Heike Kemmer and Bonparte were the picture of concentration as they rode into the arena to defend the German team title, the second of the German team members to ride. And they didn’t disappoint, jumping to a unanimous lead from all five judges with a score of 75.79 percent.

Bonaparte’s extended gaits scored multiple 9s, and he received many more 9s on his collective marks. Still, the test wasn’t without a few minor mistakes, including a bobble at the end of a piaffe where he hopped a bit coming out of it. But his changes were clean and lovely, and his trot work was especially strong and expressive.

As she exited the arena to an enthusiastically applauding crowd, a beaming Kemmer rode up to the stands and extended her arm to her hometown fans as Bonaparte passaged around the stadium.

Sadly, while Kemmer celebrated a fabulous ride, some of her competitors faced major disappointment. Two of the horses re-inspected this morning—Zorro, ridden by Inessa Poturaeva and Wat A Feeling, ridden by Tatiana Miloserdova, both of Russia—did not pass the re-inspection. Russia now does not have a team remaining, and neither does Canada, since Jacqueline Brooks withdrew Gran Gesto, and Cindy Ishoy withdrew Proton. Olga Klimko of the Ukraine also withdrew.

Three other horses re-inspected this morning were passed, including Calambo/Hiroshi Hoketsu of Japan, Volan/Sergey Buikevich of Kazakhstan and Wilson/Kristian van Krusentierna of Sweden.