German rider Naepel Britta won the first Para-Equestrian Individual Championship Grade II gold medal at the Shatin Equestrian Venue on Monday.

Britta ranked first out of 18 riders with 71.900 percentage points. Silver went to Barwick Lauren of Canada who scored 68.454 points and Nielsen c.c. of Denmark took Bronze with 68.182 points.

In a press conference after the competition, Gold medalist Naepel Britta said "I'm speechless. It's really a dream come true. I felt awful yesterday because the horse (CHERUBIN 15) did not do what I wanted, probably the weather was too hot. I tried to analyze this with my team until one o'clock this morning."

Silver medalist Barwick Lauren said "It's been a dream and a goal of mine for the past eight years. I'm a bit speechless, I need to absorb the goal I've achieved and then keep doing what I'm passionate about."

"Four days ago I didn't even think I was competing. I have an amazing team to help my horse (MAILE) to get through during the tough times", she said.

Nielsen c.c. of Denmark , who won Bronze for her country, said "I'm very happy. Today was what I'd dreamt of. It's a tremendous effort of a new horse (ROSTORN'S HATIM-T) and a new coach".

Meanwhile, Peng Yulian of China and Yip Sui Hong of China's Hong Kong made Paralympic Games history Monday when they stepped out to compete in the Grade II Individual Championship Test in Dressage at Shatin arena.

Applause from the crowd at the Shatin Equestrian Venue greeted the two of the 18 riders when they entered the competition arena.

It was the first time that China and China's Hong Kong have sent riders in the Para-Dressage events.

Peng placed the 9th out of 18 riders with 64.545 percentage points while Yip scored 50.545 points to rank the 18th.

In an interview with reporters, Peng said "I was quite satisfied. It was an honor to represent China in the Paralympic Games. I just want to do my best in the Games, regardless of the ranking. I have chosen some lively music for the Freestyle on Wednesday."

For his part, Yip said "Both the horse and I did our best in the arena. I am satisfied with the performance, no matter how much the score is." "We have been working very well. But the spectators in the arena made me a bit excited and also nervous", he added.

Peng and Yip will also compete in Freestyle tests on September 10.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2008)