men compete equally.

Head this way to find clubs near you, as well as competitions that suit your level, whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced rider.