If you aren’t a member and would like to receive the magazine contact 01442 820580, bd@webscribe.co.uk or mysubcare.com
The views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Dressage. Equally, the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement of the products and services by British Dressage.
From the editor
More than medals
This welcome message is not usually illustrated with a photo, but I couldn’t resist adding this to the wonderful images that we have from Paris on p17-21 and on the cover.
No-one can deny that our sport has seen some dark days recently, but what equestrians do well is to pull together and support each other in times of need and this unposed shot of Lottie, Carl and Becky from the team medal podium symbolises those bonds for me perfectly.
Our bronze medal-winning team have all said how much the swell of support in the most difficult of preparations for the Games meant to them. As much as they were in the spotlight, many in the dressage community will also have felt the public gaze on them. Hopefully it has just strengthened our passion for the sport, the desire to train and look after horses well, and to demonstrate this for all to see.
A sense of community is one of the great benefits of sport at all levels and considering the welfare of fellow riders and horse owners is something we should all keep in mind. It won’t come as a surprise that the majority of BD members are female, and two pioneering coaches have undertaken research into women’s health issues that can affect their enjoyment and progress in the sport and even stop them participating. We look at their work on P44-46, and their suggestions on how to help.
That’s not to say that we should ignore the men! We’ve all come across someone, male or female, who appears to ‘lose the love’ for riding at some point. Time to stop tutting at that messy stable or horse that hasn’t been ridden much this week and check in on them. Equestrianism is life-affirming, and even better when we share it with others.
Jane Carley Editor, British Dressage
PICTURED
LEMIEUX TAKES ON QUEST
British Dressage is to extend its partnership with LeMieux, as the leading brand is set to take on title sponsorship of the popular Quest series and championship.
Introduced to the BD championship collection in 2012, Quest is an entry level series designed for those looking to experience dressage in a fun, relaxed environment.
Comprised of both My Quest and Team Quest, riders
can choose to compete individually or with a group of friends. Qualification throughout the year leads to Semi-Final and National Championship opportunities, with the best of British grass roots riders celebrated annually at a show-stopping extravaganza each autumn.
LeMieux’s support of BD Quest will begin at the Semi-Finals for the 2024 series, which commence in September with the Finals on 8-10 November, launching a multi-year deal which extends to 2026.
Dan Mahoney, Managing Director at LeMieux commented: “LeMieux is proud to become the title sponsor of the flagship LeMieux Quest and LeMieux National Championships with British Dressage. It’s exciting to
NATIONALS-READY?
Have you planned your weekend at the LeMieux National Championships?
Our annual celebration of dressage takes place at Somerford Park from 12-15 September and the timetable and ticket application form is on a dedicated hub on the website. Why not treat yourself to a LeMieux Pavilion ticket for the ultimate Nationals experience?
Tickets must be purchased online (including on the day) before you arrive at the event.
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
extend our support to grass roots dressage competitors new to British Dressage, as well as elite audiences. We share Quest’s values of team spirit and individual ambition, and we’re delighted to help promote Quest as a fun and accessible starting point to the sport.
“LeMieux is loved worldwide for its technically advanced, premium men’s, women’s, and children’s collections for horses and riders at all levels of equestrian sport. Our specialist dressage horse and rider collections are ideal for both training and competition and are worn by elite international dressage riders like Lottie Fry, Carl Hester and Becky Moody, as well as those just starting out in dressage. We are thrilled to be part of this journey.”
YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The following horses and riders have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo, the Netherlands, 4 - 8 September 2024.
Five year old: Newton Sylvanite (black gelding, 2019, Toerveslettens Sylvester, OLD),
bred by the Newton Stud and owned and ridden by Fiona Bigwood.
Six year old: Fever Tree (pictured below) (bay gelding, 2018, Foundation x Dayano, AES), bred by David Stone and owned and ridden by Dannie Morgan and Valentinio (bay gelding, 2018, Feinrich x Vivaldi, OLD), bred by Gestüt Lewitz and owned and ridden by Jody Haswell.
IN MEMORIAM: JULIE BLANCHARD
The dressage community said a sad goodbye to Julie Blanchard, a highly respected trainer and Grade IV para rider, who sadly passed away on Saturday 20 July, aged 60, following a short but tenacious battle with cancer.
Julie, who was based in East Yorkshire where she owned and ran Ninegates Farm in Ellerker, was a consummate horsewoman and a great supporter of the North & East region. Training clients from regional level through to FEI Dressage Pony and Junior European Championships, she herself represented Great Britain at numerous CPEDIs at 3* level throughout her career, including Bishop Burton, Bury Farm, Hartpury and Keysoe, competing internationally as recently as 2019.
The reserve horse is Elton (grey gelding, 2018, Emilio x Diamond Hit, OLD), bred and owned by Lauren Taylor and ridden by Beth Bainbridge.
On behalf of the dressage community, British Dressage offers sincerest condolences to Julie’s family and friends.
PICTURED
Kathryn Brown and Llanarth Bay Flyer, a Quest champion in 2023.
Julie Blanchard and Forever Young.
PARA MATTERS
MESSAGE FROM TRACY ORMROD, PARA DIRECTOR
Hello Everyone
The Paralympics is fast approaching, and I am getting very excited to watch our amazing team of Georgia, Mari, Natasha and Sophie (pictured above right) do their very best for Team GB. Channel 4 and their associated
channels of More 4 and the streaming service will be broadcasting an incredible number of hours of the Paralympics, all free. Keep an eye out on social media for the timings and fingers crossed that we get to see their tests in full.
Congratulations to all those that took part in the Para Home Nations, brilliant results across the board with many personal bests. Even better was the support that riders
and supporters gave to each other regardless of which team they were representing. I am really looking forward to next year! Finally, I just want to touch on the recent negative publicity that has put all of dressage in the spotlight. Much has been written already but I wanted to highlight the fact that in our para world we are not out of the public eye. I know that all of you care deeply about your
COACHING WITH CONFIDENCE
This Para dressage and disability Para coach online workshop is a one-day training course that focuses on the specialist nature of working with physically impaired people and the different approaches that may be required to aid their progression and development.
This training day is focused on informing you of the differences you may find when coaching
PARA HOME NATIONS
North and East team wins the Equissage Pulse Para Home Nations held at Arena UK, 28-29 June 2024.
A massive congratulations to all that took part in this year’s Para Home Nations, both individually and in your respective teams.
British Dressage thanks the team at Arena UK for putting on a fantastic three days of competition.
RESULTS
Team Competition:
1st Team North And East: 423.43
2nd Team Scotland: 422.23
3rd Team Wales: 421.84
4th Team South And East: 417.40
equine partners so please let us as a group continue to be the epitome of horse welfare.
PARA JUDGE WORKSHOP
disabled riders, rather than giving you the direct tools to do so. The next workshop is being held on Monday 21 October, via Zoom, 13:00 – 16:30pm. If you wish to book onto this, please do so via Horse Monkey.
Individual: Grade 1
1 Margaret Lupton riding Domino XI: 145.00 Scotland
2 Clodagh Walsh riding Chantal: 143.13 Ireland
3 Elan Williams riding BKS Brandini: 142.40 Wales Grade 2
1 Jason Inchley riding Rubin Ryella: 138.02 S&W
2 Deborah Marks riding Cavalier Valoin: 130.69 N&E Grade 3
1 Mark Griffin riding First Class IX: 144.63 N&E
2 Jan Cummings riding Rhonderful Dorrells: 141.78 N&E
3 Sarah Oram riding Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow: 139.24 S&E
The next Para Judge Workshop, an element of the current BD Para Judge Pathway, will take place on Tuesday 29 October via Zoom, starting at 10am. If you are a List 3 or above current BD judge and are interested in becoming a BD para judge, please take a look at the link below for more information. (Scroll down the website page to the ‘how to become a para judge’ section) www.britishdressage.co.uk/ get-involved/judges-andwriters/becoming-a-judge. If you are interested in booking onto this workshop, please do so via the Horse Monkey link below.
Tracy Ormrod, Para Director
Their happy place
Training Chinese international rider Sarah Rao while sharing the ride on many of her horses is all part of the formula for Sarah Higgins at Pinfold Stables, reports Jo Prestwich.
Pinfold Stables, near Knutsford in Cheshire, has had many guises over the years, from a racehorse stud to a racing and point to point yard to a livery stables and currently as a dressage and eventing yard.
Up to now, the champion two-year-old and leading sire Petingo was easily the best horse to walk out under the impressive clock tower and archway that leads from the stable yard,
but with the top event and dressage horses of Alex Hua Tian and Sarah Higgins now based there that accolade could well change.
In recent weeks the yard has been on extraordinary form. Sarah herself has won two regional championships, Sarah Rao (Sarah R) has won one, Abigail Gray became individual medallist, gold and silver, at the Pony Europeans and Alex was in action at the Olympics.
Few people can claim to compete and coach at competitions with as much success as Sarah can and I’m not sure there is anyone who shares the reins as much as she does.
Go to any Premier League or High Profile show where the Pinfold Stables horses are competing and it will be a toss-up as to who will be on board - Sarah R, the Chinese rider who has been based with Sarah for the past decade, or Sarah herself. Between the two
PICTURED
of them they have both ridden the likes of Alfranco, Mufasa, Waldessarini, Faydirmie ZH and Geniaal regularly at the highest level, often at the same show and with plenty of success.
“Richard Davison has a big part to play here, and I have learnt a lot from him in this respect,” says Sarah. “I remember, when I first started looking for horses for Sarah R, and other clients, I used to feel a little (very!) intimidated at some of the posh places we’d go to. Now I really enjoy the process and I feel confident trying them out. All of the above horses were ultimately for Sarah R to ride and were bought with her in mind.
Few people can claim to compete and coach at competitions with as much success as Sarah can...
“Sarah R would be the first to admit she was a very inexperienced rider when she first arrived here so we always felt it was helpful to have someone more experienced to ride the horses in between to keep everything going in a good direction. Even the most generous of horses can go a little off track being ridden by a more novice rider all of the time. As she’s developed and moved up the levels I’ve been lucky enough to step in to give the horses competitive experience and confidence.
“Sarah R and her father are extremely generous people and have always been keen to give me opportunities to ride some of her horses, even if just for the short term. Riding Alfie at the national championships in only my third-ever Grand Prix shows just how amazing they have been.”
None of the horses were bought as a multirider horse.
“I think, because Sarah R and I have been training in the same system for all this time, we would approach most horses in a similar way,” she says. “Of course we have our differences, both physically and in our way of riding, but I really believe if a horse is trained nicely, it should be easy for someone else to get on. I often say when teaching… if a novice person was to get on our horse now would they have a good feeling down the rein and a good reaction off the leg. If the answer is no, it isn’t good enough!
“I am lucky in that I’ve always been able to assess a new horse quickly when I get on. Did I go and pick the temperament specifically? Well no, not really, it’s more I know what suits her and that’s what matters.
Now Sarah’s got the experience, she rides hers the majority of the time.”
Right: L-R Sarah Rao, Sarah Higgins on Samuel IV, Balla Liu, Isla Zhao, Abigail Gray and Ottilie Bardlsey.
Below: Sarah Higgins riding the stallion Kenzo US destined for eventing with Alex Hua Tian.
PICTURED
Left: Sarah Higgins on Samuel IV.
Amongst the older horses Sarah regularly trains, one that has had a huge part to play at Pinfold is Don Geniro. The Don was owned by Sarah’s mum Pippa and was originally bought for Sarah to ride. At the time dressage was not what he wanted, neither did Sarah want to jump, so he was ridden by Alex Hua Tian to two Olympic Games, placed 8th in Rio, and having retired from the eventing field is now back doing dressage, contesting the juniors with Izzy Caldwell who now owns the 17-year-old.
Lazing around in the fields at Pinfold there are event and dressage horses enjoying a peaceful retirement, but the longevity of Pinfold’s residents is impressive. The mighty Alfranco, bought from the Davisons as a 12-year-old to teach Sarah R the Grand Prix moves, is now 19 and still as enthusiastic as ever. Trotting round the field with the four horses for the photos, of course it was ‘Alfie’ who was bouncing around, showing off his passage and generally behaving like a four-year-old.
PICTURED
“He is exceptional,” reflects Sarah who made her own Grand Prix debut with the Negro gelding. “He is still as enthusiastic as ever. He can’t wait to get down that centre line and show off what he can do. He’s been nine years at the level, what a legend!
“I think, in terms of the longevity, the type of horse we choose is a big factor and we are sensible in how we look after the horses from day to day – for example the older ones like Alfie are always kept in a certain level of work. At his age I wouldn’t give him an extended holiday because I’m a strong believer in keeping them fit enough that they don’t put extra pressure on joints and ligaments.
“I suppose being surrounded by event horses for a long time has made me more aware of fitness and not overworking hot, flighty dressage horses – their bodies get tired before their brains realise. I would say we are very proactive in making sure we catch any issues before they become a problem: the horses have regular physio, the farrier and vets are excellent and the owners are really sensible in their decision-making.”
MSJ Valentino who belongs to Emma Blundell.. >
Sarah R has now been joined by Bella Liu and Iris Zhao. The former has Ruth Edge’s small tour horse Jolene to learn the ropes on whilst Iris has Chacot Showman.
Above: Sarah Higgins teaching Sarah Rao on the Lusitano stallion in Pinfold’s indoor school.
Left: Sarah Higgins with the five-year-old
“I do like them all to have an all-round horse education,” adds Sarah. “It is so important, particularly for those from China who have not grown up in a typical horse background. I am not really interested in teaching people who just want to ride and don’t want to learn about caring and managing horses outside of ridden work.
“Hopefully in the future these Chinese riders will be able to pass on that knowledge to other Chinese riders who are interested in getting into equestrian sports. Certainly having the event horses here as well is a great education for them to see how the work varies, feed, fitness etc.
“They are also, like me, coached by other trainers, I still have a huge amount to learn in terms of coaching and sourcing horses. I learn from watching other people’s input and I only see it as a benefit for me and the whole team.
do a bit of horse swapping at the yard, if anybody feels like they are getting in a bit of a rut with certain things. Sometimes a fresh view on something is all that is needed.”
AND IN THE FUTURE?
“I’ve been going to Richard for some years and Hannah Moody for even longer and wow, how amazing was her sister Becky in Paris! Every person adds something to the mix and it’s the little things that make the difference. It’s not uncommon at all for us to
“It sounds very boring but I think I am most proud of creating a sustainable business. Of course there are some real competitive highlights but for me the hardest thing, and what allows me to go to competitions with nice horses that are well prepared, is having a business that is able to sustain that.
“What has come from this is a group of people who work and train at Pinfold, which makes it a really enjoyable place to be. Yes, I’d love to be on the British team in the future if the right horse came along but I’m just as happy to watch people I teach on teams whether it’s Abigail at the Europeans or someone competing in Quest. We all have our goals but the striving to achieve them should be as much fun as actually getting there.”
PICTURED
Inset: Sarah Higgins with mascot Lulu.
Above: Sarah Higgins on Kenzo US
Below: L-R Sarah Rao on Alfranco, Isla Zhao on Chacot. Showman, Bella Liu on Jolene and Sarah Higgins on Kenzo US have a canter in a field formerly used as racing gallops.
“Comfort
Erreplus Saddles are available in the UK only through a specially selected group of SMS-qualified saddle fitters
South East
David Dyer Saddles | 0208 308 0500 James Turner | 07766 102904 Martin Wilkinson Saddlers | 01727 821020
South West
Colne Saddlery | 01451 820843
Saddle Kind | 07977 114896
Unicorn Saddlery | 01823 481484
South AD Equestrian | 07894 940409
Saddle
Above:
The victorious German team on the podium with Denmark and Great Britain who took silver and bronze respectively.
Great Britain Shows French Flair
Team GB scored its fourth consecutive Olympic team medal with bronze at the Paris Olympic Games against the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles.
And it was a second bronze in the Individual for Lottie Fry and Glamourdale who did us proud once again with a stunning performance in a nail-biting Freestyle.
TEAM FINAL - GRAND PRIX SPECIAL
Right: Pathfinders for Great Britain in the Grand Prix Special, which decided the team medals, were Olympic first-timer Becky Moody and Jagerbomb who stepped up to the team in emphatic fashion. Becky, 44, from Sheffield, and the Dante Weltino x Jazz ten-year-old, whom she co-owns with longtime supporter Jo Cooper, delivered a new PB of 76.489%. They presented a test of outstanding harmony and precision, in a metronomic rhythm with textbook frame.
Left: Carl Hester did a masterful job with Fiona Bigwood’s Fame to produce a Grand Prix Special awarded 76.520% to bolster the team total further, despite a spooky start. A break in one of the trot extensions was costly, but the half passes and piaffe-passage tour were amongst the many highlights that had the judges reaching for the higher marks.
Left: Drawn third from last in the
group,
took expectation in her stride to produce an outstanding performance with Van
Sweeping half passes, great suspension, energy and control in the passage, along with huge, ground-covering tempi changes and a breathtaking extended canter awarded a score average of 9.7, resulted in a final score of 79.483%.
Left: Lottie Fry (Glamourdale), Carl Hester (Fame) and Becky Moody (Jagerbomb) took the third step on the podium on a team total of 232.492, behind Germany on 235.790 and Denmark with 235.669.
Above: Carl Hester congratulates fellow dressage icon Isabell Werth, who scored 79.894% on Wendy to help secure gold for Germany.
final
Lottie Fry
Olst Horses’ Glamourdale.
TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER - GRAND PRIX
Right: Becky Moody made an incredible senior championships debut with her own and Jo Cooper’s Jagerbomb in the Grand Prix, team and individual qualifier. She topped her group on 74.938%. “That was insane! What a stadium and what a crowd,” she said. “It was just an amazing experience. He’s so special to me, I bred him so we’ve done everything together and I think we were both a little nervous and apprehensive but we helped each other out. I’m so just proud of him, he’s amazing.”
Left: Becky Moody and Jagerbomb with the score board showing that not only had they achieved a PB for Grand Prix but were on top of the leader board for their group, a position that took them straight through to the Individual medal final.
Below: Seven-time Olympian Carl Hester rode Fiona Bigwood’s Fame, a 14-year-old stallion making his Olympic debut, with great skill and sensitivity in the electric atmosphere, scoring 77.345%. He said: “I’ve loved this all my life, for 32 years I’ve been competing internationally. I wanted to do Paris because I have a horse I absolutely love riding in Fame, he’s probably one of the most fun horses of my career. You’ve got to enjoy it and I went in there and enjoyed it, that horse is what makes me smile.”
Right: Lottie Fry sealed the team qualification from first draw on the second day of competition, riding Van Olst Horses’ stallion Glamourdale to a score of 78.913%. A test full of class, showing superb two-tempis and one-tempis, just with some costly tension in the reinback, was awarded five 10s, four of which were for Glamourdale’s commanding extended canter. “It was an amazing feeling, and the test was just what we needed to do today,” said Lottie.
Left: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark with Freestyle, who she and the Zinglersen family co-own with Mount St John Stud, were top scorers in the Grand Prix Special on 81.216% and topped their group in the Grand Prix with 80.792%.
Right: Carl Hester and Fame pulled at the heartstrings with what he described as the ‘music of his life’ and a beautiful artistic arrangement. The score of 85.151% for sixth place was just a fraction below Carl’s lifetime personal best – also achieved with Fame, at the European Championships in 2023. But the complex floorplan, executed in high quality, will live long in the memory of spectators – especially the final centre line accompanied by ‘Those were the days, my friend…’
Above: British supporters bring the party during the Freestyle.
Left: Lottie and ‘Glammy’ against the unique backdrop of the Palace of Versailles. The pair hit every mark of the powerful, emotive freestyle that combines Queen with the British and French National Anthems – a new element for 2024 to capture the Parisian theme. They were awarded 88.971%, and after a tense wait for the final three combinations, it was enough for bronze.
Right: Lottie Fry, 28, reigning FEI Dressage World Champion, took her second Olympic medal in Paris, and the third Olympic medal of her career so far, winning bronze in the Freestyle with Glamourdale.
Below: Becky Moody was clearly out to enjoy her direct qualification ticket for the Individual medal final, earned in the Grand Prix. Becky and Jagerbomb brought their Tom Jones freestyle to the arena, spreading joy to all who had the privilege to watch. Their exemplary way of going has been applauded by the judges and the public all week, and was again a highlight in the performance, scoring 84.357% – a new personal best. Their eventual placing would be eighth, a remarkable achievement for a combination riding in their first senior championship.
Above: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl retained her Olympic title in an Individual final that went to the wire, with Isabell Werth in silver, and Lottie in bronze.
Above: Jessica von BredowWerndl and TSF Dalera BB scored 90.093% for their Freestyle which took a French theme with music from ‘La Vie en Rose.’
Postcards From Paris
A first
Carl and Fame have a heart-to-heart before the first horse inspection.
look at the spectacular arena for Lottie and Glamourdale and Becky and Jagerbomb.
Carl and Fame face the heat in the arena – temperatures topped 30deg on the first day of the Grand Prix.
Lottie and Van Olst Horses’ Niek Haarlink prepare Glamourdale for the trot-up.
Dancing for the crowd.
Becky and Jagerbomb step out for the inspection.
Alternate Andrew Gould in the arena familiarisation.
Carl’s support team watch on, including Mette Dahl, Lottie Fry, Becky Moody, Andrew Gould and team vet Andre Buthe.
Staying away with your horse can be great fun – but it can also provide a few challenges when it comes to feeding and watering.
Consistency is key, and any change in diet should be avoided to minimise colic risk, says Spillers nutritionist Sarah Nelson. “Feeding for optimum performance and recovery begins long before the day of competition. In some cases, horses work harder during training than on the day of
PICTURED
Food on the go
Feeding your horse away from home can be a challenge. Emma Penny seeks some expert advice.
competition. Establishing an appropriate diet beforehand and resisting the temptation to make changes immediately before or after an event is key.”
This includes feeding your normal hay or haylage away from home, says TopSpec nutrition director Nicola Tyler. “If you want small wrapped bales, try to get the same forage from your normal suppliers as a change can sometimes cause a severe digestive upset. Keep it covered in a cool, dark place when you are away.”
Where a horse is reluctant to eat its forage, feeding more of its usual short-chopped fibres such as dried grass or alfalfa can help maintain fibre intake, says Sarah. “Handgrazing can kickstart appetites and relax more anxious types.
“Horses tend to drink around mealtimes, so if they stop eating, they may stop drinking. Adding water to meals
and feeding soaked hay can help to maintain hydration, as can adding apples to water buckets to encourage apple bobbing,” she says.
Take your horse’s ‘normal’ buckets to away shows, and where possible, take water from home. “You can also try training your horse to drink flavoured water, but consider the risk of prohibited >
Above: Feed your usual hay or haylage when away from home. Above inset: Feeding more short-chopped fibres can be useful if your horse is reluctant to eat forage. Below: Try to stick to usual feeding times when staying away from home, taking into account when your tests will be.
CASE STUDY: JADE ARIF WHITELAW
Aberdeen-based Jade Arif Whitelaw is used to stayaways with her three horses, who range from a sixyear-old mare to two more established geldings. With travel to Championship and Premier League venues often taking 11 hours, sloppy mashes during transport breaks help with hydration.
Packing can be a challenge; for short stays, dry feeds are taken in individual sandwich bags, or in their original bags for longer trips, and she takes as much haylage as she can fit in. “Sometimes I have to buy haylage at a show and mix it with our own – the horses tend to choose the new stuff though!”
Feed times are kept as near to normal as possible, three times a day. “One horse is quite fussy so I tend to put things like electrolytes in a mash – it’s really useful for that. If a horse has a calmer, I’ve found that it’s better to feed then give the calmer as they sometimes won’t eat if they have it first. I also find horses are less fussy if they are with a friend, so I prefer taking two.
“One of my horses is always on fire on the first day of a show, and then crashes, so I now increase his feed a bit when I am away – I wouldn’t have done that when he was younger, but I trust him more now!”
PICTURED
substances when choosing a flavour, and always offer plain water as an alternative.”
It can often be tempting to introduce an electrolyte at competitions, but they should be fed all-year-round, with dose rates increased when required, says Ryan Millar from Bettalife. “This prevents sudden diet changes when horses have worked hard and require additional support to replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration. It will also avoid them being suspicious of feed changes when they might already be fussy due to a change in their environment.”
Plan to feed at the same times and levels that you would at home, advises Jane Buchan from Baileys. “It’s personal preference as to whether you take preprepared ‘meals’, but taking feed, balancer and chaff separately gives flexibility if your horse gets fussy while you’re away.”
She says nutritionists are always happy to discuss options for horses which might go off their feed, and that it may be worth using a vitamin B supplement to stimulate appetite. Adding herbs or flavours, or choosing feeds which contain them, may help to maintain appetite, says Sarah. Small amounts of molasses, apple/fruit juice, grated apples or carrots, mint, garlic or herbs may help –research has shown some horses prefer banana or fenugreek. “Be mindful of the risk of prohibited substances; the best advice is to only use feeds and supplements that are BETA NOPS approved,” she adds.
Left: Hand grazing can kick-start appetites.
Divide meals up if timings (around tests) are tight.
“And while some horses are happier eating at the front of the stable, others may prefer to retreat to the back, so it may help to move your feed bucket.”
Stress and excitement release adrenaline which speeds up the passage of food through the digestive system, resulting in more, often loose, droppings, says Jane. “This causes an increased loss of bacteria from the hindgut which can result in an imbalance that could allow pathogenic species to proliferate.
“While things should right themselves once the excitement has passed, regular ‘flushing out’ of bacteria could ultimately take its toll, so it’s worth considering feeding a prebiotic supplement, either on an ongoing basis or before, during and after competition days, as this will help the good gut bacteria flourish and repopulate at the expense of the bad ones. It can also help the immune system, which can be
challenged in new environments.”
Timing feeding around warmups and competing, especially if you have very early or late times, can be tricky, she says.
“Stick to routine but try to leave an appropriate amount of time, typically, an hour after feeding, before riding, depending on feed size.
“Divide meals up, if necessary, where timings are tight. For example, if your horse’s normal meal would be near the advised maximum of 2kg of mix or cubes for a 500kg horse, give just half of this beforehand, and the rest when work is finished. If their normal meal is a couple of cups of balancer and some chaff, this can be fed up to roughly an hour before exercise/ work, without any problem.
“More care with meal size is needed if feeds are cereal-based, rather than those supplying most of their calories from fibre and oil. This is to minimise the risk
of undigested cereal starch reaching the hindgut, where it can disrupt the bacterial population, causing discomfort and other problems.”
Where your usual practice is to feed a Stubbs scoop of shortchopped fibre within 30 minutes of exercise to prevent gastric splashing this should be maintained away from home, says Sarah.
If horses require some extra ‘oomph’ on competition days, strategic feeding can help, suggests Nicola. This involves giving 100g of a higher starch feed such as oats about one and a half to two hours before you need the horse more in front of the leg. It is a very small amount relative to the roughly 15kg of feed and forage a horse will eat each day, so is unlikely to cause a digestive upset. It will help raise the horse’s blood glucose level for a further two hours i.e. four hours from feeding.
“For horses who give their all at shows and drop condition, Jane says the key is to support their digestive system. Opt for softer, leafier, more nutritious and digestible forages over stalkier, coarser, later cut hay or haylage, and maintain or increase calorie intake once home if necessary.
“Has the horse actually lost weight or has it run up light or become tucked up? The latter is linked to fibre intake, so encouraging this with fibre/ forage alternatives can help boost overall fibre intake and restore or support gut health and digestive efficiency.”
PICTURED
Left: Take your horse’s usual water buckets when staying away to help encourage fluid intake.
CASE STUDY:
ANNA ROSS
For international rider Anna Ross, training horses to eat and drink while they are away from home is crucial. “We take young horses to shows for experience, but also so they are relaxed and become used to eating and drinking while they are away – you have to teach them that.”
When travelling very long distance to events, such as those in Europe, she still feeds four times a day, but in much smaller quantities.
Where horses are fussy away from home, she will offer them the individual components of their ‘normal’ feed in separate buckets. “They might get this ‘buffet’ in five feed bowls, but it’s an incredibly useful tip as they will usually eat something – it has been a revelation for us. Mashes are also good, and palatable for most horses, but they must be part of the diet beforehand.”
TRAVEL FEED & SUPPLEMENTS
SPILLERS PERFORM & RESTORE MASH supports optimum condition and recovery in performance horses. It’s a low starch, molassesfree blend of highly digestible fibre and oil to support digestive health and reduce the risk of excitability. Formulated to assist hydration and complement the replacement of electrolytes post exercise. It supplies powerful antioxidants including vitamin C to support respiratory health and natural, bioavailable vitamin E to support immunity, muscle health and athletic performance.
RRP: £17.75 for 20kg | spillers-feeds.com
BETTALIFE ELECTROLYTE+ COMPLETE HYDRATION
FORMULA Exclusive to Bettalife, this brand-new sugar-free electrolyte formula contains Seagreens Mineralising Meal encompassing a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and trace elements alongside soluble fibres to support gut health and a healthy immune system. With its advanced formula and research-driven ingredients, ElectroLYTE+ is a complete hydration blend containing a balanced spectrum of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium, alongside Vitamin B12 to support rehydration, aid recovery times, reduce fatigue and optimise overall wellbeing and performance.
RRP: £30 for 1.25kg | bettalife.co.uk
TOPSPEC HIGH FIBRE MASH is very useful for hydrating horses and ponies. It is a high fibre, low calorie, yet voluminous blend making it an ideal mash for good doers. The highly digestible fibre in this mash helps to promote the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, therefore, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system. The TopSpec nutritionists recommend adding two parts water to one part dry mash to result in a wet mash supplying 3.5MJ/kg.
RRP: £19.60 for 20kg topspec.com
HORSEHAGE
HIGH FIBRE is a high quality, dust-free forage to help support vital respiratory health. The natural fermentation process results in negligible levels of fungal spores, plus other benefits including high levels of retained nutrients compared with hay. HorseHage High Fibre is a low starch and sugar, highly digestible and palatable forage, excellent for traveling and convenient for stabling away from home.
TOPSPEC LINSEED MASH
is rich in linseed and oatbran, contains a smattering of cereal and typically analyses at just 11% starch. It has a good conditioning index of 13MJ/kg DM, however, once soaked, this figure will be reduced as fed. The highly digestible fibre in this mash helps to promote the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, therefore, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Highly palatable, the mash can be diluted as much as required to increase water intake and aid hydration. It also promotes a shiny coat.
RRP: £22.95 for 20kg | topspec.com
NAF FIVE STAR MAGIC is a natural calmer with a difference. Exclusively trialled and proven, it’s a five-star formula that contains a combination of herbs and bio-available magnesium known to help maintain calm, support concentration and learning. Magnesium is an essential nutrient to a horse’s wellbeing, and among its many roles is the regulation of nervous tension and relaxed muscles, however Magic is more than just magnesium. This awardwinning formulation also contains a blend of herbs which when fed in the right combination with magnesium give repeatable, reliable results in reactive horses. This synergistic blend has been independently trialled, with peer-reviewed, published results showing a reduction in inappropriate responses, and an improvement in the horse’s cognitive profile, crucially, with no sedation. Available as liquid or powder.
RRP: £9.99 for 20kg | horsehage.co.uk
RRP: from £29.99 f or 750g naf-equine.eu/uk
NUPAFEED MAH CALMER For riders who want to help young or stress-prone horses to perform at their best and gain from positive learning experiences, without drowsy additives.
Magnesium-L-Aspartate-Hydrochloride is a totally unique compound that delivers exceptional magnesium absorption for the best results. Magnesium is an essential nutrient which crucially supports the body in managing and preventing unwanted stress responses. Ensuring plentiful magnesium availability supports horses with everyday stressors and has a protective effect in intense situations.
RRP: Liquid from £37.00, concentrated syringes from £7.50 | nupafeed.co.uk
BAILEYS AQUA-AIDE ELECTROLYTE mashes are great for encouraging fibre and fluid intake but may not deliver sufficient electrolytes to replenish losses after sweating. Baileys AquaAide is one of the most palatable electrolyte supplements out there and is perfect given in water – plus a little chaff or beet, if necessary –or added to a mash, as long as additional drinking water is offered. Given within 20 minutes to an hour of the horse finishing sweating, it can support optimum recovery times – important when you’ve got another class to contend!
RRP: £15/£45 for 2kg/9kg bucket | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS RE-COVERY MASH supports optimum rehydration and recovery post training, travelling and competing. The high fibre, banana-flavoured mash is convenient to feed in all situations to help support water intake for the fussiest of eaters and drinkers. The mash also includes electrolytes to maintain thirst response, live yeast to support gut flora and stabilise the pH of the gut, as well as vitamin E to support normal muscle function and recovery. Use as and when needed without disturbing your existing feeding regime.
RRP: £23 for 20kg £8.50 for 1.5kg | saracenhorsefeeds.com
BAILEYS DIGEST PLUS Horses repeatedly exposed to stressful situations, such as travelling or competing, can benefit from regular addition of Baileys Digest Plus prebiotic to their diets. This allows bacterial populations to recover after being flushed out when stress causes increased passing of droppings and speeds their rate of passage through the intestine. Baileys Digest Plus acts as a food source for existing beneficial gut bacteria, enabling them to proliferate at the expense of any pathogenic species. With the microbial balance in the hind gut maintained, its efficiency is optimised, improving fibre digestion and sustaining overall good health.
RRP: for 1kg and 5kg tubs | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
DENGIE ALFA-A OIL Nutritious alfalfa with a rapeseed oil coating providing 12.5MJ/kg of slow-release energy, ideal for fuelling performance, weight gain and promoting condition. Naturally low in starch at 2% and naturally occurring sugar at 4.5%. Free from molasses, preservatives and straw. Independently approved by BETA for horses prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.
RRP: £20.75 | dengie.com
ROWEN BARBARY
LEISURE PLUS Leisure Plus is a high-fibre feed ideal for horses in light to moderate work. Enriched with chamomile, spearmint, nettle and carrot flakes, it appeals to fussy eaters. This fully balanced feed supports skin, coat, and gut health, providing essential vitamins and minerals for overall well-being.
RRP: £19.76 per 20kg rowenbarbary.co.uk
HI FORM HERBANERVE Introducing our all-new, stronger formula that keeps your horse calm and stress-free while maintaining the edge needed for top-class performance. This supplement supports normal muscle function and contains a range of nutrients that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses. All Hi Form products contain only human grade, equine specific ingredients, no fillers and are manufactured under HACCP certification.
RRP: £105 for 500g | hiformequine.co.uk
Above: With Amanda Towle’s Virtue, team debutant Oliver Gould emerged as Britain’s top performer in the Young Rider competition across the week, making his first overseas international appearance a memorable one. The 20-yearold from West Sussex produced three PB scores, including 72.059% for fifth place in the Individual, and seventh place in the Freestyle on 75.090%. Ollie also follows in the footsteps of his father, Andrew Gould, who achieved a team bronze medal at Young Rider level in 2000.
a combined total score of 210.324 to join champions Germany and runners-up
Medal joy for Youth stars
British riders excelled at this year’s FEI Youth European Championships . In Austria, our Young Rider team won bronze, and U25 rider Annabella Pidgley scooped Individual silver and Freestyle gold; Ella-Grace Dovey made history in Belgium, winning Britain’s rst ever medal in the Children on Horses category – and a gold one at that, while Pony rider Abigail Gray won Individual silver and Freestyle gold to become the rst British Pony European Champion since 2015.
Below inset: India Durman-Mills is becoming something of a lucky charm for British youth teams and travelled home to the UK with a third FEI European Championship medal with Verity Saul’s Escade. Their 2022 Junior team bronze and 2023 Young Rider team bronze are joined by another Young Rider bronze, following their strong contribution of 70.059% in the team competition – a score to match Oliver’s exactly.
Isobel ‘Izzy’ Lickley and her father Robert Lickley’s striking stallion Nymphenburg’s First Ampere were top scorers for Britain in the team competition, scoring 70.206% - a new international PB. A score just shy of 70% in the Individual earned them a spot in the Freestyle, though they had to retire due to tension caused by music volume – an unfortunate end which by no means reflected a wonderful week for an impressive combination.
Above: Hermione Tottman, with her mother Niki Tottman’s Exquisite, travelled to Austria to make her first appearance on a British team and earn her first team medal. Hermione and ‘Squidge’ progressed from 65.205% in the team competition to a superb 68.441%, showing how valuable it is to experience an international championship.
Above: The British Young Rider team of Isobel Lickley, Oliver Gould, Hermione Tottman and India Durman-Mills, pictured left to right, secured the team bronze medal in St Margarethen, Austria. The team delivered
the Netherlands on the podium.
PHOTOS: ŁUKASZ
KOWALSKI
Right: Anna Jesty is another true young professional who brought a homeproduced horse to his first major championship. Commodore Platinum, her 10-year-old British-bred gelding, put his best foot forward in Austria, but unfortunate mistakes just kept their scores behind the usual consistent form.
Left: Annabella Pidgley and Gio posted 72.205% to win Individual silver in the Grand Prix 16-25. She is pictured with Denmark’s gold medal winner Sophia Ludvigsen (Blue Hors Quintana) and Germany’s Moritz Treffinger (Cadeau Noir).
Below: A golden moment captured as Annabella Pidgley and Gio celebrate becoming Under 25 Grand Prix Freestyle European Champions on an outstanding 79.515%. “I had a feeling like no other.” commented Annabella.
Below: In the U25 team competition, the quartet of Annabella Pidgley, Angus Corrie-Deane, Jessie McConkey (pictured) and Anna Jesty narrowly missed out on the podium, placing an immensely close fourth. 2023 Young Rider team bronze medallist Jessie McConkey brought a new partner to St Margarethen, stepping up in age category with Samantha Geddes’ stallion, Dior. The combination were Britain’s second highest performers in both the Inter II and Grand Prix 16-25, earning an appearance in the Freestyle final to end their week with 14th place and 70.755%.
Above: 2023 Young Rider European Champion Annabella Pidgley made the step up to Under 25s more than memorable, achieving the highest accolade of a gold medal in the Freestyle, becoming European Champion with her mother Sarah and sister Jessica’s pint-sized powerhouse Gio. She is flanked by Germany’s Helen Erbe (Carlos FRH) and Denmark’s Sophia Ludvigsen (Blue Hors Quintana) who took silver and bronze respectively.
Right: At the FEI Pony European Championships in Opglabbeek, Belgium, Aberdeenshire’s Abigail Gray (16) and George Clooney B.S delivered a new PB of 75.324% to take the Individual silver medal. Going one better in the Freestyle, they posted 80.140% to become the first British pony rider to earn the title of European Champion since Phoebe Peters achieved the feat in 2013 and 2015.
Right: A special moment for Abigail Gray as she is crowned FEI Pony Freestyle European Champion 2024. She is flanked by German silver medallist Hanna Sofie Clauberg (Dacapo B NRW) and Germany’s LeniSophie Gosmann (Diamantini Ea WE) who took bronze.
The established combination of Sofia Games and Steendieks Cadillac, owned by Janet Oliver and Katie OliverGames, delivered poised performances for 67.571% in the Team Test and 68.892% in the Individual.
Left: European Championship first-timer Darcey Blaze Marcus rode Hiedi Marcus’s Ella, a full sister to George Clooney B.S, to post 68.257% to help secure a very close fourth place for GBR in the final team standings, and 67.594% in the Individual.
Above: Lauren Geraghty’s WS Jackson was skilfully piloted by team newcomer Evie Head to earn 68.800% in the Team Test and 69.635% in the Individual.
Right:
Above: Abigail Gray (left) sits alongside German medallists Madlin Tillmann (Chilly Morning WE) and Hanna Sofie Clauberg (Dacapo B NRW) at the Pony Individual press conference.
seven all week, with a super 74.780% in
A proud moment for Children on Horses European Champion Ella-Grace Dovey, who is joined on the podium by Germany’s Lynn Sophie Soddemann (Fürst Schwarzenberg MT) and Dutch bronze medallist Esmae Niessen (Dadona Diva).
Right: British Junior Myles Graham led Great Britain to a very close fourth place in the team competition with Caroline Bell’s mare, Nibeley Union Hit. The combination did not place outside the top
the Freestyle final.
Above:
Above: Mette Dahl also flew the flag for GBR in the Junior Freestyle with new team partner Fidelio van het Bloemenhof, owned by Fiona Bigwood, Penny Bigwood and Anders Dahl. The combination’s best finish came in the Individual test where they placed ninth with 70.676%.
Right: Ruby Hughes showed great promise aboard Carl Hester’s mare Brioso (Benetton Dream x Dimaggio) to put 69.758% towards the British team total.
Left: Isla Sully, 12 months on from winning Junior team bronze with Myles, Mette and Ruby, all reunited here in Opglabbeek, delivered 70.576% in the Team Test partnered by her mother Cassandra Sully’s Vagabond de Massa for a strong contribution towards the British team total.
Left: Ella-Grace Dovey and Sheepcote Jackson (by Johnson), owned by David Pincus and bred by his wife Serena, made British Dressage history, becoming the first British rider to achieve an individual medal in the Children on Horses category, when taking gold on an outstanding 79.707%.
Security and Safety Solutions
Security and Safety Solutions is a specialist equine risk management company.
Like you, our security and safety consultants have a real love for all things equine, and we specialise in conducting yard security surveys.
Our experienced consultants will visit your yard, conduct the security survey, and then provide recommendations on how you could improve security for the yard, for your horses, and your tack. We can also provide guidance on improving security when you are at events.
We understand that there is no one size fits all service, and we can work with you if you are a yard that just loves to hack, a competing yard, or a professional yard.
Once you receive our recommendations, you can engage your preferred contractors to install the security improvements. Or we can do this on your behalf.
As well as equine risk management, we also conduct security surveys of property to support you to improve security at your home. Plus where required, we provide highly trained security personnel to secure your residence and we can deploy bodyguards with you where necessary.
Get in touch today to speak to one of our dedicated team, and we’ll arrange a date to come out and visit you.
K www.securityandsafetysolutions.co.uk k support@securityandsafetysolutions.co.uk L +44 (0) 7939 532 682 m +44 (0) 2071 933 274
Security and Safety Solutions Sponsored Rider Dani Curzon
Safe and secure
Theft of horses, tack or vehicles is always a worry for horse owners. We get some advice on security from KBIS Equestrian Insurance and look at how technology can help.
KEEPING HORSES SAFE
What security measures should I have in place at my yard to guard against theft of my horses? Do you require yard and drive gates to be locked to settle a theft claim?
At KBIS, we do not require gates to be locked to settle a claim for theft of a horse, however, it would be best practice to lock your premises when you are not there. Some yards install CCTV cameras and may consider a yard dog to add to their security measures. These will also work as a deterrent.
How can I protect horses that are turned out from theft?
Walking your boundaries on a regular basis will keep yourself vigilant as we all notice the slightest of change. Locking the gates on the hinge end of the gate post would also be sensible to avoid the gate being removed.
What documents should I have relating to my horse to help with safe return in case he is stolen?
It is important to ensure that your horse’s passport is registered in your name, as this can help identify your ownership. It is also a legal requirement that all horses are microchipped, and this number can be found in the passport. Each microchip number is unique to each horse.
PICTURED
Right: Keeping on top of security can give you peace of mind that your horses, tack and vehicles are safe.
PICTURED
Below: It’s good practice to have perimeter gates locked and a padlock at the hinge end can prevent the gate being lifted off its hinges. Inset: Signposting can deter opportunist thieves.
KEEPING TABS ON TACK
Where is the safest place to keep tack and how should tack rooms be protected? Are there any particular requirements for types of locks or entry systems?
When securing your tack room, it is important that you make it as safe as possible. At KBIS, our requirements to cover tack are that the tack room is secured with a ‘key in a door’ type lock and NOT a padlock. If there are more than 10 horses on the yard, the tack room must also be alarmed.
they must be locked and bars placed on the windows. It may be sensible to place a CCTV camera in the room if possible. When not in use or you are away from the premises please remember to lock the tack room.
Are there other ways to protect items such as an expensive saddle or bridle? Some may choose to take their expensive saddles and bridles home to store securely there. Others may have a secure tack locker bolted to the floor in the tack room as an extra precaution.
Use social media if your horse box has been stolen It has been very useful in helping to nd stolen items.
HORSEBOXES AND TRAILERS
How do I keep my horsebox or trailer safe from thieves?
When you are not using your horse trailer, it’s important to fit a good hitch lock and wheel clamp, but these alone may not deter thieves, as many come prepared to cut and remove them. If you can keep the trailer out of sight in a secure yard or at home and use data tagging or tracking technology, this will add an extra layer of theft prevention. You may also want to consider blocking your trailer in with another vehicle if possible.
If there are security lights or cameras these should be placed high enough to deter being tampered with, but that can still pick up movement and images.
For horsebox owners, you should always make sure your isolator/immobiliser is activated and the keys kept in a safe and secure place away from the vehicle itself. And as with trailers, it is worth having
a tracking system fitted as well.
If you are at a show, make sure that any tack lockers are kept locked with tack stored away, do not leave any tack lying around as this could be an open invitation. Use social media if you are in the unfortunate situation where your horsebox or trailer has been stolen. Place as many posts with a picture and full
description of your trailer or horsebox and the area it was stolen from as soon as you can. It has been very useful in helping to find stolen items in recent years.
PICTURED Above: A hitch lock and/or a wheel clamp can help to deter trailer thieves. Inset: Datatagging or tracking technology is another deterrent and can also help recover your trailer should the worst happen.
PICTURED
TALKING TECH
Advances in technology mean that it is possible to protect even remote sites with CCTV and gate entry systems, but it’s important to choose the correct system for your needs and to ensure you get the best out of it.
Modern alarm systems have built-in algorithms which detect if the alarm is being triggered by a person – in which case the alert is sent through to a phone or tablet of the owner or manager – or by a ‘false alert’ such as a pet or a wild animal, or even foliage being blown around by the wind.
“Alarms can also gather images of whoever crosses their path, which are sent along with the alert to your phone,” says Chris Marlow, director of ORP Surveillance.
He explains that Access Control Systems (ACS) sited at the site entrance use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which store a log of those vehicles that are allowed entry, and deny automatic entry to vehicles not on the database.
“Employees who need to access the site can be provided with a key fob to arm or disarm the system or it can be done via a phone app. You could also use the app to admit a visitor.”
Weaving Machinery supplies electric gate and entry systems, and Ian Hinton
PICTURED
Above left: Access control systems, which use numberplate recognition technology, could be useful at entrance gates to admit only vehicles which are allowed entry.
Above right: Klaxon-type sirens which sound if the alarm is set off and can persuade a thief to leave the premises.
comments that modern camera technology offers much improved images which can help police with enquiries.
“PTZ (pan, zoom and tilt) cameras auto track movement and can help identify facial figures,” he explains. “The latest software also makes positioning easier too: if the camera picks up images from the road, it can exclude them.”
Mr Marlow suggests that other deterrents include klaxon type ‘sirens’ which sound if an alarm is set off, or flood lights which are triggered by an intruder.
“No-one wants to confront a thief, so if you can get them to leave so much the better. Siting this type of alarm with a camera alerts your mobile app and collects images.”
Cameras need to be sited high enough to give a good view and avoid tampering; for ANPR they need to be close enough to the numberplate to pick it up, so these are better at the side of a farm track.
“Anything that they are attached to needs to be solid, such as a telegraph pole or building, and close to a power supply. Cameras use low voltage data cabling and radio links so there needs to be a line of sight to transmit the signal to the farmhouse or office where there is a recorder box.”
Despite the perception that we are being watched wherever we go, businesses which have employees and/ or contractors entering and exiting site must display signage informing people that there is surveillance, located at the entrances to site.
“The signs should include a contact name and telephone number of the person responsible for CCTV on site,” explains Chris Marlow. “Additionally, the farm should register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), at a cost of £40-£60 per year depending on the size of the business.”
There are also regulations about where you can site cameras, he says.
“As a businesses or domestic user, you can record images on your property, but not usually on public highways.
“CCTV should not be installed where employees or members of the public can reasonably expect privacy –bathrooms, changing areas, etc. You should also ensure footage isn’t kept for longer than necessary.”
CCTV recorders automatically wipe the oldest footage after a certain amount of time (usually around 30 days).
“Any footage that needs to be kept (such as evidence that the police have requested) should be manually downloaded from the recorder before it is wiped.”
“Like a dream come true for all of us! I can’t believe we won Denzel’s rst international. He is such a special boy.”
DAVY HARVEY ON DIAMOND BLUE.
Davy
and Judy
Hartpury winners celebrated
Right: Just four months on from welcoming her third child, Kimberley Siddorn rode 16-yearold Jazz son Dutch Class, who she co-owns with Samantha Dyer, to claim the partnership’s first international win. The delighted duo topped the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle leaderboard on 72.565% in front of Saturday’s gala evening crowd.
The NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage in July, which included the fth British international xture of the 2024 calendar, featured rst-time victories, winning comebacks and glittering debuts. Here we meet the winners from across the CDI and CPEDI classes.
Above: After a year off from competing internationally, due to a knee injury, British Olympian Fiona Bigwood was back in the saddle to win the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special aboard 13-yearold Daytona Platinum (Dante Weltino x Charon) on 72.087% and 71.319% respectively. “I was delighted to be back with my heart horse,” said Fiona. “It was a very emotional win.”
Left:
Harvey
Peploe’s 11-year-old international debutant Diamond Blue (Don Fredric x Conteur), known at home as Denzel, achieved a double win in the CDI1* when topping both the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I on 70%plus scores.
their first-ever international victory together. Sara-Jane and 10-year-old ‘Lyra’ posted a combination PB of 73.95%.
in the CPEDI3* Grade I, taking the Grand Prix
A, Grand Prix B and Freestyle on scores of 72.833%, 75.083% and 76.953% respectively.
A (73.207%), Grand Prix B (73.800%) and Freestyle (76.660%).
Above: Gabriella Blake and her charismatic Connemara, Strong Beau, were unbeaten
Right: The CDI1* Intermediate I Freestyle winner’s sash was won by Sara-Jane Lanning aboard Nicola Seale’s Hawtins Lirica (Lemony’s Nicket x Dimaggio), marking
Left: Georgia Wilson and chestnut mare Sakura, bred by Geri Eilberg and owned by Georgia together with Geoff and Julie Wilson and Alex Thomas, stamped their authority in the CPEDI3* Grade II with a clean sweep of the Grand Prix
Left and above: Nicola Naylor (above) and Izzy Palmer (left) traded wins in the CPEDI3* Grade IV. Nicola, partnered by her own and Ros Emery-Kay’s Humberto L (Cachet x Haarlem), took the win in the Grand Prix A, while Izzy rode Catherine Austin’s eight-year-old Last Gift (Governor x Fabriano) to the mare’s first international wins when claiming both the Grand Prix B and Freestyle.
Right: Natasha Baker and Keystone Dawn Chorus (Dimaggio x Escudo), who she co-owns with Joanna Jensen, Christian Landolt and her parents, Phil and Lorraine Baker, achieved a clean sweep of the CPEDI3* Grade III. Their well-executed freestyle programme, featuring music by Shania Twain and Cher, earned an impressive 79.694% for the win.
Below: Sophie Wells and Don Cara M, owned by Rowland Kinch, dominated the CPEDI3* Grade V, concluding their week with an outstanding 80.185% Freestyle win.
ESupporting women in sport
questrian sport is the fourth most popular female sport1, and is unique within the Olympic disciplines in that men and women compete on equal terms within the same competition. However, while female equestrians dominate overall in terms of participation, they are in the minority at elite level.
The average age of equestrian Olympians is much older than for other sports2, which in the case of female falls within the age bands for peri-menopause (P) and menopause (M) – the former can begin at the age of 35.
Stephanie Bradley, a UKCC Level 4 and BDCC Level 3 coach became interested in researching the impact of menopause on performance and participation.
“There is limited research on this issue – could it be affecting performance or putting women off competing or even riding? BD figures show that 69% of members are females aged over 35, so it is a significant issue in the sport as it could have an impact on participation and the viability of competitions.”
She adds: “I’d also had some personal experience and seen signs in my clients. On many yards there may be someone who has stopped riding her horse or suddenly becomes worried about cantering. Others may find they are unable to remember their dressage tests when previously they haven’t had a problem.”
Awareness of the challenges faced by female athletes is steadily growing and research by two BD coaches has made considerable strides in tackling how riders – and other coaches – can approach these issues.
The topic became the subject of Steph’s Professional Practice in Sports Coaching Masters Degree research project at the University of Gloucester.
To gather data, a survey went out to riders contacted through governing and industry bodies, social media etc, which drew 1,629 responses; a staggering 78% of those surveyed completed the questionnaire.
The vast majority reported a loss in confidence, whether total, partial or temporary. More than 75% of respondents had experienced this, and many had changed discipline to ‘safer’ options.
Some results were sobering: 68% felt negatively impacted by P or M symptoms although many continued to ride despite them. Sadly, 62%
of women experience a loss of con dence 75%
stopped having coaching sessions and of those who continued 60% reported that their coaching sessions had been negatively impacted by the symptoms. Of those who continued, only one in ten respondents felt comfortable speaking to their male coaches about their P or M related issues.
Analysis of the data showed that combined physical, emotional (feeling overwhelmed) and cognitive fatigue are likely to be significant barriers to successful coaching sessions.
The range of symptoms is wide, but the physical symptom impacting riding most is musculoskeletal pain.
Steph comments: “I suffered from hip pain and was recommended to have hip surgery that I discovered I did not need. I got a second opinion and was prescribed hormone replacement therapy which resolved the pain. Doctors tend to focus on symptoms so hormonal imbalance which can increase pain is often misdiagnosed.”
Cognitive impacts include brain fog and forgetfulness – the former was identified by survey respondents as having greater impact even than musculoskeletal pain.
Doctors tend to focus on symptoms so hormonal imbalance which can increase pain is often misdiagnosed.
“It’s worth considering that someone who no longer rides her horse or doesn’t want to hack out any more may be suffering from P or M symptoms due to this loss of confidence which could be caused by hormonal imbalance,” comments Steph. “This of course affects women who take part in other sports, but if you are a swimmer, you can simply put your swimsuit away and stop going to the pool. A horse still needs to be cared for and exercised.”
The results of this research are now being peer reviewed before publication in an academic journal.
Stephanie now aims to move on to look at the gulf between the number of women competing at grass roots level and at elite level, and what causes it, as part of doctorate research.
“Females dominate at the grass roots of equestrian sport but numbers dwindle at elite level3,4. Yet within our Olympic teams in Paris, Becky Moody is 44, Ros Canter 38 and Laura Collett 34. We need to consider how our Performance Pathway could support riders so that they don’t feel they have to step away from the sport as they reach the menopause.”
>
References:
1. BEF Annual Review 2022
2. Dumbell, L. C., Rowe, L., & Douglas, J. L. (2018). Demographic profiling of British Olympic equestrian athletes in the twenty-first century. Sport in Society, 21(9), 1337–1350.
3 British Equestrian Trade Association - BETA National Equestrian Survey 2019 reveals an increase in riding. (n.d.).
4. Robert Wood, “Anthropometry of Olympic Athletes 2016.” Topend Sports Website, February 2018, https://www.topendsports.com/events/summer/science/ anthropometry-2016.htm, Accessed 29 April 2023
RESEARCH FROM A RECENT STUDY UNDERTAKEN OF 1629 FEMALE EQUESTRIAN RESPONDENTS SHOWED:
felt riding motivation was negatively impacted
continued 1 IN 10
coaching sessions
60% of which felt coaching sessions were negatively impacted
felt comfortable speaking to their male coaches about their P or M related issues
TAKE ACTION
If you are in the P or M age group, first of all be kind to yourself, Steph suggests.
“Fatigue and brain fog, as well as physical symptoms, can leave women feeling like they don’t want to ride or be coached. Go and get advice either from your GP or by asking the practice if they have a member of staff with menopause training. A specialist clinic is another option.”
BE A FRIEND
If you see someone struggling and they’re a female ‘of a certain age’, recognise that their reluctance to ride, train or hack out, or their general forgetfulness, could be down to a hormonal imbalance and consider how you can support them.
RECOMENDATIONS FOR RIDERS AND COACHES:
PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL A ND COGNITIVE CHANGES
(Joint pain, sudden fear, tiredness, weight gain, and anxiety.)
This stage of life affects many female equestrians but not all. Each person experiences the symptoms differently.
Be aware of symptoms. Be kind, patient and understanding. Be flexible with coaching plans on the day.
Expanding knowledge on women’s health
Earlier this year, BD Wales organised a webinar session for female members in conjunction with The Well HQ, which delivers women’s health courses for sports coaches. With sessions aimed both at Youth and adult riders, the webinars covered topics from the impact of puberty on athletic performance and emotional well-being to menstrual health, pelvic floor health and joint injury risks.
Coaches representative Nina Boex comments: “Our proposal for funding for the webinar was supported by some shocking statistics on young females in sport which are supported by trends seen in dressage: 64% of girls stop doing sport by the end of puberty, while 42% of girls don’t do sport when they are on their period. In addition, 59% of girls have lied about their period symptoms and only 20% talk to their teacher or coach about the issue.”
As part of her UKCC Level 4, Nina undertook her own research project, surveying BD Youth Academy Athletes.
The aims were:
• to analyse the impact of the menstrual cycle on participation of female youth riders in dressage
• to examine if clothing choice impacts performance
• to identify recommendations for British Dressage to limit the potential impacts of the menstrual cycle on athletes.
“Athletes indicated that the requirement to wear light coloured clothing caused anxiety, and theoretically supported alternative coloured clothing options, however none of the athletes felt comfortable to avail themselves of the opportunity.
“The results made apparent that athletes did not discuss their menstrual cycle with coaches, due to embarrassment and feeling unable to initiate conversation.
“Results revealed that all athletes surveyed experienced both physiological and psychological symptoms during their menstrual cycles, but the nature and severity differed between individuals, along with the perceived impact on their participation,” she explains.
“Overall, the results highlight the need for British Dressage to review competition dress regulations, provide guidance to training and competition venues for better sanitary/ toilet facilities, and evaluate current youth athlete education programmes as well as coach training and education. Furthermore, it is evident from the findings that a greater openness in conversation about the menstrual cycle is required to improve athlete performance, participation, and well-being.”
British Dressage has since relaxed its rules requiring light coloured or white breeches to be worn in competition.
“The webinars offered lots of useful information for riders, parents and coaches and are now available as resource through the community hub,” explains Nina.
The Well HQ’s range of courses are also available online and are recognised CPD for coaches.
For more information: www.thewell-hq.com Link to youtube videos: https://youtu.be/ohRbs4Bkic8?si=Q8_8bwcMpk663ltd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9GjquJDFbY
A sound base
The art of saddle making is steeped in tradition, but the latest technology helps adapt the saddle for the demands of dressage and the evolving frame of the modern sport horse, explains Cassie Hartley of Black Country Saddles.
Can you briefly outline the role of the tree, specifically in a dressage saddle ?
The role of the tree is to distribute the rider’s weight as evenly as possible over the horse’s back. The tree is designed to protect the central nervous system from any impact without itself being close to the spine. We also consider the movement of the shoulder to keep the tree from causing any restrictions to movement or/gait.
What materials are used in the manufacture of the tree and how has this evolved?
Our trees are made from birch wood and steel; we continue to use traditional methods to make all of our products. The main benefit of a wooden tree is durability and strength, these are made to last! Thus we can provide a 10-year guarantee on all of our trees.
Has the design and manufacture changed, and if so can you explain this?
The manufacture hasn’t changed as we still use traditional methods but combine these with modern techniques using aluminium blocks – large steel frames which dictate the shape and size of the tree – which are CAD registered. This ensures that when the tree comes off the blocks, it is level with no twist in it.
What are the particular challenges in designing and making a tree for a dressage saddle?
As all horses are different shapes we don’t use just one style of dressage tree: we make a style of tree to accommodate that particular horse.
For example, a tree for a broad, short horse with very minimal wither would be designed to be wide through the head and the body –we call this our Freedom tree. However, if you have a horse that has a good sized wither and some shape throughout the back we would generally go to our Classic tree.
We like to keep the tree points straight on all of our dressage saddles to allow freedom of the shoulder.
Have trees changed as breeding of and preferences for dressage horses have evolved – for example, the bigger moving type of horse?
Yes, that’s why we have such a large range of trees to be able to accommodate different types of horse. Making our own trees has offered a major benefit, as it has allowed us to design different shapes to suit all types of horses. When we first started in 1992, we were limited to only two different types of trees for all disciplines and now we have five different types of dressage trees alone.
How does the choice of tree and saddle change as the horse progresses through his career and how can you help with this?
We always start from the tree as it is paramount to the fit of the saddle. The tree will be ergonomically designed to suit the horse, then we build around that. As all of our saddles are wool flocked, they can be slightly adjusted throughout the panel and the tree can be adjusted via an authorised saddle fitter or back at the factory.
PICTURED
Left: Robert Cullen with the Spur dressage saddle. Opposite right: Flocking the panel. Right: 1. Cutting out the tree using templates 2.
Fashion forward
With autumn round the corner, riders are turning their attention to warmer clothing, so what’s new this season, and how can we make sustainable choices when it comes to fashion? Stephanie Bateman investigates.
Equestrians spend a lot of time considering the environmental impact of their horses, but do we think about the sustainability of the clothes we wear?
“Fashion, especially fast and cheap fashion, comes at an astonishing environmental and social cost,” says Suzanna Stuart-Monteith of Pikeur. “The impacts of the fashion industry in terms of pollution, water use, carbon emissions, human rights, and gender inequality are increasing, and the need for a shift to sustainable fashion is evident.”
Buying better will benefit us all, and the planet. Luckily, brands are taking their environmental impact seriously, and looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT
“LeMieux’s exceptional quality rider wear is made to last,” says the company’s Brooke Munday. “These equestrian-inspired pieces, practical, technical fabrics and timeless designs are made for re-wearing throughout the seasons.”
Invest in some classics: the Celine soft shell jacket is a protective layer for any weather. The water-resistant bonded outer shell combines with a fitted silhouette to offer the perfect blend of sophisticated style and long-lasting comfort. Or what about adding a touch of style to your schooling wardrobe on chillier days with the elegant LeMieux Dynamique Jacket.
PICTURED
Left: LeMieux’s Celine softshell jacket is a timeless piece that can be worn for many seasons.
A blend of practicality and style, it offers a super soft lining and padded chevron satin panelling. The shaped fit creates a flattering outline while the detailing of the front zipped pockets, full zip closure and LeMieux badge give a refined finish.
RECYCLED RESULTS
“Pikeur was one of the first brands in the equestrian market to take up environmentally friendly fabrics and manufacturing techniques, and they continue to make the most of every new development,” adds Suzanna. “In this year’s new Autumn/Winter Collection, Pikeur makes full use of the new Comfortemp Fibreball filling, which is 100% recycled and has superb heatretention properties.”
The Selection range’s quilt vest in navy with its short blouson cut and shimmery, satiny outer fabric is a great example, Suzanna suggests, available in navy or twilight.
The Sports range’s half zip shirt is made of a highly functional recycled polyester fabric with a cosy, soft inner side. In black, nightblue, coast blue and rumba red, it is also available in youth sizes.
One of the most popular items in this year’s Pikeur Collection, she comments, is the Athleisure raincoat, which is made with recycled yarn as well as the recycled Fibreball filling.
The elastic outer fabric has interwoven chambers to keep the filling evenly distributed. The coat is waterproof and windproof with long back slits with concealed padding for an optimum fit while riding. It is available in sandstorm or black
“Pikeur clothing may not be the cheapest, and it won’t be the only brand thinking innovatively about the environment,” says Suzanna. “However, clothing that fits you properly, works for you and lasts well really is sustainable!”
INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Coldstream Equestrian is hugely passionate about sustainability and preserving the environment.
“The majority of our latest collections are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, including our show jackets, breeches and show shirts,” explains Charlotte Lawson of Coldstream. “By choosing sustainable Coldstream pieces crafted from recycled plastic bottles, it reduces the amount deposited in the ocean or landfill, positively benefitting the ecosystem. Furthermore, this method also reduces energy consumption which reduces the volume of
greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
“Our packaging is also made from 100% recycled plastic and is bio-degradable to further support our environmentally friendly ethos. As a brand, we are persistent in our search to continuously find new and innovative ways to further expand our range using sustainable sources.”
New for this autumn is the Ecclaw Elite base layer and compression riding tights. Technically produced from a textile derived from recycled plastic, these items also offer full coverage 50+ UV block protection. Available in black, navy and white.
The Nenthorn Thinsulate Waterproof Jacket boasts rain protection with a 10,000mm waterproof level and waterproof zips. Available in black, the jacket offers a lightweight, unrestrictive feel whilst offering optimal warmth, says Charlotte.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
For over three decades, Mountain Horse has been a trailblazer in producing high-quality, sustainable equestrian clothing.
“Committed to integrating sustainability throughout their business, they aim to offer affordable yet durable riding gear, always considering the environmental impact of their decisions,” says Lucy Johnson of Mountain Horse. “For equestrians, choosing sustainable gear means supporting practices that reduce environmental harm, conserve resources, and ensure ethical treatment of animals.” >
PICTURED
Below: The Pikeur Sports range half zip shirt is made from recycled polyester fabric.
PICTURED
Left inset: LeMieux’s Dynamique Jacket features a super soft lining and padded chevron satin panelling. Above left: Premier Equine’s Legato full zip sweatshirt offers moisture wicking and anti-odour characteristics for less frequent washing requirements. Above right: Pikeur’s Athleisure raincoat is made with recycled yarn as well as recycled Fibreball filling.
When selecting sustainable equestrian clothing, riders should consider the following:
1. Materials: Opt for garments made from recyclable or sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or other eco-friendly textiles.
2. Production Methods: Look for brands that use environmentally friendly processing methods, such as reducing water, energy, and chemical usage.
3. Durability: Choose clothing that is built to last, which reduces the need for frequent replacements.
4. Care Instructions: Proper care can extend the life of clothing. Look for items that are easy to maintain and come with clear washing instructions to minimise environmental impact.
5. Ethical Standards: Ensure the brand adheres to ethical practices, including fair labour conditions and animal welfare.
Mountain Horse’s autumn collection includes the Felicia light parka, a lightweight riding jacket with a fully taped design that provides top-notch water and windproof protection. This jacket is treated with a non-fluorinated ECO finish, offering an environmentally friendly waterrepellent treatment.
Available in chic fairy pink and classic navy, this jacket is made of 100% polyester, ensuring durability and comfort.
FASHION THAT LASTS
Longevity and sustainability are important to Premier Equine.
“Along with offering good value, we offer products that have been designed to last which helps to combat the “disposable” and “throwaway” culture,” says the company’s Jade Mills. “Many of our product lines have been hand packaged in reusable zip-fastened storage bags made from a non-woven recyclable fabric. We only use environmentally friendly dyes which are high quality and steadfast meaning that the textile retains the colour. All of our products are manufactured using state-of-the-art energy efficient machinery which helps us deliver the functional and durable equestrian products which you know and love. Many of our fabrics used in our equestrian clothing have excellent moisture wicking and anti-odour characteristics. This allows for high levels of comfort and less frequent washing requirements, contributing to an eco-friendly lifetime for every product.”
Part of the Premier Equine Black Label collection, the Legato hooded full-zip sweatshirt is constructed from two contrasting four-way stretch fabrics. It boasts exceptional breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, stretch and softness, as well as useful zip-close pockets, Jade points out.
PICTURED
Left: Mountain Horse’s Felicia light parka is treated with a nonfluorinated ECO finish. Below left: Pikeur’s Selection range gilet uses new Comfortemp Fibreball filling, which is 100% recycled. Below right: The Pikeur Sports range’s half zip shirt is made of a highly functional recycled polyester fabric.
FASHION FACTS & FIGURES
• Fashion production makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined (UNEP, 2018)
• If the fashion sector continues on its current trajectory, that share of the carbon budget could jump to 26% by 2050
• Some 93 billion cubic metres of water – enough to meet the needs of five million people – is used by the fashion industry annually, contributing significantly to water scarcity in some regions (UNCTAD, 2020)
• Around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution worldwide originates from the fashion industry (WRI, 2017)
• 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year (UNECE, 2018). The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second (UNEP, 2018)
• Approximately 60% of all materials used by the fashion industry are made from plastic (UNEP, 2019)
• 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean each year from washing clothes — the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017)
AUTUMN FASHION
TECH WOOL HALF ZIP TRAINING TURTLENECK offers optimal comfort and performance during equestrian activities. The Cavalleria Toscana women’s technical training turtleneck is made from high-quality fabric, combining a wool exterior with a polyamide interior, ensuring warmth and breathability. The front zip allows for easy wear and temperature regulation during intense training sessions. Offering a distinctive and refined look and ideal for training sessions, this base layer combines functionality and style, making it an essential piece in every rider’s wardrobe.
RRP: £150 | zebraproducts.co.uk
HARRIET WARRILOW The brand began its journey back in 2015 and since has launched its first collection in 2021. The brand designs premium leather handbags and silk scarves all inspired by the heritage of the British countryside and equestrianism. Today the brand handmakes all the collection of saddle bags in the heart of Staffordshire.
RRP: from £70 | harrietwarrilow.co.uk
DENIRO BELLINI Designed especially for dressage, the DeNiro Bellini is the ultimate boot for competing or training. The Bellini is a modern take on the traditional dressage boot, with comfort being the focus. A rigid outside leg and whale bone with tailored ankle fitting, provide maximum performance with an elegant shape. Offered in a range of colours and finishes, with endless customisation options to complete your dressage look.
RRP: from £600 | joshuajonesuk.com
CT FLEECE HOODIE is designed to provide warmth and style during daily activities and breaks between equestrian competitions. Made from high-quality brushed fleece which ensures a comfortable and warm fit, this hoodie offers excellent thermal insulation and a soft feel, making it ideal for modern equestrians. The design features a central zip and adjustable hood, adding practicality and a modern touch to the garment, perfect for any occasion. This elegant design follows the natural lines of the body, offering optimal freedom of movement during equestrian activities and everyday use.
NAOMI PULL ONS are made from a stretchy, seamless fabric with a supportive elasticated waistband, so you’ll experience a full range of movement whether you’re riding, walking or mucking out the stables. The tapered lower leg design allows you to easily pull on socks or riding boots without the fabric bunching up and causing discomfort. For extra grip and security in the saddle, there’s a stylish full silicone pattern on the seat. Available in black and navy and in sizes 6-18.
RRP: from £49.95 | lemieuxproducts.com
RRP: £195 zebraproducts.co.uk
AMELIE WATERPROOF
LIGHTWEIGHT RIDING COAT is packed with features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable all winter long. Designed for winter riding, the fully waterproof fabric and taped seams offer complete protection against the elements.
Water won’t be able to get in, so you’ll stay 100% dry – even in sudden downpours. It is available in navy in sizes 6-18.
RRP: from £59.95 lemieux products.com
HORZEHOODS use super bounce fabric technology fibres to craft their butter-soft feel leggings with a contrast black seat and premium panelling for ultimate fit. Comfort 360 stretch with chic detailed subtle logo branding to the back buckle and pocket. Close contact phone pockets to remain discreet and luxury ankle tailoring for under boot comfort. Available in sizes 4-22 in 14 colour options and two fabric weights.
RRP: £69.99 | horzehoods.com
SAMSHIELD RACHEL SOFT SHELL JACKET seamlessly blends elegance with practicality. Crafted with meticulous attention, this jacket offers a flattering and feminine silhouette that’s both stylish and functional. Its premium soft shell fabric provides a perfect balance of comfort, water resistance, and breathability, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The Rachel jacket has a modern design, discreet branding, and thoughtful features, such as zippered pockets, removable hood and high collar. Available in sizes xxs – xl in black.
RRP: £299 | samshield.com
GEORGIA COWGIRL ANKLE BOOTS instantly infuse your summer wardrobe with relaxed rodeo style. The Georgia has the same chevron embroidery as you’ll find on the full-length Arizona, with a wide fit around the ankles for the classic country-and-western look. Team them with washed-out denim or a floaty maxi dress for boho vibes all summer long. They feature a fully leather-lined interior: the highest quality, inside and out and their relaxed fit is intentionally wide around the ankles. The chevron hand stitched detailing shows craftsmanship in every detail. Leather/ rubber composite sole, memory foam insole, 6cm stacked kitten heel and easy on/off with inside zip and pull tabs.
RRP: £295 | fairfaxandfavor.com
SAMSHIELD EVY AIR Women’s t-shirt has a delicate perforated ‘leaves in the wind’ design across the reverse and sleeves of the shirt, creating a stunning effect but also enhancing breathability for the warmer months. The material is a high stretch, breathable, technological fabric that wicks away sweat to keep the rider dry and comfortable. Easy care, machine washable at 30 deg C and made in an eco-conscious manner. Available in sizes xxs – xl in black, navy, blue, white, powder pink, steel grey, lilac, camo, powder blue, ocean depth, anthracite, grey, agave, boysenberry and sea green.
RRP: £199 | samshield.com
WATT TO WEAR has been supplying branded equestrian clothing for almost 30 years with accessories to match. They have a huge range of both off-the-shelf items, together with bespoke garments with which to fulfil requirements. The made-to-order service enables you to co-ordinate a full range of garments and accessories, in your chosen colours, to your design and specification (minimum quantities may apply). Branding your clothing is a fantastic way to achieve identity whether out and about or in the workplace. Not only can we supply kit that will ensure your team is instantly recognisable, the garments are both practical and functional too.
RRP: £POA | watt-to-wear.co.uk
EQUETECH LONG STRETCH WATERPROOF RIDING COAT combines award-winning design with sustainable values, offering exceptional protection against the elements. Independently water penetration hydrostatic pressure tested by a subcontracted third-party accredited lab with superior performance results, this quality riding coat has your winter riding, training or teaching needs covered! Available in sizes xs – xxxl in midnight navy or khaki green.
RRP: £214.95 | equetech.com
2 3 4
SYMMETRY
PART 2
Dressage rider, trainer and Pilates/ movement educator Lindsay WilcoxReid outlines six areas of the test where improved symmetry can boost your scores.
1. CENTRE LINE
The way you ride the centre line sets the tone for the rest of your test. Paying attention to symmetry here secures straightness for your first mark. All straight lines, whether that’s the centre line, the long or short sides, or movements across the diagonal in a symmetrical gait (walk and trot, but not canter), can be improved by feeling the pressures and motion patterns of your seat bones as a mirror image of one another.
TOP TIP
Notice whether you can feel both seat bones in the saddle as the horse walks. When you can sense each one, notice whether they’re moving in exactly the same way on both sides. There’s motion in three dimensions on each side of your horse’s back, so you’ll need to feel how your seat bones move: how much
Six steps: rider sym metry for better performance
We’ve looked at the foundations of rider symmetry – now it’s time to put theory into practice, in the saddle, says Andrea Oakes .
2. RHYTHM AND TEMPO
they travel forward and back, up and down and left and right, plus the speed of each one. As a seat bone moves down/forward and slightly to the midline, this is the moment the horse’s ribcage swings away to allow the hind leg on the same side to step through underneath. If your seat bones feel exactly the same, you’re set up for a
truly aligned centre line. If they feel different in trajectory or speed, can you gently ‘mould’ the movement into a more symmetrical version? Moving each half of your pelvis in a mirror image, connecting with and ‘owning’ each side of your horse’s back, encourages more symmetrical ribcage swing and hindleg and shoulder movement.
Consistency here is crucial to developing your horse’s training and to gain those higher marks. Rider symmetry plays an important role. Horses have their own asymmetry patterns which influence us as riders; if we’re drawn into their movement habits, we compound the issue rather than improving it. This ‘laterality’ can present as one diagonal pair of legs moving further or faster, or both, which correlates with a tendency for the horse to fall in one way and out the other.
TOP TIP
Maintaining the same size and speed within the motion pattern of each half of your pelvis means the horse can’t draw you into his own inherent tendency for crookedness, as does keeping a very consistent internal sense of tempo. This stops the ‘quicker’ pair of legs taking over the show. Count the beat each time your horse’s outside foreleg touches down, from one to eight, before starting again. By focusing on this metronome-like rhythm, you’re less likely to let him speed your pelvis up or slow you down.
3. 20-METRE CIRCLES
Counting the beat leads us smoothly into riding symmetrical 20-metre circles, of the correct size. Riding each quarter with exactly the same number of strides will improve circle symmetry and shape. You’ll also be riding strides of the same length, which is important for the movement score and also the collectives at the end.
TOP TIP
At trot or canter, each quarter of your 20-metre circles will have six strides (for the average-sized horse). Try this at home – it works!
4. CORNERS
Riding a corner well allows you to prepare for the next movement, but this is also where things can unravel. If a horse falls in or out through the shoulder, the rider is typically unlevel in the seat and/or upper body. Use the awareness exercise for straight lines (point 1) to prepare for your corners, to ensure you’re starting with a level seat that’s moving with the same shape and at the same speed on each side.
TOP TIP
Imagine a spear through your pelvis, from back
to front, a couple of inches below your navel. On the straight, keep the spear pointing dead ahead, but for the corner turn your spear decisively in the direction you wish to go. This will pull your inside seat bone back and keep
same speed, all the way around the turn.
5. SITTING TROT
Many riders lose marks though transitions because of a weak sitting trot, or when they have
The way you ride the centre line sets the tone for the rest of your test.
the inner thigh a little softer, moving the outside seat bone forward so the outside thigh presses into the saddle. As you exit the corner, point the spear straight ahead again to make the seat bones square. Keeping the backs of your armpits closed as you turn your seat will help your horse to feel this signal clearly. Think of using your spear to turn the saddle, because if the saddle turns, so does the horse. Be aware of both seat bones, moving at the
to sit for medium or extended paces. It’s challenging to sit to a trot that isn’t quite straight, because the horse’s legs will be moving at different speeds and affect the tempo. Even a little inconsistency with tempo control creates difficulty.
TOP TIP
At rising trot, you might notice that your horse’s way of going alters in the moment you change the diagonal. Does he speed up or
slow down slightly, lift his head, brace his back or lose the line? Try changing the diagonal every 10 strides. Make the moment you sit for two beats almost happen in slow motion, creating control in your pelvis and slowing your body, which will help limit any changes which disturb the trot. Repeat this until there’s no difference in the trot, then reduce the frequency until you can change the diagonal almost every other stride. The resulting sitting trot should happen more organically.
6. GIVE AND RETAKE THE REINS
If you’re off kilter, giving the reins will tend to accentuate any wonkiness. Count the outside foreleg strides well before the give and retake, so you’re really in the groove with the tempo, and check that you can feel both seat bones equally.
TOP TIP
If you have to give the inside rein only, keep your breastbone pointing clearly onto the line of travel. When giving the left rein, for example, the upper body typically spirals to the right. This gives additional messages to the horse and he could easily pop onto his left shoulder.
For more information visit equipilates.com
PICTURED
NEXT ISSUE: Body alignment for better riding.
Left: For better centre lines, feel how your seat bones move: how much they travel forward and back, up and down and left and right, plus the speed of each one.
Right: On a corner, turn an imaginary ‘spear’ through your pelvis decisively in the direction that you want to go.
REGIONAL UPDATES
JUDGE TRAINING
For 2024 Annual CPD for judges, from 1 April 2024 onwards, judges must attend a FULL formal training day from the options below only. Judges are required to attend training at a relevant level and have until 1 April 2025 to fulfil this full-day training requirement.
• Black Horse One Online Seminar
• Module 4 Live Training*
• Principles of Dressage Seminar
*A half Module 4 day can be attended alongside an online collectives training or online freestyle training (due to launch in the coming months) to fulfil the full-day requirement. Two separate half Module 4 days can be used to fulfil the full-day requirement.
Small sitting-in training sessions across the regions can be used towards one sitting-in sign off for judges registered for the new system. Judges can also attend these for their own development but are not permitted to use this towards CPD requirements.
General Zoom judge training sessions can be attended for development but are not permitted to be used towards annual CPD.
Anyone not able to complete this is advised to refer to the reinstatement of judges policy on the website, and those unable to fulfil this requirement must write to officials@britishdressage.co.uk.
REGIONAL TRAINING
Judges are reminded that they should be up to date with CPD before they judge.
Online seminars with the eDressage platform Black Horse
One are available for all judges including trainees. Please ensure that you register for the relevant seminar at either your current level or the level you are looking to upgrade to.
ONLINE SEMINARS
These seminars are available to book through Horse Monkey. Please filter your search to ‘British Dressage Judges’ to find the booking page. To apply to become Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/ how_to_become_a_judge
Please visit the Judge Horse Monkey page via the QR code where you’ll find all judge-related booking links including trainee judge registration, music paper booking, the judge listing form and Zoom training sessions.
To find details of regional training, including clinics, 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.
SOUTH & EAST
DO: Katharine Perry and Sharon Walker
M: 07872 603871 (Katharine)
M: 07894 232358 (Sharon)
E: southandeast@britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Pam Bushell 07801 252780
Vice Chairman: Mathieu Smith 07481 295713
Coaching: Teresa Edmonds 07957 785929
Rachel Wright 07816 235441
Rider training: Nicola Preston 07984 642291
Jodie Smith 07957 155330
BD Youth: Jessica Brown 07852 282983
Ben Grose 07732 435528
Karen Dance 07747 001494
Judges: Fiona Wilson 07803 263983
Para: Rachel Collins 07855 251514
Marketing: Craig Messenger 07591 202175
Nikki Goldup 07769 896734
SOUTH & WEST
DO: Amanda Rodgers
M: 07894 232355
E: southandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Carrie Payne 07421 022700
Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562
Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955
Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955
BD Youth: Tina Burrow 07967 912785
Judges: Sophie Dickinson 07881 826052
Sara-Jane Lanning 07881 910690
Para: Mark Cunli e 07717 727147
Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700
Paula Holland 07748 666794
NORTH & WEST
DO: Nikki Birt M: 07495 013192
E: northandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Jane Critchley 07966 865604
Coaching: Alison Calvert 07980 886004
Rider training (North of the Region): Lucy Warbrick 07508 028666
Rider training (South of the Region):
Natalie Robinson 07971 555975
BD Youth: Kate Tomlinson 07770 803115
Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633
Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766
Richard Baldwin 07903 942498
Para: Diane Fisher 07477 604178
Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176
NORTH & EAST
DO: Jo Byrne
M: 07783 791191
E: northandeast@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148
Coaching: Gwyneth Lewis 07710 021279
Jenny Folman 07909 547156
Rider training: Rachel Longworth 07863 970192
Alison Timmins 07867 304327
BD Youth: Jess Carr 07590 732896 Charlotte Clark 07868 344617
Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864
Para: Vicky Earnshaw 07919 684181
Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360
Marketing (Social Media): Rebecca Wilson 07585 937488
SCOTLAND
DO: Ashley Stewart M: 07584 147258
E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211
Coaching: Under recruitment
Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039
BD Youth: Under recruitment
Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132
Para: Emma Douglas 07707 657217
Marketing: Under recruitment
WALES
DO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414
E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315
Coaching: Nina Boex 07966 032090
Rider training (North Wales): Helen Hopewell 07971 490038
Rider Training (South Wales): Bethan Powell 07545 082247
BD Youth (North Wales): Anna Roberts 07786 674893
BD Youth (South Wales): Briony Cutler 07889 817609
Quest: Emma Thompson-Warren 07747 611274
Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953
Para: Donna Rooney 07969 747817
Marketing: Maisie Sturge 07526 367602
BD ACTION
NOTICE OF AGM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of BRITISH DRESSAGE will be held on 24th October 2024 at 6:00pm, at the Draycote Hotel, London Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9LF, for the purpose of considering the matters set out below.
AGENDA
Ordinary Business
The following will be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions:
1. To receive the Financial Statements of British Dressage for the year ended 31 December 2023 and the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports thereon.
2. To reappoint the auditors of British Dressage and to authorise the Board to fix their remuneration.
At the close of the formal business of the Annual General Meeting the following items will be dealt with:
3. To receive questions from members in attendance and to answer questions submitted in writing by members to the Chief Executive at least ten days prior to the meeting.
By order of the Board
Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive
British Dressage
Meriden Business Park
Copse Drive
Meriden West Midlands, CV5 9RG
Company number: 3443026
Dated: 31 July 2024
Notice is hereby given that the following document will be available on British Dressage’s website on or before 9 September
2024 (Document):
BRITISH DRESSAGE’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023.
The website address to access the Document is britishdressage. co.uk. The Document may be accessed on the website by typing the link provided above. If you do not have internet access and would like a hard copy of the Document, please contact Ben Waterhouse, Chief Operating Officer at British Dressage, on 02477 087805.
NOTES:
1. Any questions to be raised by members who are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting should be notified in writing to the Chief Executive at least ten clear days before the date fixed for the meeting, to enable a full response to be given at the meeting.
2. The Annual General Meeting will be streamed live on the British Dressage website: britishdressage.co.uk.
3. Any member of British Dressage entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened by this Notice is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place. A proxy need not be a member of British Dressage. The completed proxy form must be received at the registered office by no later than 6.00pm on 22 October 2024. Proxy forms can be downloaded from the BD website or obtained by writing to the Chief Executive with a stamped addressed envelope.
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
JUDGE RETIREMENTS
Andrea Hessay (List 2) and Suzie Trelawney (List 5), both from the North & East region, have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Andrea and Suzie for their contribution and support over the years and we wish them all the best for the future.
FREE LEGAL ADVICE HELPLINE
As part of your British Dressage membership, paid members have access to up to 30 minutes of free legal advice from a fully qualified dedicated equine solicitor and access to legal advice for any other legal matter. It operates seven days per week,
KEY DATES
with an answerphone message for out of hours. You will receive a call back within 24 hours Monday to Friday, (48 hours if weekend or bank holiday).
Legal advice helpline is 0115 841 6669 or email: britishdressage@ rotherabray.co.uk. Visit britishdressage.co.uk/ membership/member-benefits/ legal-helpline to find out more.
02-07 Sep Paralympic Games, Paris
04-09 Sep Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, Ermelo, the Netherlands 12-15 Sep LeMieux National Championships, Somerford Park, Cheshire
01-06 Oct Wellington CPEDI3*/2*/1*, Hampshire
01-06 Oct Wellington CDI3*, Hampshire 02-06 Oct Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships, Arena UK, Lincolnshire
04-05 Oct Middle Tour Championships, Arena UK, Lincolnshire 10 Oct Dressage Future Elite Championship, HOYS, NEC Birmingham, West Midlands 16-20 Oct Aintree High Profile Show, Merseyside 22-26 Oct Cavago Associated Championships, Onley Grounds EC, Warwickshire
08-10 Nov Quest National Championships, Arena UK, Lincolnshire 05-08 Dec Arena UK High Profile Show, Lincolnshire 18-19 Dec London CDI-W, ExCel London
A comprehensive list of major dates can be found online at britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/international-and-major-dates
FORTHCOMING EVENTS 1 DECEMBER 2024 – 11 JANUARY 2025
Venue County
SUN 1 DEC
Mount Ballan (I-GP)+PE Monmouthshire Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire
Brook Farm Training Centre (P-PYO FEI) Essex Speedgate Events (P-PSG)+FS Kent Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Hampshire Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire
Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INTI)+FS Staffordshire
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-PSG)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Reaseheath College (I-GP) Cheshire Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire
Beacons Equestrian (I-N) Carmarthenshire Dark Deer Croft (I-M) Inverness Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Somerset Cherwell Competition Centre (P-INTII) Oxfordshire
TUE 3 DEC
Bromyard Equestrian (P-AM) Herefordshire Caron Roberts Equestrian (P-AM) Wiltshire
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Leicestershire Felbridge Showground (P-PSG) West Sussex
WED 4 DEC
Arena UK (P-PYO FEI) Lincolnshire
Burrows Court Farm (E-PYO FEI) Gloucestershire
Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire Quob Stables (P-PSG) Hampshire Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+PE Lincolnshire Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Northumberland
WED 4 - THU 5 DEC
Aintree International Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Merseyside
THU 5 DEC
Half Moon Stud (P-PSG) Dorset West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Wiltshire Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey
THU 5 - SUN 8 DEC
Arena UK High Profile Show
FRI 6 DEC
Lincolnshire
Moreton EC (P-PSG)+FS+PE Dorset
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS+PE North Yorkshire
Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-AM) Gloucestershire
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
FRI 6 - SAT 7 DEC
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-GP) Worcestershire
SAT 7 DEC
Bluegate Hall Farm (P-E) Essex
Burrows Court Farm (P-E) Gloucestershire
Cockshot (P-GP) Cheshire
Duchy College (I-PSG)+PE Cornwall
Ladyleys Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire
South Staffordshire College (P-PSG)+FS Staffordshire
Stretcholt Farm (P-AM)+FS Somerset
Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall
Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Kent
Radfords Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Powys
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Warwickshire
The College Of West Anglia (P-INTI)+PE Cambridgeshire
Colraine Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cornwall
Hartpury University and Hartpury College (P-M) Gloucestershire
Myerscough College (P-M) Lancashire
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire
Sunnybank Farm (I-M) Caerphilly
Please refer to the BD Schedules webpage for the most up-to-date schedule information. Visit the ‘International & Major Dates’ webpage to see a complete list of 2024 Major Dates.
Lime Kiln Farm (P-INTI)+FS Norfolk
Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset
Little Mill Equestrian (P-M) Carmarthenshire
Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-AM) East Sussex
SUN 8 - MON 9 DEC
Bury Farm Equestrian Village (P-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire
Beechwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Essex
TUE 10 DEC
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset
Pickering Grange Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire
WED 11 DEC
Speedgate Events (P-AM) Kent
Crow Wood Equestrian (P-E) Lancashire
Hunters Equestrian (P-INTI) Gloucestershire
Lower Stocklands Farm (P-M) Cardiff
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Morris Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS East Ayrshire
Topthorn Arena (P-M) Suffolk
West Park Equestrian Services (P-AM)+FS Durham
Cherwell Competition Centre (P-AM) Oxfordshire
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cheshire
THU 12 DEC
Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Staffordshire
Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex
The Grange Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Devon
FRI 13 DEC
Stourport Riding Centre (E-FEI PYO)) Worcestershire
SAT 14 DEC
Bishop Burton College (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Burrows Court Farm (P-E) Gloucestershire
The Cabin Equestrian Riding Club (I-AM)+FS+PE Aberdeenshire
Kingswood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Staffordshire
Moulton College Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Northamptonshire
Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Surrey
Wellington Riding (P-E) Hampshire
West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham
Trefor Stables Equestrian Centre (I-M) Isle of Anglesey
Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Lincolnshire
Stourport Riding Centre (P-E) Worcestershire
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Leicestershire
MON 16 DEC
Wellington Riding (M-GP) Hampshire
TUE 17 DEC
Cobham Manor Events (P-PSG)+FS Kent Felbridge Showground (P-PSG) West Sussex
WED 18 DEC
Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Hampshire
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP) North Yorkshire
THU 19 DEC
West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Wiltshire
Radfords Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Powys
Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Surrey
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-AM) East Sussex
FRI 20 DEC
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-AM) Worcestershire
Arley Moss (P-PSG) Cheshire
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS+PE Warwickshire
FRI 20 - SAT 21 DEC
Netherton Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Perthshire and Kinross
SAT 21 DEC
Bridgend College (P-M) Bridgend
Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Northumberland
Amersham Dressage (P-E)+FS Buckinghamshire
SAT 28 DEC
Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Surrey
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Warwickshire
SUN 29 DEC
Foxes Riding School (I-AM) Cheshire
Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire
Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham
Swallowfield Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Warwickshire
Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire
SAT 4 JAN
Sparsholt College (P-GP)+FS Hampshire
Suffolk Rural (P-FEI PSG)+FS Suffolk
SUN 5 JAN
Bishop Burton College (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-M) North Yorkshire
TUE 7 JAN
Bromyard Equestrian Centre (P-PYO FEI) Herefordshire
WED 8 JAN
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Hampshire
SAT 11 JAN
The College Of West Anglia (P-AM) Cambridgeshire
Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Surrey
THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON MY CAREER
DRESSAGE LIFE
further and take it more seriously.
There are so many people, but winning the talent spotting in 2005 gave me the confidence to pursue the sport further and take it more seriously.
However, that’s sport and I feel proud that I’m even in the running and competing at that level.
THE PLACE I FEEL HAPPIEST
On the back of a horse, riding in the sun with music playing, or anywhere by the sea.
ERIN ORFORD
Erin Orford is a familiar face on the para dressage circuit. Nominated for the last four Paralympic Games – London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris – a late call-up in 2017 paved the way for her long-awaited Championship debut with Dior. That year, Erin returned from the FEI European Championships in Sweden as team gold and individual bronze medallist, then one year later was part of the silver medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. This year she had two horses nominated for Paris 2024 (C Fatal Attraction and Dragons Fire), and reached number 4 in the Grade III World Rankings.
Alongside her riding and coaching commitments, Erin works part-time in Digital Communications, has commentated at World and European Championships and sits on FEI Committees and the BD Para Committee as the Athlete Representative.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF HORSES
I was first put on a horse when I was about two, with the RDA, to help my balance. I was still on the waiting list for years, so I’d sit by the phone (landline) on a Saturday morning to see if there’d been a cancellation so I could go! I never had dolls, I had plastic horses and I used to tack them up with a pretend saddle and bridle.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN GROWING UP?
I always liked the idea of being a lawyer or writing song lyrics.
A DEFINING MOMENT IN MY DRESSAGE CAREER
Winning Individual bronze in 2017 on the first day at the Europeans. A week earlier I wasn’t even meant to be going and it all happened in such a whirlwind. It was my first medal and an individual medal is even more special.
A SPECIAL HORSE
There have been so many, each one has influenced my career in some way, but it has to be Dior. She made my dreams come true and we had such a special partnership.
MY FAVOURITE DRESSAGE SHOW OR VENUE
Trotting into the arena in Fontainebleau for the Paris 2024 test event was very special, but I think Hartpury is one of my favourite shows. It’s always our final selection, so it’s quite a pressured situation, but it’s great to have non-disabled competition on too and it makes it all more exciting.
DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS
Michael McIntyre, Anna Kendrick, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Joanne McNally and Jack Whitehall.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT Zizzi.
MY MOST RECENT CONCERT
Most recent would have to be Dermot Kennedy.
WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?
Something like ‘I get knocked down, but I get up again’ or ‘Taking the Scenic Route!’ I’ve been so close for so many Championships, but things haven’t always gone my way.
MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT
There are too many to mention!
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN
You’ll regret the chances you didn’t take more than the chances you do.
MY FAVOURITE SONG OR PIECE OF MUSIC
Anything that you can sing along to for some car karaoke!
MY BEST HOLIDAY I’d love to go back to Jamaica.
MY FAVOURITE FILM AND TV SERIES
Pitch Perfect, and I got really into the Formula 1: Drive to Survive series on Netflix.
MY GUILTY PLEASURE Chocolate or Pizza.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
If I’m stressed, I like to swim and go to the gym. Seeing friends and taking some time away to do something different is also a nice way to take a break.
PICTURED
Below: Erin and Dior at the 2017 European Championships in Gothenburg.
