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From the editor
New year – new beginnings.
As we press on through the dreariest months of the year, how are you doing with your 2025 action plan? It’s easy to get derailed or disheartened by rain, snow or high winds but at least the evenings are drawing out now.
Here at British Dressage Magazine we are also embracing a new era with a revamp. This new bi-monthly print magazine will focus on bringing you the latest research and information from our partners and sharing the experiences of our members. We’re looking to go more in depth on scientific and technological advances which benefit the sport, and to highlight the many facets and benefits of being a BD member.
For example, did you know that BD has launched a new online Learning Hub giving access to skills training in a format that fits brilliantly around work, stable duties or other study commitments? We’ve outlined what’s on offer on p68.
And we’ll continue coverage of our flagship events, giving the opportunity to celebrate your successes as we feature the sport’s rising and established stars – from Quest in this issue right up to the LeMieux National Championships and key international events throughout the year.
It’s also the start of the breeding season, so we’re looking at choosing a stallion, how to offer your mare the optimum nutrition for her and her foal’s needs and profile an up-and-coming stud.
As part of our sustainability pledge, schedules will now be available exclusively in a digital format on the website, where they can be viewed and downloaded in the same format as the previous print version.
The exciting news is that we are also developing two new digital issues of the BD Magazine, which will be available to all members. This digital format allows us to integrate video and audio content which will highlight training and horsemanship and bring our features to life. We’ll share more on this development with you as it progresses.
As we look towards the return of brighter days, with regionals and Petplan Area Festivals ahead, 2025 holds plenty of cause for optimism. Wrap up warm and get out there!
Jane Carley Editor,
British Dressage
NEWS
DRESSAGE CELEBRATED IN LONDON
Dressage stars and a leading selector were recognised for their contribution to the sport at the London International Horse Show.
The International Champions of Great Britain trophy recognises the highest placed combination at the respective annual FEI Dressage Championship. Following their success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they brought home two bronze medals, Lottie Fry and Glamourdale were awarded the trophy. This is the third year running that the combination have taken the trophy home to Den Hout in the Netherlands, having retained a position on the FEI championship podium for as many years. Congratulations go to Lottie, and Gertjan and Anne Van Olst.
British Equestrian honoured Mari Durward-Akhurst, Joyce Head and Becky Moody with its Medal of Honour for their services to the industry. This award is presented to those recognised as having completed acts of
BD HANDBOOK
international endeavour in relation to equestrian sport, and for outstanding services to the Federation or its Member Bodies.
Mari Durward-Akhurst made her Paralympic debut earlier this summer, riding Di Redfern’s Athene Lindebjerg, and won the Grade 1 Freestyle bronze medal. At the time, Mari and Athene held the World Number One ranking across all five para dressage classification grades, having formed their partnership in 2023.
Joyce Head is the recently retired Chief Para Selector for British Dressage. During her time
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
as a para selector, British athletes won 54 medals – 19 of them gold – across three Paralympic Games, two World Championships and four European Championships. She has ridden and officiated to a high level with British Dressage, including as a List 2 judge. Previously, Joyce has been a volunteer, the Judges Representative for British Dressage’s Central region and a key figure in judge training on a national scale.
Becky Moody made her senior championship debut at Paris 2024, after being called up from the travelling reserve position at the eleventh hour under exceptional circumstances. Becky and her homebred horse, Jagerbomb, produced two personal best scores, securing team bronze for Team GB and an eighth-place finish in the Grand Prix Freestyle.
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Above: Ann and Gertjan Van Olst and Lottie Fry receive the International Champions trophy from BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam. Below: Mari Durward-Akhurst, Joyce Head and Becky Moody, presented with the BEF Medal of Honour.
The BD Handbook is now available to download from the membership tab on the website. It’s fully searchable and you can clip or print key sections as and when you need them. We have a summary of major changes on our BD Action page, P65.
NEW YOUTH SUPPORT TEAM CONFIRMED
Key appointments to the support team who oversee the management and development of our youth teams have been made.
Nina Boex will step up from her role as Senior Chef d’Equipe to take on the permanent role as U21 Performance Manager. Nina has been a valued member of the Under 21 support team for over ten years and is also a UKCC Level 4 coach, BD Youth Coach and Youth Assessor as well as being an active member in her region, acting as Coaches Representative for BD Wales. Tom Hobday has been promoted to Senior Chef d’Equipe, which will include responsibility for providing additional support to our Under 25 riders at international shows and FEI European Championships.
Nick Bigland has been appointed in the role of U21 International Selector, alongside Stephen Arnett and Richard Baldwin.
Following the retirement of Nikki Herbert, FEI and List 1 judge Richard Baldwin will take on the role of Chief Selector for our Under 21 International teams, as the head of a three-strong panel. Our grateful thanks go to Nikki for her outstanding contribution as U21 Selector over the last eight years, where her tenure has seen 20 medals brought home to Great Britain by our Youth riders.
Feed Five Star Superflex
Carl Hester & Fame
Charlotte Fry & Glamourdale
Becky Moody & Jagerbomb
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Nosebands are part of the structure of a snaffle or double bridle and have an influence on the action of the bit or bits. However, overtightening can cause discomfort or pain and limit the horse’s ability to perform what he is being asked to do.
The traditional method of measuring whether a noseband is too tight was to insert two
Getting the measure of nosebands
The FEI has con rmed that new technology will be used to check for over-tightening of nosebands from 2025. We take a look at the research behind it and how it will be implemented.
fingers between the noseband and the horse’s face, but as Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire points out, this had a number of drawbacks.
“The method is believed to have emerged from veterinary and equestrian best practice. However, it’s inaccurate because assessors’ finger sizes differ and there was no firm consensus on where to take the measurement –on the side of the head, the front of the nose, or how the fingers should be orientated (side by side or stacked on top of each other).”
The International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) then developed a taper gauge which could be used to determine tightness, using a two or one finger measurement.
Dr Rachel Murray explains: “Noseband checks were made after FEI tests at the side of the noseband using their fingers –while other disciplines measured over the nasal bone. The ISES taper gauge is used on the nasal bone, and inserted from the bottom of the noseband. When the gauge is admitted beneath
the noseband, it is resisted, which indicates how tight the noseband is i.e. 2.0 or 1.0 finger tightness. It was not a conclusive ‘pass or fail’.”
Along with Professor Hilary Clayton and Dr Murray, Dr MacKechnie-Guire undertook a research project to gather evidence on noseband fit and tightness, using the ISES taper gauge as a tool to determine the tightness of the noseband.
Working with Master Saddler Mark Fisher, pressure mats were placed beneath the noseband and measurements taken on the nasal bone and the mandible at the equivalent tightness: two fingers (2.0), 1.5, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.0.
Nosebands tested included cavesson, flash, drop and Swedish (crank) designs.
Across three studies noseband pressures were measured with horses standing, eating a treat and ridden in trot.
“We found no difference in pressure between the 2.0 and 1.5 measurements, but differences for the tighter adjustments. Contrary to thoughts, noseband pressures were found to be not
Too tight or just right? The FEI measuring device will offer a definitive guide for owners, trainers and officials.
constant, they had a rise and fall but were influenced by the horse’s movement.”
He stresses that the 1.5 level is not ‘tight’: “You can put your finger on the nasal bone under the noseband; and comparing with other studies, the values found for the tightest setting is 11 times lower than the pressures associated with pain and discomfort.”
The data informed the dimensions of the tool, now officially adopted by the FEI, to test the tightness in a way that is ‘horse friendly and human friendly’, explains Dr MacKechnie-Guire.
We needed to do a study to inform the dimension of a measuring tool that was not subjective and could not be disputed – a ‘pass or fail’.”
Dr Murray adds: “The steward should approach from the lefthand side of the horse and the tool will be inserted from the top to see if it will pass through
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the noseband from top to bottom. It’s designed to be easier to hold and handle with a slight curve to fit under the noseband and a long profile to work with any width of noseband.
The FEI plans to roll out the use of the tool across all disciplines, so it needs to be simple to use in all situations.
“There will be one tool, and one measurement. As riders and trainers we need to get our horses used to the tool ready for competition, but using it will
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Pressures were measured using special mats placed under the noseband over the nasal bone and mandible.
also help us to check that we are training with the right level of tightness,” comments
Dr MacKechnie-Guire.
“By standardising measurements and checking nosebands consistently and accurately we are safeguarding their use. Its adoption is a huge step forward by the FEI for our sport.”
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FEI MEASURING DEVICE
The FEI plans to implement the measuring device from 1st May 2025, a date that has been pushed back to allow additional time to educate officials in its use.
BRIDLE FIT AND PRESSURE
Dr Rachel Murray has also carried out research looking at the bridle as a whole.
Her research on bridle fit – presented a lecture and webinar for World Horse Welfare in 2022 – considered the pressure points on the head affected by the bridle: the back of the ear, the wing of the atlas, the space between the ear of the atlas, the nasal bone and the bottom of the jaw.
“The bridle is the interface between horse and rider and has a significant influence on performance and comfort – we have to accept that one size doesn’t fit all,” she explains.
“Some horses have a narrow space on the side of the head between the ear and the wing of the atlas, which can lead to pressure points between the top of the head and the browband. The noseband exerts pressure on either side of the nasal bones and under the mandibles.”
Similar findings have been reported in current studies
British Dressage will work closely with event organisers, judges and stewards to ensure smooth adoption of the device, which will be rolled out gradually at competitions, expected to be from the National Championships 2025.
Officials will be supplied with the device, but it will also be available to purchase from the BD Shop later in 2025 so that riders and trainers can accustom their horses to its use.
BD will also be providing video resources and guides to support members with training and familiarising their horses to accept the gauge.
by Murray et al – while the cheekpieces exert minimal pressure, the browband can affect the tongue and swallowing; and it is worth bearing in mind that these pressures change with movement, in time with the horse’s stride.
“While we have looked at the tightness of the noseband, its position and fit are of equal importance. Bridles must fit the individual horse – if the front of a flash or cavesson is too long, it will drop down and put pressure on the nostrils regardless of tightness, but riders tend to overtighten it to stop it dropping.”
“Equally if it is too high it can press on the facial crest.”
Dr Murray adds that research has shown that by adding padding to the noseband or changing its design, the horse’s movement can be improved.
“A correctly fitted noseband can play a positive role in stabilising the bridle; having it too loose can also cause problems.”
Above and left: Research on the impact of noseband tightness at specific measurements has informed the development of the device.
PARA MATTERS
MESSAGE FROM TRACY ORMROD, PARA DIRECTOR
As I enter the last year of my first term as Para Director it is time to look back at 2024 and reflect on a very busy year in Para world.
We had record numbers of competitors in the winter and summer championships and in particular the bronze and silver categories have had a significant increase in numbers. Having RDA and Virtus riders join us at Hartpury gives a fantastic atmosphere and a true championship feel.
The Para Academy has completed its first full year with the next cohort
having commenced in October 2024 with record numbers of applicants. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the next camp.
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Mari Durward-Akhurst, who excelled in her first Paralympics, winning Freestyle Bronze with Athene Lindejerg.
and test themselves on the international stage.
PARA TRAINING
On the international scene we saw success of our para riders at The Paralympics bringing a super haul of individual medals. I know how hard all the riders and their support teams worked to achieve these results. Our home international competitions were well supported with increased numbers of combinations choosing to compete
INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1
Virtus competitions
The collaborations between SportExcel UK and Virtus has opened doors to allow those with intellectual impairments the chance to enjoy class at BD events. Virtus classes across three groups were integrated at the Equissage Pulse Para Summer Championships.
2 Sunflower support
In spring 2024 we joined Sunflower, allowing members the opportunity to wear the Sunflower armband at BD events, to promote the awareness of hidden disabilities.
3 Venue implementation
We partnered with BD venues and organisers to improve the competition experience for members with hidden disabilities.
In 2025 I will be attending the championship events, Para Home Nations, Para Academy and some of the CPEDI’s. If you need a chat then feel free to approach me or reach out via email.
2024 also proved a year of great progress for the support we provide to our para equestrian community. To begin a new year, we’re reflecting on the steps taken to ensure a better experience for all.
Tracy Ormrod, Para Director
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
1 Planning ahead
BD Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan produced, including accessible routes into the sport through apprenticeships and other workforce development initiatives.
2
Mental health progress
We put in place Mental Health First Aid training for BD staff, enabling 20 employees to become certified Mental Health First Aiders.
PRACTICAL PROCEEDINGS
1 Mounting blocks
To allow for safe and dignified mounting and dismounting, we distributed larger mounting blocks to venues who host a significant number of para classes.
2 Happiness Horsebox
The Happiness Horsebox is a specially designed vehicle with adapted equipment to allow for mounting and dismounting support; the Horsebox was made available to competitors at Para Championships throughout the year, marking an amazing collaboration.
1
Para Academy
We launched the Para Academy, with over 50 applications for the first two cohorts. The aim of the Para Academy programme is to develop the training and education of BD Para riders. Developing their skills within para dressage, horse welfare and rider training to help and assist riders to develop through the BD National para structure and defined pathways towards the BEF Podium Potential Pathway programmes.
2
Para Judges
27 judges are on the Para judges’ pathway, with the first assessments getting underway in late 2024, due to be completed in early 2025.
3
Para Coaches
26 coaches completed the Para coach workshops, with another nine coaches registered and participating in the final workshop of 2024.
4
Para Stewards
We’re getting ready to launch a brand-new Para stewarding programme, which will aim to provide dedicated arena-side support to those taking part in para dressage competitions.
A passion for breeding
Aike Grange Stud is on a mission to breed dressage horses capable of top performance without the drama. Emma Penny reports.
Covid changed a lot for many people – and it gave Yorkshire Wolds-based Jenny Lyon the time and the prompt to go about setting up her own stud. Now, with a busy yard of stallions, mares, foals and youngstock at Aike Grange Stud near Driffield, she is seeing her vision come to fruition.
Jenny and her husband Neil bought the yard, previously home for the Fry
family, in 2015. “I wanted to carry on the dressage side of things, so we run BD and unaffiliated competitions, and we also had a livery business.” However, the quiet times of Covid gave Jenny opportunity to research and refocus the business on her real ambition; breeding quality British dressage horses.
First, though, came hours of discussion with other breeders and stud owners, and especially with the ’amazing’ specialist
vets at local Malton-based Equine Reproductive Services (ERS), particularly James Crabtree and Yolanda Serrano Romero. “They have really helped us – as has everyone that we approached. Doing something like this has to be researched thoroughly, and it’s very easy to hear all the things that can go wrong and to be put off, but it was something I really wanted to do and to focus on dressage lines that I liked.”
Part of that drive initially came from buying a Glamourdale gelding, called Lamourdale G (Lenny), for herself. “He is a comical horse to be around – he has presence, personality, an amazing attitude to work and all that movement too. I just thought I wanted to breed a Glamourdale!”
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Below: Jenny Lyon with stallion Myspires Fider Hit (Finn), who she says is a lovely horse to be around and to train.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
That led to buying a Glamourdale filly out of a Sandro Hit mare, and a Decanter filly, and then by chance the breeder was also looking to sell a stallion out of the same Sandro Hit mare – a bloodline she admires. So Myspires Fider Hit (Finn), a black 16.2hh 2014 British Warmblood by Fiderstanz, came to Aike Grange too. “They were all lines I loved –and it seemed crazy that someone would be offering me a stallion that I really liked already!”
Although he is a working stallion, Jenny trains and competes him herself, now at Medium level. His temperament is crucial as Jenny goes out to compete on her own and does all the stallion handling, including with the dummy.
(Breeding) was something I really wanted to do and to focus on dressage lines that I liked.
and a totally different stamp to Finn, came to join the team at Aike Grange.
“We really want to offer a variety of stallions to suit what people want, whether they want to send their mare here, or have chilled or frozen semen. So, if they have a tall, elegant mare, Mick is ideal as he is shorter and compact, whereas Finn has much more leg.”
Mick is by Apache, the sire of Annabella Pidgley’s Gio and of double World Breeding Champion Jovian. “Mick is compact, very accurate moving and with a very good hindleg – he is the perfect package.”
“He is such a lovely horse to be around and to work with, and really good when we go out to train or compete. He is the perfect dressage stallion in my eyes, breeding very nice youngstock with lots of leg, a pretty head and a short back, and he is homozygous black so only gives blackbased offspring.”
While keen to offer British breeding lines, Jenny is conscious that some people prefer European blood, and so wanted to find Apache and Ferro bloodlines in a smaller, compact horse with a great temperament, and make them available in Britain. After a lengthy research process and using a trusted agent in Holland, Mick, a 2017 16.1hh chestnut KWPN stallion
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Above:
Hugo’s There, three-year-old gelding by Nico x Benvenuto x Don Schufro.
Above inset:
Two-year-olds
She’s So Bougie (Durable x Rousseau x Flemmingh) and Moomin Mamma (Furst Jazz x Bertoli W)
Jenny is aiming to start competing Mick this year, while another young stallion, three-year old Gambit (Glamourdale x Ferdinand), is currently being broken in and will return to the yard to start his ridden and breeding career. Neither will be pushed towards young horse classes, with Jenny preferring to take time to let the horses mature. Like Finn, both Mick and Gambit have lovely temperaments, she says.
“Horses have to have something about them to have the potential to go far in their careers, but people must be able to deal with them on a day-to-day basis. We want any level of rider to be able to handle our horses.
“Dressage is all about impulsion, but it can be created without drama. I want to breed horses which have calm personalities and can cope with anything they come across – but they are definitely not dobbins. They are well mannered, with spring!”
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As a competition venue and with a busy clinic and school hire calendar, the horses see plenty going on. Jenny and the yard team of Jess Decordova and Caitlin Palmer bring the mares and foals in from the field once a day so the mares can have a feed, a groom and some time to relax before going back out.
Foals are not over-handled, and headcollars are only introduced after weaning.
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“We decided to do things a bit differently and not just to leave the mares and foals in the field all the time. It also means they can have any supplements required, see the farrier regularly and be wormed if needed. It also means youngstock are used to seeing things –they had to pass an excavator the other day, for instance.”
Foals are not over-handled, and headcollars are only introduced after weaning to prevent any potential damage. “We get them used to a headcollar once they’re over the shock of weaning. Some hand feeding works well, and once they trust you, they do things easily, so our weanlings are straightforward to handle and lead in from the fields. We know them well, and their personalities.”
Their temperament also has a lot to do with their dams, she believes. Like the stallions, the stud’s mares were bought for their breeding lines, temperament and movement. Three older mares were bought-in and produced Aike Grange’s first foals in 2022, including Brenna, a Bertoli W mare, bought in-foal to Furst Jazz. She produced Moomin Mamma that year, an ‘exceptional’ foal, says Jenny.
The 2023 offspring includes Lyon’s Pixie Lix, a bay filly by Myspires Fider Hit (Finn) with Rousseau and Flemmingh bloodlines, and Lyon’s Mykonos, a black colt by Mick and with Bertoli bloodlines.
Centre: Stud hands Jess Decordova and Caitlin Palmer, pictured with Jenny and husband Neil, and Finn!
Above inset: Enjoying some downtime in the field.
Left: Blue Moon with her foal Lyon’s Top Gun, by Mick.
Jenny is competing Finn at Medium level and is able to do all the stallion handling herself with this good natured horse.
Mick has sired a good number of 2024 home-breds; Lyon’s Jungle Book, a bay colt with Secret and Sir Donnerhall I bloodlines; Lyon’s Top Gun, a black colt with Elfinstein dam lines; and Lyon’s Louis Vuitton, a black colt by Mick out of Gucci B mare (Charmeur x De Niro).
All of the stud’s offspring can be seen on its website and YouTube channel and its stallions on the Aike Grange Stallions Facebook page; Jenny believes it’s important to be able to showcase a good selection of stock, and a professional videographer and photographer come to the stud twice a year to do videos and photos to help promote it.
“I want British breeding to be more highly thought-of, and to show we can breed high quality horses without having to go to Europe. Breeders in other countries have government recognition and incentives and it would be good to have that here too – though I appreciate that is probably wishful thinking.”
She is clear that breeding is a steep learning curve: “It can be a scary thing to get into – we’ve had 13 foals now and had our first loss this year. Our repo vet is our main backbone, and has made the process much easier, but you have got to take advice and be prepared to make mistakes.
“We decided from the start that if we could breed well-handled, talented horses from great lines, when they went on to do great things it would increase our reputation and see a return on investment. We are only beginning, but we are committed for the long-haul. And when it goes right, it’s magical –when you see that healthy foal going out to the field you just feel so immensely proud.”
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Above: Mick, by Apache, an eight-year-old KWPN stallion who will start his competition career this winter.
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Right inset: Youngsters are handled and taught to lead once they are weaned.
Below: Bella Vanuta with her colt foal Lyon’s Absolutely Fabulous.
When ready, help is on hand to put horse and owner/rider together as a combination with support from the Elite Dressage team.
This makes purchasing a top quality young horse more affordable and achievable.
The team can showcase generations of Elite Dressage horses over a fun couple of days, with great all weather viewing facilities.
DRESSAGE
Elite Dressage runs a comprehensive breeding and training programe producing generations of top-quality dressage horses from the very bloodlines showcased from their competition stables in Devon.
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 hree year old Newton Sylvernite (Torveslettons Sylvester x Don Schufro x De Niro) also as a potential future team prospect.
Emphasis is on producing horses that are sound in both body and mind. They are ready to take on life’s challenges with trust in their rider earned from a great basic education. The unique training and support that Elite Dressage offer enables buyers to buy quality horses at an early stage leaving them to grow up naturally in the Devon hills, be produced by the Elite Team and then to take their horse home at a level of training and experience they are comfortable with.
“It can be a minefield going to Europe to buy dressage horses, not knowing much about the horses you’re trying as well as the added post Brexit import taxes,” explained Anna Ross. “We provide a personal service to clients here in the UK so they can view a range of top-class horses and see where they grow up and learn about their blood lines to. Alternately, more clients are choosing to use our video service where technology allows us to showcase horses virtually.”
TEAM LEADER & INTERNATIONAL GRAND 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
The Elite team’s breeding and training programme is achieving notoriety abroad. FEI riders and trainers based in Europe- including Olympic team member Diederick Van Silfhout and international competitor Krista Koljnhaving recently choosing to purchase their future stars from Elite Dressage along with GBR Olympic team rider Fiona Bigwood and many others in the UK who have the foresight to plan ahead for a bright future.
For more information: www.elitedressagehorses.co.uk
Q elitedressagellp
E Anna Ross – Elite Dressage
M youtube.com/c/EliteDressageUK
The team can help support purchasers and produce young horses making buying an affordable and achievable option for
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.
London International Horse Show Stars shine in London
The London International Horse Show brought down the curtain on the dressage year in Britain in spectacular style, introducing the sport to ever-wider audiences and thrilling with highly competitive Grand Prix action over two days in the FEI Dressage World Cup Quali er.
Left and below: Lottie Fry and Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale x Negro) repeated their 2022 victory in theFEI Dressage World Cup Qualifier, topping a Grand Prix Freestyle class that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Reprising her popular routine which begins with Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust, they scored an incredible 86.645%, with 10s amongst the artistic marks from the judges plus of course that famous extended canter.
For Netherlands-based Lottie, the electric atmosphere of the home crowd truly added to the moment:
“It’s an amazing feeling to ride into an arena like that, especially when I’m in England, on home soil, and it’s a home crowd. I don’t get that very often, so when I do get it, I appreciate it so much; me and Glammy both loved it!”
The day before, Lottie placed third in the Grand Prix after a couple of minor miscommunications between her and the 13-year-old stallion cost them some crucial marks amongst some otherwise outstanding work. They are pictured below with
IMAGES: KEVIN SPARROW
London International Horse Show
Above: After placing second in the Grand Prix the day before on 76.00%, Isabel Freese and Total Hope Old (Totilas x Blue Hors Don Schufro) delivered a dynamic performance to finish second in the Freestyle with 83.270%. The pair shone brightly on the international stage this year, representing Norway as individuals in Paris for 10th place.
Below: Dinja van Liere of the Netherlands took third with the 12-yearold chestnut KWPN gelding Hartsuijker (Johnson Tn x Scandic) on 80.225%. After a bittersweet fourth place individually at the Paris Olympics, Dinja had a great end to 2024, following up her London placings by taking the next FEI World Cup Qualifier in Mechelen on Hermes.
Left & Right: Despite narrowly missing out on a podium placing, fellow British rider Becky Moody and her own and Jo Cooper’s superstar home-bred gelding Jagerbomb (Dante Weltino x Jazz) impressed as they debuted their new music by The Beatles and were rewarded with a score of 80.160%. This came after the duo took an impressive win the day before in the Grand Prix, claiming the top spot with an outstanding score of 76.696%. It rounds off a phenomenal year for Becky, who has more than fulfilled the aim she set out for herself at London last year when she said, “I just want to do the best for him, give him the best year that he can have.”
London International Horse Show
Right: Making his London International debut at the age of 63, British rider Richard White placed 13th in both the Grand Prix and freestyle, scoring 67.065% and 71.325% aboard Lynda Cameron’s Lusitano 12-yearold gelding Heroi Do Seixo (Rubi x Jalisco). Having only recently made his Grand Prix debut in 2022, this latest accomplishment marks another milestone in a year which has seen Richard truly break into international competition at this level.
Above: This year’s LeMieux National Dressage Champions Lewis Carrier and the 16-year-old Diego V (Spielberg X Syrida A) returned to London for the second time to place seventh in the Grand Prix on a personal best of 72.304% before sitting comfortably inside the top ten in the freestyle with a score of 76.310%.
Above: Laura Tomlinson and the promising Soegaards Bon Royal (Bon Bravour x De Noir 3), finished in 12th place in the Grand Prix with a score of 67.783%. They also secured 11th place in the freestyle with a score of 73.460%. This marks the 10-year-old gelding’s third international appearance, providing him with invaluable experience on a stage of this magnitude.
Dream babies
There’s a science to breeding a dressage horse suited to an amateur. So, what is the perfect formula when it comes to picking the ideal stallion for the job? Stephanie Bateman nds out.
Whether you have a mare that you’d like to breed from or are a stud aiming at the amateur market, there are key factors to consider when choosing the right stallion.
“When looking to produce a horse for an amateur, temperament is vital, so we make sure we visit the stallions and see them in the stable and under saddle both at home and at shows so that we can provide accurate advice on their temperament,” says Lorna Wilson, Director of Elite Stallions. “We also rely on feedback from clients and our riders, meaning it is easier to establish temperament traits.”
To help breeders make their stallion choice, Elite Stallions have come up with a helpful tool – the Mare Matcher app.
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Above: Breeding your next dressage star is the dream of many mare owners.
Left: Consider what a stallion can add to your mare’s attributes: Kington Langley Stud Stallions KL Mac, Monet and Veni Vidi Vici.
Below: Elite Stallions’ Mare Matcher app helps with decision making.
“The app will ask for information about your mare such as colour, height, specific discipline and then it will analyse your criteria and compare it to the data held for all of the stallions on our system,” explains Lorna. “At the end of this search, you will be given a list of the top 10 stallions that best fit both your mare and the specifications that you have given. Now it’s over to you to choose your mare’s husband!”
VARIETY FOR ALL
Kington Langley Stud is a small stud based in Wiltshire breeding predominantly showjumping and dressage horses.
“We have a really good variety of stallions to suit many different requirements,” says Olivia Sealy of Kington Langley Stud. “We stand stallions from 1.60m showjumpers to a Class 1 Irish Draft, Class 1 Connemara and a homebred Inter II dressage horse who also show jumped. We want the best representation of each stallion, >
The goal is to match your mare with a stallion that complements her traits.
so if a mare’s qualities do not match with a particular stallion, we would always advise an alternative stallion to reduce undesirable traits being produced.”
One of the stud’s biggest factors when selecting stallions for mares is conformation.
“Whether it’s for grand prix or prelim, British Novice or 5* from the feet up, stallions need to have correct conformation,” advises Olivia. “Longevity is really important for whatever discipline and level. Length of back, neck, leg and quality of feet, are factors that need to be considered and compared against the mare when assessing the stallion.”
Rider ability and aims also have to be taken into consideration.
“Breeding to sell as a youngster compared to breeding to keep definitely affects stallion choice,” says Olivia. “Not every horse is going to be a top competitor ridden by professionals so it is necessary that the offspring have the character to succeed with less experienced riders.”
Olivia also advises looking at siblings and progeny of the stallions to have an idea of what traits are thrown.
“Breeding is a lottery and the mare does contribute significantly to her progeny,” she says. “We have bred three full siblings to our homebred stallion, from various jumping and dressage mares. Most of the full siblings have varied in height and looks, but what is consistent between them all, is correct conformation, good movement and jump and the kindest of temperaments.”
CONSIDERING THE MARE
When choosing a stallion to breed with your mare, the goal is to match your mare with a stallion that complements her traits and aligns with your future plans for the foal.
“Take a close look at your mare’s characteristics, both physical and mental,” says Katy Holder-Vale, chairman of the British Hanoverian Horse Society. “Understanding her mental attitude and identifying physical areas that could benefit from improvement is crucial for selecting a stallion that will balance her traits.”
Katy also advises spending time researching stallions thoroughly.
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Kington Langley Stud’s yearling KL Matchsticks (KL Mac x Damon Hill).
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Zackorado x Laudablis x Florestan colt foal from Elite Stud.
“In today’s digital age, an abundance of information is available about stallions,” she says. “European studbooks, for instance, compile extensive data on approved stallions. A good example is the Hannoveraner Verband, which provides a comprehensive stallion directory on their website (en.hannoveraner.com).”
Gaining insight from experienced professionals can also be invaluable.
“Breeding judges who have observed numerous progenies over the years can offer expert advice,” advises Katy. “Large breeders also possess extensive experience in matching stallions with mares, making them a great resource. Additionally, semen importers often have detailed information about the stallions they promote and may have seen them perform at stallion shows.
“In the UK, there is a diverse selection of graded stallions available. Visiting them at their home can provide a better understanding of their temperaments. British Breeding offers a rich database that includes results from the Futurity, featuring detailed linear scoring from vets and international evaluators. This resource can provide an in-depth look at potential stallions and their progeny.”
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BROUGHT UP RIGHT
Established in 2023, Anmore Dressage focusses on the upbringing of their progeny as much as the breeding.
“We believe the foundation laid in a horse’s early years is pivotal, regardless of whether they are destined for professional riders or amateur competitors,” explains Anmore Dressage Managing Director Martin Price. “From their first days with us, our foals and youngstock are regularly handled and undergo careful socialisation. We find this approach develops calm, confident temperaments and builds their trust in humans, both essential qualities for horses intended for amateur riders.
“We also ensure that our horses are exposed to a variety of environments early on in their education. This helps them grow into well-rounded individuals who are adaptable, trainable and resilient in competition or leisure settings.”
Martin believes that the UK offers a diverse and high-quality selection of stallions, and is proud to support breeders here as well as those in Europe.
“If an amateur rider wanted to breed from their mare, they should be able to
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find an excellent match in the UK and support British breeders without the need to look abroad.
“When selecting stallions to complement our mares, we look for rideability, trainability and temperament
USING CHILLED SEMEN
Breeding with chilled semen from a European stallion can offer access to some of the finest bloodlines, but success hinges on two critical factors: preparation and communication. The team at Stallions Direct outline what to consider.
Preparation – Choosing your stallion is the exciting part but you also need to have backup choices in case your first choice is no longer available on the day.
Properly preparing your mare is vital. Begin with a veterinary assessment, including an endometrial swab and cytology smear, and monitor your mare’s oestrous cycle. This involves tracking follicular development through palpation or ultrasound. Hormonal manipulation may help time ovulation precisely, which is critical as stallion availability for semen collection can vary depending on show schedules or stud policies.
Ensure you’ve made arrangements for insemination in advance, confirming your vet or AI technician’s availability. Finally, have a plan for handling and storing the semen shipment, keeping it at an appropriate temperature until insemination.
Communication – Effective communication with the stud is key to ensure that you choose
as well as results, excellent confirmation and proven lineage. Horses bred for the amateur market must be manageable and enjoyable for their riders, without compromising on movement or potential for competition success.”
a suitable stallion, confirm the stallion’s availability and collection schedule, as well as the ordering process.
The breeder/vet/stud need to know when the semen has arrived in the UK and its expected arrival time. An agent will work with the studs and vets as well as the mare owners, tracking the mare’s progress, including follicular size, so they can anticipate shipping needs.
Ensure that all required documentation, such as breeding contracts and import permits, are included with the shipment to avoid delays at customs.
KEY TIPS
• Registry requirements: Confirm that the stallion and insemination process meet breed registry rules, including any veterinary certifications.
• Shipment handling: Do not open the shipping container until your inseminator is ready. Gentle handling preserves sperm quality.
• Post-inseminaton checks: Follow up with an ultrasound to confirm ovulation and monitor for uterine fluid accumulation, particularly in older mares.
Using imported semen requires careful preparation.
Right: When choosing a stallion, Elite Stallions aims to see them both at home – Anna Ross is pictured right with Sezuan’s Donnerhall, and at a show, such as Proud James (below).
CHOOSING A STALLION
AMOUR G Graded WBS-UK WFFS and PSMM1 neg. BEF Futurity Elite for both Dressage and SJ. Advanced dressage stallion who is renowned for producing talented, amateur-friendly horses. Sire of multiple BD winners to Inter I, National, Regional and AF champions. Also eventers and county show champions. Oozing presence he passes on expressive, loose paces, bone and a fabulous front. Foals are typically bold and friendly.
Stud fee: £575 NFNF | teamtorrent.co.uk
FURST SUMMER A beautiful, elegant young stallion crowned Supreme BHHS and WBS-UK Stallion in November 2019. Reserve Champion colt at the BHHS Annual Show September 2017. Fürst Summer has powerful, elastic paces and a fantastic temperament. He stems from a strong performance damline producing sport horses working at a high level. Sandro Hit, his damsire, is recognised as highly influential, with his offspring competing in advanced level dressage. His first crop of foals arrived in 2022. He has stamped them well with beautiful heads, superb movement and amiable personalities. A lovely British-based dressage stallion for the future. He can be seen at both Addington in February and the Brackenspa Stud Open Day at the end of March. Height: 165cm. DOB: 2017. Stud book : WBS-UK. WFFS negative. PSSM1 negative. Chilled/fresh semen.
Stud fee: £600 LFG | brackenspastud.co.uk
DON DANTE has an incredible pedigree that includes top stallions such as Dancier, De Niro, Donnerhall, Lancier and Espri. Don Dante’s dam, Sabrina, is by Salvano, grandsire of the famous Salinero. Don Dante has an exceptional performance record. Since 2012 he has been placed in major young horse championships and national championships often scoring 70%+. In 2017 he won Premier League shows at PSG and Inter I. In 2020, he started competing at Grand Prix and was placed third on his debut, followed by a first and a second. In 2021 he continued competing in Grand Prix with two wins and a second. Along with his proven competition record, he’s has stock on the ground since 2014, showing his success as a sire, breeding quality prospects. His daughter, Donna Danita, was the highest scorning mare in the performance test at the BHHS annual gala 2024. His progeny, over all disciplines, have inherited his expressive movement, fantastic temperament and confidence and often qualify for the Nationals in their first year of competition.
Stud fee: from £800 + collection | newbarnstud.co.uk
x Brentano. This exciting young stallion with a strong, impressive dam line, has already started to prove his ability to pass on his wonderful temperament, strong type and fantastic movement to his stock. Don has been focusing so far on his ridden career, placing at Premier Leagues in young horse classes with impressive scores, and is now training on towards the Advanced work, ready for 2025.
MORRICONE III Millenium x Rubin Royal OLD x De Niro 2016 17hh, campaigned by OLYMPIAN SIMONE PEARCE, placed first in his debut at Advanced Medium and placed first in his first two PSG’s so far in Germany, small tour internationals ahead, as well as training the Grand Prix movements; showing immense talent for the piaffe and passage.
SIMONE PEARCE: “Morricone I and Ill are more similar in terms of type and character. With Morricone I and Ill being more similar to their Dad, Millennium from the feeling and look with a lot of power and high motivation to work.”
MORRICONE Ill finished third in the Premium ring at the 2018 Oldenburg Stallion Licensing to Global Player and Weihgand, awarded the I-c PREMIUM STALLION status.
From a successful family like no other MORRICONE Ill is the full brother to Morricone I, Oldenburg Champion Stallion of the Year 2021.
Proven fertility and pregnancy success, Morricone Ill worldwide offspring inherit his outstanding temperament and trainability, expressive movement and stunning looks.
DON WELTRAUM 2018 Black 169cm. WFFS Free - AES Licensed. Don Dante x Weltmeyer
Gut bacteria and performance
A study by the University of Surrey on the influence of foal gut bacteria has indicated that care should be taken with antibiotics.
The composition of gut bacteria in foals can predict their future athletic performance, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. Foals with lower bacterial diversity at 28 days old also had a significantly increased risk of respiratory disease later in life.
Researchers from the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Bioscience, led by Professor Chris Proudman, investigated the composition of gut bacteria in Thoroughbred foals bred for flat racing and its impact on their long-term health and athletic performance.
To investigate this, 438 faecal samples from 52 foals were analysed and respiratory, gastrointestinal, orthopaedic and soft tissue health issues were tracked from birth to age three. In addition, the team analysed information regarding finishing position, official rating, and total prize money earnings in their racecourse careers as measures of athletic performance.
“We identified that the bacteria in a foal’s gut in the early months of life have
an influence on its health for at least three years and possibly for many years afterwards,” explains Professor Proudman.
The research found that one critical period was 28 days old, with higher faecal bacteria diversity at this stage being associated with better athletic performance when the horses in the study began their racing careers.
Researchers identified that a higher abundance of the bacteria Anaeroplasmataceae was associated with a higher official rating (an evaluation of a racehorse based on its past performances), and increased levels of Bacillaceae at 28 days old were linked to higher race placings.
The team also investigated the longterm impact of foals receiving antibiotics during the first month of life. It was found that these foals had significantly lower faecal bacterial diversity at 28 days old compared to other foals who did not receive such treatments and that this disrupted gut environment was associated not just with poor health later in life but also poorer performance compared to non-treated foals.
The early weeks of the foal’s life are very important... It’s when the body learns to differentiate between ‘self and not self’ – ie what is harmful.
ORTHOPAEDIC ISSUES
They identified that low gut bacterial diversity in early life is associated with an increased risk of soft-tissue and orthopaedic issues developing later in life.
Foals treated with antibiotics were also at greater risk of respiratory disease despite not having been initially treated for respiratory disease. Significantly, oxytetracycline, sometimes used for limb deformity in foals, has an antibiotic action and also has an impact on gut bacterial diversity.
Researchers believe that the health impacts of low gut bacterial diversity in early life are probably related to immunological priming.
“The early weeks of the foal’s life are very important,” explains Professor Proudman. “It’s when the body learns to differentiate between ‘self and not self’ –ie what is harmful.
“It’s also the crossover period when antibodies from the dam are declining within the foal; at 2-3 months old it develops its own antibody response.”
Further analysis revealed that foals with low gut bacteria diversity early in life won significantly lower prize money earnings (an indicator of athletic performance) in their subsequent racing careers. In addition, foals who received antibiotics during their first 28 days of life had a significantly increased rate of developing a respiratory disease compared to their counterparts.
“Susceptibility to disease is linked to bacterial diversity – the more diverse, the healthier the foal.”
Work is currently underway to develop novel probiotics that will enhance the gut health of foals in early life and to investigate how antibiotics can be used whilst preserving gut health.
Current probiotic treatments are largely unproven in horses – most are designed for humans which have a different digestive tract, Professor Proudman points out. “Research seeks to investigate how pro-, pre- and postbiotics can mitigate the adverse impact of antibiotics.”
ANITBIOTIC USE
“The study shows the importance of the responsible use of antibiotics,” he comments, “and this is something that every stud owner can contribute to, safeguarding not only their foals’ health but also future performance.
“The practice of giving foals preventative antibiotics is not a good strategy given the results shown in the research.”
Mares were accepted for the study on the criteria that they themselves had not received antibiotic treatment in the six months before foaling, although Professor Proudman comments that further research is needed to understand the transfer of bacteria from mare to foal and how antibiotics might impact this, including while the mare is suckling the foal.
This study is published in the journal Scientific Reports nature.com/articles/ s41598-024-64657-6
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Diversity of gut bacteria can impact not only on the foal’s health but also future performance.
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Feeding for two M
Ensuring that your mare has the right nutrients to take her from conception to weaning requires careful observation of her condition and forward planning. Helen Triggs speaks to breeders and experts to get the latest advice.
aking sure your mare is in optimum condition is critical for a successful pregnancy and ensuring a good start in life for her foal. Proprietary feed products containing the necessary nutrients make feeding easier, but each mare is an individual and a good understanding of the mare’s constitution can make all the difference. There is a lot of information available from feed manufacturers and asking advice from the beginning from your vet if you’re breeding for the first time should set you on the right track.
Changing a mare’s condition can be a slow process, so any changes that are needed are ideally begun some months before conception. A mare coming out of competition or regular work will need some time to
A BCS between 5 and 6 is considered ideal to maintain the mare’s reproductive ef ciency.
adjust from sporting fitness to the type of condition most conducive to conception.
“At least six months before sending a mare to stud check her condition and adjust her feed intake accordingly. Researchers have now concluded that at conception mares should be well-furnished, neither fat nor thin. However, do not try to reduce the weight of mares in the six weeks prior to covering as this may reduce fertility,” recommends Nicola Tyler, Nutrition Director of TopSpec Equine.
Attention should be given to ensuring the mare has the optimum intake of nutrients – vitamins, minerals and trace elements – protein and calories. A stud feed balancer is a good way to ensure these are provided alongside forage. You will know whether your mare is a good doer or tends to run light but be prepared for this to change.
“During a gestation-lactation cycle the nutritional needs of broodmares change dramatically and they have to be adjusted to guarantee the maintenance of the mare, the development of the foetus and the production of milk,” advises Irma Rosati DMV, PhD,
Right: Mares at Hawtins Stud are assessed for their individual nutritional needs.
RUTH LONSDALE
MRCVS of Equiarts veterinary practice. “Failure to meet these requirements may negatively affect the reproductive efficiency and longevity of the mare and the development of the foal.
“A body condition scoring (BCS) system (from 0 to 9) including both visual and manual assessment should be the breeders’ basic tool from the beginning of the breeding season through to lactation. A BCS between 5 and 6 is considered ideal to maintain the reproductive efficiency of the mares at any stage of the reproductive cycle.”
For most mares grass and hay/ haylage will make up the bulk of their diet, supplemented by a fortified stud feed. Iona Robinson, Technical Nutrition Coordinator at Saracen Horse Feeds recommends that forage is analysed to determine the nutritional quality, so that additional nutrients can be provided if required. Saracen offers a forage analysis service, as do other feed manufacturers, and will provide a detailed analysis of the composition of the forage and its mineral and nutrient content.
Judith Davis of Hawtins Stud assesses each of her mares individually and relies on stud feed and balancer to maintain condition. “I feed a basic ration during early pregnancy, and increase it three months prior to foaling, supplemented with good haylage. I don’t want a fat mare - it’s not healthy for the mare and foal. If the mare is still not putting on condition I’ll feed stud cubes. One size doesn’t necessarily fit all so you might have to take the mare out of her group to feed so that she gets additional rations.”
At Catherston Stud the mare herd is out most of the winter, coming into barns when the weather is bad. They are separated into ‘good doers’ and those needing more
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Above: Grass and hay or haylage makes up most of the mare’s diet. Left inset: After foaling the mare’s nutritional requirements increase considerably. Below: Mares and foals at Catherston Stud.
condition are fed accordingly with a balancer or stud mix. Catherston’s Anne Dicker also has an unusual tip: “We feed vegetable oil in the last month before foaling as we find it helps the mare to cleanse after foaling, as well as helping with coat and condition.”
While traditionally it has been the practice to only increase feed in the last three months of gestation, the latest research suggests that the in-utero foal would benefit from fortified feeding earlier. “The research shows a definite need for nutritional supplementation in early gestation to support organ development,” says Nicola. “Good doers can be fed a light balancer with a low level of protein and calorie content but the same level of micronutrients.”
Iona also recommends supplementation with Vitamin E and anti-oxidants in the last month which can have benefits for the quality of the colostrum. >
KEVIN SPARROW PHOTOGRAPHY
NURSING MUMS
After foaling the mare’s nutritional requirements increase considerably. “Milk contains energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and many other nutrients and the mare will mobilise her own stores if her diet is deficient,” advises Irma. “Lactation is more demanding than pregnancy and a 600kg mare needs about 36 Mcal of digestible energy, 1,740 grams of crude protein, 67 grams of calcium, 43 grams of phosphorus, 142 milligrams of copper and 1.4 milligrams of selenium in the diet each day. She may produce 18-20kg of milk per day secreting about 8-9 Mcal into the milk each day.
and foal will benefit from the nutrients in the grass. At Catherston, early foals may only go in the field in the morning. It’s very important to monitor the mare’s condition and the development of the foal. If, in the early stages, you suspect the foal is not getting sufficient nutrition from milk, then consult your vet to establish the cause.
“The most important thing to consider is that the effects of diet on milk production and composition are buffered by the ability of the mare to mobilise her own stores so moderate deficits in energy, proteins and minerals will not affect foal growth and development but will affect the mare’s body condition.”
The availability of fortified specialised feeds and access to forage analysis mean you can give your mare the best possible support throughout this natural, but sometimes strenuous, process. Feeding quality rather than quantity, monitoring the mare’s condition and adjusting the feeding regime to provide the correct balanced diet, are the path to a successful pregnancy and foaling.
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Above inset: A stud feed balancer is a good way to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Once the weather is suitable for turn out, the mare
Lactation is more demanding nutritionally than pregnancy.
Below: Once the weather is suitable for turnout, the mare and foal will benefit from the nutrients in grass.
FEEDING MARES
BETTALIFE PHARMAPLAST ULTIMATE TOPLINE is a sugar-free support formula containing every single essential amino acid plus spirulina to dramatically increase the bioavailability of current hard feed to support not only the wellbeing of the mare but also the development of the foal. This high specification formulation contains banana powder for palatability, alongside selenium and vitamin E for healthy muscle growth, and DHA to assist natural immune development. Bettalife offers a full money back guarantee and a complete ingredients list can be found on the website.
RRP: £45 for 30-day supply, £75 for 60-day supply | bettalife.co.uk
TOPSPEC STUD FEED
BALANCER is a highprotein feed that contains a multi-supplement including outstanding levels of micronutrients and digestive aids for breeding stock. The feed promotes superb musculo-skeletal development, without providing the excess calories which can result in overtopping. RRP: £39.95
TOPSPEC STUD LITE FEED BALANCER contains the same micronutrients on a lowprotein, low-calorie base for mares and youngstock that are good-doers. Both balancers provide in-foal mares and mares with foals at foot with nutritional support for healthy fertility, milk quality and yield and nutrient support for healthy colostrum quality.
RRP: £38.30 | topspec.com
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: £26.49 for 20kg spillers-feeds.com
SARACEN LEVEL-GROW MIX has been formulated to provide a low glycaemic response after feeding which helps to maintain normal skeletal development in weanlings and yearlings up to three years old. The mix is based on highly digestible ‘super fibres’ and oil to provide a balanced energy source to support daily weight gain and steady growth rates, as well as supporting manageable behaviour in young horses. Stamm 30 stud balancer is also included in the Level-Grow mix along with trace elements to support bone and skeletal development, whilst ensuring the essential vitamins and minerals are being received on a daily basis.
RRP: £19.75 for a 20kg bag | saracenhorsefeeds.co.uk
MOLLICHAFF
APPLECHAFF is a delicious chaff with real apple pieces and is lightly dressed in molasses to add extra fibre to your hard feed or balancer. Irresistible to the fussiest of feeders, including mares in the later stages of pregnancy when appetite may be reduced, as well as during peak lactation. This palatable chaff supports a high fibre regime as part of a balanced diet.
RRP: £7.50 for 12.5kg | horsehage.co.uk
BAILEYS STUD BALANCER provides essential nutrition, from conception, to support both foetal development and health and wellbeing in the pregnant mare. Its quality protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants also help meet the increased nutritional demands of lactation, thereby supporting milk quality and the transfer of nutrients to the foal. It is fed in small volumes and is low in calories so ideal as the sole concentrate for those who maintain condition on forage alone, or can be added to other hard feed to ensure a balanced diet.
RRP: from £26 for 20kg | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
NUPAFEED MAH CALMER ideal for mares, young stock and stallions, both at home and in competition. Nupafeed’s patented MAH magnesium has been pharmaceutically developed to provide the very best magnesium absorption without disruption to pH or hindering the absorption of other nutrients. Magnesium requirement is increased during gestation, so ensuring plentiful supply can help to manage stressful behaviour associated with stabling, routine changes and weaning. It is also crucial for healthy bone and joint development in foals.
RRP: from £37 | nupafeed.co.uk
DENGIE ALFA-A To help meet the broodmare’s higher demands for energy and nutrients, alfalfa-based feeds like Dengie Alfa-A Original are ideal alongside a stud balancer, as alfalfa is a fantastic source of fibre and good quality protein, as well as being rich in naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals such as calcium. Alfalfa feeds with added oil, like Dengie Alfa-A Oil, are the perfect lower starch alternative to a traditional stud mix or cube.
RRP: £20.75 for 20kg | dengie.com
NAF VITAMARE offers vitamins, minerals, trace elements and gut support formulated to meet the demands of the broodmare throughout gestation. Recommended to add to your broodmare’s feed from conception throughout gestation to help deliver essential nutrients designed to help promote the correct development of your foal. Ensure your broodmare has the right nutrients to flourish and provide quality colostrum.
RRP: £39.99 for 2kg; £174.99 for 10kg naf-equine.eu/uk
HI FORM BREEDPLUS
is a premium supplement for weanlings, young stock, and broodmares, delivering essential amino acids, vitamins, and balanced calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth. Formulated with highquality minerals and trace elements, it aids the health of pregnant and lactating mares while promoting optimal development in young horses.
RRP: £135 for 5kg | hiformequine.co.uk
HORSLYX BALANCER The nutritional requirement for broodmares, especially the requirement for minerals changes significantly from the ninth month of pregnancy. At this point the placenta retains additional calcium and phosphorus, and the foetus will now store iron, zinc, copper and manganese it its liver. Correct nutrition and the provision of a well-balanced diet is critical during the latter stages of pregnancy to ensure a strong start for the foal. Feeding a Horslyx balancer alongside forage will help ensure all broodmares receive a nutritionally balanced diet in the run up to foaling.
RRP: £17.48 for 5kg | horslyx.com
VETS DIRECTORY
THE MINSTER EQUINE PRACTICE is a BEVA-approved centre for artificial insemination. Our competitively-priced breeding packages are ideal for those looking for the most cost-effective way to breed from their mares. From first time breeders to experienced professionals, we have the knowledge and facilities to achieve a successful pregnancy and foaling.
minsterequinevets.co.uk
HAMPDEN EQUINE VETERINARY PRACTICE provides top class care for Buckinghamshire and beyond. The skilled team offers a huge range of services for ponies and donkeys to competition horses, racehorses and internationally renowned breeding horses. They pride themselves on ensuring the treatment is appropriate to the stage of illness or injury and work with you to ensure your horse’s quickest recovery and to minimise costs to you.
hampdenvets.co.uk
ROSSDALES VETERINARY
SURGEONS’ dedicated team of stud vets provide a comprehensive range of equine reproductive services. They offer breeding packages tailored to suit your requirements, including for natural cover, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, OPU for ICSI and semen collection and freezing. With veterinary specialists in equine reproduction, surgery and medicine, a world-renowned equine hospital and state-ofthe-art laboratory, Rossdales is a BEVA-approved practice that offers unparalleled levels of expertise and care for your horse.
rossdales.com
B&W STUD AND REPRODUCTION SERVICES offers ovum pick-up (OPU) for ICSI. A form of IVF, ICSI is becoming more widely used in horses. The technique is useful for mares or stallions with fertility issues or where sperm availability is limited. Advantageous for competition mares, the procedure can be timed to suit the mare’s competition schedule and be outside the breeding season. The resulting embryo can be frozen until required for transfer to a recipient mare.
bwequinevets.co.uk
THREE COUNTIES EQUINE HOSPITAL provides reproductive services in the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire/Herefordshire area. The BEVAapproved hospital has a team of friendly and experienced stud vets providing the following in-clinic and on-yard: chilled and frozen semen, embryo transfer, pre-breeding examinations and testing, fertility investigations for mares and stallions, paddock and stable livery and full hospital facilities.
tceh.co.uk
VALLEY EQUINE HOSPITAL in the heart of Lambourn offers a bespoke stud service to clients, tailored to their needs. BEVA-approved AI centre for chilled and frozen semen, perform pre-breeding examinations of stallions and mares and successful infertility investigations of problem mares. Personable client service throughout a mare’s pregnancy, including advice on vaccination, worming, nutrition and preparation for foaling.
valleyequinehospital.co.uk
TWEMLOWS STUD FARM offers tailored packages for all breeding requirements. The stud is renowned as being one of the UK’s leading centres for all equine reproductive services including AI, embryo transfer, OPU/ICSI and genetic salvage. Twemlows Stud also offers a comprehensive foaling service and a large recipient mare herd. Our practical and theory-based training courses are held for anyone wanting a stronger insight into the practical side of breeding.
twemlows.co.uk
A beautiful, elegant young stallion crowned Supreme BHHS and WBS-UK Stallion in November 2019. Reserve Champion Colt at the BHHS Annual Show September 2017.
Height: 165cm
DOB: 2017
Studbook:
WBS-UK
Stud fee:
600 LFG
WFFS negative
PSSM1 negative
Chilled/fresh semen
Fürst Summer has powerful, elastic paces and a fantastic temperament. He stems from a strong performance damline producing sport horses working at a high level. Sandro Hit, his damsire is recognised as a highly influential, his offspring are competing in advanced level dressage.
His 1st crop of foals arrived in 2022. He has stamped them well with beautiful heads, superb movement and amiable personalities. A lovely British based dressage stallion for the future. He can be seen at both Addington in February and the Brackenspa Stud Open Day at the end of March.
Congratulations to all that took part in the LeMieux Quest Championships held at Arena UK, three days of erce competition and serious fun which form the climax to a season which gets families and friends involved and hooked on dressage!
The Soho Juniors LDN W1D also from Buckinghamshire were the resounding Team Quest U21 Champions with a score of 434.104.
Despite only forming a Quest team recently, the four girls making up the winning team have known each other for a long time – the three sisters, Amy (14), Millie (14) and Olivia Parry (16) decided to join forces with their friend May Mooney (16) to take on Team Quest.
Millie’s horse Berlin XXX (Couterro U x Wolfgang), who was bought as a show jumper, is new to dressage but contributed two strong scores of 71.305% and 73.261% to the team’s winning total for their Intro tests.
May’s ride, Lockwoods Little Friend, returned from a year and a half off to score 70.769% and 68.910% for her Prelim tests.
Amy and Olivia shared the ride on DHI Mojo (Aiko Van De Kapel x NC Clover Lambada), producing four fantastic tests all over 70%.
Amy scored a personal best with a 75.652% for her Intro test on Sunday. They are pictured with Emma Whittington of LeMieux.
Left: The Buckaroos from Buckinghamshire were crowned Team Quest Open champions, topping the leaderboard with a score of 412.528.
The team formed two years ago and this is their first full season of competing together.
Rachel Garvey and Ghepardo (Havana Gold x Royal Applause), won the Prelim class of 37 on Friday and came back with a score of 69.616% for her team.
The youngest member of the team, 12-year-old Lilly Davies and Holyoake Galaxy (Holyoake Fire Sprite x Twycross Cavalier) also came out on top in Saturday’s Team Quest Prelim class with an incredible score of 71.154%. “It just felt like everything was right,” said Lilly, summarising the feeling before her winning test.
Emma Townend and her skewbald tobiano gelding Newhunt Bobby Soxs contributed to the team’s winning score with 67.463% for her Intro test on Saturday.
Completing the team, Laura Pope and Seodoir (Ross Fear Bui x Jack’s Promise), scored 67.244% for her Prelim test on Friday. They are pictured with sponsor Robert Lemieux.
IMAGES: KEVIN SPARROW PHOTOGRAPHY AND ADAM FANTHORPE.
Right:
Left: Janine Wright and her own six-year-old La Loca (EHS Land Ahoy x Cruz Forever) were crowned LeMieux My Quest Intro Champions on 70.435%. After buying her as a rising three-yearold, Janine backed and schooled La Loca herself.
Below: My Quest U21 prize winners enjoy the prize giving ceremony.
Right: Jess Hardiman and her own Comberton Upbeat (Uthopia x Monte Carlo) from West Yorkshire took the My Quest Prelim Champion title with a score of 70.833%. Jess is planning a season of showing and HOYS qualifiers with her four-year old in 2025, but she also hopes to have a go at the Petplan Area Festivals.
Left: Chloe Stiley and her 15-year-old gelding Irish Buck by Kec Diamond Millinium won the My Quest Novice Champion crown on an impressive score of 71.429%.
Chloe has had Irish Buck since he was a five-year-old and has done everything with him from hunting to showing and dressage. The pair previously competed in the 2022 Quest final at Prelim level, and after a year off with an injury, were delighted to return for the Novice this year.
Right: West Yorkshire’s 17-year-old Grace England and her 13-yearold mare Giselle (Special D x Alexia Sollenberg) came out on top with a score of 71.012% which earned them the My Quest U21 Novice Champion title. The new combination has already formed a strong partnership, and Grace described her 17hh mare as, “really lovely with a sweet temperament”.
Grace also came first in both of her Team Quest U21 tests, once again with scores over 70%.
Above & Right: Lilly Davies (12) and 23 year-old Holyoake Galaxy who had claimed the Team Quest Open Champion title with her team the previous day returned for another lap of honour not once, but twice on Sunday. This stellar pair took both the My Quest U21 Intro and Prelim Champion titles with a score of 69.638% for their Intro and 70.962% for their Prelim. Lilly and the former show pony have been together for just over three years.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Below: That fantastic feeling after the final halt for Daisy Mae Gaunt and Biscuit IV, 6th in the Team Quest U21 Intro.
Left: Amber Edwards (11) from Surrey was awarded Best Individual Decorated Stable for a vibrant celebration of her much-loved RSPCA rescue pony Lilly’s Billionaire and their journey together.
Right: A competition for all ages: Lily-Rose Biggs and Blackhill Keepsake stay focused.
Right: Team uniform and team discussion for the
Left: Getting used to all the rituals of BD competition, including the tack check, for the Rosevidiots, third in the Team Quest Open.
Left: It takes a village…support from team mates in the Prancing Queens, runners up in the Team Quest Open.
Penistone Piaffers, 7th in the Team Quest U21.
BD Presents…
We rung the changes with our annual convention in 2024, with a more diverse range of demonstrations and horses and riders, led by the inspirational Becky Moody and Sophie Wells. Jane Carley and Anna Chadfield round up some of the top tips.
STARTING OUT
• It’s easy to get fixated on sitting up and sitting still – especially when trotting round the arena before you go in. To ease any tension, shoulders up to the ears and bring the elbows out from your sides then relax the body. Moving the body helps tackle tightness that can develop; think also about your breathing as you soften as you breathe out.
• When you start to work on suppleness, the horse can back off the leg. And in the effort to make the horse more in front of the leg, it’s easy to tighten up. You can make the horse more off the leg by taking the leg off and then giving a quick aid with the leg to get more of a reaction.
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Above right: Susan Bullock and Seabally Sergio ride through a novice test in front of judge Judy Harvey and coach Becky Moody.
Below: Becky Moody discusses easing tension in the rider’s body with Jasmine Bone, riding Rockwood Danny Boy.
• Collection does not mean going slowly. Think ‘hotter’ with lots of bouncy energy. You can use ‘on and back’ on a circle, with a very forward canter interspersed with a more collected canter to maintain the energy.
• Remember that suppleness is not just in front of the saddle. The horse should also be soft through the rib cage. For example in shoulder fore, don’t let the shoulder pop out.
• You can use smaller and larger circles to increase suppleness. Make sure you can see the horse’s inside eye, ride forward and keep the bend with increased energy. Then push out onto the larger circle.
• A resistance band can be useful to boost the rider’s awareness of keeping their hands even and to keep them more forward with the contact. Place the band around the back and along the arms into the hands.
• Make sure the pace is sufficiently forward before asking for an upwards
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transition so that it is good quality. But you can also use the transitions themselves to make the horse more focused and responsive.
TEST RIDING
• Know the size of your arena and use that knowledge to ride accurate figures like circles and corners. It’s 6m from the corner to M so if you ride a 10m circle at M it doesn’t want to be hitting the track.
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Left inset: Theo Charnley and RSPCA George get some help with increasing suppleness while maintaining energy.
Right: Eve Corrigan and Clonthumper Dream get some advice on test riding from Sophie Wells.
• Getting the right size for a 15m circle is more tricky: when riding around the arena, look for a point on the short side which is in line with the three quarter line – it could be a girder, a letter on an advertising banner etc. Look up and check this as you begin the circle to help guide you.
• Focus on maintaining an upright, balanced position in the saddle when riding through corners and circles. Avoid collapsing to the inside or shifting the seat to the outside.
• Consider your goals for the test. If the horse is not in front of your leg, you might have to chase him up on the centre line which will affect your marks for that movement but improve his way of going for the rest of the test. If you have just moved up a grade or the test includes a movement that you are still working on at home, you might get a low mark for that movement but think of it as the ‘educational stage’.
GROUNDWORK
• Groundwork helps develop communication between horse and rider and improve the horse’s balance, confidence and suppleness.
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• You can use your body as the primary means of communication, just like a flag or your leg aids. Your body language and intention should be clear to the horse – you can also use it to stop a horse moving in a direction that you don’t want.
• Develop independent control over different parts of the horse’s body, like the shoulders, ribcage, and hindquarters, through groundwork exercises. This allows you to precisely influence the horse’s movements.
• If you are short of time it can be much more effective to take half an hour and do one thing really well using groundwork rather than rushing to ride through walk, trot and canter.
•Think of being able to influence each of the horse’s feet individually. If you can move the horse’s hind end laterally around you, he becomes looser
• Focus on timing your cues to when the horse’s weight is shifting, rather than trying to force a movement. This allows you to guide the horse’s movements without interrupting the flow.
Right inset: Alastair Gibbs and Dottie work on developing independent control of different parts of the horse’s body using groundwork.
Below right: Sophie Wells and Joe Midgley demonstrate how they use groundwork to improve communication with the horse, developing suppleness and responsiveness to the aids.
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CROSS TRAINING
• Using a variety of exercises including pole work can help develop the horse’s core strength, adjustability, balance and responsiveness to the rider’s aids.
• Do some slow-paced exercises such as walking or weaving through poles to help develop rib cage flexibility in your horse. Keep the horse between hand and leg and don’t let them just bend their neck.
• It’s important to maintain a consistent leg position to help the horse stay balanced during transitions – try standing in your stirrups to find the balance where you can keep the leg underneath you and your body over your leg.
• Focus on adjustability and stride control: make sure you can adjust the horse’s stride length and rhythm both in trot and canter. Work on exercises like stride
counting between poles to develop this skill.
• Experiment with shoulder-in and counter canter as a way to further develop the horse’s suppleness and responsiveness to the rider’s aids.
• Poles in the middle and a canter circle either side to form a figure of eight is a way to develop this, using counter-canter circles to improve the horse’s balance and engagement, while being mindful of maintaining the quality of the canter.
To progress this further, try shoulder fore on the circles and canter over the poles.
DEVELOPING THE YOUNG HORSE
• Age-appropriate development is crucial for young horses – each horse is unique in their readiness and abilities. Tailor the training to each individual horse’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to guide the pace of their development.
• Groundwork such as lunging and longlining helps the young horse understand contact, movement, and responsiveness before being ridden.
• Focus on developing the young horse’s balance, self-carriage, and reactivity to the rider’s aids, especially the leg.
• Maintain alignment and straightness, with particular attention to the outside shoulder, to help the young horses develop uphill balance.
• Use transitions and adjustability exercises to improve the horse’s balance and responsiveness. Don’t let young horses perform incorrect transitions. Repeat and improve the transitions to develop them properly from the start.
• Focus on developing the horse’s rib cage and shoulder control through exercises like leg yield and shoulder-fore along the wall, and shoulder-in on circles. This helps improve suppleness, engagement, and alignment.
• Remember your role as the horse’s coach – communicate clearly, inspire the horse, be fair and consistent, and keep the horse engaged and entertained.
FREESTYLE
Find a piece of music that speaks to you and makes it fun to ride to it. The music has to suit the horse; choose a piece and ride to it first.
Above right: Ashley Jenkins and the five-year-old Touch Down demonstrate techniques for training the young horse.
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Above inset: Lisa Marriott and the four-year-old Ghost demonstrate ageappropriate development.
Below left: Izzy Palmer and Queenie demonstrate using raised poles as part of a cross training programme.
Where lack of confidence or rhythm is an issue, music can really help.
Where lack of confidence or rhythm is an issue, music can really help.
Design a floorplan to make the most of the horse’s best paces and bring out the best in him.
The floorplan needs symmetry to help the judge understand what you are doing but also needs to be creative – avoid using lines from standard tests.
• Novice example: A serpentine with two 15m circles in the middle of the centre two loops – puts in a compulsory movement from novice.
• Elementary: 15m circle, simple change, medium canter, canter loop, simple change, 15m circle and then medium canter.
Think about where you would train a movement at home to get it as good as possible and put that into your floorplan too – eg do you find it difficult to ride a simple change on a straight line; would it be better out of the 15m circle?
At lower levels it’s harder to stay with the music as there are fewer elements and cues, but percussive elements or a bit of vocals can help you see where you should be in the music.
• Medium: You don’t need circles but can put them in if they help you, for example to set up a half pass – shoulder in, 10m circle into half pass. It’s economical and helps you get compulsory movements in.
At medium and above, degree of difficulty (DOD) comes in. But you need to be confident with what you are doing so you can pull it off. Find places to edge
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the difficulty of degree up. Have an easy option in mind in case the horse is tense or hot.
Easy version: shoulder in on the centre line, circle, then half pass, all on the left rein. Harder: shoulder in right, circle left, half pass right – it takes the same amount of time but as you have the changes of bend it, increases the DOD.
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Becky Moody demonstrates riding to a wide variety of music, emphasising it is key that riders choose music that they like.
• Advanced Medium: you need to get changes in, so look for places to make them easy for the horse eg from counter canter on a diagonal line or on a circle. If you get behind the music you can cut across and move your planned circle to catch back up. A diagonal or serpentine could go just to the three quarter line or all the way to the track.
Kelly Jewell and Tony Hobden of music and floorpan specialists Equidance discusses designing floorplans that play to the horse’s strengths and adapting them to the music if needed on the day.
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Seats of art and science
The dressage saddle may be the most significant tack purchase you make, and considerable investment is now being made in R&D to ensure it meets the needs of dressage horses and riders at all levels. Jane Carley catches up with the latest research.
PRESTIGE
The technology for Prestige’s Brilliante AS-X dressage saddle has taken five years in development and was the brainchild of the CEO of Prestige Italia, Andrea Rasia.
“Observing the movement of the spine and muscles of the horse’s back, I realised that no saddle on the market was able to fully accommodate them. Hence the idea to design an adaptive and flexible saddle that does not limit the horse’s movement, while ensuring stability and comfort for the rider,” he explains.
Andrea’s work began with splitting the saddle tree into two parts, creating the ‘Adaptive System’, a mechanism which connects both parts of the tree and allows both lateral and axial movements. This allows the saddle to move and work with the horse gaining a greater freedom of movement while ensuring the rider’s needs are met.
“When a rider isn’t comfortable and safe in the saddle, they get tense and rigid. When a saddle keeps the rider in the optimum position they can focus on
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technique and use their body and their balance to communicate with the horse,” says Andrea.
This Prestige system is born from the combination of two technologies applied to the saddle’s tree: the ‘Adaptive System’ and ‘X-Technology’ with injected membranes guaranteeing optimal rider comfort by accommodating the seat bones and giving a closer contact feeling when in the saddle.
The AS-X technology tree, unlike trees made of carbon fibre or iron-reinforced wood, is more flexible thanks to its synthetic fibre material.
Prestige offers a lifetime warranty on the tree and stirrup bars and the tree can be widened/narrowed by up to three sizes multiple times in the life of a saddle.
There is a choice of knee blocks, flap projections, flap lengths, girthing options and flocked panels that all can be customised to ensure the perfect fit. A reduced thickness under the thigh and a narrow twist offer an enhanced close contact feeling.
Sarah Rao comments that the Prestige AS-X Brilliante helps her to give the horse clearer signals. Above inset: Prestige’s X-Technology uses injected membranes to accommodate the rider’s seat bones.
Left:
International Grand Prix rider Sarah Rao comments: “For me, the saddle gives so much more feeling because the tree moves. For example, in the half pass, where the horse has to position itself to travel in the direction of the bend, the saddle aids me into the right position making my signals clearer.
“I felt my horse’s response to the saddle the first time I rode in it. I couldn’t feel anything in the first flying change, as it was so smooth and it was such a surprise. It could only have been the saddle that made the difference, it was instant.”
PDS SADDLES
PDS Saddles are the result of a close collaboration between manufacturers Ruiz Diaz (creators of the renowned Pessoa Jumping Saddles), and registered equine physiotherapist Sherry Seals from the USA who is a qualified SMS saddle fitter. This partnership ensures every design detail contributes to the horse’s well-being and the rider’s performance. The team consults with Carl Hester up to six times a year: his invaluable feedback has inspired small but impactful adjustments, refining the saddles for peak performance at the highest levels of the sport.
PDS Saddles has made further enhancements to the popular Brioso and Jaguar models in 2024. These updates have been designed to provide unparalleled adaptability, ensuring a perfect fit for a wide variety of dressage horses.
The focus remains on the horse’s comfort and freedom of movement. The latest refinements allow saddle fitters to achieve a precise fit tailored to each horse, all on-site – eliminating the need for the saddle to be taken away. Thanks to the interchangeable gullet plate system, the saddles are suited to almost any horse whose
shape and condition evolves from just backed youngsters to mature advanced horses.
Key features of the Brioso and Jaguar saddles include a generous channel that avoids contact with the horse’s spine and wide panels offering an optimal weight-bearing surface. The soft, wool-lined panels, crafted with Jacobs’ Wool flocking, provide exceptional cushioning. At the front, the panels open out to enhance shoulder movement, with three different panel options available to ensure support tailored to the individual horse.
brown leathers add a timeless appeal.
New to the range is a minimalist Buffalo hide saddle, chosen for its durability and sleek, unpadded flaps. This design minimises layers, offering riders a closer connection to their horse for a classic, understated look.
FAIRFAX
Fairfax Saddles has a long history of rigorous scientific research and testing.
The multi-billeting girthing system further enhances stability while prioritising the horse’s comfort and unrestricted movement.
PDS Saddles blend technical excellence with elegant customisation options. Riders can choose from printed leather cantle designs such as stingray, crocodile, or snake, paired with contrasting piping for a personalised touch.
While the standard Brioso and Jaguar saddles are available in black, bespoke options in rich
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Above: Carl Hester works closely with PDS Saddles, his feedback inspiring small but impactful adjustments.
Below: On the Fairfax World Class II, a simple adjustment moves the block in relation to the rider’s thigh, fine-tuning the level of support to precisely suit the rider’s leg.
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The most recent research looked at how adjusting the block position by moving the saddle flap can significantly enhance the rider’s position. An ingenious mechanism that allows the flap to be tilted through three positions is fitted to the World Class II Dressage. A quick and simple adjustment moves the block in relation to the rider’s thigh, fine-tuning the level of support to precisely suit the rider’s leg.
Research shows that making these seemingly small adjustments to accommodate each individual rider’s anatomy leads to a better contact between the rider’s seat and saddle. The rider’s pelvis stays in neutral for longer, their trunk is able to maintain a more stable position and their overall posture improves. The result is enhanced harmony with the horse’s movement: motion sensors on the horse demonstrated that the rider’s improved position allowed the horse to use his back more effectively. This research into the
all have different needs when it comes to a saddle.
The Fairfax Classic Deluxe Monoflap comes in a range of seat sizes from the new 16in to 18in. There are also tree options to fit different conformations, making these hide-covered monoflap saddles the perfect solution for a variety of competitors from young riders to adults competing on ponies, to riders of larger, heavier types.
Challenges posed by the rounder or short coupled conformation types are met by the Fairfax Classic Deluxe Low Wither Monoflap model.
Take Darren Hicks’ Ronaldo for example – a big moving horse with not much wither. Darren was striving to feel close and more stable. The specialist tree,
low profile panel and finelyhoned seat provides the feeling of closeness the rider needs, while the long-leg panel and monoflap girthing options ensure ultimate stability, even on horses with extravagant movement. The compact panel also works particularly well on short backs.
BLACK COUNTRY SADDLES
The tree is always the starting point when creating the perfect saddle for both horse and rider, explains Cassie Hartley, production manager at Black Country Saddles.
“Dressage horses these days present in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which is why we use five different blocks for our trees. One size does not fit
impact of these adjustments will be presented at the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress in 2025.
The combination of innovative features on the World Class II allows a level of fitting perfection to be maintained as horse and rider develop or change.
There are two panel options (the patented Performance Panel for shoulder freedom or a long leg panel for extra stability), three gusset options for saddle balance on either uphill or crouphigh conformations, stabilityenhancing monoflap girthing options, wool flocking and a Prolite panel lining.
Fairfax offers a combination of 10 seat and flap size options, the tilting flap and a choice of colour and bespoke trim.
There’s now a wider range of horse shapes and sizes participating in dressage than ever before. The definition of a modern dressage horse could be a short-coupled Warmblood, a low-withered Lusitano, or a smaller native breed – and they
There’s now a wider range of horse shapes and sizes participating in dressage. >
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Fairfax’s Classic Deluxe Monoflap saddle was a good choice for Darren Hicks’ Ronaldo, a big moving horse with not much wither.
Applying flock to the panel of a Black Country Saddle.
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Left top: Velcro blocks on Black Country saddles allows easy adjustment as the horse and rider progress through training.
all, and we are passionate about inclusivity in all disciplines.
“We create trees that are wider in the head and flatter through the back, as well as trees that are even wider in the head, but with shape through the back. Once we are certain that the horse is comfortable with the chosen tree, we concentrate on the rider.
“Our panels have evolved over the past 30 years since we crafted our first saddle. As much as we are a traditional brand in terms of our manufacturing and values, we do keep up with the breed fashions and alter our panels to support this. More recently, we have seen an increase in horses that need shorter panels, which we are able to offer.
“We can reduce panel size so that they are half an inch shorter than the seat size, without causing any discomfort to the horse.
“With regards to the rider, we can customise all knee blocks, including velcro blocks, which are popular as these can be changed as the horse and rider progress through training.”
STÜBBEN
Stübben says that the Centurion II was born from a desire to improve upon the Centurion I, incorporating feedback from riders and the company’s own experiences to address key areas for enhancement.
Helena Grintzalis explains:
“The original Centurion I had a dedicated fan base, praised for its seat that offered freedom of movement while providing support through its blocks. However, it had limitations. It didn’t suit all horses, as its back profile was too low, causing some riders to lean backward.
“The external block design was also polarising. Depending on a rider’s height and femur length, it could feel awkward – especially when the saddle was shared by riders of differing sizes, like a student and trainer.
“We identified the block angle as critical for ensuring a balanced, flexible rider position that avoids restricting hip movement. This insight guided the development of the Centurion II.
Stübben’s objectives for the Centurion II were clear:
1. Adjustable external blocks to provide a perfect leg position for any rider.
2. A seat that promotes freedom of hip movement while maintaining support.
3. Improved comfort and fit for the horse, shifting the center of gravity to the middle for better balance.
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Left: Stübben’s Centurion II made its debut at the Paris Olympics with Abi Lyle. >
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Ducati’s first crop of foals were born in 2024 and have delighted their breeders with their similar temperaments, attractive looks and modern frames. He is now life-approved with the Hanoveraner Verband after passing his 50-day performance test in Adelheidsdorf last year. DESPERADOS
“We retained key elements of the Centurion I, like the jockey skirt shape and integrated stirrup leather passage. However, we aimed to make significant advancements in functionality,” Helena comments.
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Comparing the Centurion I (left) with the first prototypes of the Centurion II.
twist tree for a close connection to the horse; extra-deep seat with ample space at the back; closecontact design for precise aids and immediate feedback and a seat width optimised for natural rider balance.
Block angle (is) critical for ensuring a balanced, exible rider position that avoids restricting hip movement.
“Creating adjustable blocks was the most complex challenge. We envisioned a tool-free adjustment system that riders could easily customise. To achieve this, we explored diverse mechanisms, drawing inspiration from hardware systems, ski bindings, and airplane seats.”
After extensive prototyping and testing, the company developed a solution meeting its criteria: a locking bolt system allowing 35 adjustment positions, even with the rider seated; two block sizes, easily interchangeable by the rider and redesigned, softer block shapes with additional flap padding for a seamless transition and enhanced knee comfort.
The Centurion II addresses contemporary market demands, suggests Helena, with a narrow
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“For the horse, we redesigned the panels to ensure a wider contact area and greater comfort, making the saddle suitable even for high-withered horses.”
The Centurion II benefited from rigorous testing, explains Helena. “After internal trials, Jana Freund and Abigail Lyle put prototypes through their paces. Feedback from these tests guided refinements, bringing the design to completion efficiently. The Centurion II then debuted on the world stage at the Paris Olympics
GETTING THE PERFECT
FIT
Dressage horses come in all different shapes and sizes and this can make fitting a saddle challenging. Society of Master Saddlers’ Master Saddle Fitter, Di Fisher (pictured) explains how they overcome these issues to ensure the best possible comfort and fit.
“Thanks to changes in saddle design, saddle fitters now have options available to them when it comes to fitting a saddle to the modern-day dressage horse. From a fitter’s point of view, they are looking to get the right panels, seat and tree that best suits the horse’s conformation.
“For the rider, it’s about getting the correct angle of the hip to knee ratio from the seat to the knee blocks. Saddle manufacturers now offer different size saddle flaps and moveable knee blocks to bring more versatility.
“I see many short-coupled horses with a forward girth groove, which doesn’t leave much room for the saddle and they can be prone to pulling the saddle forward. The opposite scenario is the more slab-sided horse, like a Thoroughbred or Trakehner type. With this shape, the saddle is more prone to going backwards.
“In these situations, the saddle fitter has the option to use the point strap on the saddle, which comes off the end of the point of the tree to help stop the saddle going forwards. Or using both balance straps – girthing up to the second and fourth strap along on the back to help stop the saddle going backwards.
“The shape of the withers and back can vary hugely and influence saddle fit, here the saddle fitter must look at the fit of the panel of the saddle and the shape of the tree to ensure it doesn’t pinch at the base of the wither where the rider sits.
“In recent years, saddle manufacturers have developed different knee blocks, panels, and gusset sizes that all help to improve fit and give saddle fitters options.
“Adjustable saddles are another great addition and I believe they are the way forward. An adjustable headplate makes it easy to change the width of a saddle by varying increments of a quarter to half inch. It can also be a saddle for life, unless a horse dramatically changes shape.”
Right: Creating an adjustable block system was the most complex challenge.
SADDLES
FAIRFAX WORLD CLASS II
KENT & MASTERS COMPETITION SERIES MONOFLAP DRESSAGE For the rider who’s looking for the professional close-contact feel of a monoflap design, this hide-covered model has a truly luxurious look and feel. Patent welt and piping add luxurious finishing touches. There’s a true dressage seat, with surface mounted block that offers leg support without restriction. Monoflap girthing options help the saddle fitter achieve optimum stability. In black only, 17in, 17.5in, 18in.
RRP: £1,490 | kentandmasters.co.uk
PRESTIGE BRILLANTE AS-X DRESSAGE
SADDLE is an innovative dressage saddle available in both double flap and monoflap versions. Featuring exclusive AS-X technology, it enhances the horse’s freedom of movement while ensuring the rider’s comfort and stability, providing a riding experience with no compromise.
RRP: from £5,300 | prestigeitalia.com
NEW EVOLVE SADDLE PANELS The new Evolve panel system is the next generation of saddle panels to provide flexibility for horses changing shape and fitting to new horses. Fully interchangeable, they are available on all adjustable tree models of Bliss saddles for all disciplines. The panels can be purchased separately and are easily changed.
RRP: £2,320 | bliss-of-london.com
Not only is this saddle the subject of a published scientific paper detailing the enhanced horse and rider synchronicity afforded by the thigh block design, the World Class II also features an innovative tilting flap mechanism. The flap can be tilted through three different positions which moves the block in relation to the rider’s thigh and allows the leg support to be fine tuned. Available in black or havana, with full leg panel or patented Performance Panel in 16in, 17in, 17.5in and 18in with petite and long flap options.
RRP: £3,990 | fairfaxsaddles.com
THE BLACK COUNTRY SADDLES SPUR DRESSAGE SADDLE offers non-restrictive security and support with its large external knee block, higher cantle and deeper seat. It is calf covered to maximise the contact between you and your horse. Available in black, brown and oxblood. 16in-18in.
RRP: £3,570 | blackcountrysaddles.com
HESTER’S JAGUAR DRESSAGE SADDLE offers a new and improved girthing system with three girth straps including a point strap. It is built on a jump tree so is slightly more upswept at the rear and suitable for the short-backed horse, or even for a horse with more ‘shape’ to its conformation. The more open seat allows for riders to move more freely in the saddle and as with all new PDS saddles it has a soft foam knee/thigh block. It is flocked with Jacobs Wool and is fully adjustable using the Pessoa/PDS Xchange Series II gullet plates. It is a monoflap design with stitch detailing on the flaps in either black or white (as shown). Each saddle can be custom made and a choice of printed leathers can be added to the cantle, together with piping. It is available in black in sizes 17in, 17.5in and 18in.
RRP: £4,200 | pdssaddlesuk.com
WOW SADDLES deliver peak performance as the tree has lateral flexion, allowing it to rotate with the horse’s shoulders, avoiding the constraints of conventional trees. This gives rider stability, further enhanced by the unique patented seat adjuster, fine tuning the rider’s weight distribution. The ample Flair air-flocked panels extend the supportive structure of the tree and adapt to the ever-changing contours of a horse’s back for total comfort and freedom.
RRP: from £4,790 | wow saddles. com
THE STÜBBEN CENTURION II CLOSE CONTACT
ample
MONOFLAP SADDLE offers the ability to adjust the external block for an ideal leg position without tools, catering to multiple riders using the same saddle. The redesigned blocks, featuring additional soft padding, provide comfortable knee embedding. Designed with a narrow twist saddle tree and an extra deep seat, the Centurion II offers ample freedom of movement and a close connection to the horse. Personalisation includes a customisable gullet channel.
RRP: from £4,500 | stuebben.co.uk
SMART SADDLES Eliminate saddle issues from your riding or training goals with an award-winning, fully flexible SMART saddle. Scientifically tested for improved horse and rider welfare, comfort and performance, the SMART Elite dressage saddle flexes dynamically to engage with your horse’s back and shoulder for complete freedom of movement. Combined with customisable options for tailored rider support, there’s no need to compromise with a SMART Elite dressage saddle. Comprehensive try-before-you-buy service available.
RRP: from £3,495 | smartsaddles.com
Society of Master Saddlers
Looking for great quality saddlery and tack, to have a saddle or bridle adjusted or for a Society of Master Saddlers’ Quali ed Saddle or Bridle Fitter? Using a member of the Society of Master Saddlers provides peace of mind that, whether using a Master Saddler with excellent skills or a Quali ed Saddle or Bridle Fitter with the highest standards, all have undertaken years of study and in-depth training.
Expertise: SMS & MSFC Qualified, specialising in Sports Horses
T: 07595 238141
E: helen@hmperformancesaddles.co.uk
W: hmperformancesaddles.co.uk
WALES
The Saddlery
Name: Howard Bowen
Location: N. Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire
Expertise: Approved Retailer & Qualified
Saddle Fitter
T: 01492 544 004
E: info@thesaddlery.co.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION mastersaddlers.co.uk
Building a Bond
In the first part of a new series on often-overlooked aspects of dressage performance, Andrea Oakes considers how the rider’s bond with their horse can be developed.
Dressage trainer Shelly Harriss recognises it the minute she sees it: the horse-rider partnership, or understanding, that sets some visitors apart as they arrive at her premises for a lesson.
“A good relationship is evident from the way the horse comes out of the box and the rider tacks him up,” she says, referring to a ‘quietness’ between a pair that can communicate without fuss. “If the horse then enters the arena on a long rein and walks confidently, assessing his new environment but not looking to react, that’s a sign of connection and trust.”
Shelly explains that the horse-rider partnership influences everything.
PICTURED
Communication between horse and rider are an important part of the competition journey.
“For competition, you need a certain degree of trust and cooperation to achieve what’s required, particularly in unfamiliar or high-energy atmospheres,” she says. “If you’re out hacking and your horse meets something he doesn’t want to pass, those communication skills are essential if his flight instinct takes over. Perhaps he won’t come to you in the field or go into the trailer. It’s worth thinking about what your horse is finding difficult to understand or if he’s scared, and why your relationship can’t deal with that.”
Even for professional riders with the skill and experience to instill confidence in horses they’ve not known for long, Shelly explains that the development of a solid bond brings bonuses.
“It’s equally as important at the higher levels,” she says. “There are some horses you’ll have a much deeper connection with, that feel as if they’d go to the ends of the earth for you. Others, you can get a good tune out of but don’t have that same relationship with.”
In other words, at any level, a strong partnership means a deeper mutual understanding and a better chance of elevating performance or overcoming challenges.
TAKING TIME
So how best to deepen that bond?
“Time,” explains Shelly. “You don’t build a relationship with a horse in a week. Expect to take six months, at least, to
THE RIDER’S STORY
“He’s the first young horse I’ve had for a few years,” says Ley MacCana, who is already winning at novice with Don Zello, the six-year-old Oldenburg x KWPN gelding she teamed up with just over a year ago. “I wanted a horse I could work with, so that we could develop a partnership, and I’m keen to learn about him.
“We started with some arena hires over winter and some pole clinics,” adds Ley, who trains with Zoe Sleigh. “Our first competition, in June, was a major hurdle for me, but he’s been fantastic. I know that he’s still developing and will change, but he’s starting to know his job and the bond we’re building really helps.”
get to know him and how he’ll react. If you’re a novice rider with a new horse, it’s unrealistic to want to achieve everything within a year and it’s important not to put pressure on yourself to do so.”
There’s no cutting corners, she adds. What’s required is quality time.
“We have busy lives and the tendency is to muck out, turn out and later ride for an hour,” she says. “For some horses, that’s not enough. Grooming, massage, carrot stretches… it’s there that the partnership and connection starts. Any time spent with your horse, working with him calmly and confidently, will build your relationship. You’ll learn about his character and how best to communicate with him, which in turn will make it easier when you ride him to gain a more harmonious relationship.
“Ask yourself what can be done other than ridden work,” she adds. “And if you’re having trouble with the ridden work, go back to the groundwork. Can you long rein the horse? If he doesn’t like a corner of the school, or a flowerpot, can you lead or lunge him past it?
“The aim with building a bond is to get the horse to be confident in his own decision making and to trust you,” says Shelly, who stresses the importance of correct foundations.
PICTURED
: Ley MacCana and the six-year-old Don Zello are building their partnership in their first year of competition together.
BUILDING TRUST
It’s worth remembering that no two horses are the same and that the relationship you can achieve will vary according to an individual and his background.
“I recently backed my homebred fouryear-old, Ferdi, a horse I’ve handled daily since she was born,” says Shelly. “When it came to starting her with lunging and long reining, and then the exciting moment of tacking her up and riding her, it was as if she knew exactly what I wanted as our partnership was one of confidence, understanding and mutual respect.
“My dressage horse Wallstreet IV was seven, however, when I bought him he had already had multiple homes. He’s sharp and athletic but internally insecure, very much a one-person horse, and it
THE JUDGE’S VIEW
“In the arena, a rider who really knows their horse and has a bond with them will know how to ride them and respond to maintain a harmonious picture,” explains Richard Baldwin, a BD list 1 judge with FEI level 2/3* status. “If there’s no bond, there’ll be miscommunications and confusions.
“A judge can reward not just the quality of paces but the correct way of going creating a
took years to truly know I could take him to a competition and he’d let me ride him like he would at home.
“I’ve done loads of groundwork with him,” added Shelly of ‘Wally’, now 16 and retired from competition having reached inter I. “Through owning him I’ve become much more aware of how important these skills are. All horses teach us something; we just have to learn their language.
“It’s also an individual journey as a rider, working on areas of personal improvement and understanding the requirements of a relationship. By starting with small, achievable goals that lead to larger ones, and with dedication, you can forge a harmonious partnership with your horse.”
shellyharriss.co.uk
harmonious picture, adding a half or full mark for a movement that looks easy and flows as a result of a good partnership. A real bond is built over time. A prime example would be Becky Moody and Jagerbomb: at the Paris Olympics, Jagerbomb came into the arena on fire. If was because they know each other so well that Becky knew how to respond and how much to ask – and was consequently rewarded for maintaining a picture of harmony.”
BD ACTION
RULE CHANGES FOR 2025
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, eligibility and governance. 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
• Noseband measuring
• Sensory hairs: Auricles
Para Equestrian rules
• Eligibility for para dressage
• PYO tests and qualification
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
Competitor dress and equipment
• Waistcoats
• Spur length for Children and Pony riders
• Whip length for horses and ponies
• Hearing aids
• Communication devices
Plus:
• Eligibility and rules, including updates to Silver eligibility from Prelim to Advanced Medium
• Hors Concours
• FEI PYO tests
• Associated Championship points
• Annexes, including complaints and disciplinary procedures and whistleblowing policy
JUDGE RETIREMENTS
Wishing a happy retirement to South & West judge Marion Eaves (List 5), Hilary Wakefield (List 5)
KEY DATES
from the North & West region and Gloria Outten (List 5, South & East), who have retired from the Judges Panel.
JUDGE UPGRADES
Congratulations to the following judges who earned upgrades in the autumn assessments.
List 5: Philippa Hickmott, Sally Walker, Caroline Hadris, Lewis Pratley, Philippa Parsons, Sheila Rodgers, Helen Squires, Hilary Secker, Charlotte Clarke, Jackie Shearer, Kate Hallitt, Wade Barley
List 4: Kathryn Bottomley, Kate Lamburn, Deborah Hilary, Bary Hayes, Jonathan Dunkley, Pippa Morgan, Suzanne Jackson, Nicoll Barker, Annette Ruth Davis-Green, Emily Watts, Sarah Heathcoate, Rachel Oldland, Mary Bradbury, Anne Whaley, Helen Walker, Sue Somner, Claire Cathro.
24-26 Jan Vale View High Profile Show, Leicestershire
24-26 Jan Winter Area Festival, Bishop Burton College, Yorkshire
29-02 Feb Winter Regionals, Arena UK, Lincolnshire
30-02 Feb Winter Area Festival, Aintree Equestrian, Merseyside
31-02 Feb Winter Area Festival, Parwood Equestrian, Surrey
04-08 Feb Winter Area Festival, Solihull Equestrian Centre, West Midlands
07-09 Feb Winter Area Festival, Moreton Equestrian, Dorset
14-16 Feb Winter Area Festival, Forest Edge Arena, Norfolk
14-16 Feb Winter Regionals, Chard Equestrian, Somerset
15-18 Feb Winter Area Festival, Alnwick Ford, Northumberland
21-23 Feb Winter Area Festival, Prestige Equestrian, Gloucestershire
21-23 Feb Winter Regionals, Little Mill Equestrian, Carmarthenshire
22-23 Feb Winter Regionals, Wellington Riding, Hampshire
22-23 Feb Winter Area Festival, Highfield @ Howe, Fife
28-2 Mar Winter Area Festival, Beacons Equestrian, Carmarthenshire
1-2 Mar Winter Regionals, Netherton Equestrian, Perthshire
A comprehensive list of major dates can be found online at britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/international-and-major-dates
PICTURED
The 2025 BD Members Handbook contains a number of rule changes, including Silver eligibility.
REGIONS IN FOCUS
CONTACT
DO: Nikki Birt
M: 07495 013192
E: northandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
IN NUMBERS
Members: 3,435
Male members: 216
Female members: 3,219
Percentage of total UK membership: 18.2%
Youth members (25 & under): 597
Para members: 26
Venues: 35
Judges: 346
Coaches: 82
COUNTIES COVERED
Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Herefordshire, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire
ROLE GOALS JUDGES REPRESENTATIVES
The Judges Representative plays a vital role in the support and education of officials in each region. “It’s a supporting role split across two areas,” explained FEI 2/3* and BD List 1 Judge Richard Baldwin, “we support the Development Officers in the organisation of judging activities
NORTH & WEST
MEET THE DO:
NIKKI BIRT
Nikki Birt took over the role as North & West Development Officer in March 2024, having previously been a valued part of the Head Office team since June 2021, where she worked in the Sport Operations department. Staffordshire-based Nikki is a keen horsewoman herself, buying her pocket-sized Welsh D x Irish Draught in 2018, after feeling the need to downsize following spinal surgery. She’s had horses since the age of 12 and caught the dressage bug at the age of 21.
Q: What are your hopes for the North & West region?
A: “I really hope that the team spirit within the region keeps
within our region, as we run the compulsory elements of the Module 4 days, which are crucial for upgrading as part of the Judge Education system.” There’s also a sitting in element that’s part of the examination process, where Richard described that the Judge Reps have another role to play in supporting the organisation of these opportunities, “we help to organise this aspect within the major events in our region, such as Regionals and Premier Leagues.”
“We also support the judges within the region with any questions, queries and issues they ever have. We put ourselves
REGIONAL TRAINING
To find your local region contacts and infomation on regional training, including camps, test riding, social activities, demos and much more, simply open the camera on your device and scan the codes opposite. Alternatively, visit the BD website, find your region and head to the regional training page via your web browser.
growing. Even though the region is vast, people really come together around horses, and it creates a real bond between people - you make friends for life. It is nice to see familiar faces, and new, and I think the North Westies are a very welcoming bunch –they certainly were to me!”
What’s your favourite North & West moment to date?
A: “Of course, I am going to say seeing a North & West team at the top of the podium at the Youth Home Nations at Mount Ballan! It was incredible to see the older and more experienced Youth riders take the new and younger riders under their wing for the weekend. It was actually rather
out there to the judges in our regions as key contacts for when they’re at a venue, or when they’re judging, so they can contact us for support,” Richard explained about the second string to the role, where the sense of community is very strong. “We try and do what we classify as social events too,” he continued, capturing the importance of building support in the region, “we run a social event every three months, any judges can come along and it’s free to attend. The reps are always involved in the calls or events to give judges the chance to socialise and raise any
overwhelming seeing them when the National Anthem played.”
Pick three events/activities that you’re most looking forward to in 2025?
1) North & West are hosting the Para Home Nations and the Youth Inter Regionals in 2025 at Onley Grounds.
2) Our “Two Athletes, One Performance Day” at Kelsall Hill on 1 March which is open to riders, coaches, judges and supporters –it’s going to be a really good day!
3) We have a few things in the pipeline that are going to be very exciting! But we haven’t got the dates confirmed yet – they will be announced very soon on our socials and in our newsletters... watch this space!
thoughts or issues that they want fed through to the Judges’ Committee, Head Office and the Board.”
“We’ve done a Christmas quiz before too,” Richard concluded about the fun element of the role, aiming to build camaraderie, “It was great to get judges engaging at a time of year where there’s not so much on, the weather’s not so good and we’re stuck in the house more. We’ve also done social sessions where we’ve discussed test riding and movements. They’re not official training but they’re wonderful events to get people engaged.”
WG Stud – Producers of Elite Progeny
Carthago Chicago
Silvester/Broadstone Chicago/ Demonstrator
16.1hh SHB(GB) Life Graded Stallion. Athletic, elastic, light on his feet and full of presence, with a trainable and kind temperament. Bred champion futurity foals over successive years.
Silvester
Carthago Z/Voltaire/Nimmerdor
16.3hh AES Approved & SHB(GB) Life Graded. Exceptional temperament and movement. He has the unique distinction of Elite progeny awards in dressage, eventing and showjumping.
Lord Rico
Lord Leatherdale / Gribaldi
16.2hh AES Licensed & D-OC tested Exciting young stallion with fantastic temperament, power and movement you would expect from his bloodlines.
All three stallions extremely fertile, WFFS negative and available seven days a week. Stud fee £900 NFFR. (deposit of £200 then £700 when scanned in foal). First collection included in deposit, thereafter £90. Post and pack FOC. All prices include vat.
Viewing welcomed. Contact Hazel on 07779217215, hazel.wgs@zen.co.uk, www.wgstud.co.uk, or facebook WG Stud.
Learning for all
BD members can now take advantage of a wide range of online training through the new Learning Hub.
The brand-new British Dressage Learning Hub is an online platform designed to elevate the knowledge and skills of riders at all levels.
Launched in December 2024, members of all ages and abilities can login and access a wealth of engaging, educational content, including interactive elements, videos, guides and tutorials, created and approved by experts in the field.
This platform is free to access and provides relevant content for all members, whether you’re new to dressage or a seasoned competitor.
The BD Learning Hub has been designed to provide a toolkit to help you develop as a rider, including personal development topics such as mental health and wellbeing, as well as horse care and welfare, to ensure that your horse is at the heart of your training and competing journey with British Dressage. There’s also a strong focus on horsemanship, helping members to master key aspects of this important topic with a wide range of educational resources.
“Following the launch of the Horse Care Programme, which was originally designed for our BD Youth members, it became clear that we needed to expand this educational opportunity for our wider membership,”
BD Training & Education
Manager Charlotte Osborne explains, “Horse Care is a core part of the Learning Hub, and our team have worked hard throughout 2024 to develop existing material and create new content that will be a huge benefit to members of all ages.”
Now, members over the age of 25 can take advantage of direct entry into the Novice Horse Care Certificate (Tier 3), whilst the Introductory and Prelim certificates are a required step in the Youth pathway for those aged 25 and under but are also now open to everyone. “It’s a big step forward to be able to offer this great learning content to a wider audience. Educating our youth members has been a priority of the Training & Education department for a number of years, but we’re keen to turn our attention to different rider groups – making sure that we offer the same opportunities to support how our members care for their horses at home and in competition.”
The launch of the BD Learning Hub marks just the beginning, with even more content and educational programmes in the pipeline set to be unveiled from early 2025. “Throughout the year we will continue to develop new content, releasing additional modules on a regular basis,” Charlotte adds. “All of the content, from farriery practice and veterinary knowledge, to specific education for officials, is developed with industry professionals. We’re providing the highest standard of education, with help from the right people to improve foundation knowledge along with dressage specific technical skills.”
There’s a mix of paid and free content, with members enjoying exclusive discounts for paid courses.
COURSES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Horse Care (starting from £10 per tier) These online modules help you care for your horse in the best possible way, putting the horse’s welfare first. From the basics of stable management, to tack fitting and equipment choices, yard safety and travel advice, everything you need to know about caring for your horse will be included. There are currently four tiers of Horse Care available on the Learning Hub from launch, covering a huge variety of topics, with the final module in development and due to be added in early 2025.
Introduction to Para Dressage
This will provide an insight into the different pathways available for Para Dressage, explaining the classification process in more detail and how to get involved. Suitable for anybody interested in finding out more about Para Dressage, whether as a rider, parent, coach or official.
Coach CPD Modules
Supporting you in achieving your annual CPD requirements with a variety of topics to enhance your coaching skills. Learn more about topics such as conflict management and customer service, and how they relate to equestrian coaching.
Introduction to the British Dressage Coaching Certificate
Providing an overview of both levels of the BDCC courses and what participants can expect when completing their coaching certificates.
Coming soon
Modules in progress include education on farriery and veterinary matters, further tack and equipment knowledge, and offering a greater understanding of fitness to compete for both horse and rider.
Entries open on Wednesday 19 February 2025 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 Addington Equestrian. 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 Wednesday 26 March 2025 ALL SCHEDULED TIMES ARE AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE AND SUBJECT TO FINAL AMENDMENT
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL
NAF
THURSDAY 17
FRIDAY 18 APRIL
SATURDAY 19 APRIL
6HE
Tel: (01684) 592099
Web: tceh.co.uk
Email: info@tceh.co.uk •
RIDING HOLIDAYS
District Riding Holidays at Hoe Grange
Treat yourself and your horse to a Peak District riding holiday at Hoe Grange.
Wake up to the sight of your horse grazing outside your log cabin, spend your days exploring miles of off-road trails, and relax in a hot tub under the stars.
With spacious stables, quality grazing, secure tack storage and direct access onto the Pennine Bridleway, it’s the perfect “home away from home” for you and your horse.
www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk
01629 540262 | info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk
MY
DRESSAGE
LIFE
so for me as the pony was from a mother-line that my own mother founded, it was a real family achievement.
and would not remember a thing three days later.
BEST BREEDING ADVICE…
MY FAVOURITE TV SERIES OR FILM...
DAVID AND SERENA PINCUS
David and Serena Pincus are the dressage power duo behind Sheepcote Equestrian, located in the beautiful Herefordshire village of Bartestree and founded in the 1980s after David made the move to Britain to build his career. Under the stewardship of David and Serena, Sheepcote has become a renowned British training establishment, educating world class riders and producing countless high quality, successful horses.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF HORSES…
David: My first riding experience was on a working farm in Israel, taking the cattle to pasture on a horse, riding bareback. I was about eight and dared not dismount for the whole day in case I could not re-mount without a leg up.
Serena: Hunting with the Glamorgan hunt on my 12.2hh Welsh pony. Everybody thought I was the bravest child on the scene, jumping all these hedges and gates, in truth once we were off I could not hold the little beast.
BEST MOMENT IN DRESSAGE SO FAR…
David: It should have been the invitation to ride in the Spanish Riding School. However, when our daughter Lucy won the Preliminary National Championship at the age of 12 on our home-bred pony, it topped it all.
Serena: As my husband already said, just more
Both: Don’t get into this foolishness!
AN INSPIRING FIGURE IN MY DRESSAGE LIFE…
David: My first riding instructor Leopold Brustein, he was a Cavallari officer that rode in the Russian imperial army under James Fillis. He was a born horseman, a man and a gentleman - they don’t make them like this anymore.
Serena: It has to be my husband. Until I met him, I did not realize there was more to riding than galloping across country behind dogs...sorry hounds!
A SPECIAL HORSE…
David: Wurlitzer, my 15.2hh homebred GP stallion, what he lacked in size he had in personality.
Serena: Cassander, it was so long ago, he won me several national titles and rider of the year award...I’m not saying how long ago, but for those that are still with us, it was when the championships were held at Goodwood!
DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS
David: My father, he was wise, clever and very entertaining, unfortunately he died before I had a chance to benefit from his life-long experience. Now that my focus is less horses and more money it will have to be Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, plus someone that can tell a good joke.
Serena: Jamie Oliver (hopefully he will do the cooking) and Freddie Mercury.
MY FAVORITE BOOK
David: By the time I read the daily papers, follow what is happening in the dressage world and some professional literature, there is little time for recreational reading.
Serena: Any good detective story, I read them on my Kindle every night
David: Silent Witness and Vera Serena: We watch them together.
WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?
David: “Not enough hours in the day”
Serena: “I haven’t done it all yet”
THE PLACES WE FEEL HAPPIEST…
David: At home with Tasty on my lap.
Serena: At home too - I think we need another sausage dog.
A MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT…
David: When Carl asked me once to do a bit of piaffe with this cob...it was lucky Lucy was there nudging me saying “it’s Valegro” before I opened my mouth to ask “has he done any before?”
Serena: I am too embarrassed to say!
A PLACE I’D LIKE TO VISIT?
David: I would like to go back to Vienna and revisit the Spanish Riding School.
