Aachen, August 22nd

First anthems for Spain and France
Best Condition Prize for Arabian mare Hifrane du Barthas

The first national anthems have been played: The endurance riders, whose competition opened the FEI World Equestrian Games in seven disciplines, were awarded with their well-deserved medals at lunchtime on Tuesday, in front of 29,500 spectators. The crowd celebrated the new World Champions Miguel Vila Urbach (Spain) and the victorious French team as well as the silver medallists (Individual: Virginie Atger (FRA), Team: Switzerland) and bronze medallists (Individual: Elodie Le Labourier (FRA), Team: Portugal) with standing ovations.

Prior to the prize-giving ceremony, the riders of the best horses were presented to the judges and the veterinarians again to establish the winner of the coveted "Best Condition Award". This award, which is unique to the discipline of endurance, is traditionally presented the day after the competition. The Best Condition Prize was awarded to the eleven-year-old bay Arabian mare, Hifrane du Barthas, who took eighth place in the individual classification under her rider, Pascale Dietsch (France).