Jonelle Richards got New Zealand off to a good start in the dressage phase of the equestrian eventing competition at the London Olympics.
Richards, riding Flintstar, was the 11th rider into the arena at Greenwich Park on Saturday morning.
She incurred 56.50 penalty points, to lie 12th midway through the first day and was happy to get it behind her.
"It's no secret that it is Flintstar's weakest event of the three so it's good to get it out of the way. He's built for speed not focus, so he doesn't love this stage of the competition.
"Bring on the jumping. He is a big galloping horse who is well suited to the track," Richards said.
Germany's Dirk Schrade, riding King Artus, was the early leader after picking up 39.80 points.
Richards' team-mate Jonathan Paget and Clifton Promise compete later on Saturday afternoon.
The three remaining eventing team members, Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd and Caroline Powell ride in the second dressage phase on Sunday, with Todd the last of the 74 riders.
NZN