LITTLE Cheverell-based event rider Coral Keen is one of nine British riders at the Luhmühlen CCI4* in Germany this weekend, competing on her 12-year-old gelding Wellshead Fare Opposition.

It will be the second time the 28-year-old, has ridden at the competition, having achieved a top-20 finish last year.

Her preparations have included a place on the British FEI Nations Cup team at Houghton International last month, where they finished fourth.

“It was the perfect run-up,” said Keen. “Derby (Wellshead Fare Opposition) did a super dressage test and then went clear showjumping. He was very fresh for the cross country, so I didn’t let the handbrake off as much as I could have done, which led to a few time penalties, but he jumped a beautiful clear and felt fantastic.

“I’m hopeful we can improve on the dressage and I’ve altered his tack slightly so that we can kick on cross country.”

Keen also has several other rides, including Cascadelle, who last year won two back-to-back CIC one-star competitions and Total Belief, who has an almost faultless record in events.

Derby is on the World Class Equine Pathway, which identifies and supports horses that have the potential to become part world championship medal winners.

Keen added: “It gives us access to training, which is so useful. It has been brilliant for me, furthering my own riding and for Derby, with my younger horses also benefitting too.

“My ultimate ambition is to make it on to a senior team and I am hopeful Derby is the horse to take me there. At 12, he is still relatively young, so fingers crossed we’ll do it.”

Luhmühlen is one of six four-star competitions staged around the world and other Wiltshire representation this weekend will be from Marlborough-based Andrew Nicholson, with Perfect Stranger and Qwanza and compatriot Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy.

Little Cheverell-based Canadian rider Rebecca Howard rides Riddle Master.