Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia dazzle in Rio

Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia have gone into third place in the Grand Prix dressage in Rio.

The British pair, who are making their Olympic debut, impressed the judges, collecting a scattering of 9s for their trot work and passage.

Originally awarded 77.343 to take the lead, their score was later adjusted to 77.157%, putting them into third place behind German riders Dorothee Schneider, the overnight leader, and Sonke Rothenberger in second.

“I love that horse, I was very emotional afterwards and had to go and give her a big hug because of how good she was,” said Fiona afterwards. “Everyone’s here, I’ve got my mother-in-law and my mum here looking after the kids; for them to be here living and seeing it is fantastic.”

The British rider competes wearing an eye patch, after a riding fall two years ago damaged her eyesight.

“In the warm-up I can’t see to the right so I get nervous. It took some time to adjust, but I’m used to it now and this mare is wonderful, I wouldn’t be here riding any other horse,” she added.

Dorothee Schneider was the first rider to break the magic 80% barrier, scoring 80.986 with Showtime FRH.

“I have this horse since he was three and at the beginning of this year he turned a corner and he said ‘I am here!'” said the German rider. “The feeling you get with him is amazing outside in the warm-up, and then when you come into the arena he says ‘I want to do this with you’ and he goes in a light way. It’s easy, you don’t have to use pressure, although in the left pirouette there was a little misunderstanding today, but I’m very happy.”

After a strong start earlier today by Spencer Wilton, the Brits hold team bronze at this stage.

The Grand Prix action continues tomorrow, with Carl Hester competing at 3.27pm and Charlotte Dujardin at 6.24pm BST.

Fiona Bigwood (GBR) & Orthilia -(c) Jon Stroud Media/BEF Photos