Röder dominated the competition from the start at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, winning the dressage and marathon disciplines before just three knockdowns in the cones event saw her go on to claim a first world title on board the 11-year-old mare, Evi 29.

"This is a dream come true," said the 27-year-old.

"Of course I knew I had medal chances but this was more than I ever expected."

American Robert Giles was a surprise silver medallist on board the leased Dutch pony Solo with Great Britain's Mick Ward claiming bronze after a fine display in the cones discipline.

In the Grade I competition, defending champion Heiner Lehrter of Germany was expected to be tough to beat on board 11-year-old gelding Dashwood.

But 2008 world champion Jacques Poppen of The Netherlands had other ideas on board the Arabo-Friesian PP.

Poppen was superb in the opening dressage event to put himself well clear of his German rival and although Lehrter won the marathon discipline, the Ducthman hit back with a perfect double-clear round in the cones to regain the world title.

Lehrter had to make do with second ahead of compatriot Markus Beerhues.

However, both riders had the consolation of contributing to an overall team gold for Germany as they emerged as the top nation over the three days of action at Sandringham, which was hosting its third World Championships following events in 1985 and 2001.

The Netherlands came second in the team event followed by the United States and hosts Britain.

Director of driving, vaulting and reining at the FEI, Bettina De Rham (left) presents the Princess Haya Hand-in-Hand Trophy to Ireland's Barry Capstick and Lindsey Tyas Paice of Britain ©Marie de Ronde-Oudemans/FEI



Running alongside the World Championships was the Princess Haya Hand-in-Hand Trophy for teams combining Para-equestrian and able-bodied drivers.

Donated by FEI President, Princess Haya, the trophy depicts holding hands and was won by British Para-driver Lindsey Tyas Paice and her able-bodied partner Barry Capstick of Ireland.

For a full list of results from the World Para Equestrian Driving Championships at Sandringham click here.

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