Dressage and the sport's dancing horses took centre-stage at the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International on Thursday evening with a showcase of world-class talent.
Lit up by glorious evening sunshine, Bolesworth's international arena had a golden hue as London 2012 Olympic team gold medallist Laura Tomlinson headlined an eight-strong class on her new ride Duvals Capri Sonne JR.
But it was another Great Britain team member – 2013 European bronze medallist Michael Eilberg – who took centre-stage to land the Equestrian.com Intermediate 1 dressage to music crown in style.
Riding the brilliant prospect Woodlander Farouche, a British-bred Hanoverian chestnut mare that has held the world five and six-year-old titles, Eilberg's entrancing routine gained a score of 77.625% and a thrilled response from the Bolesworth audience.
Worcestershire-based Eilberg won £2,500 from a £7,500 prize fund, while Tomlinson, aboard a horse she has only had since April, was second on 74.000%, just ahead of Becky Moody and Carinsio.
The placings were completed by Charlie Hutton and Douglas IV in fourth, while Richard Barrett and Walid finished fifth, Nicola Lickley and Zaire sixth, Nicolle Begovic and Waldessarini seventh, and Chris Pugh and Kylix Karrasel eighth.
Reflecting on Woodlander's impressive display, Eilberg said: “I think there is a lot more to come. She is a very exciting horse for the future
“And the venue here is absolutely fantastic. It really feels like you are at a major championship venue.”