Overview

• Germany holds first at the European Championships in Crozet after the opening Grand Prix session, ahead of Britain and Denmark.
• Debutant Katharina Hemmer delivered the day’s top score with 75.699% on Denoix, stabilizing the team after a shaky start.
• Ingrid Klimke posted 69.348% with Vayron, a weaker ride that is currently the likely drop score under the three-of-four rule.
• Isabell Werth with Wendy and Frederic Wandres with Bluetooth ride on Thursday as the team medals are decided.
• Defending champion Britain lost its safety net after Andrew Gould’s disqualification, while Germany navigates staff changes including new co-trainer Hendrik Lochthowe and the absence of longtime team vet Marc Koene, whose departure the F.A.Z. reported followed tensions he did not publicly detail.