James Dwyer of Ireland said after his ride on Orlando: 'I'm so happy. It's taken me 10 years to get here. I've finally done it - I'm a Paralympian.

'My horse did an amazing test - so laid back. He has a great temperament. When you look at him in his stall you'd think he'd never move, just sleep. But then he wants to please you when he gets out there.'

Michele George of Belgium rode Rainman and paid tribute to her team afterwards. She said: 'I'm so proud of our wonderful team - we are so well prepared and that's all down to teamwork.

'I would never swap Belgium for any other country. I'm really happy.'

German rider Lena Weifen was the first rider of yesterday morning and said the atmosphere of Greenwich Park was electric.

I had the shivers as I went into the ring, but remembered I must wear a big smile.

Lena Weifen

She said: 'It was absolutely great - I had the shivers as I went into the ring, but remembered I must wear a big smile. 

'I was very happy with my test, but there are others to come after me, so we shall see.'