Local equestrian competitor Brianna Zwilling put in long hours as they ascend the dressage ladder. Photos by Laurie Skrivan, [email protected] Standout local dressage competitor and trainer ...

VERSAILLES, France — Led by Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and equestrian record holder Isabell Werth, defending champion Germany topped qualifying Wednesday for the Paris Olympics team dressage final.

The footage makes for grim viewing. A young woman is riding a horse around the edge of a practice arena. Standing on the floor nearby, a blonde woman holds a long whip. It’s a lunge whip, used to ...