It's all to play for

It's too close to call, says H&H's dressage editor Oscar Williams, as the British team defends its title in the tightest Euros in years

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DEFENDING champions Great Britain head into the European Championships in a far stronger position than they did going into the Olympics. The core of the team remains unchanged - Lottie Fry (Glamourdale), Becky Moody (Jagerbomb), and Carl Hester (Fame) - with debutant Andrew Gould (Indigro) stepping in as the fourth rider to raise the competitive edge.

At the same time, Germany and Denmark, the gold and silver medallists in Paris, have both taken a hit. Germany has lost the decade-defining pair of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera, following the mare's retirement after Paris. Denmark is also in flux, with only Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle returning from their Olympic team.

The Europeans hold a special place in the hearts of British dressage fans. It was Britain's historic team gold at the 2011 Euros - their first-ever championship gold - that signalled the start of a new era. Carl rode on that team, and now returns for his 13th Europeans with renewed competitive intent, saying after his last outing that individual medals aren't out of the question.

Since Paris, Becky and Jagerbomb have proven themselves to be one of the world's top combinations, while world number ones Lottie and Glamourdale added a World Cup title to their already stacked trophy cabinet in April. All three British riders are scoring at a remarkably similar level in the grand prix, and unless something dramatic happens, the team battle for gold will be between Britain and Germany.