The main contenders to top the leaderboard were of course Germany and Great Britain, with the USA, The Netherlands and Sweden all dark horses in the competition.
German domination was underpinned by the best performance of the day from Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the 11-year-old mare TSF Dalera BB whose mark of 76.77% gives her side a 1.4 point advantage over the Swedes.
"I watched the first two horses from up in the stand with my brother Benni and I suddenly got the shivers and felt motivated because I realised how many other people would like to be in my shoes! So I went in there feeling full of power and Delera was just brilliant!" said von Bredow-Werndl.
Great Britain’s standout for the day was Spencer Wilton on Super Nova with a 74.5%.
Hans Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands had to contend with a sudden heavy downpour during his test, but rode through like the commensurate professional that he is, even surpassing teammate Madeleine Witte-Vrees’ score with a very respectable 73.65%.
Adrienne Lyle was last to wrap up for the nations jostling for the top few spots on day one of the team competition. A score higher than Wilton’s would leave Britain trailing in fourth place heading into the second day, and she managed to just pip Wilton to the post with 74.8%.
So heading into day two and with two riders having appeared for all of the major nations, it was Germany who were on top both in the team and individual rankings. Sweden were in second place, the USA in third and Great Britain hot on their heels in fourth.
With anchor riders still to appear for Germany, the USA and Great Britain tomorrow (Thursday), there’s everything to play for. Germany is looking exceptionally strong already and with Queen of Dressage Isabell Werth teaming up with Sonke Rothenberger tomorrow, they look poised to take the gold medal.
