British Dressage - Issue 1 2023

Double Gold for Lottie

Typical Feed Regime for a 17hh (600kg) horse in medium to hard work:Ad lib good quality hay or haylage, plus grazing Plus two feeds per day - each containing:-

• 300g TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer (for condition; muscle development and topline, performance; recovery; hoof quality; behaviour; digestion and utilisation)

• 300g TopChop Sport (combines British alfalfa with a blend of British grasses, lightly coated with Linseed oil)

• Up to 2kg TopSpec Performance Cubes (‘Non-Heating’ energy, quantity adjusted according to condition – which reflects work etc)

• Additives if required; Electrolytes, 10:10 Joint Support, Calmer or Digestive Aid

Glamourdale, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle World Champion, at the FEI World Championships in Herning, ridden by Charlotte Fry and owned by Van Olst Horses.

Photograph by Petra Kerschbaum.

“At Van Olst Horses we aim for the best. In TopSpec we have a top partner. Their quality food and expertise is a great help in getting our horses in top shape to achieve our targets.”

Anne Van Olst

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FELLOWS MEDIA

19 –

For the second editor’s welcome running I must begin with Lottie Fry, who starts the year as she ended 2022, making headlines again. It’s the fi rst time since 2016 that a British rider has topped the FEI Dressage World Rankings, with her World Championship partner Glamourdale leading the equivalent horse rankings. Our recently crowned LeMieux National Champion Gareth Hughes also enters the top ten after a brilliant year with Classic Briolinca.

It’s a fantastic tribute to Lottie’s sheer hard work and dedication –during interviews at the London International, she revealed that she rides all day, and would ride all night if it was possible! – but also to the hugely successful breeding programme of her employer Van Olst Horses.

In our traditional breeding special issue, we fi nd out about Gertjan and Anne Van Olst’s journey to producing the world’s top dressage horses and how they nurture their young stars.

We also take a look at feeding colts and stallions, whether competing or breeding, plus there’s advice from our insurance partner KBIS British Equestrian Insurance on cover for mares and foals.

With regionals looming, thoughts turn to the season ahead and anyone who has had a break due to the trying weather or short days will have the challenge of getting going again.

We start a new series of development features – Perfecting Performance – with a look at rider nutrition on P48. If your show diet is mainly cheesy chips (tempting as they are) it may prompt you to think again!

One other important bit of reading ahead of a fi rst outing is the new BD members’ handbook, available online for quick checking and always at your fi ngertips to solve a query when planning entries or out and about. It’s fully searchable so checking eligibility, for example, is easily achieved. There’s also a handy synopsis of rule changes on the website.

It won’t be long before we are gearing up for the NAF Five Star Winter Championships – if you can’t wait to check out the programme for Hartpury, you are in luck, it’s in our Schedules section at the back of this issue.

Jane Carley, Content Editor, British Dressage

the London International Horse Show. PHOTO: JON STROUD MEDIA

It’s important for breeders to get feeding regimes right for colts, both for their growth and future fertility.

“We are so exited about FinesseBridles. Our horses love the freedom these bridles are giving, but at the same time, it gives stability. And... these bridles are beautiful”

Lottie Fry & Anne van Olst

SPONSOR NEWS

We are delighted to confirm new and returning sponsorships.

Bret Willson Dressage International is to support the Advanced Medium Championships in 2023, with the title to be awarded at the LeMieux National Championships in September.

Bret Willson said: “The National Championships bring together the best horses and riders in the UK and we are delighted to sponsor the Advanced Medium, always exciting classes to watch. Finding the right horse to match a rider’s talent and goals gives me great satisfaction and these championships are the goal of many riders.”

Equestrian digital innovator Cavago, which made a tremendously successful debut as the sponsor of the Associated Championships in 2022, has confirmed that it will support this series for the next three years.

Tauseef Qadri, founder of Cavago, said: “The awareness and interest in Cavago has surged since we announced our sponsorship with British Dressage. These championships showcase the diversity of horses competing in dressage, and our website  mycavago.com also showcases the diversity of breeds and the experiences riders can have with them across the world, a perfect partnership and one we’re delighted to continue.”

CONVENTION GOES DIGITAL

The on-demand digital version of the National Convention is now available to purchase to watch at home. Whether you were unable to attend on the day, or simply want to recap on some of the sessions so you can incorporate some of the fascinating exercises into your training, it’s great value for money. Don’t miss out on the invaluable training advice and tips covered across the two days of this year’s National Convention, in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

Watch current and former World Championships team riders Gareth Hughes and Michael Eilberg headline the 2022 National Convention, alongside special guest presenters Andy Thomas, Sophie Wells, Richard Baldwin, Bobby Hayler and Jenny Rudall.

For access to all thirteen sessions from across both days, the weekend ticket gives you nine hours’ worth of top training. Alternatively you can purchase access to day one – perfect for anyone working

The BD Board of Directors has appointed David Hunt as the new President of British Dressage and Stephen Clarke (pictured with CEO Jason Brautigam) as Vice President.

David Hunt was the first British rider to win all three classes at an overseas international in Rotterdam in 1988 and trained four different horses long-listed for the Olympics. David held the position of BD Training Director until 2015 and also helped to establish the FEI Judging Supervisory Panel, to promote best practice and maintain consistent high standards in judging at international championship level.

Stephen Clarke will be well known to everyone as one of the most highly respected dressage judges in the world and has officiated at countless

OBE FOR SOPHIE

towards or coaching at higher levels, training with young horses, or to watch what it takes to reach Grand Prix standard; or day two – where Gareth and Michael focus on training methods, exercises and tips that you’ll be able to use from Prelim to Medium.

You can get an idea of what is on offer in our report on p43.

For more details on purchasing use this QR code.

international championships, including as President of the Ground Jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games and on the judging panel at the Rio Games in 2016, as well as numerous World Cup finals, European Championships and World Equestrian Games.

As a rider he won five National Championship titles and was nominated as reserve for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. Stephen chaired BD’s Judges Committee for almost a decade and during this time made a significant contribution to the development of our judging systems, encouraging more judges to come forward and improving standards of officiating.

Paralympic, World and European gold medallist Sophie Wells was presented with an OBE at Windsor Castle by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Sophie was named in the 2022 New Year’s Honours list following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she won Team Gold and Individual Silver.

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED

PARA MATTERS

UPDATE FROM PARA DIRECTOR TRACY ORMROD

The start of a new year is always exciting and 2023 is no exception. I am looking forward to seeing the new Bronze tests in action and getting

NEW FEI TESTS

Silver and Gold national tests

to weather

and we avoid any gales, snow, or other unforeseen events! The

rider feedback on them. The aim is to give riders tests that flow but are still interesting to ride, hopefully the balance is right for you all. The countdown is on for the Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships at Myerscough, I hope you all manage to get out for some pre-championships practice. I have all fi ngers crossed that the weather is kind to us this year and we avoid any gales, snow, or other unforeseen events! The competition season always feels

The FEI has updated all of its Para tests meaning British Dressage will now use the new tests for Para Silver and Gold sections, effective from 1 January 2023.

• All tests now have new names

• All tests now have new collectives

The tests can be downloaded for free direct from the FEI website https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/ organisers/p-e-dressage/tests

Previous Para Silver and Gold tests will not be used for Silver and Gold championship qualification; however, they will still be put on schedules as a practice test for anyone still wanting to ride them ahead of the Silver and Gold Para Winter Championships at Myerscough, 25-26 February.

For those riding in 1* and/or 2* CPEDI (international competitions) there are now new FEI Freestyle floorplans, for all grades.

The FEI confi rmed these changes at the General Assembly 2022, so they are not included in the printed 2023 members handbook; they are, however, in the online version.

as if has truly started once the that getting out to compete involves a

as if has truly started once the winter champs are underway.

I realise that for some of you, getting out to compete involves a lot of time, money and support. Every time the para technical committee meets, we check where we have venues offering para competitions and also where riders and judges are situated. If you feel you are in an area without access to regular competitions, then please do email us and we will look at what is available. I would love

to see this year’s Equissage Pulse Summer Para Championships be even better than 2022.

Tracy Ormrod, Para Director

NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION HUBS 2023

To compete in national competitions, all para equestrian riders have to be physically classified. Conducted through British Equestrian, the classification is completed by a physiotherapist who assesses mobility, strength and range of movement. This allows any permanent physical impairment to be measured objectively, and the rider is awarded with a profi le placing them into one of the five grades. Riders with visual impairment are assessed by a British Blind Sport ophthalmologist. Visually impaired riders interested in being classified need to contact British Blind Sport.

Dates and venues for National Classification Hubs, held throughout the country, are available at britishequestrian.org. uk/competitors/para-equestrian along with BEF National Classification Rules, the application process, registration forms etc. For all queries on classification, please contact Felicity Towers at the BEF, felicity.towers@bef.co.uk

VI CLASSIFICATION IN 2023

The FEI, in cooperation with the organiser of the CPEDI3* Waregem (BEL) and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), has confi rmed that Para Equestrian athletes with vision impairments will have the opportunity to be internationally classified in Waregem on 19 April 2023.

No fee will be charged to athletes attending this particular Classification Evaluation. For more information visit https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/para-dressage/ classification/documentation

LEFT: VICKY EARNSHAW AND ALDO, DUAL GRADE III WINNERS AT THE 2022 EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE VAN OLST WAY

THE OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF LOTTIE FRY SHOWCASES THE BREEDING PROGRAMME OF VAN OLST HORSES. CAMILLE PETERS MEETS ANNE AND GERTJAN VAN OLST TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO THEIR FORMULA.

ABOVE: LOTTIE FRY WITH VAN OLST HORSES’ GLAMOURDALE, DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONS IN 2022.

From the success of British poster boy Valegro under Charlotte Dujardin to the newest star, World Champion Glamourdale piloted by Lottie Fry, the Van Olst story is one that is intrinsically connected with British dressage.

From the start, the elite level was the goal. Gertjan Van Olst founded the stud in the 1980s, his focus on jumping horses with Animo, the fi rst of several iconic stallions to come his way. The bay stallion was awarded the ‘keur’ accolade in 1995 after he became one of the fi rst KWPN stallions to compete at the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, and his image still graces the walls of the Van Olst stable.

“We had some nice jumpers, Animo, Andiamo and Calypso. The breeding operation grew and then I met Anne in the 1990s, we married and bit by bit we changed to dressage,” Gertjan explains. “The turning point for us was buying a share in Negro in 1997 when he was three years old.”

With the introduction of the Westfalian Lord Leatherdale, stable foundations were built.

Gertjan explains that the principles applied to breeding jumping and dressage horses are similar: “My idea is in fact the same. We want our stallions to compete at the highest level; even back in the jumping days we were doing this, Animo went to the Olympics, Calypso was world champion. We have the idea that if the stallions prove themselves in sport, you know a little bit more about what they’re going to bring. The basic principle for us is sport comes from sport. It’s very important that

the stallion is performing well, we know then about the character, the soundness, and the capability.”

The Van Olst operation is now that of over 300 horses, around 150 of which are based at home with Anne and Gertjan in Den Hout. You only have to glance down the main aisle of the indoor barn to see Gertjan’s philosophy of ‘sport comes from sport’ come to life; the yard is home to a host of successful stallions, including Glamourdale, Tokyo team medal winner Everdale, double World Breeding Championships winner Kjento and the recent Grand Prix debutant Don Joe.

Anne echoes Gertjan’s philosophy:

“Our target in breeding is the highest level, and the highest level is Grand Prix. The Olympics is the ultimate goal, but Grand Prix is what it’s about.

Our horses are not always winning four-year-old championships but they go on to Grand Prix.

“We want to produce horses that can make it at the top, whilst temperament and character is really important. That means that if a horse has the potential to go to Grand Prix but ends up with an amateur they are suitable for both purposes. They should have quality good enough for a professional, but character good enough for amateur riders.”

The practicalities of maintaining stallions at the highest level of competition alongside busy breeding careers

“THE TURNING POINT FOR US WAS BUYING A SHARE IN NEGRO IN 1997 WHEN HE WAS THREE YEARS OLD”

BELOW: LOTTIE TOOK THE WORLD BREEDING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SEVEN-YEAR-OLDS WITH KJENTO, CONTINUING THE VAN OLST LEGACY.

come down to good management, leadership and routine. The yard is a hive of activity and daily routine is intrinsic to getting the balance right. “The fi rst part of the day is my part – that’s the breeding,” Gertjan explains. “We breed early in the morning, all of the stallions have an order which they know very well. Horses need routine so we always keep it the same.”

The process is assisted by the breeding staff, part of the 25-strong team working to care for the stallions round the clock. “It’s really important to have a clear line between breeding and sport. We have staff that handle the breeding and don’t mix with the grooms that look after the stallions when they are engaged in sport. The courier arrives at 10am to transport the semen all over the world so we have to be done by then, and then it’s over to Anne, Lottie and their team.”

The team is key, they emphasise: “You can have as many good horses as you want but if you don’t have good staff and riders to look after them, then you’re lost.”

A CONSTANT CYCLE

The journey from foal to breeding stallion to competition horse is what drives both Gertjan and Anne. “The nice thing with our stallions is that we mostly have them from three years old so they become used to the routine from day one, and it works really well,” Gertjan says, “It’s always exciting! We buy a lot of foals and the cycle keeps on going.

It’s not just one horse, they’re all very special to us in their own way.”

It begins with the breeding and selection of around 100 foals per year, sourced by Gertjan through his vast network of clients or from his own broodmares. “I like to know the backgrounds of the mares and the family, to know what to expect from them,” he explains. “As the stallions are mostly ours I know everything about them and what they will give, character and soundness. Then you can get an idea of the combination. When I see a foal, the fi rst impression has to be good. After this fi rst picture I look at the build, the type, the hindlegs. But the two key things for me are the background and the pedigree and the initial two second impression.” The ability to spot greatness is praised by Anne: “it is a gift.”

The real selection begins with two-year-olds, choosing those that go forward for KWPN approval and a career in sport. Gertjan believes that if they’re good as foals the chances are they will progress to great things, “Valegro is the best example, we had him as a foal; he was always a good mover – and look at where his career went. The same applies to Glamourdale, we saw him at six days old with his mother, I bought him and we’ve been on the whole journey. The same with Everdale and Kjento.

“To fi nd a top one is really difficult, out of the 100 foals, I’d be really pleased if we fi nd one – and it doesn’t happen every year. If we could have one Kjento or one Glamourdale each year, that would be perfect.”

FROM THE BREEDING BARN TO THE COMPETITION ARENA

Glamourdale was followed into the winners’ circle this year by Kjento (Negro x Jazz), who triumphed at the World Breeding Championships to claim the seven-year-

ABOVE: TRAINING AND BREEDING WORK SIDE BY SIDE AT THE YARD IN DEN HOUT. INSET: FOUNDATION SIRE NEGRO, OF WHOM ANNE SAYS ‘HE GIVES SO MUCH POWER, CONNECTION AND WILLINGNESS TO WORK’. BELOW LEFT: LOTTIE WITH EVERDALE, TEAM BRONZE MEDALLISTS AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS.

HIPPOFOTO

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“I wouldn’t feed anything else”

Hannah Esberger-Hancock

Rider

old title – as Glamourdale himself did in 2018. Anne explains the place this FEI age category has within their competition and breeding programme. “With the sevenyear-olds you really see what you have for the sport in the future. We don’t want to overly campaign the stallions at Prix St Georges, neither do we want to rush to Grand Prix, so this is a good way to try the horses out and to show people what sort of horse we’ve got. Then you can give them a few more years before they go Grand Prix, so you don’t have to push them.”

From Gertjan’s point of view, the championship provides another opportunity to combine competition with business. “The seven-year-olds is the perfect shop window for the stallions. If you get good results at the world championships, it’s the ideal platform for promotion.”

Glamourdale, now 11 years old, was given ample time to strengthen and develop following his success.

“It’s very important that you give them the time to mature,” Anne explains, “It’s one thing that they know some exercises but they need to be strong enough to do it,

if you have a horse with a good temperament then they always want to do it and give more. A Negro will never say no!

“If a horse goes to his first Grand Prix at nine or 12, it doesn’t matter for me – what matters is that they will still be able to do a Grand Prix towards 19 or 20.”

Countless prospects wait in the wings. The four-year-old Nalegro stands out; the black powerhouse won a KWPN Young Dressage Talents assessment in November with 95 points and boasts more of the Van Olst quality we’re used to seeing. Bred by the Hanse family and Van Olst Horses, his sire is Painted Black and his dam none other than the full sister of Valegro (Negro x Gershwin). There’s an outstanding four-year-old mare in Nova-Liz, by Everdale out of a Johnson mare, and another approved KWPN stallion Nacho (Negro x Krack C) who impressed at Pavo Cup pre-selection in the summer. Rising stars are given exposure to young horse classes, but with the constant reminder that the goal is Grand Prix and longevity with a healthy, happy horse.

“Ten years ago there was a big difference in young horses and Grand Prix horses,” Gertjan explains.

“We’re seeing more now that the judges want the young horses to be functional with good mechanics. They’re not just looking for big front legs, because at the end of the day those are only going to be successful until seven to nine years old, maybe to Small Tour. The two worlds are coming more and more together, the judges are so well educated and the horses without connection in the body, the big movers, they’re becoming a bit outdated. Of course, the perfect horse is the one that has correct mechanics and big movement, and those are ones we’re seeing with success in the young horse rings.”

LEFT: LORD LEATHERDALE WHO ADDS ‘MODERNITY’ TO THE LINE, ANNE SAYS.

DIGISHOTS

THE NEGRO LEGACY AND THE VAN OLST FUTURE

Gertjan and Anne are constantly looking ahead, analysing the market for both professionals and amateurs and striving to breed what people want.

Gertjan comments: “You need good character, soundness, nice looking horses, with enough go that want to do the job themselves, but not too much go, and they should be easy to handle. In the arena, people want all three of the basic paces but piaffe and passage as well. That’s the future of the dressage horse, so you have to think that way.”

“That’s in our line,” Anne continues, “good hindlegs and good balance. This is what Negro started, and then with the modernity of Lord Leatherdale on top, bit by bit you try and create what the market is asking for. The market wants very complete horses.”

Negro remains centre of the Van Olst world, and his impact on their international story is without measure.

“We see stallions coming up everywhere, and we take a look at the breeding and there’s Negro in the mother-line –I’ve always said you need just one drop of Negro.”

“He gives so much power, connection, willingness to work and the attitude in the ring,” Gertjan adds.

Looking to the future, the Van Olst journey continues with the power couple aiming to breed the best of character and performance. “Stallion owners like us always want to be ahead, we keep aiming to select the best and breed the best. If you want to survive fi nancially you have to choose the best mares and the best stallions, and with technology now it’s much easier.”

But ultimately, as Glamourdale and those surrounding him continue to prove, the success of the Van Olst way is inside the white boards. “They have to do well in sport and prove themselves. We’re convinced that those horses that do well in the sport will produce horses that will go on to do well in sport too.”

ABOVE: GERTJAN, LOTTIE AND ANNE: THE TEAM IS KEY, THEY EMPHASISE. BELOW: LOTTIE WITH EVERDALE AND GLAMOURDALE.

IN THE ARENA, PEOPLE WANT ALL THREE OF THE BASIC PACES BUT PIAFFE AND PASSAGE AS WELL. THAT’S THE FUTURE OF THE DRESSAGE HORSE

HIPPOFOTO

LEFT AND BELOW INSET: RIDING TO THEIR JOOST PETERS-PRODUCED ‘BEST OF BRITAIN’ PROGRAMME, LOTTIE FRY AND VAN OLST HORSES’ 11-YEAR-OLD STALLION GLAMOURDALE (LORD LEATHERDALE X NEGRO) SOARED TO A RESOUNDING VICTORY IN THE LONDON CDI-W GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE, SUPPORTED BY HORSE & HOUND, WITH A NEW PB OF 90.995%.

Lottie LIG HTS UP LONDO N

THE LONDON LEG OF THE FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP™ 2022/2023

SERIES SAW A HIGH-QUALITY FIELD

TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW.

REIGNING WORLD CHAMPIONS LOTTIE

FRY AND GLAMOURDALE MADE THEIR PRESENCE FELT ON THEIR RETURN TO THE ARENA FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE HERNING. GARETH HUGHES AND CLASSIC BRIOLINCA BROUGHT THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FORM TO LONDON, AND ANDREW GOULD AND INDIGRO IMPRESSED ON THEIR CDI-W DEBUT.

IMAGES: JON STROUD MEDIA

BELOW: “I FELT A LOT OF EXCITEMENT ABOUT COMING TO SHOW HIM IN ENGLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME AND WE BOTH LOVED IT,” SAID LOTTIE AFTER POSTING 84.026% TO WIN THE OPENING DAY’S SHORT GRAND PRIX.

LEFT: DRAWN SECOND TO GO IN THE FREESTYLE, ANDREW GOULD AND TATIANA SKILLMAN’S NEGRO X JAZZ STALLION, INDIGRO, SET THE BAR AT 78.065% TO TAKE AN EARLY AND LONG-TIME LEAD, EVENTUALLY FINISHING SIXTH. ANDREW COMPETING AT HIS FIRST EVER FEI WORLD CUP SHOW AND INDIGRO, THE YOUNGEST HORSE IN THE FIELD AT JUST NINE YEARS OLD, SHOWED MUCH POTENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE.

RIGHT: LOTTIE’S CLOSEST CHALLENGER WAS BRITISH TEAMMATE GARETH HUGHES WITH HIS OWN, WIFE REBECCA, DAUGHTER RUBY AND JULIA HORNIG’S CLASSIC BRIOLINCA (TRENTO B X ROYAL DANCE) WHO POSTED A NEW FREESTYLE PB OF 84.590% ON THE MARE’S LONDON DEBUT. “WE’VE KEPT HER FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, BUT SHE FELT SO GOOD AFTER THE WORLDS, SHE’S 16 AND I KNOW I ONLY HAVE SO MANY COMPETITIONS LEFT IN HER, SO WE THOUGHT WE’D GIVE IT A GO,” SAID GARETH. “SHE NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME.”

LEFT: COMPLETING THE TOP THREE WAS GERMANY’S INGRID KLIMKE AND THE 14-YEAR-OLD STALLION FRANZISKUS FRH (FIDERTANZ 2 X ALABASTER), WINNERS OF STUTTGART CDI-W A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. A BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED AND UPBEAT FREESTYLE WAS AWARDED 83.170%.

THE

PETER MINDERHOUD AND 14-YEAR-OLD STALLION GLOCK’S DREAM BOY (VIVALDI X OLYMPIC FERRO) RODE AN EXPRESSIVE FREESTYLE PROGRAMME FOR 79.305% AND FIFTH PLACE.

LEFT:

NETHERLANDS’ HANS

ABOVE: IRELAND’S ABI LYLE AND GIRALDO SCORED 75.250% ON THEIR DEBUT DANCE IN THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW ARENA.

LOTTIE FRY, WITH ANNE

OLST ON HER LEFT, RECEIVES THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS TROPHY FROM BD CEO JASON BRAUTIGAM AND VICE PRESIDENT OF BRITISH DRESSAGE AND FEI 5* JUDGE, STEPHEN CLARKE, FOR HER AND GLAMOURDALE’S SUCCESSES IN HERNING THIS SUMMER.

RIGHT INSET: GERMANY’S HELEN LANGEHANENBERG, A PAST FEI WORLD CUP™ FINAL WINNER WITH DAMON HILL, RODE 14-YEAR-OLD HOLSTEINER MARE ANNABELLE 110 (CONTEUR X LINARO) INTO FOURTH PLACE IN BOTH THE SHORT GRAND PRIX AND FREESTYLE.

BELOW: RICHARD DAVISON WITH HIS OWN AND GWENDOLYN SONTHEIM’S BUBBLINGH (LINGH X PICANDT) DELIGHTED THE CROWD PERFORMING THEIR POPULAR GANGSTA’S PARADISE PROGRAMME. THEY EARNED 75.575% TO FINISH INSIDE THE TOP TEN.

LEFT: EMILE FAURIE WITH HIS OWN AND DIANA ROSE’S 11-YEAROLD MARE, BELLEVUE (BORDEAUX 28 X BRENTANO II). RIDING TO A DIONNE WARWICK/ BURT BACHARACH PROGRAMME, THEY POSTED 76.130% TO TAKE EIGHTH PLACE.

RIGHT:

VAN

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LICENSED TRADITIONAL GYPSY COB

Growing and producing colts with immaculate breeding credentials, and competing stallions who may also be used for covering sounds like they might be complicated tasks, but feeding, it appears, is less of a worry than you might initially imagine.

Even at a young age, Emma Short, senior nutritionist at Baileys Horse Feeds, says guidelines from The National Research Council (NRC) – the industry recognised standard for minimum recommended daily rates of nutrients for horses –are the same for both colts and fi llies. “There is no difference in requirements. All youngstock should be fed based on their stage of development, age, current body condition score, weight and workload.

“In their fi rst year, both colts

BOY TALK

ENSURING THAT YOUR STALLION HAS THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS CAN HELP HIM IN HIS COMPETITIVE CAREER AND IN THE BREEDING SHED. EMMA PENNY ASKS THE EXPERTS WHAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

and fi llies are growing incredibly quickly, so it is essential that they receive the right amino acids, vitamins and minerals to counter any shortfalls in forage.

“The biggest potential issue is that even if you feed forage of the highest quality, it will still be short of certain nutrients. Even when on spring grass, with its potentially high energy and protein levels, vitamin and mineral requirements will not be fully met. Supplementing with a source of these key nutrients will ensure they are receiving a fully balanced diet.” According to Emma, extensive forage analyses suggest calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc are the main ‘missing’ nutrients from a foragebased diet.

“A balancer is a good option for those holding their weight well, but if a colt or fi lly needs more calories, look at stud cubes or mixes. As colts can be a bit

more highly strung, a stud and youngstock feed supplying calories from fibre and oil is better than a high starch, cerealbased diet.”

Minimising sugar and starch levels is essential, particularly where youngstock and mature horses can sometimes carry too much condition, putting them at increased risk of laminitis, says Nicola Tyler, TopSpec nutrition director. In youngstock, she says the main concern with colts is usually if they are not coping particularly well with their hormones, and are becoming too excited or starting to exhibit behaviours such as fence walking. “If they are growing and that behaviour and excitement means they are losing condition, you need to fi nd a feed which will allow good

musculoskeletal development and allow them to maintain the correct condition level.”

Kate Hore, NAF’s head nutritionist, says that where colts are being particularly coltish, feeding them a product usually associated with hormonal mares, can help. “The chasteberry

ABOVE: COMPETING STALLIONS SHOULD BE FED LIKE ANY OTHER COMPETITION HORSE, SUGGESTS ANDREW GOULD WHO IS ENJOYING SUCCESS AT GRAND PRIX WITH TATIANA MILNE-SKILLMAN’S INDIGRO.

ABOVE: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN STALLION PERFORMANCE AND SEMEN QUALITY.

herb in our Oestress product suppresses libido, which is also useful for riggy geldings or if you want to keep an older nonbreeding entire horse focussed.”

Like youngstock, stallions should be fed according to their individual requirements and activity levels. Emma says the key is to treat them as a performance horse. “The biggest issue is that there isn’t much research [about feeding stallions]. However, feeding depends on what he is doing, whether he is covering mares, or doing AI or competing, or a mix of those things. Take it all into account and look at his nutrient requirements.

“A mature stallion might be more highly strung or stressed, so they may have a higher nutrition requirement to maintain their weight. Again, look at oil and fibre for a calmer aspect. Those who are holding their weight might be fi ne with high quality forage and a balancer. Work from your forage upwards and on counterbalancing any shortfalls.”

Older stallions may need additional protein to maintain their muscle tone, especially if they are still working, says Emma, and joint health is another issue that may need to be considered.

Where a stallion is being used for breeding and semen is being collected and frozen, Nicola says there is good evidence that sperm motility is improved by supplementing with DHA and EPA – the active ingredients of Omega3. They improve the flexibility and suppleness of sperm membranes, she says.

EPA – the active ingredients of Omega3. They improve

INSET: STALLIONS SHOULD BE FED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS AND ACTIVITY LEVELS.

“IN THEIR FIRST YEAR, BOTH COLTS AND FILLIES ARE GROWING INCREDIBLY QUICKLY, SO IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THEY RECEIVE THE RIGHT AMINO ACIDS, VITAMINS AND MINERALS”

“Omega-3 is found in linseed (fl ax), but are not well converted to DHA and EPA. It is far better to add deodorised fi sh oil or an algal source of DHA.”

Research suggests feeding additional antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, may be helpful where there are infertility issues, says Emma.

Kate adds that when feeding it is important to ensure that natural vitamin E is used, as it is proven to be more effective than its synthetic counterpart. She says research also indicates the use of nutrients, such as vitamin A, carnitine and arginine are important, though adds “Consistent equine research is lacking, which is why it’s been so important for NAF to work with equine fertility experts like Tullis Matson of Stallion AI Services, whose robust field trials, both in vivo and in vitro, are invaluable in consolidating our knowledge of stallion supplementary nutrition”.

Supplementary nutrition ideally should be introduced ahead of covering, and in time for spermatogenesis to take place within the testes, which takes 57 days, or roughly eight weeks, and this will help sperm cope with freezing and thawing.

“Prebiotics and probiotics

can also help a stallion who is training, competing and covering maintain condition and support gut health throughout the season.

“Body condition score is really important, maintained with a good quality basic diet and targeted nutritional supplementation when needed. You don’t want a fat stallion as their performance and semen quality will fall – lean and fit is the best option.”

COMPETING

While Andrew Gould has two stallions competing at Grand Prix level, both are fed like any other competition horses.

“If you treat them like stallions, they seem to pick up on that and change their behaviour – we just treat them as individuals like we do with all of our horses.”

The older one, Genie, has never covered, while Indigro did up till he was six but is not doing so at present. “I have spoken to other riders who were competing working stallions and found it difficult to maintain their weight.”

Competition and conditioning cubes are the mainstay of Andrew’s feeds, with the cubes proving better for maintaining Indigro’s mindset than a mix which made him ‘a bit too hot’.

OLDER STALLIONS

Nutritionists have played a critical role of keeping Uthopia in top condition when covering and competing and now that he is leading a more relaxed life, says Alan Davies.

“We had to watch his weight as he is a good doer, and we wanted to maintain his energy levels without putting on too much weight. When he was covering, we fed additional vitamin E, and the nutritionists at Saracen were very good at ensuring he had everything for both jobs.

“He’s 21 now and not covering, but is still in some work. He goes out in the field, is trickle fed

hay, and is on a balancer which maintains him well.”

A three-year-old colt has just joined the yard, and is currently on a fibre cube and balancer. Alan says he may move on to conditioning cubes next year as his workload increases and he aims to build the horse’s topline without getting fat.

“The main thing is to cater for each individual horse – they all have their own needs and different workloads. Feeding horses and having them right is an art. If you are struggling, speak to a nutritionist as they know the science.” ■

ABOVE: NUTRITIONISTS PLAYED A KEY PART IN CHOOSING A DIET FOR UTHOPIA WHEN HE WAS COVERING AND COMPETING. BELOW: EVEN WHEN ON SPRING GRASS, VITAMIN AND MINERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUNGSTOCK WILL NOT BE FULLY MET.

PRODUCT WATCH

FEEDING FOR BREEDING

NAF FIVE STAR FERTILITY FOR

STALLIONS

uses fertility focused ingredients which work together to harness their natural properties targeting sperm health, libido and sperm quality, while essential vitamins and minerals target sperm production and development underpinning testosterone levels. Working stallions also have to maintain condition which is why there are essential pre- and probiotics to help support nutrient uptake and absorption, maximising their dietary intake to support their performance.

RRP: £59.99 FOR 1.92KG, £265.00 FOR 10KG | naf-equine.eu/uk

ROWEN BARBARY STUD MIX

Using highly digestible ingredients, RB Stud Mix will help deliver key nutritional support to all breeding and youngstock. Containing a high oil blend, alongside key antioxidants to support condition and weight gain with quality protein sources helping to ensure overall development, it is an ideal multipurpose stud ration.

RRP: £18.24 PER 20KG rowenbarbary.co.uk

CAVALOR COLOSTRA provides vital colostrum for newborn foals, when the mare’s milk is insufficient. Newborn foals are born without any antibodies and must absorb these through the colostrum within 24 hours of their birth. If a foal has received little or no colostrum for any reason, it is vital to compensate for this deficit. Cavalor Colostra increases the level of immunoglobulins in the blood, which helps strengthen the foal’s defences against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, during its first week of life. A solid start is essential to a foal’s healthy growth and development.

RRP: £37.59 FOR 100G | evetdrug.co.uk

TOPSPEC STUD FEED BALANCER

is designed to promote musculoskeletal development and function in breeding stock. It contains superb protein sources, a broad-spectrum supplement and many specialised supplements including an effective hoof supplement, generous levels of antioxidants, digestive aids and immune system support. Its outstanding specification in a low volume of highly concentrated feed means that total hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits. It is formulated without cereal grains, is low in sugar/starch and is ‘non-heating’.

RRP: £39.50 FOR 20KG | topspec.com

NUPAFEED STAYING POWER is a patent-protected liquid L-Carnitine supplement. Studies suggest that L-Carnitine can benefit stallions with poor seminal characteristics, and also helps to maintain the quality of postthawed semen. Seminal L-Carnitine concentration has been shown to positively correlate with sperm concentration and motility, an association reflective of the high energy needs of sperm cells. Supplement Staying Power to aid stamina and muscle performance in all competition horses and offer fertility support to working stallions.

RRP: £44.00 FOR 1L | nupafeed.co.uk

PHARMAPLAST ULTIMATE TOPLINE PharmaPlast Ultimate Topline non-heating formula contains all essential amino acids along with L-Arginine and Spirulina. This high specification formulation offers a fully comprehensive protein source, whilst also containing selenium, vitamin E, DHA and linseed for stunning coat condition. It is an ideal daily supplement to help support muscle development and recovery especially in stallions needing to maintain libido as well as sperm health and quality. Bettalife offers a full money back guarantee and a detailed ingredients list can be found on the website.

RRP: £40 FOR 750G; £70 FOR 1.5KG | Bettalife.co.uk

SPILLERS GRO N’ WIN BALANCER is a nutrient-rich formula ideal for broodmares, foals, youngstock and stallions that do not require the high level of calories provided by traditional stud feeds. It is rich in essential amino acids to support growth and muscle development and includes probiotic live yeast to support digestive health.

RRP: £25.59 FOR 20KG spillers-feeds.com

BAILEYS STUD BALANCER is ideal for helping ensure a stallion receives optimum nutrition at all times. It contains top quality protein to support muscle and tissue development, while a full spectrum of vitamins and bioavailable minerals support performance and sperm production. Its boosted antioxidant content, including vitamin E, vitamin C and trace minerals, zinc and selenium, helps defend sperm cells against free radicals. These nutrients have also been linked to maintaining optimum sperm counts, motility and production, and increased fertility.

RRP: £28 FOR 20KG | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

SARACEN HORSE FEEDS ESSENTIAL BALANCER is a cost-effective, low intake, complete feed balancer ideal for maintaining optimum body condition. This low sugar, low starch, non-heating balancer contains a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support immune function, general health and wellbeing, all of which are essential for breeding stallions to support sperm production and reproductive health. In addition, Essential Balancer contains a live yeast and healthy hoof package.

RRP: £37.00 FOR 20KG saracenhorsefeeds.com

BREEDPLUS from HiForm has been formulated by leading Australian equine nutritionists to help support breeding stock by using naturally-derived components. It is designed to be fed as a supplement to the diets of mares and stallions as well as the foals they produce. High in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements required for the development and regeneration of cells, it has been recognised as an integral dietary addition by many of the UK’s breeders.

RRP: FROM £32 FOR 1KG Hiformequine.co.uk

NAF FOAL BIOFIX For use during foal heat, gut stress, weaning or following antibiotics. Fasting acting FOS and MOS Prebiotics with Probiotics.

RRP: £10.99 FOR 30ML | naf-equine.eu/uk

DRESSAGE

The Elite Dressage team continue building a world class reputation for breeding, training and sales of topflight dressage horses direct from source. They have sold to multiple international riders including Dutch Olympic rider Diederik Van Silfhout, Andreas Helgstrand and French national champion and US Para Olympic trainer Michel Assouline. Very recently British Olympic team member Fiona Bigwood purchased the outstanding three year old Newton Sylvernite (Torveslettons Sylvester x Don Schufro x De Niro) also as a potential future team prospect.

PRIX RIDER ANNA ROSS...

Is particularly excited about a Fürst Jazz - Don Schufro - DeNiro gelding 5 yrs old and showing tremendous talent. “Newton Frank Zappa has almost identical breeding to the top lot at the recent PSI Auction, which was also a Furst Jazz – Don Schufro offspring. With a knock down price of over €1million for that horse, he’s not in the same price bracket as he’s for sale direct from us. We think he’s definitely going to be one to watch for the future along with a few other secret weapons!’

The team can showcase generations of Elite Dressage horses from foals through to GP produced in the most natural way, growing up herds on the Devon hills and continuing their training with international riders with a variety of training indoors, outdoors and hacking over the Devon hills. “It can be a minefield going to Europe to buy dressage horses and possibly not knowing much about the horses you’re trying as well as the added post Brexit import taxes ,” explained Anna Ross. “We provide a persona service to clients here in the UK so they can try a range of top-class horses, experience what they are like to ride and see where they grow up and learn about their mother lines too, many of whom we train and compete ourselves.

The team can help support purchasers and produce young horses making buying an affordable and achievable option for more riders.

Elite Dressage runs a comprehensive breeding and training programme producing generations of top-quality dressage horses from the best international stallions combined with their foundation and competition mares showcased from their barn in Devon.

The Elite team’s breeding and training programme is catching the eye of those in the know, as they build their breeding and training programme of high quality competition horses. For information: www.elitedressagehorses.co.uk

#elitedressagellp

Anna Ross - Elite Dressage

https://youtube.com/c/EliteDressageUK

CHAMPION

ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE SECOND OF THE 2022 CAVAGO-SPONSORED ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS TOOK PLACE IN NOVEMBER AT VALE VIEW EQUESTRIAN IN LEICESTERSHIRE. WITH 127 SECTIONS AND 62 TITLES TO BE WON, THE CHAMPIONSHIPS DISPLAYED THE BREADTH OF TALENT ACROSS THE VARIETY OF COMPETITORS TAKING PART IN BD COMPETITION. MEET THE TOP-SCORING WINNERS FROM THE FIVE-DAY SHOW.

CHAMPION

PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW

RIGHT: LIST 2A JUDGE JUDY BRADWELL AND AKOLIEN WON THE ELEMENTARY TITLE IN THE VETERAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR HORSES 15-19 YEARS. THE TALENTED 17-YEAR-OLD MARE HAS ALSO EVENTED WITH SEVERAL OF JUDY’S PUPILS.

LEFT: CLAIRE BALLANTYNE TOPPED OFF A SUCCESSFUL SEASON ON DVORAK WITH A VETERAN RIDER TITLE, WINNING THE ADVANCED MEDIUM GOLD ON 72.16%.

LEFT: LOIS SEYMOUR AND DIORISSIMO SCORED A UNIQUE DOUBLE – WINNERS IN THE INAUGURAL SIDE SADDLE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE BURY FARM ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL, THEY WENT ON TO TAKE A VETERAN HORSE 20+ CATEGORY WITH A SCORE OF 73.02% IN THE PRELIM SILVER.

VETERAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 20+ YEARS sponsored by Cavago

FORCES EQUINE

Bronze Liz Griggs with her own Harri Coeswen

LEFT: BRED TO SHOWJUMP, 14 YEAR-OLD MARE LIBERTY USA GAINED THE TOP SCORE IN THE FORCES EQUINE CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH OWNER DANIELLE KAISER.

RIGHT: FRESH FROM A WIN AT THE MCI CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BELGIUM, JANE GREEN AND THE 10-YEAR-OLD STALLION HACENDADO XVI TOOK THE PSG GOLD SECTION ON 71.03% TO BE CROWNED GBPRE PRIX ST GEORGES CHAMPIONS.

ABOVE: SPANISH-BRED ENRIQUETA, 22 YEARS YOUNG, IS DESCRIBED BY OWNERRIDER CAROLINE SHRUBB AS A ‘LATE STARTER’. WINNERS OF THE PRELIM BRONZE, THE PAIR HAD THE HIGHEST SCORE IN THE PART-BRED GBPRE CHAMPIONSHIPS TO TOP THE CATEGORY.

CHAMPION

LEFT: KATHRYN PICKERING BECAME ACQUAINTED WITH WENDY WESLEY’S ROR CHAMPION, POP THE CHAMPERS, WHEN RIDING OUT FOR HIS TRAINER, NICK KENT. THE PAIR CONTINUED THEIR SUCCESSFUL COMPETITION CAREER TOGETHER WITH A WIN IN THE PRELIM GOLD FOR 70.73%.

sponsored

PART-BRED GBPRE CHAMPIONSHIPSsponsored by Cavago

CHAMPION

RIGHT: ANNE JONES HAS ONLY OWNED THE FIVE-YEAR-OLD NIQUEL DEL DRAC SINCE LAST JULY, BUT MADE THEIR FIRST ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS A WINNING ONE. THEY POSTED THE TOP SCORE OF 70.60% IN THE PURE BRED LUSITANO CHAMPIONSHIPS WHEN WINNING THE PRELIM GOLD.

LUSITANO CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Cavago

PSG Gold Justine Armitage with her own Invasor 63.24%

Silver Alison Woulds with her own Zagalote 11 59.27%

Bronze Fiona Harter with her own Diamond X Fandi 65.74%

AM Bronze Emma Hayes with her own Feitor Do Penedo 64.930%

M Gold John Biggs with his own Janota 1 63.62%

Bronze Emma Hayes with her own Feitor Do Penedo 63.71%

E Bronze Ines Barroso with her own Goya 63.82%

N Silver Emma Latham-Hill with her own Maravilha 65.65%

P Gold Anne Jones with her own Niquel Del Drac 70.60%

Bronze Alex Wells with her own Heron 66.21%

CHAMPION

LEFT: DUAL WINNERS, TRISH WRIGHT AND HER 17-YEAR-OLD PALOMINO STALLION REDONDEL II CLAIMED THE ADVANCED MEDIUM AND MEDIUM TITLES IN THE PART-BRED LUSITANO CHAMPIONSHIPS.

PART-BRED LUSITANO CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Cavago

AM Bronze Trish Wright with her own Redondel II 63.97%

M Silver Trish Wright with her own Redondel II 64.22%

N Bronze Francesca Modena with her own Coronel 62.22%

CHAMPION

THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Cavago AM

CHAMPION

ABOVE: THE HIGHEST SCORE ACROSS THE THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALSO OPEN TO THOSE THAT HAVE NOT RACED) WAS ACHIEVED BY YASMIN WRIGHT WITH SALUBRIOUS, A HORSE FORMERLY TRAINED BY PAUL NICHOLLS. THE 15-YEAR-OLD IRISH GELDING WON THE ELEMENTARY BRONZE WITH 71.81% BUT ALSO SCORED IN THE MEDIUM SECTION AND WON THE ROR ELEMENTARY CHAMPIONSHIP.

CHAPS CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Cavago

M Silver Emma Openshaw with Judy Bates’ Penbretti Diamond Dancer 67.50%

Bronze Alys Matravers with her own Tiger Mazarati 69.40%

E Silver Lucy Bridgwater with her own Monaco 11 68.24%

Bronze Caroline Anne Ratcliffe with Amelia Scarlet Ratcliffe-Smith’s Jelt Sakari 67.72%

N Gold Emma Jablonski with her own Multivision 68.15%

Silver Noah Brook with Christine Berry’s Julia’s Smart Option 71.94%

Bronze Kim Tibble with her own Pauldarys Symphony in Sox 67.04%

P Gold Sally Oldham with Tara Redfern’s Wystone Domino 69.66%

Silver Kerry Finch with her own Mill House Redallaboutit 69.48%

Bronze Zoe Ryan with her own Bella 15 72.67%

Intro Bronze Rose Punchard with Anita Punchard’s Patjoe’s Warrior 68.26%

LEFT: BELLA 15 HAS HAD A BUSY AUTUMN WITH ZOE RYAN, FINISHING RUNNER-UP AT THE MY QUEST OPEN PRELIMINARY CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE LANDING THE PRELIM BRONZE HERE WITH THE HIGHEST SCORE ACROSS THE CHAPS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

BREEDING peace of mind

YOU’VE GOT YOUR MARE BOOKED IN FOR BREEDING, NOW CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVER IS UP TO SCRATCH. KBIS BRITISH EQUESTRIAN INSURANCE OFFERS SOME POINTERS.

Sending your mare to stud is an exciting time, but there are lots of boxes to tick to ensure you have everything in place before she goes. One vital aspect is insurance. It’s worth having a good look at your policy to see what is covered for use of your horse as a broodmare, especially if it’s her first foal and she has been insured as a competition or riding horse previously. You also need to plan ahead for next year, when your foal will also need cover.

QDO I NEED TO CHANGE MY MARE’S INSURANCE COVER BEFORE SENDING HER TO STUD FOR THE FIRST TIME IF SHE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN INSURED AS A COMPETITION HORSE?

A. Both the cover available and terms offered for broodmares vary somewhat between different insurance companies therefore it is best to check with your insurance company that the cover they offer is still suitable for your requirements.

QIS MY VETERINARY COVER AFFECTED BY THE FACT THAT SHE WILL (HOPEFULLY) BE IN FOAL?

A. Veterinary fee cover is not normally affected by a mare being in foal; however, it is best to check the specific terms and conditions of the policy with your insurer ahead of your mare being in foal.

QARE ANY VETERINARY PROCEDURES INVOLVED WITH BREEDING OR FOALING COVERED BY MY INSURANCE POLICY?

A. The routine veterinary procedures associated with breeding would not be covered under a policy as these are elective procedures which are not treating an accident, sickness or disease. Foaling risk is however often included

if the mare has veterinary fee cover (depending on the level of cover in place), so this means any non-routine treatment needed as a result of being in foal, such as treatment for the mare to save the mare’s life if foaling doesn’t go quite to plan, would be covered under the policy. If additional treatment is required for the foal, this would not be covered by the policy as the policy in place would be to cover the mare alone and not a prospective foal.

QMY

MARE CAN BE A BIT OF A DIVA –DOES MY LIABILITY INSURANCE COVER ME IF SHE CAUSES INJURY TO STUD STAFF OR THE STALLION?

A. The cover provided by your liability insurance will differ between insurers so you should check your policy wording, but generally these policies tend to exclude professionals as they should have their own liability policy. You should check that the stud has suitable public liability insurance in place before sending your mare there and

you should make sure that you disclose any ‘quirks’ or behavioural issues that you are aware of so that the stud are fully informed when handling her. We would suggest writing these down and sending them in an email so that you can evidence that you made the stud aware in the event that there is any dispute over a potential claim. This could be anything from being difficult to put a headcollar on to a tendency to bolt when tractors come past, the more information you share with the stud the better.

QDO I NEED TO INFORM MY INSURER WHEN SHE GOES TO STUD, EITHER FOR COVERING OR FOR FOALING?

A. Insurers normally only need to be made aware if the horse is moving out of the geographical limits of the

policy; however, it is best to check the specific requirements with your insurance company.

QWHEN SHOULD I INSURE MY FOAL AND WHAT WILL HE OR SHE BE COVERED FOR?

A. You can take out insurance for a foal from when he or she is 24 hours old. This will cover death, theft and straying with the option to include public liability and personal accident cover if required. With KBIS, when the foal turns 90 days old, you then have the option to include veterinary fee cover on the foal’s policy. If you decide this is something you’d like to include, let your insurers know and they will be able to advise how to go about adding this on. It may be that, by expressing an interest in veterinary fee cover at inception, they are able to contact you when the foal can be added on and waive any limitation period that may have been applied as a result.

YOU CAN TAKE OUT INSURANCE FOR A FOAL FROM WHEN HE OR SHE IS 24 HOURS OLD

BREEDING DIRECTORY

BRIARWOOD REVOLUTION

has superb paces and an intelligent, trainable nature alongside fantastic conformation, strong shoulders and excellent length of rein! At four years old he is showing to be an impressive prospect for mares, not only under saddle, but getting even the most difficult of mares in foal on first attempts. Rotspon x Pascal x Ramires.

STUD FEE: £575 + COLLECTION FEE albarosa-stud.com

MONET is a German Riding Pony Standing at 147cms born 2009, with superb conformation and movement matched with elegance, trainability and temperament. Elite graded with the SPSS on his results alongside his progeny up to International level. He has been accepted to compete for the South Notts Pony Club and has uccessfully crossed to both horse and pony mares, with potential dilute colours.

STUD FEE: £500 (PLUS COLLECTION) bathleyhillfarmlivery.com | 07753445614

TIMOLIN is a Grand Prix dressage stallion – 2011 Totilas x Sion at 16.3hh. He is a Sire of Champions, Equine Bridge Champion, and a dressage age class winner. His first crop is now competing at Prix St Georges at seven years old.

Timolin is standing at Catherston Stud, Hampshire and is available for fresh, chilled and frozen semen.

STUD FEE: £1,200 catherstonstud.com enquiries@catherstonstud.com

CORSCARON COMET AUR

is a 15hh Welsh Section D stallion by Menai Sparkling Imperial. He boasts big movement with a trainable temperament and placed in the top ten at the BD Summer Nationals 2022. Fresh, chilled or frozen semen is available NFFR. More images are available to view on instagram @comet_the_welsh_stallion.

STUD FEE: £400 cometthewelshstallion.com

FRECKLETON ROYAL AFFAIR

PSSM & WWFS – Negative. AES and CHAPS silver graded stallion. Fabulous front, excellent quality limb combined with a beautiful length of rein and depth. Stunning movement with spectacular ‘off the floor’ paces. A free shoulder and elasticity of gaits, with a beautifully engaged hind leg. He has a kind and easy temperament. Impressive pedigree with some of the best proven lines from Europe.

STUD FEE: £POA willowswaystud.co.uk

HAXIXE is a PSL dun Lusitano stallion of Baroque type, standing at 158cms with a fantastic temperament. Graded in 2021 with a score of 70.75%, he has competed up to PSG British Dressage and MCI. Fresh or chilled semen is available NFFR, along with photos and videos. Visits can be arranged on request.

STUD FEE: £500

Teresa Hemmings 07713 642802

LOOKING FOR A STALLION FOR YOUR MARE? HERE’S A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE DRESSAGE SIRES AVAILABLE FOR 2023.

LESTINGDALE VS is a stunning, six-year-old homozygous, black stallion with excellent conformation and super movement. He is a son of the current World Champion Glamourdale. In 2020 he was crowned Nexgen four-year-old Young Horse Champion and in 2022 he won an Elementary Freestyle regional title. He is currently training Advanced Medium.

FEE: £800 + VAT AVAILABLE FROZEN enquiries@heartbreakerstud.com

07817627946

WALSTEAD FALCONS

CREST is a 14hh Connemara stallion. A stunning stallion by HOYS winner Lecarrow King, he’s recently started his ridden career and is already enjoying success with BD and showing great potential to progress. He has an exceptional temperament and is a great option to cross with a variety of mares.

STUD FEE: £400 NFFR houndsellstud.co.uk

MONET 2017, Ferdinand x Welt Hit, 16.1hh. This young stallion shows much potential for the higher level work, scoring well in his few outings in the age classes. He has a strong canter, a natural balance and an active hind leg. He produces progeny with correct conformation and a very good nature.

STUD FEE: £650 + VAT kingtonlangleystud.com/monet

KL MAC 2011, Larduc x Graf Quidam, 16.2hh. He is competing with scores at 70%+ at Inter I and is training to compete at Grand Prix. KL Mac has jumped 1.35m in the age classes and has a fantastic temperament with progeny successfully starting their competition careers in all three disciplines.

STUD FEE: £750+VAT kingtonlangleystud.com/klmac

DON DANTE is a 2007 16.2hh black Hanoverian with 9.5in bone. Successful to GP level and former Medium National Champion. His career and temperament are mirrored in his offspring, who are excelling in dressage, eventing and showing including Nationals competitor Dante’s Secret, Don Divine graded Futurity Elite, and Great Yorkshire Show supreme hunter foal winner Morning Violet.

STUD FEE: FROM £750 facebook.com/DonDanteatNBS

AMOUR G is an athletic, eyecatching stallion that oozes presence. At three years old he was awarded Elite premiums with the BEF, scoring a whopping 9.75 for his paces. He competed very successfully to advanced level BD, twice competing at the BD Summer Nationals. Progeny winning PSG, placing Nationals and Regionals.

STUD FEE: £575 CHILLED £400 FROZEN NFNF | teamtorrent.co.uk

U-GENIUS has been bred for success with the extraordinary bloodlines of Valegro and Uthopia, that made him excel in his temperament and ability for Grand Prix movements. Although young yet, breeders are delighted to report he passes on his power and athleticism combined with outstanding balance, aptitude and trainability to his progeny.

REDUCED STUD FEE: £1,000 For terms and to book for 2023 please contact Claire Hester: 07803 303548

LORD RICO is a 16.2hh warmblood – Lord Leatherdale/Gribaldi. An exciting young stallion standing at WG Stud in Oxfordshire. He has an outstanding temperament and is exceptionally fertile. He produced a top class crop of foals in 2022, who have inherited his outgoing personality and dynamic movement. Viewing of stallions and progeny welcome. Awarded D-OC predicate. WFFS negative.

STUD FEE: £800 NFFR* wgstud.co.uk | 07779 217215

*£200 deposit then £600 when scanned in foal)

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TOTAL BRIAR is the grandson of multi gold-medal winning and World Champion mare Weihegold; grandson of the legendary and recordbreaking Totilas, as well as eight-times World No. 1 Briar 899.

Son of Nurnberger Burg-Pokal winner and Louis D’Or Finale winner

Total Hope.

Standing at 16.1hh at 3 years old.

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HINDLE AND HOWARD TRIUMPH AT Middle Tour

The British Dressage Middle Tour Festival at Arena UK last December was a celebratory way to end the year for combinations at this level. Incorporating Inter II, Inter B and Intermediate A/B Freestyle classes, the winners are determined by the highest overall combined score across two of the tests. Congratulations to Emma Hindle and Georgina Howard who claimed the Gold and Silver titles respectively.

LEFT: GEORGINA HOWARD AND LOVELY ILLUSION (BY QUITE EASY), WINNERS OF THE 2021 MIDDLE TOUR SILVER TITLE, SECURED BACK-TOBACK WINS WITH A VICTORY HERE AT ARENA UK. “HE SEEMS TO BE REALLY ENJOYING HIMSELF AND GETTING MORE AND MORE PERSONALITY WITH AGE,” SAYS GEORGINA ABOUT 19-YEAR-OLD ‘ARCHIE’.

ABOVE: EMMA HINDLE IS CONGRATULATED BY THE JUDGE AT C, ANDREA SMITH.

CHAMPION

LEFT: JOSEPH BRIGHT AND JBD WODAN, WINNERS OF THE INTER B GOLD, PLACED FOURTH IN THE INTER II GOLD AND SEVENTH IN THE INTER A/B FREESTYLE GOLD TO TAKE OVERALL FOURTH PLACE.

CHAMPIONSHIP PLACINGS

GOLD

1. Emma Hindle and Rosmarin (71.23%, 73.83%) = 145.06

2. Anne-Marie Rawlins and Etoile 11 (67.50%, 66.42%) = 133.92

3. Steph Croxford and Mr Jurist (67.35%, 66.25%) = 133.60

4. Joseph Bright and JBD Wodan (65.83%, 65.70%) = 131.62

5. Lindsay Hancock and Barachiel (64.07%, 67.04%) = 131.11

6. Francesca Bradley and Captain Negro C (64.22%, 66.71%) = 130.93

7. Kirsty Mepham and Minain (63.73%, 66.00%) = 129.73

SILVER

1. Georgina Howard and Lovely Illusion (65.15%, 69.08%) = 134.23

LEFT: ANNE-MARIE RAWLINS, RIDING HER FATHER DANE RAWLINS’ 11-YEAR-OLD ETOILE 11 (BY EHRENDORF), CLAIMED THE RUNNER-UP SPOT IN THE MIDDLE TOUR GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

LEFT: GEORGINA HOWARD AND LOVELY ILLUSION RODE TO A SELECTION OF TRACKS FROM THE ANIMATED FILMS CHARLOTTE’S WEB AND EPIC TO WIN THE INTER A/B FREESTYLE SILVER WITH 69.08%.

BELOW: BRITISH OLYMPIAN EMMA HINDLE AND HER DANISH MARE, ROSMARIN (BLUE HORS ROMANOV X SOLOS LANDTINUS) COLLECTED THE MIDDLE TOUR GOLD TITLE, SCORING 71%+ IN THE INTER II AND 73.83% IN THE INTER A/B FREESTYLE GOLD. “I’VE HAD HER SIX YEARS NOW, AND WE HAVE HAD UPS AND DOWNS, BUT EVERY TIME I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO RIDE HER, SHE MAKES ME SMILE,” SAYS EMMA.

CHAMPION

BELOW: STEPH CROXFORD AND HER EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GELDING, MR JURIST, ENJOYED A PODIUM FINISH WITH THIRD PLACE IN THE MIDDLE TOUR GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

SITTING pretty

PERFORMANCE DISCIPLINES SUCH AS DRESSAGE PLACE HIGH DEMANDS ON THE HORSE’S BACK, NO MATTER HOW WELL THE SADDLE FITS. EQUINE CHIROPRACTIC SPECIALIST JOHANNES SPITALER SET OUT TO DESIGN A SADDLE PAD THAT COULD WORK WITH A CORRECTLY FITTED SADDLE AND HE DISCUSSES THE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING THE EQUITEX PAD.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A SADDLE PAD WHEN USED WITH A WELL-FITTING SADDLE?

Traditionally, a saddle cloth was purely for keeping the saddle clean but today saddle pads are so much more, it’s about protecting the horse. Going back over the centuries, thick cloths or blankets and padding have all been used to make the horse more comfortable and prevent the saddle rubbing or moving, as it was much more cost-effective to use these than buy another saddle for a different shaped horse.

Nowadays most horse owners choose to have their saddles fitted to the horse and have them checked regularly to avoid pressure points and instability. However, advancements in technology have enabled scientists to prove that even with a well-fitting saddle there are huge amounts of pressure put onto the horse’s back. The Equitex pad has been designed to reduce this pressure, secure the saddle and not alter the fit, this is because you ‘ride in’ Equitex, not ‘on it’. It can also be used to prevent any small discrepancies in saddle fit,

ABOVE: PETRA AND JOHANNES SPITALER, WHO USED HIS EXPERIENCES AS AN EQUINE CHIROPRACTIC SPECIALIST TO HELP DESIGN AN INNOVATIVE SADDLE PAD.

THE EQUITEX PAD HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO REDUCE PRESSURE, SECURE THE SADDLE AND NOT ALTER THE FIT, THIS IS BECAUSE YOU ‘RIDE IN’ EQUITEX, NOT ‘ON IT’

©MASSIMO ARGENZIANO

which can occur with anything from quick weight/muscle loss or gain.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CHALLENGES WITH A DRESSAGE PAD?

Most dressage riders actually ‘sit’ on their horse so they are the ones who can feel when a saddle or their horse is working well. That said, it’s important that the pad doesn’t overwhelm the horse or get in the way of their movement. Being handmade we can make a dressage square to fit most shapes or sizes of horse. Many of the natives need a smaller pad as they are shorter, but in essence we can make most things to fit.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT A DRESSAGE PAD FITS YOUR SADDLE AND WILL WORK WELL WITH IT ?

When first tacking up, the saddle can look slightly perched but as soon as the rider sits in the saddle you will see how the foam is very responsive and reduces in volume. This responsive foam gives a closer feel whilst enabling the rider to feel their horse’s movement. All our pads are 3cm thick before compression and this is usually sufficient, however we do provide pads with correctional thickness and these are bespoke-made for the rider in consultation.

WHAT FILLING MATERIALS OFFER THE BEST PERFORMANCE?

We recently commissioned independent scientific research into all the materials available on the market today. Equitex responsive foam performed better than all other materials for pressure relief.

HOW CAN FILLING MATERIALS IN THE PAD OFFER CONSISTENT SHOCK ABSORPTION THROUGH THE LIFE OF

THE PRODUCT?

In scientific testing we have done, comparing old and new pads, there

was no reduction in performance even in pads that had been used more than 600 times. In comparison, natural fibres such as lambskin deteriorated substantially.

HOW DO YOU AVOID THE MATERIAL BEING COMPRESSED WITH USE AND THUS LESS EFFECTIVE?

We use the highest quality of materials that have been high intensity tested over the years. The current design and materials are a result of Equitex’s development over the last 30 years. We have proven that the responsive foam doesn’t deteriorate over time.

CAN YOU ADVISE ON HOW BEST TO CARE FOR A PAD, ESPECIALLY LIGHT COLOURED PADS WHICH BY THEIR NATURE NEED WASHING MORE FREQUENTLY?

Although these pads are highly durable, we recommend that you don’t wash a pad every time you use it. If you let it air dry after each ride, the grease/dirt next to the horse’s coat can be easily brushed off.

EQUITEX IN THE UK

Equitex is distributed in the UK by the Saddle Pad Company. Director Amanda Fisher explains how she came across the product.

Wash at 30 degrees, spin and air dry. If they get really dirty then a blast with the jet wash will remove stains and won’t damage the fabric.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT A PAD FROM SLIPPING? CAN RIDERS REALLY TRUST A PAD WITH NO STRAPS AND FIXINGS NOT TO SLIP?

The design of the pad is what makes it nonslip. The velvet is made specially for us and the surface next to the coat is cut in a specific way to mesh with the horse’s hair.

IS THERE A COMPROMISE BETWEEN AVOIDING SLIPPAGE AND ENSURING THAT HORSES WITH MORE SENSITIVE SKIN DON’T GET RUBBED?

Research that we commissioned with Dr David Marlin found that pads that were ‘sticky’ were detrimental to the comfort of the horse. You need to have a certain amount of movement otherwise you block the horse’s skin and top layers of muscles/ligaments etc from moving, which in turn creates more problems.

For more details on the research on materials: thesaddlepadcompany.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/04/equitex_ flyer_online_IT.pdf T

“I met Johannes at Windsor Horse Show in 2019. My mare had pressure lumps on her back from a previously ill-fitting saddle so I thought I’d give Equitex a go and bought an Emerald GP square. On the first ride, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe the difference in the way she went and the comfort level for me.  No straps was unheard of and I when I removed the pad, I noticed a totally dry spine and all the hairs were lying flat on her back. Game changer! I was so impressed, I contacted Johannes and asked to become the UK distributor; it took six months of persuasion but finally he agreed. We haven’t looked back since.

“EQUITEX RESPONSIVE FOAM PERFORMED BETTER THAN OTHER MATERIALS TESTED FOR PRESSURE RELIEF”

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GENERATION Dressage

THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION, SUPPORTED BY HCR, WAS FULL OF BRILLIANT TAKE-HOME MESSAGES AND EXERCISES. JANE CARLEY LOOKS AT JUST A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS.

Gareth Hughes and Michael Eilberg delivered an absorbing and inspiring National Convention with two packed days using some very talented combinations to showcase the best of training and horsemanship. The underlying theme was the role of the rider to work with the horse’s natural ability and plan a training programme that could help their mount to learn and develop, all the way to Grand Prix. Gareth pointed out that many of the simplest exercises could benefit even a top level horse, by helping to ‘service’ the movements, keeping the work correct and encouraging softness and suppleness. Michael added a host of patterns and pole work to develop collection and introduce variety, while advancing correct training.

ANGHARAD HARRIES AND CLAIRE GORDON’S FOUR-YEAR-OLD NONOVANCK

Gareth explained what he’s aiming for with the young horse: rhythm; balance; a consistent contact and relaxed on the end of the rein; happy to move forward and be adjustable.

“Develop a nice forward thinking walk, trot and canter. Teach aids that the horse can understand and follow.

“Create confidence and then add impulsion and power in trot; this comes with strength.”

In canter, Gareth commented that he wants the horse to ‘have a go’.

“I don’t mind if he makes a mistake, but he’s got to be willing and this means thinking

forward. We want a tempo in which the horse can hold the canter, then when he develops his strength, we can start to ask him to wait a bit more.

“The canter tires them out as babies, so we tend to do more work in the trot.No shapes too small, no questions too difficult – no line should dare him to fail.

“When do you progress? There will be a day when he fi nds it too easy and then you can move on.

ANGELA COLLINGS WITH HER OWN FIVE-YEAR-OLD THISTLEDOWN I SEE FIRE

Gareth explained that once the horse can go forward in trot, you can start developing an understanding of connection.

“Use circles to get connection, lateral work to help with riding straight lines; if you are working on the straight all the time they can fall onto their shoulders.”

“Leg yield makes him supple through the body but don’t use too steep an angle, so you can maintain the trot. You can use a serpentine to help you shape through the inside aid and turn through the outside aid.

“In canter – look for try, it doesn’t matter if he picks up the wrong lead. When asking to soften in canter with light flexion, if he stops listening come back to trot and get back on the aid.

Make 2-3 transitions into and out of canter; he doesn’t have a half halt yet so needs transitions to make an improvement.

“Young horses get tired. Give him a break before working on the other rein; otherwise if you get a problem you may not have the energy to fi x it.”

PHOTOS: CAMILLE PETERS

ALEX HARRISON AND EMMA BLUNDELL’S MSJ BACHELOR

Gareth explained that lateral work helps the horse to understand body positioning and builds strength, while most of the movements are also required in tests.

“Leg yield teaches the horse to bend round the leg, in a similar shape to shoulder in and you can take it into half pass. In trot, lateral work develops collection, but you have to start collection to begin lateral work in canter.

“To start half pass, on a diagonal, when you cross the quarter line take the nose to the right and bring hips around, like a banana. We want the horse to accept the shaping aid. The shoulders go to the left and you then can ride forward from the outside leg.

“If he collapses into the aid, use the threequarter line instead. Once he follows the aid into the shape, you can give him the direction and once he’s more confident in position, use a steeper line from the centre line.

“Don’t start or train the horse on the test lines. Open the line up, make it easier – when the quality is there ride the test line. Even Grand Prix horses can come in and be stiff. Use the exercise with a shallow angle to check the horse understands it technically, and then increase the angle.”

RUBY HUGHES AND KATE LISTER’S WORLD EXCLUSIVE

Gareth explained that tempi changes require the rider to be able to count and move the leg to give the aid at the right time. “Most people find it difficult to do both together initially. Start when you can do a balanced, clean single change.”

Start on the three-quarter line or track to give a constant line on one lead. First ride a change one way and then ask the horse to change back again.

“Set up is the same aid as asking for canter; maintain the aid to tell the horse another change is coming, and then swap the aid over to change back. Part of the change aid is release of the previous aid.

“The next step is to change after a stated number of strides ie left canter six strides, change, right canter six strides, change etc. When you land from the first change start preparing for the next – the horse should look for the aid but wait for it.”

Counting four-tempis, use the number of the change to help you count and remember eg 1, 2, 3, 4, then 2, 2, 3, 4; 3, 2, 3, 4 Gareth suggested. “When you reach four that’s your cue to ask for the change. Count out loud and find the rhythm.

“You don’t need to ride each set twice with a more experienced horse – if 4s are good move on to a row of 3s and so on. If you have a problem go back – if 3s go wrong, try 4s again.”

With one-tempis, the aid for the second change comes before they have made the first one ie right leg, next stride, left leg, he explained.

“Introduce one tempis in pairs, ride along the wall and change to the outside. Then reduce the number of strides between the pairs, moving onto the diagonal and finish with odd numbers of consecutive changes – three, five etc. For a full line count leg aids, rather than as the horse changes, otherwise you will be behind the right number.”

GREG SIMS WITH HIS OWN AND STENA HOERNER’S WAVERLEY FELLINI

Michael explained that he likes to fi nd ways to introduce the concept of the pirouette without being too physically demanding.

He demonstrated pole work that helps with collection – ‘the main essence of canter pirouette.’

“Come on three-quarter line, collect the canter, enter the box in walk, pick up canter in the second half and canter out. Try to pick up the canter sooner each time until you get rid of the transition altogether. He explained that this gets the horse round a small circle without having to pull.

“You can ride the hind leg underneath the centre of gravity, which is what collection is all about. You stay out to the poles with the balance of the shoulder as your horse is likely to want to fall in.”

Eventually you can complete the circle without coming back to walk. “Don’t make it too small – the horse needs to be confident he can canter in the box.”

Michael used poles to help with zig zags.

“It’s another simple exercise you can start early and can play with and come back to when needed. We begin at PSG with a half pass to the centre line, fl ying change and half pass back.

“Keep the horse fairly straight to make it easier for her and you can set her up for the change slightly in shoulder fore to be ready for new half pass.

“Use the pole to help with the positioning and don’t ask for too much bend – ride the corner and ride into half pass with a ‘leg yield feel’. You do need to be able to ride adjustability within the movement.”

He explained that you can make the exercise harder by steepening it to help ensure you will get the GP zig zag in – move the centre pole in to 5m, and add the correct bend to challenge the horse’s balance.

CHARLOTTE ‘PIP’ BLAIN AND FRODO

Michael used pole work with Charlotte ‘Pip’ Blain and Frodo to help with collection and lengthening.

“Start with a straight line of poles set up for two trot strides or one canter stride; if the horse is a bit sharp and breaks into canter he’s not going to frighten himself. Once he’s settled you can add the middle pole to make it trot only. Don’t try to see a stride, just trot in. If the horse has good balance and rhythm, the strides take care of themselves.

“Then you can move on to poles spaced at a longer distance,and go rising for more of a working trot, encourage the horse to reach. Then can you lengthen the poles again and think towards medium trot.

“To help with collection, use the poles at the shorter distance – raise alternate ends and ride for balance and connection.

“You can use both sets together – the short distances in sitting trot, longer ones in rising. The horse learns that sometimes we want him to move on and sometimes back.”

ALICE OPPENHEIMER WITH SARAH OPPENHEIMER’S HEADMORE BELLA RUBY

GROUNDWORK GAINS

Michael gave fascinating demonstrations of groundwork on both days. He discussed the pros and cons of lunging youngsters.

“I don’t like the strain of constantly being on a circle. If you lunge a fouryear-old before you ride it, the horse will get fitter and fitter and then have to lunge for longer, leading to more strain. Our youngsters come in, do a bit of work in-hand and then we get on.However, for a 5/6 year-old, lunging is really good and can you do exercises with raised poles etc.”

He then used Natalie Woodward’s General Custard to show how in-hand work can help a green horse to learn to bend.

“They don’t always understand how to listen to the bit, so they can become unsettled and crooked.

“If he can bend his neck, he can stay straight but follow the bit to the inside.

“Put the buckle of the reins on the saddle and then ask him to bring his neck to inside. He will want to move his feet to stay straight, but just keep asking with the same pressure. As soon as he bends, drop the rein. You shouldn’t have to hold him there, he should stay in the position briefl y when the pressure is taken off.

“Next, shorten the outside rein, so having less space to bend asks the horse to give on both sides. Start by holding the buckle and then move up the rein to the join between leather and rubber. To get space to bend, he has to come up through wither.

“Be consistent and wait for the horse to fi gure it out. You can do this a couple of times before getting on.”

SOPHIE WELLS AND IZZY PALMER WITH JE SUIS A DIVA (FRENCH)

Multiple Paralympic medallist Sophie Wells explained that Izzy is a grade IV para with cerebral palsy affecting her right-hand side. Izzy also competes able bodied to PSG.

“Para training emphasises working in best balance possible for horse and rider. We want to start at a neutral point in the saddle – not leaning back or forward. Izzy uses fi xed loop reins which give a fi xed contact so she has to ensure that she balances French with her seat, not the reins.”

Sophie explained that she likes to use a give and retake of the reins to see if the horse will stay in self carriage, and then moves on to lateral work.

SOPHIA MARSTON AND IMOGEN

MURRAY’S E-MAIL

“In leg yield, check that you are heading onto the three-quarter line straight; if there’s too much bend you can lose alignment and quality of the pace. In canter you pull on the inside rein, the canter loses rhythm, there’s too much right bend and the horse falls out of her shoulder.”

Leg yield in from the track helps with straightness if the horse comes down the track with its quarters in, and is also good for suppling, she said.

Michael gave Sophia some counter canter exercises to help with collection and balance.

“Using counter canter on a smaller circle helps with collection as you progress towards pirouettes and gets the idea in the horse’s mind. Canter up the centre line, make a 10m circle back onto the centre line and then a 10m circle on the other side of the centre line in counter canter. Use shoulder fore to keep a slight flexion over the leading leg.

a 10m circle back onto the centre line and then a 10m circle

“If the horse fi nds it easy, you could do it with more impulsion and flexion away from the leading leg. Check on the other rein – does he fi nd it easier or more difficult?”

You can progress to adding a simple change so that all three circles are in counter canter. Keep the straightness through the simple change.”

step forward.”

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SCHOOLMASTER FEI PONY

ADVANCED DRESSAGE GELDING

EUROPEAN FEI DRESSAGE PONY

If you’re aiming for peak performance, it makes sense to consider all areas of management. Your horse’s nutrition is something you’ve most probably chewed over and changed frequently to reflect his lifestyle and workload, but how about your own?

As British Equestrian (BEF) nutrition consultant Dr Dan Martin points out, a dressage partnership is only as good as the weakest half. Riders who fail to address their own dietary shortcomings could be letting the side down.

“If the horse is on fi re but the rider is not, that will be the limiting factor,” he explains. “The rider is also an athlete.”

So how do we approach our own nutrition to secure those vital marginal gains? According to Dan, fuelling ourselves correctly means having an idea of energy expenditure.

“While there’s not a fantastic amount of research in dressage, we can piece things together from what we know generally about human physiology,” he says.

EAT WELL

“A rider training 10 horses a day can expect to expend 3,000 calories, based on research of schooling work in racing. If your riding is more part-time or recreational, expenditure per day would be around 2,000-2,500 calories, depending on how active you were away from the saddle. Expenditure per test is not known, but it’s probably far less than it feels. At a guess, for a five to six minute test, you’d burn less than 100 calories. The exercise is not intense enough for more, even if you’re left feeling shattered. But there’s the technical training and the physical conditioning off the horse, too, and that work needs fuelling.”

HEALTHY HABITS

Alongside appropriate calorie intake, an important factor is nutritional timing. If the habit of grabbing a coffee for breakfast and not eating until later in the day sounds familiar, you’ll probably be performing below par.

“Unhealthy eating patterns will have a direct effect on your mood and energy,” says Dan, who points out that if there’s no food in your stomach and things aren’t going right, you’ll have a short fuse. “This can lead to a downward spiral, because when you do eat and you’re not feeling good, you’re likely to make negative food choices such as reaching for sugary snacks.

IN PART ONE OF A NEW SERIES ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FOR RIDERS, ANDREA OAKES LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF DIET.

“WHAT’S INTERESTING IS THE GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH ABOUT THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS AND HOW WELLBEING AND MOOD ARE LINKED DIRECTLY TO GUT HEALTH”

“What’s interesting is the growing body of research about the gut-brain axis and how wellbeing and mood are linked directly to gut health,” he adds. “Most of the serotonin, the brain chemical that regulates mood, is produced by what’s going on in your gut. It’s thought that a good gut microbiome, with high levels of healthy bacteria, creates a more stable mood.”

Dan has devised a simple daily plan based around three ‘C’s.

“Carnivore refers to animal-derived foods, such as meat, fi sh, chicken, eggs and dairy,” he explains. “Colourful foods are fruit and vegetables, things such as berries and avocados. Then there are the carbohydrates: bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and cereals.

“Day to day, have a portion of carnivore at every meal or snack, such as a Greek yoghurt or a piece of cheese. Include colour, too, each time you eat. Then identify your ‘working window’, when you’re in the gym or on a horse and most physically active, and book-end this with energy-giving carbs. An example would be eating carbs at breakfast and lunch if you ride in the morning.

“Typically, riders don’t eat much during their most active times of the day because they’re too busy,” adds Dan. “Then when they’re doing nothing, usually in the evening, they eat loads of carbs. To boost energy and mood, eat carbs when you’re busy and carnivore and colour when you’re not.”

WORKING WINDOW

For competition days or stayaway shows, Dan recommends a similar routine.

“On a long day, when you’re travelling and riding a number of tests, the priority would be carbs for fuel,” he says. “Time it right, eating carbs a couple of hours before a test and taking small hits in between and afterwards. Identify the working window, when your heart rate is high, and fuel with carbs each side of that. During the journey there and back, focus more on carnivore and colour.

“Ideally, you don’t want food sitting in your stomach when you ride,” he adds. “On competition day and the day before it, a ‘white’ diet will be digested and release energy more quickly. While wholegrains might ordinarily be healthier, stick to carbs such as white bread and pasta and white meats such as chicken, white fi sh and pork.”

Dan explains that a dehydration level of just 2%, which equates to the water we’ve lost after a night’s sleep, is enough to impair performance.

“Simply drink as much water as you want,” advises Dan. “Load with electrolytes on competition day if you need to, so you don’t have to worry about drinking so much.”

Feeling well and riding at the optimum bodyweight for your shape and height are great reasons for getting your diet right. Dan offers more food for thought with some research from racing, which showed that jockey

FUELLING FINESSE

“When we have a tea break, I’ll dunk a biscuit,” says busy professional rider Beth Bainbridge, who rides between eight and 10 horses a day as head rider at Elite Dressage. “But we are athletes, and I know that what we eat makes a big difference.

“I start the day with Greek yoghurt, nuts and berries for breakfast, and I’ll make a wrap or an omelette to take to the yard for lunch. I also make stew in a slow cooker to cook at the yard, then bring it home for dinner. For shows, I take Huel meals and a bag of spinach. That means I’m still eating well even if I then have the odd burger or some cheesy chips.

“I know it affects my mood if I don’t eat properly and have too many sugar loads, and that’s not fair on other people,” adds Beth, who manages a team of eight. “It’s all about a healthy balance, for me, the horses and the team.”

performance in a simulated race ride was worse when they’d skipped breakfast and were slightly dehydrated.

“Upper and lower body strength was significantly lower, reaction time and decision-making were slower and the jockeys fatigued a lot quicker,” he explains. “This wasn’t dressage, but the parallels are there. The two sports are not poles apart.”

“TO BOOST ENERGY AND MOOD, EAT CARBS

WHEN YOU’RE BUSY AND CARNIVORE AND COLOUR WHEN YOU’RE NOT”

ELITE STALLIONS

BLUE HORS VICONTE

Elite Stallions is thrilled to present the wonderful Blue Hors Viconte (Vivaldi x Sandro Hit x Brentano) standing in the UK for 2023. This elegant young son of Vivaldi, combines two of the strongest lines of performative stallions in recent dressage history. Vivaldi and Sandro Hit both had successful competitive

The legendary Sandro Hit need’s little introduction. He dominated the dressage breeding scene in the 2000’s and has produced over 190 licensed sons, most famous among them Sir Donnerhall, San Amour and Stedinger. At the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, there were no less than nine offspring of Sandro Hit competing, with Showtime FRH taking the team gold and Salvino taking team silver.

Viconte’s damline is one of the most successful and productive in Germany in recent times and has produced approved stallions such as Quarterback, Quarterhit and Don Royal. The full sister of Viconte’s dam, Poetin II, won the World Championship for Young Horses as a five-year-old and afterwards sold for €2.5 million at the P.S.I auction, making her the most expensive riding horse sold at the time.

GRACE AND ELEGANCE

Viconte is a long legged and strikingly beautiful stallion, that oozes elegance. As well as wonderful movement, he has inherited from his sire great trainability and rideability. Head rider at Elite Dressage, Beth Bainbridge, described him as ‘a horse that gives you a very grand feeling when you sit on him. He has a very pleasing frame, with a good length of rein and is light and easy in the contact.’ Although he has not long been with the team at Elite, they are already in love with him. Milo Johnston helped to transport Viconte back to the UK and described him as ‘a very friendly and personable guy. He really likes people and is not shy, but without being in your face. He travelled beautifully, was totally relaxed and took everything in his stride.’

Beth has already been busy getting Viconte used to all aspects of his new home at Elite Dressage in Devon, he has been ridden in both the indoor and outdoor arena and has made his maiden voyage hacking around the fields, approaching everything with a willing and positive outlook. With his fantastic temperament, movement and bloodlines, Viconte has everything he needs to be a top sire. His first crop of foals are already looking hugely promising, with several auction highlights among them, including the highest priced foal at the Westfalen auction. The future most certainly looks bright for this rising star.

For more information on Blue Hors Viconte please see: or www.elitestallions.co.uk

BE CLEAR ON ANTI-DOPING

THE LATEST LIST OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES FOR RIDERS IS NOW IN EFFECT, SO IT’S TIME TO CHECK THAT ANY COMMON REMEDIES OR REGULAR MEDICATION THAT YOU TAKE IS NOT INCLUDED.

Competitors who ride in British Dressage affi liated competition should be aware that the 2023 Prohibited List has been released by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) and came into effect on 1 January 2023.

Prohibited substances can include ingredients in prescribed or over-the-counter remedies for common ailments as well as supplements.

Athletes who take regular medication should recheck their medication against the 2023 List in case they take a medication that has changed status (is now prohibited). They should apply for a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) where necessary.

Athlete support personnel should ensure they are familiar with the 2023 List and its changes.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes and maintains a list of the substances and methods which are:

• Prohibited at all times (both in-competition and out-of-competition); or

• Prohibited in-competition only (athletes can be tested for these substances or methods during the in-competition period. The substance/method is not forbidden at other times); or

• Prohibited in specific sports only. Within these categories, some substances are ‘conditional’ – athletes are allowed to take up to a specific dose or within a specific dosage range but outside of that dose or range the substance is prohibited (for example, some ingredients found in asthma inhalers).

Other conditional substances are those that are only prohibited by the way they are taken (route of administration) – for example, applied as a cream, or swallowed, or inhaled.

IN-COMPETITION PERIOD

The FEI defi nes the in-competition period as the period commencing one (1) hour before the beginning of the fi rst horse inspection the day before a competition in which the athlete is scheduled to participate, through to the end of the last competition at the event for that athlete or the sample collection process related to such competition.

Riders competing under national (BD) rules are required to comply by WADA rules on the in-competition period, defi ned as “the period commencing 11.59pm on the day before a competition… through to the end of such competition and the sample-collection process related to such competition”, unless stated otherwise by the rules of an International Federation (IF) or other relevant Anti-Doping organisation.

The BD Code of Conduct requires members:

• To be bound and to comply strictly with the British Equestrian (BEF) Anti-Doping Rules for Human and Equine Athletes (without prejudice to any other anti-doping rules applicable to him/her)

• To submit to the authority of the BEF and/ or of the UK Anti-Doping Organisation (“UKAD”) to apply, police and enforce those Rules

• To provide all requested assistance to the BEF and UKAD (as applicable) in the application, policing and enforcement of those rules, including (without limitation) cooperating fully with any investigation, results, management exercise, and/or proceedings being conducted pursuant to those rules in relation to any potential AntiDoping Rule Violation(s); and except where the FEI has jurisdiction over the potential Anti-Doping Violation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

UK Anti-Doping has published a summary of the major changes on its website ukad.org.uk/news/worldanti-doping-agency-releases-2023prohibited-list but to check any medication you can use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) at globaldro.com/Home

The 100% Me Clean Sport app from UKAD includes links to the prohibited substances list and step-by-step guide for using GlobalDRO.

This does not, however, cover supplements – there’s more information at ukad.org.uk/supplements-hub

If you have any questions on the Prohibited List or a medication you may be using, please contact substance@ ukad.org.uk.

BD ACTION

KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST NOTICES, NEWS AND VIEWS FROM BRITISH DRESSAGE AT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK

RULE CHANGES FOR 2023

The BD Members’ Handbook is the ultimate guide to competing and training with British Dressage, helping members to set goals for the year ahead. Please take the time to read through the rules carefully before getting ready to compete. It’s vital that all members understand the regulations before going down the centre line, as well as our code of conduct, social media, and equine welfare policies. The digital version of the BD Members’ Handbook is available to read, download, bookmark, search, clip and save at any time, making it easy to reference wherever you are.

Any amended or new rules are marked in bold text for easy identification, whilst a synopsis of the rule changes is also provided online, so members can understand the additions and amendments on important topics concerning horse welfare, vaccinations and competition. For the synopsis of rule changes, plus the fully searchable online version of the members’ handbook, please visit the Competitions section of the BD website. Also available online is the Approved Tack and Equipment Guide, which provides pictorial guidance and clarification on permitted tack and equipment.

Areas where rule changes apply are:

Equine Welfare

• Surgical procedures

• Sensory hairs

• Equine influenza vaccination

• Equine carrying capacity and fitness

• Lameness

Tack and equipment

• Bits

• Cultural, religious or medical dress

Para Equestrian rules

• New FEI Para tests for 2023

• New Gold Freestyle tests for national competition

• Classification

• New Bronze tests

• Riders with hearing difficulties (also applicable to able-bodied riders)

• Direct qualification Winter/ Summer Championships

• New Para Freestyle to Music Championships

Plus:

• Weather warnings

• Eligibility and rules, including serious or dangerous resistance

• Quest

• Area Festival qualification

• Winter Championship PSG and Inter I Silver (New for 2023)

• Winter PSG and Inter I Freestyle Championships

• Island rules

• PSG and Intermediate I Freestyle to Music Gold Championships

• U21 National Championship league

• Middle Tour Championships

• British Dressage Young Horse Championship for 7-year-olds

• Dressage Future Elite Championships (HOYS)

• Unsanctioned events

JUDGES’ UPGRADES

Congratulations to the recently upgraded judges listed below.

List 1: Jane Critchley (N&W), Clare Deithrick (S&W), Alison Duck (S&W), Maria Eilberg (N&W), Chrissie Havis (N&E), Jane Howard (S&E), Gillian Peters (Scotland), Claire Marie Senior (N&E) and Kim Anita Warren (S&E).

List 2A: Susie Cumine (S&W) and Janet Surr (S&W)

List 2: Carol Bennitt (S&E), David Hamer (N&W), Kate Hancox (N&E), Alexander Harrison (S&W), Douglas Hibbert (S&W), Lotte Olsen (S&E), Linda Pearce (N&E), Rebecca Trower (S&W) and Charlotte Wilson (N&E).

List 3A: Keri Bates (N&W), Suzi Douglas-Osborn (N&W), Helen Evelyn-Wood (S&W), Tim Pearson (N&E), Michelle Parkyn (N&W), Mark Philpott (S&W) and Lise Roberts (N&W).

List 3: Ali Dane (S&W), Annabel Darrall-Rew (S&W), Frances Goodhind (S&W), Elizabeth Love (Scotland), Carly Ogden (N&W), Amanda Rawson (N&E) and Guy Reynolds (N&W).

List 4: Helen Barrett (N&E), Emma Briggs (N&E), Marcia Cundy (S&W), Rachel Crook (N&E), Laima Davies (S&W), Andrea Dobson (S&W), Elizabeth Gammie (Scotland), Tracey Hepworth (N&E), Deborah Howson (N&E), Sandra Jones (S&W), Angela Kemili (N&W), Abigail Kench (S&W), Rachel Liddle (N&E), Tracey Lovegrove (N&E), Julia Lyon (Scotland), Nicki Mundy (N&W), Chantelle Oliver-Symond (S&W), Brenda Pamplin (N&W), Tanya Reid (S&E), Debbie Tate (S&E) and Felicity Young (S&W).

KEY DATES

List 5: Sandra Ashworth (Scotland), Marie Bak (N&W), Zara Baker-Tuck (S&W), Petra Blazkova (S&E), Kathryn Bottomley (S&E), Mariana Broucher (S&E), Lizzie Burford (N&W), Tina Burrow (S&W), Laura Cartwright (S&E), Julia Case (N&W), Samantha Chiappini (N&E), Karin ConradieCoppenhall (S&E), Tracy Davies (S&E), Annette Davis-Green (N&E), Christina Dumontier (Wales), Jonathan Paul Dunkley (S&W), Lesley Anne Francescon (N&E), John Fullick (S&W), Ellen Glover (S&W), Lesley Grant (Scotland), Greg Hague (N&E), Barry Hayes (S&W), Emily Hedger (N&E), Yolande Ifold (S&W), Debbie Jones (N&W), Dannii Little (N&W), Grace Lynch (S&W), Lesley McCourt (Scotland), James Mister (N&W), Bradley MooreTaylor (S&W), Graham Noakes (N&E), Carrie Payne (S&W), Naomi Pine (S&W), Charlotte Richards (Wales), Elaine Shannon (N&E), Gary Shimmin (S&W), Christy Shuall (Wales), Susan Somner (S&E), Donna Sweeney (Wales), Lois Unitt (N&W), Helen Walker (N&W), Gail Walkingshaw (Scotland), Anne Whaley (S&W), Heather Woodhead (N&E) and Kerri Wright (Scotland).

25-28 Feb Winter Regionals, Wellington Riding, Hampshire

A comprehensive list of major dates can be found online at britishdressage. co.uk/competitions/international-and-major-dates

SOUTH & EAST

NORTH WEST

DO: Katharine Perry and Sharon Walker (job share)

M: 07872 603871 (Katharine)

M: 07894 232358 (Sharon)

E: southandeast@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Katie Powell 07887 514203

Coaching: Teresa Edmonds 07957 785929

Rachel Wright 07816 235441

Rider training: Nicola Preston 07984 642291

Samantha Williams 07974 225005

BD Youth: Jessica Brown 07852 282983

Ben Grose 07732 435528

Jacqui Durlik 07878 052115

Judges: Fiona Wilson 07803 263983

Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566

Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497

Craig Messenger 07591 202175

Nikki Goldup 07769896734

SOUTH & WEST

DO: Amanda Rodgers

M: 07894 232355

E: southandwest@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677 977

Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562

Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955

Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955

BD Youth: Tina Burrow 07967 912785

Clare Deithrick 07446 265843

Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499

Para: Mark Cunli e 07717 727147

Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700

Paula Holland 07748 666794

JUDGE TRAINING

Annual CPD requirements for judges for 2022 run from the end of March 2022 to the end of March 2023. Judges must attend a formal training session from the three options below only. Judges are required to attend training either at their current level or one level above.

• Black Horse One online seminar

• Module 4 live training

• Principles of Judging Seminar

General training and clinics that are organised across the regions can be used towards one training observation sign off for judges registered for the new system. Attendance to the module 4 live training can also be used for one training observation sign off.

Small sitting-in training sessions that are organised across the regions can be used towards one sitting-in sign

DO: Alex Phillips

M: 07495 013192

E: northandwest@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Jane Critchley 07966 865604

Coaching: Alison Calvert 07980 886004

Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594

BD Youth: Kate Tomlinson 07770 803115

Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633

Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766

Richard Baldwin 07903 942498

Para: Diane Fisher 07477 604178

Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176

NORTH & EAST

DO: Jo Byrne

M: 07783 791191

E: northandeast@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148

Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141

Rider training: Rachel Longworth 07863 970192

Second rider rep under recruitment

BD Youth: Jess Gri iths 07590 732896

Charlotte Clark 07786 344617

Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864

Para: Under recruitment

Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360

Noor Rhijnsburger 07403 763608

off for judges registered for the new system. Judges can also attend these for their own development but are not permitted to use this towards CPD training requirements.

General Zoom judge training sessions can be attended for development but are not permitted to be used towards annual CPD training requirements.

Anyone not able to complete this is advised to refer to the reinstatement of judges policy on the website, and those unable to fulfil this requirement must write to officials@ britishdressage.co.uk. Judges are reminded that they should be up to date with CPD before they judge.

Online seminars with the eDressage platform Black Horse One are available for all judges, including trainees. Please ensure that you register for the relevant seminar either

SCOTLAND

DO: Ashley Stewart

M: 07584 147258

E: scotland@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211

Coaching: Michael Whippey 07870 542349

Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039

BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248

Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132

Para: Johanne Picken 07507 270508

Marketing: Jade Struthers 07852 411979

Sam Turpitt 07801 428333

W WALES

DO: Vanessa Archer

M: 07398 763414

E: wales@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315

Coaching: Nina Boex 07966 032090

Rider training (North Wales): Helen Hopewell 07971 490038

Rider Training (South Wales): Bethan Powell 07545 082247

BD Youth (North Wales): Anna Roberts 07786 674893

BD Youth (South Wales): Briony Cutler 07889 817609

Quest : Emma Thompson-Warren 07747 611274

Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953

Para: Donna Rooney 07969 747817

Marketing: Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941

at your current level or the level you are looking to upgrade to.

ONLINE SEMINARS

These seminars are available to book through the Horse Monkey website. Please filter your search to ‘British Dressage Judges’ to find the booking page. To apply to become a Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/ judging/how_to_become_a_ judge

Please visit the Judge Horse Monkey page via the QR code where you will find all judgerelated booking links including trainee judge registration, system registration, music paper booking, the judge listing form and Zoom judge training sessions.

REGIONAL TRAINING

To find details of regional training in your region, including clinics, test riding, social activities, demos and much more, simply open the camera on your device and scan the codes below.

South & West South & East

North & West North & East

Alternatively, visit the BD website, find your region and head to the regional training page via your web browser.

COMPETITIONS: SCHEDULES.

SCHEDULES: 1 MARCH – 16 APRIL 2023

Please refer to the BD Schedules webpage for the most up-to-date schedule information. Visit the ‘International and Major Dates’ webpage to see a complete list of 2023 Major Dates.

ALNWICK

SHEEPGATE EQUESTRIAN,

SOLARIUMS

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18:00; +447771751285

COLRAINE

THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

HORSE EXERCISER

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BOLD HEATH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

TREFOR

CHERWELL

MOULTON COLLEGE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

WELLINGTON

BEACONS EQUESTRIAN, CARMARTHENSHIRE

ONLEY GROUNDS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, WARWICKSHIRE

SOLARIUMS

Uk’s highest quality solariums & washroom products

Tie posts, water arms, water heaters, matting, StoKbord walls

T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE,

Support British Breeding – Use British Bred

Proven performance breeding for over 70 years of horses to suit all capabilities of rider and disciplines

All of these Dual Purpose Stallions should produce stock for competing in all disciplines. Frozen semen available from Dutch Gold, Catherston Dazzler, Catherston Goldstorm, Catherston Springsteen & Opposition Bombshell.

Please contact Anne Dicker or Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Catherston Stud, Croft Farm, Over Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 8HX Tel: 01264 782716 or e-mail enquiries@catherstonstud.com or at www.catherstonstud.com

BLACK DIAMOND STUD

Four beautiful dressage stallions all with exceptional temperaments and excellent blood lines. Ethically trained and managed with daily turn out and a varied training schedule.

We welcome visits to see the boys at their home or can arrange to meet them at competitions

For more info please contact Emily 07917797375

Ketcher B

KYLIX

UK LIMITED

Benefit from our fantastic BD Nationals discounts on Washdown equipment, Horse Exercisers, Paddock cleaners and Solariums.

PADDOCK CLEANERS

Special offer for British Dressage members

Visit the Kylix UK Stand for details, email sales@kylixuk.co.uk or call 01799 542137

£1,000 discount using code BD1000

T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk WEST

STOURPORT

BRIDGEND

SOLARIUMS

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TILLYOCH

SOLARIUMS

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HOLMSIDE HALL EQUESTRIAN, DURHAM

NORTHALLERTON EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

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ALLENS HILL COMPETITION & LIVERY CENTRE,

HORSE EXERCISER

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ELAND LODGE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, DERBYSHIRE

BEAVER HALL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

BICTON ARENA,

KINGSWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

SOLARIUMS

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EPWORTH EQUESTRIAN, SOUTH

GOLDEN

HARTPURY

KINGS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

Continually evolving to make sure that horses are the priority and safety prevails

#1 choice in promoting calm and confident travellers

Passionately designed to meet the needs of both horse and rider

KYLIX UK LIMITED

Benefit from our fantastic BD Nationals discounts on Washdown equipment, Horse Exercisers, Paddock cleaners and Solariums.

PADDOCK CLEANERS Special

offer for British Dressage members

£1,000 discount using code BD1000

T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk

Visit the Kylix UK Stand for details, email sales@kylixuk.co.uk or call 01799 542137

WINDMILL FARM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

BURY

TREADMILLS

Specifically designed for controlled exercise and rehab, hydraulic incline, infrared safety beams, whisper quiet, 13 Amp plug supply. £20,800 + Delivery & VAT

T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk

CHERWELL

NORTHALLERTON EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

THE ORGANISATION OF HORSEBOX & TRAILER OWNERS

Stallions at Stud Stallions at Stud

Walstead Falcons Crest

14hh 2014 Connemara

A stunning stallion by Lecarrow King. He has excellent conformation and movement along with an exceptional temperament.

Trá Bháin Tailors Shadow

14.2hh 2019 Class 1 Connemara Stallion

SPSS Reserve Champion Stallion 2022

A true performance pony. Bred in the purple by Silver Shadow x Ballinakill Lass, dam of a double HOYS Champion & a FEI SJ pony. He is a very exciting young stallion.

(nffr) Available Chilled and Natural Houndsell Stud, Wadhurst road, Mark Cross, E. Sussex, TN6 3PF 01892785322 07754214423 houndsellstud@gmail.com www.houndsellstud.co.uk

Stud Fee:

£400

Stud Fee: £450 Chilled /£400 Frozen (nffr)

ONLEY

WASHROOM

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ALNWICK FORD EQUESTRIAN,

AMERSHAM DRESSAGE,

SOLARIUMS

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NEWTON

PORT

THE CABIN EQUESTRIAN

For all the lastest information on events please visit www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/schedules

New Barn Stud is a small, private yard which enables us to individually care for your horse. We have a range of turnout options available along with spacious stables which includes 24hr surveillance during foaling. Wendy McKay’s Grand Prix stallion, Don Dante, is now a permanent resident at the stud. This gives mare owners an option of fresh A.I. We also have Archie’s Golden Star who is a pure ID stallion and will be available for the 2024 stud season for a limited amount of mares. Our two teaser stallions a traditional gypsy cob and a pure bred Shetland are also available. We have worked alongside Jennifer Harbison and her team of vets at Equine Veterinary & Reproduction and highly value their expertise and professionalism. One of Don Dante’s 2018 foals, Dante’s Secret was foaled with us; he then returned for weaning, breaking and has made The Nationals in his first year or competition. We are very much looking forward to the 2023 stud season.

To find out more about us or our stallions, contact us through our page www.facebook.com/ DonDanteatNBS

Team Torrent

AMOUR G

• Proven performance Proven progeny

• KWPN (Ringo x May Sherif x Alexander)

• Graded BWBS

• 167cm

• BEF ELITE premium for dressage and SJ

• Top 10 British based sires at BD Winter Championships by progeny

• Progeny successful up to PSG including BD Nationals and Regionals, Area Festival Finals and SHI

£575 chilled, £400 frozen NFNF*

www.teamtorrent.co.uk 07778 929154 pippachilderhouse@btinternet.com

Above: Don Dante winning the medium Championships in 2014

A sensational stallion with Gold Medal bloodlines – the only stallion to have both sire and uncle on the same Gold Medal Team (London 2012) World class paces, power and temperament

AES Licensed & Approved – foals awarded Premium status

Video available on request

Frozen semen – excellent fertility and licensed worldwide

REDUCED STUD FEE: £1,000 For terms and to book for 2023 please contact: Claire Hester 07803 303548 |

ugenius@btinternet.com

Below: Maggie’s Girl and Double Away by Don Dante

HORSE EXERCISER

The most advanced available, DIY self build, 4 Horse 52ft 16m with fencing Exerciser £4,330 Fencing £3,500 T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk CROW

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WIDMER

ONLEY GROUNDS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

BURROWS

MENDIP

The British Dressage

Convention National

In association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys

On demand | Tickets now available

Watch, learn and be inspired by Gareth Hughes and Michael Eilberg, alongside special guest presenters Andy Thomas, Sophie Wells, Richard Baldwin, Bobby Hayler and Jenny Rudall.

WEEKEND DAY ONE DAY TWO

For access to all thirteen sessions from across both days, the weekend ticket gives you nine hours worth of top training.

Perfect for anyone working towards or coaching at those higher levels, training with young horses, or striving for Grand Prix.

If you and your horse are currently working from Prelim up to Medium, find plenty of tips and exercises to practice at home.

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BEAVER

THE CROFT EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, BERKSHIRE

SOLARIUMS

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T: 01799 542137 E: sales@kylixuk.co.uk W: www.kylixuk.co.uk

REASEHEATH

KINGS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

Equine Reproduction Centre

* Artificial Inse i ti

* Embryo Trans

* Transported E Service

* Resident spec

* OPU / ICSI Se

* Foaling Unit

* Recipient Mar

Artificial Insemination Technicians Training Courses 7th, 9th, 21st and 23rd March 2023

Foaling The Mare Course 11th March 2023

Foal & Yearling Management Course 12th March 2023

Twemlows Stud Farm, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 2EZ Tel: +44(0)1948 664966

www.twemlows.co.uk | office@twemlows.co.uk

www.britishdressage.co.uk

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BEAVER HALL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE,

ONLEY GROUNDS EQUESTRIAN

STOURPORT RIDING CENTRE,

SHOW ORGANISER: Kelvin Bywater

SHOW SECRETARY: Sara Green SHOW SECRETARY TEL: 07790 309 424

SHOW SECRETARY EMAIL: entries@showdirect.co.uk

The Schedule is available to download on the Competitor Information page at bdchampionships.com

ALL ENTRIES TO:

Entries open on Friday 24 February 2023 and will only be accepted online via My Riding Life by visiting the Entries/Times/Results page on bdchampionships.com No entries should be sent to Hartpury Arena. Updated information, entry confirmation, start and warm up exercise times will be available on bdchampionships.com

CLOSE OF ENTRIES NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Entries for all Winter Championships close 10.00pm on Thursday 23 March 2023

ALL SCHEDULED TIMES ARE AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE AND SUBJECT TO FINAL AMMENDMENT

WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL

FRIDAY 21 APRIL

SATURDAY 22 APRIL

PETPLAN EQUINE ARENA 2

MANOR GRANGE STUD, WEST YORKSHIRE

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SNAINTON RIDING CENTRE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS: 18 APRIL – 22 MAY

Venue County

TUE 18 APR

Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Lincolnshire

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+PE Buckinghamshire

Cobham Manor (P-E)+FSM Kent

WED 19 APR

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP) North Yorkshire

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-E) Lancashire

Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire

Burrows Court Farm (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Tushingham Arena (P-E) Cheshire

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

THU 20 APR

West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Wiltshire

Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Warwickshire

Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) East Sussex

Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex

FRI 21 APR

Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-AM)+PE Worcestershire

Arley Moss (P-PSG) Cheshire

SAT 22 APR

Speedgate Events (P-AM)+FS Kent

Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre (P-GP) East Lothian

Eland Lodge Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Derbyshire

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-AM) Essex

Duchy College (I-AM) Cornwall

South Staffordshire College (I-GP)+FS Staffordshire

Burrows Court Farm (P-M) Gloucestershire

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-M) Staffordshire

Moulton College Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Northamptonshire

SAT 22 – SUN 23 APR

Cockshot (N-GP) Cheshire

Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-INT II)+FS North Yorkshire

Tillyoch Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS+PYO FEI

SUN 23 APR

Aberdeenshire

Marian Bach (P-AM) Flintshire

Moreton Morrell (P-AM) Warwickshire

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Somerset

Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+PE Lincolnshire

Kings Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Herefordshire

Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire

St Leonards Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Cornwall

Silver Leys Equestrian (P-AM) Hertfordshire

Boyton Hall EC (P-AM)+FS Suffolk

Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey

Mullacott Event Centre (P-E)+FS Devon

Bridgend College (P-AM) Rhondda Cynon Taff

Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire

TUE 25 APR

Manor Grange Stud (I-GP)+FS+PE West Yorkshire

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire

Kingswood Equestrian Centre Young Horse & Young Pony Staffordshire

WED 26 APR

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Myerscough College (P-E) Lancashire

South View Competition & Training Centre (I-AM) Cheshire

Bicton Arena (P-GP) Devon

WED 26 – THU 27 APR

La Fontaine (I-GP) Jersey

THU 27 APR

The Grange Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Devon

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Derbyshire

Solihull Equestrian Centre (P-GP) West Midlands

Silver Leys Equestrian (P-GP) Hertfordshire

FRI 28 APR

Anvil Park Stud (P-AM) Norfolk

Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-PSG)+FS Somerset

FRI 28 – SAT 29 APR

Netherton Equestrian (P-M)+FS Perthshire and Kinross

FRI 28 – SUN 30 APR

Sheepgate Equestrian (P-PYO FEI)+FS Lincolnshire

Addington Equestrian Centre Premier League Buckinghamshire

Amersham Dressage (I-M)+FS Buckinghamshire

Tushingham Arena (P-AM) Cheshire

Bicton College (I-AM)+FS Devon

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

Colraine Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Cornwall

Lower Stocklands Farm (P-M) Cardiff

Windmill Farm (P-PSG) Buckinghamshire

Burrows Court Farm (P-M) Gloucestershire

Lluest Equine Centre (P-INT II) Ceredigion

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Surrey

Earlsway Farm (I-AM)+FS Suffolk

Whitegate Farm (I-AM) Wrexham

Cobham Manor Events (P-PYO A)+FS Kent

SAT 29 – SUN 30 APR

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-PYOA)+FS Warwickshire

SUN 30 APR

Yorkshire Dressage (I-AM) South Yorkshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM) Durham

Chapelton Equestrian Centre (I-M) Highland

Merrist Wood College (P-INT I)+FS Surrey

Codham Park Equestrian (P-AM) Essex

Hartpury University and Hartpury College (N-AM) Gloucestershire

MON 1 MAY

Foxes Riding School (I - AM) Cheshire

TUE 2 MAY

Kings Equestrian Centre (P-PYO FEI) Herefordshire

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire

WED 3 MAY

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-AM) Lancashire

Epworth Equestrian (P-AM) South Yorkshire

Checkendon Equestrian Centre (I-E) Berkshire

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

THU 4 MAY

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INT I) Derbyshire

West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Wiltshire

Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex

Venue County Venue County

FRI 5 MAY

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-GP) Essex

Stourport Riding Centre British Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony

FRI 5 – SAT 6 MAY

FRI 12 MAY

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS+PE

Worcestershire

Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-GP) Worcestershire

Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS

SAT 6 MAY

Warwickshire

Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Kent

Eland Lodge Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Derbyshire

Bicton College (I-AM) Devon

Checkendon Equestrian Centre (I-N) Berkshire

Pickering Grange Equestrian (I-AM) Leicestershire

Windmill Farm PE Buckinghamshire

Reaseheath College (P-INT I) Cheshire

SAT 6 – SUN 7 MAY

Scottish National EC (I-AM) West Lothian

SUN 7 MAY

Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire

Dark Deer Croft (I-M) Inverness

Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-M) Warwickshire

Beacons Equestrian (P-M)+FS Carmarthenshire

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-GP) Essex

Newton Rigg Equestrian Training & Events (I-AM) Cumbria

SUN 7 – MON 8 MAY

Cockshot (P-GP) Cheshire

TUE 9 MAY

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Somerset

Arena UK (P-AM)

Lincolnshire

Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Leicestershire

WED 10 MAY

Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+PE Lincolnshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM) Durham

Mount Ballan (P-GP)+PE

Monmouthshire

Windmill Farm (N-PSG) Buckinghamshire

Burrows Court Farm (E-INT II) Gloucestershire

South View Competition & Training Centre (I-AM)

Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-AM)+FS

Sheepgate Equestrian British Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony

THU 11 MAY

Cheshire

North Yorkshire

Lincolnshire

Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset

Solihull Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS West Midlands

Half Moon Stud (P-M) Dorset

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey

North Yorkshire

Stourport Riding Centre (E-PSG)+FS Worcestershire

Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-AM) Gloucestershire

Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS

FRI 12 – SAT 13 MAY

Warwickshire

WED 17 MAY

Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire

Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-PSG)+FS+PE Northumberland

Speedgate Events (P-AM) Kent

Lower Stocklands Farm (P-E) Cardiff

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Topthorn Arena (P-M) Suffolk

Moreton EC British Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony Dorset

Kingswood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Staffordshire

FRI 12 – SUN 14 MAY

Hickstead Premier League West Sussex

SAT 13 MAY

The Grange Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Devon

Stretcholt Farm (P-AM) Somerset

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-AM) Essex

Hartpury University and Hartpury College (P-M) Gloucestershire

Fairoak Grange Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Berkshire

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

South Staffordshire College (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

Brahan Dressage (P-AM) Highland

Willow Banks Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

Snainton Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire

Colraine Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Cornwall

Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey

Anvil Park Stud (P-INT I) Norfolk

The Glebe (I-AM) Isle of Man

Moulton College Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Northamptonshire

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

Cobham Manor Events (P-PYO FEI)+FS Kent

SAT 13 – SUN 14 MAY

Morris Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS East Ayrshire

SUN 14 MAY

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire

East Soley EC2000 (I-AM)+FS Berkshire

Blackdyke Farm (P-M) Cumbria

Stourport Riding Centre (P-E)+FS Worcestershire

Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

Kingston Maurward College (P-INT I) Dorset

Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall

Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire

Earlsway Farm (P-AM)+FS Suffolk

Trefor Stables Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Isle of Anglesey

Silver Leys Equestrian (P-GP) Hertfordshire

Queach Farm Stables (I-AM) Suffolk

Essendon & Epping Forest (P-AM)+FS+PE London

TUE 16 MAY

Bishop Burton College (P-PSG)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire

THU 18 MAY

Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Kent

West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Wiltshire

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Derbyshire

Silver Leys Equestrian (P-AM) Hertfordshire

Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex

FRI 19 MAY

Anvil Park Stud (P-INT I) Norfolk

Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-AM) Worcestershire

Arley Moss (P-PSG)+FS Cheshire

Moreton EC P-INT I)+FS Dorset

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre British Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony Somerset

FRI 19 – SAT 20 MAY

Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Warwickshire

FRI 19 – SUN 21 MAY

Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre (P-GP)+FS East Lothian

SAT 20 MAY

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-M) Lancashire

Little Mill Equestrian (P-M) Carmarthenshire

Duchy College (I-PSG) Cornwall

Epworth Equestrian (P-AM) South Yorkshire

West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham

Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset

Burrows Court Farm (P-E) Gloucestershire

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-PSG) Essex

Merrist Wood College (P-AM) Surrey

Windmill Farm (P-GP) Buckinghamshire

Breach Barn (P-PSG)+FS Kent

The College Of West Anglia (P-AM) Cambridgeshire

Whitegate Farm (P-GP) Wrexham

SAT 20 – SUN 21 MAY

Tillyoch Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Aberdeenshire

SUN 21 MAY

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INT I) Derbyshire

Bold Heath Equestrian Centre (P-INT I) Cheshire

Stretcholt Farm (P-AM)+FS Somerset

Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Lincolnshire

Kings Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Herefordshire

Aike Grange Stud (I-AM) East Riding of Yorkshire

Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Leicestershire

St Leonards Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Cornwall

Inchcoonans Equestrian (I-M) Perthshire and Kinross

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Sunnybank Farm (I-M) Caerphilly

Muirmill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) East Ayrshire

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-AM) Essex

Cherwell Competition Centre British

Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony

Oxfordshire

Suffolk Rural (P-PSG)+FS Suffolk

THU 25 MAY

The Grange Equestrian Centre (I-PSG)+FS Devon

Solihull EC (P-PSG) West Midlands

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Surrey

Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-AM) East Sussex

Silver Leys Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Hertfordshire

FRI 26 MAY

Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-GP) Gloucestershire

FRI 26 – SAT 27 MAY

Netherton Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Perthshire and Kinross

FRI 26 – SUN 28 MAY

SAT 27 – SUN 28 MAY

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-PYOA)+FS Warwickshire

Ladyleys Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire

SUN 28 MAY

Marian Bach (P-M) Flintshire

Eland Lodge Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Derbyshire

YORKSHIRE DRESSAGE (P-INT I) South Yorkshire

Tushingham Arena (P-M) Cheshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM) Durham

Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire

Chapelton Equestrian Centre (I-M) Highland

Lake Farm (P-PSG) Isle of Wight

Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG) Cornwall

Field House Equestrian Centre British

Dressage Young Horse & Young Pony Derbyshire

SUN 21 – MON 22 MAY

Bury Farm Equestrian Village (I-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire

TUE 23 MAY

Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

TUE 23 – WED 24 MAY

La Fontaine (P-INT II)+FS Jersey

WED 24 MAY

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP) North Yorkshire

Cherwell Competition Centre (P-AM) Oxfordshire

Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire

Burrows Court Farm (P-INT I) FS only Gloucestershire

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

WED 24 – THU 25 MAY

Aintree International Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS

Merseyside

Somerford Park Premier League Cheshire

FRI 26 – MON 29 MAY

Sheepgate Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Lincolnshire

SAT 27 MAY

Amersham Dressage (I-M)+FS Buckinghamshire

Speedgate Events (P-AM)+FS Kent

Oaklands College (P-M) Hertfordshire

Fairoak Grange Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Berkshire

Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-AM)+FS

North Yorkshire

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

Colraine Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Cornwall

Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-PSG)+FS Northumberland

South Staffordshire College (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

Lluest Equine Centre (P-INT II) Ceredigion

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

Boyton Hall EC (P-AM) + FS Suffolk

Warren Farm Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Merseyside

Dressage at Hascombe (P-GP) East Sussex

Moor Farm (P-E) Pembrokeshire

Sparsholt College (P-GP)+FS Hampshire

Codham Park Equestrian (P-AM) Essex

Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey

Mullacott Event Centre (P-M)+FS Devon

Moreton EC (P-AM) Dorset

MON 29 MAY

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS only Somerset

Foxes Riding School (I - M) Cheshire

WED 31 MAY

Myerscough College (P-E) Lancashire

Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-GP)+FS North Yorkshire

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

West Park Equestrian Services (P-AM)+FS Durham

Burrows Court Farm (P-M) Gloucestershire

Topthorn Arena (P-M)+FS Suffolk

Visitwww.britishdressage.co.uktolearnaboutourexcitingcalendarof

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DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A

MEET JILL DAY

In October 2022 we welcomed Jill Day to the BD Board of Directors as Chairman. From developing the Eastern Region as both regional training rep and joint Chairman with Anita Darken, to two terms as BD Training Director from 2001 to 2008, and several selection roles for both our Under 21 and Senior teams, Jill’s contribution to British Dressage is vast. During her competition days, Jill campaigned successfully at international Grand Prix with her ‘horse of a lifetime’ Nominee Redwood. Jill lives in Haverhill, Suffolk, and is a freelance coach who works with riders of all levels and abilities.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EQUESTRIAN LIFE AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO DRESSAGE

I started life in the Horse Rangers as my parents couldn’t afford for me to ride. The Rangers allowed you to ride one week and muck out the next, so it was much more affordable. Then years later I took over the lease of the Queen Elizabeth Riding School in Chingford which I ran for 12 years. There was no specific moment that got me into dressage. I did a bit of everything at a low level and a horse that didn’t like jumping but was OK in dressage took me on that path.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOTIVATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SPORT IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY?

I care about the sport and I care about the people in it, I am a doer and I enjoy being involved.

HOW HAS BEING A COMPETITOR YOURSELF HELPED YOU RELATE TO RIDERS TODAY?

I struggled in my early years affiliated; I wasn’t very good. It

took me four years to win my first point! I used to beg, borrow and steal rides where I could and competed with mixed success, usually because the horses I was riding had been given up on with their owners. Nominee Assurance who sponsored me for 21 years bought me my first dressage horse and I did very well with him. He wasn’t a top horse but he could do everything, so he took me to international Grand Prix. I know what it is like to struggle at the bottom, and the pressures at the top, and this has been useful in my coaching career.

THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I still remember the first time I was invited to compete for Great Britain abroad. Back then, you just hoped you were doing OK and someone would notice

you and you waited for the call. It was still a shock when the call came and I was on my way to compete in Holland.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE SPORT?

Obviously, I want us to win lots of medals and to

the world stage. However, I want BD to be successful, be well run, look after its members and I want to see riders enjoying being a part of BD.

YOUR PREFERRED WAY TO SPEND A DAY OFF?

Walking my dogs and an afternoon out with friends. I love the theatre, especially musicals, although I only go to matinees as I am not a lover of being out in the evening, I am very much a home girl.

SIX FAMOUS GUESTS AT YOUR DREAM DINNER PARTY

I am not really into famous people – a dream dinner party for me would be with friends. However, if I had to choose then Stephen Fry, Sandy Toksvig, Chris Evans, Hugh Jackman, Graham Norton and David Beckham. T

the official saddle choice of dressage world champion , Lottie Fry