Nicholson top 10 at end of Badminton day one

Andrew Nicholson is the best of the Kiwis at the end of the first day of dressage at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials in the UK overnight.

He and Avebury are in eight slot 10.7 penalty points behind the leader Laura Collett (UK) on Rayef.

Next back for new Zealand is Caroline Powell on Boston Two Tip in 25th spot, with Mark Todd and NZB Major Milestone in 35th.

The second day of dressage is scheduled for this evening (NZ time) and all three Kiwi riders have their best mounts to come.

Nicholson was first combination out in the 38 riders to go overnight and his score of 47.2 is probably slightly disappointing for him. Boston Two Tip made his debut at this top level and those on the sideline are confident this is a horse with real potential for the future once he's more established.

Todd's Major Milestone was a little tense and difficult, but master equestrian Todd coaxed him carefully through.

This evening Powell will do her dressage on Lenamore, who she won Burghley on last year, Nicholson will be on Nereo who he won both individual and team bronze with at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and Todd will be on his bronze medal winning World Games horse NZB Land Vision.

Expectations are high that all three will be up to challenge the leaders.

The cross country phase of the event goes on Sunday, with the showjumping on Monday.