South Africa joined Germany in taking the first two Para-Equestrian gold medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the Individual Championship Tests in Grade II and IV at the Shatin Equestrian Venue on Monday.

Fourteen Grade IV riders displayed their Dressage skills to getthe best from their horses, but South African rider Philippa Johnson's electrifying performance with her horse BENEDICT won the gold medal with a top score of 69.290 percentage points.

Johnson finished first, holding off a strong challenge from Norwegian athlete Lubbe Ann Cathrin, who is the gold medallist in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Cathrin took a silver on 68.516 points while Australian rider Bruce Georgia secured third place on68.258 points.

"I enjoyed the canter so much that I forgot I was supposed to trot," she told reporters after the competition. On her horse BENEDICT's performance, Johnson said "He was mind-blowing tonight. He gave me his full attention and both of us were more settled."

On the upcoming Freestyle on Wednesday, Johnson said "Guys, hold onto your hats. That's my favourite. I love to dance, and he (her horse) loves to dance."

Meanwhile, Cathrin said her horse ZANKO was "very clever, fresh and he did what I asked of him. We both did our job better than yesterday." On preparations for the Freestyle, she said "I will walk him tomorrow (Tuesday). I will do the same thing to keep him fresh and happy. I don't care about the medals as long as my horse and I are happy."

For her part, Bruce said "I was very happy with my horse (V SALUTE) tonight. He took the pressure off the atmosphere. Bearing in mind that I've only ridden him for four weeks I did well considering that the other riders have known their horses for years."

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

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

Both Grade II riders made their debut in the Paralympic Games, and it was also the first time that China and Hong Kong, China, have sent riders in the Para-Dressage events.

Peng placed 9th out of 18 riders with 64.545 percentage points while Yip scored 50.545 points to place 18th. Peng said "I was quite satisfied. It was an honour to represent China in the Paralympic Games. I just want to do my best in the Games, regardless of the ranking."

Yip said he was satisfied with his performance, no matter what the score and "I am happy to compete on home soil."

Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2008)