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From the editor
A hardy breed.
If there’s one fact that remains unchangeable about riders, it’s that we are a hardy breed.
Even in these days of comparatively luxurious indoor schools and yards, you can’t escape the fact that training and competing is predominantly an outdoor activity.
The LeMieux National Championships always seems to deliver a mix of absolutely delightful and perfectly horrid weather and this year was no exception. On Sunday in particular the driving rain didn’t cease until –mercifully – just as the Kudos Grand Prix Freestyle got under way, the clouds lightened a fraction.
Yet we still saw fantastic performances and displays of great horsemanship and correct training in the toughest of conditions.
I emphasise the horsemanship and training with the KBIS Young Dressage Horse final in mind, the rain turned decidedly horizontal and the action took place in the big atmosphere of the main LeMieux arena where the covered grandstand was filled with spectators (understandably!) wearing shiny, drippy waterproofs.
The demeanour of these five- and six-year-old horses was something to admire and in common with all the other champions who drew the short straw with the weather for their tests, shows the benefit of riding in all weathers at home!
‘The Nationals’ is a time to celebrate another great year for competitors who put in such a lot of hard work to get there and to recognise the achievements of our international teams.
It’s fitting that two of those riders who were shown such appreciation by the crowd during the Parade of Champions, Becky Moody and Sophie Wells, are headlining our new training event, “BD Presents…” at Hartpury University and College on 23-24 November.
Both are renowned not only for their considerable talent for producing horses from youngsters to become world-class stars but also as exceptional coaches of riders at all levels. It should be a fascinating event with lots of tips and ideas to keep us all going over the winter and towards next season… even on the wettest of days. Tickets are available from the website, don’t miss out!
Jane Carley Editor, British Dressage
IN THIS ISSUE
JANE KIDD HONOURED AT NATIONALS
Jane Kidd was presented with the annual Linda Whetstone Memorial Trophy by BD Chairman
NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR
Following this year’s BD Director elections, Hannah Moody has been formally elected as BD Youth Director.
In line with the British Dressage Articles of Association, the position of BD Youth Director was put forward to the membership for election this year. After a formal review of applications by the Nominations Committee, Hannah Moody was the sole candidate put forward to the membership vote for the role, with an electronic ballot carried out independently by Mi-Voice.
The appointment will formally take effect from the date of the 2024 Annual General Meeting, on Thursday 24 October 2024, with Hannah serving an initial four-year term until 2028.
NEWS
Jill Day at the LeMieux National Championships (pictured).
The Linda Whetstone Memorial Trophy is the highest award that BD bestows and it recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to dressage across long and distinguished careers. It is presented in memory of former chairman Linda Whetstone, who sadly passed away in 2021.
The inaugural recipient was List 1 Judge and FEI Master Judge Stephen Clarke, and he was followed by renowned rider, judge, trainer and breeder Jennie Loriston-Clarke in 2023.
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
Jane is one of the brightest brains behind the sport of dressage and in her time, she has been an international rider, a BD List One and FEI judge.
With her wide range of perspectives, Jane has committed much of her time to education, writing many books on dressage, serving as Editor of BD Magazine and has been instrumental in bringing the Scales of Training to the British audience.
She has also been a key part of British Dressage’s success on the international stage in her role as selector, contributing to the Senior teams for many years.
BRITISH SUCCESS AT BREEDING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Danish mare Quinn G was ridden by her British owner Fiona Bigwood to win the six-year-old title at the recent Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo, the Netherlands.
Competing as part of the Danish quota of entries, Fiona and the chestnut mare achieved an exceptional score of 95.000%. This secured back-to-back world young horse championship wins for Quinn G (Quaterhit x Fassbinder), winner of the World Championship five-year-old title
under Betina Jaeger in 2023 and sold to Fiona Bigwood at the end of last year.
Bred by Helene Geervliet at Stutteri G in Denmark, and co-owned by Fiona and her daughter Mette (Dahl), Quinn G was awarded a mark of 10 for the trot, 10 for walk, 9 for canter, 9 for submission and 9.5 for perspective.
Another Brit to reach the sixyear-old Final was Lottie Fry who piloted Van Olst Horses’ KWPN stallion Nalegro (Painted Black x Negro) into 14th place on 76.400%.
Dannie Morgan and his six-year-old AES gelding Fever Tree (Foundation x Dayano), bred by David Stone, showed much quality on the big stage scoring 82.800% for 13th in the qualifier and 22nd in the Small Final.
PICTURED
IN MEMORIAM
It is with great sadness that BD has learned of the passing of Joan Gold, a doyenne of British Dressage, who has died at the age of 107.
She became famous for her clean sweep of all five dressage classes at the 1958 Aachen International.
Joan trainedin Sweden and Germany, and as a trainer herself was influential in the careers of Carl Hester, Jennie Loriston-Clarke and David Hunt.
She was also a leading international judge and her credits included adjudicating at a European Championship.
Apart from this Joan was a Chef d’Equipe to a British team and a long term member of the BHS Dressage Committee.
We also send our condolences to the family of lifetime member and BD Medal of Honour recipient Rosemary Herbert who sadly passed away on Friday 20 September at the age of 96. Rosemary was a driving force behind international success acting as Chef d’Equipe to Pony, Junior, Young Rider and Senior teams, travelling all over the world to provide support, including to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
A List 1 judge, she later became chairman of the selectors for senior teams before being heavily involved with para dressage, also as a selector.
Fiona Bigwood and Quinn G.
National Dressage Champion 2024
Below: With his own 16-year-old Diego V (by Spielberg), Lewis RobertsonCarrier took his very first LeMieux National Champion title. Lewis has produced his horse from Young Riders to Senior Grand Prix, and now has achieved the greatest title in the BD collection. The pair made their London International Horse Show debut in 2023 and were nominated for the Paris Olympics this year. September was a stellar month for Lewis, who also celebrated his wedding to Lvi Robertson. He is pictured with Bradley Wentworth, Creative Lead at LeMieux and Lvi, representing Lewis’s parents, Diego’s joint owners.
“I’M ABSOLUTELY ECSTATIC. THIS HORSE ABSOLUTELY DESERVES IT. HE HAS BEEN JUST INCREDIBLE OVER THE YEARS … AND NOW OVERALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, IT’S SURREAL.”
– Lewis Robertson-Carrier plays tribute to Diego V
WINNER
Lewis RobertsonCarrier and Diego V
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"HE JUST TRIED ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND EVERY QUESTION I ASKED HIM, HE PICKED UP AND FOLLOWED ME.”
Right: Lewis Carrier and Diego V took the runner-up slot. with a score of 74.85%, enough to secure the LeMieux National Champion title when added to their Grand Prix win. They were awarded eights for changes, trot work and choreography.
Left: 2022 LeMieux National Champion Gareth Hughes returned to the top step of the podium at this year’s event, riding Julia Hornig and the Hughes family’s Classic Goldstrike to success in the Kudos Grand Prix Freestyle Championship. Their winning score was a superb 74.950%. "That's actually the first time I’ve ridden it with him," Gareth said about his winning freestyle programme, "It’s an old test I had years ago because the test I did at Windsor was a little bit too difficult and he got a bit confused because we don’t practice the freestyles very often. So this was different enough to ask questions, but gave him a bit of time so he could hopefully stay with me." They are pictured with Bradley Wentworth, Creative Lead at LeMieux and Hughes Dressage head groom Steph Sharples.
Above: Laura Tomlinson took third place in the Kudos Grand Prix Freestyle with Soegaards Bon Royal, owned in partnership with her mother Ursula Bechtolscheimer. ‘Bonnie’ (Bon Bravour x De Noir) is a ten-year-old Danish Warmblood, and the pair presented an elegant and harmonious freestyle, awarded a string of eights for choreography and interpretation of music.
WINNER
Lewis
has been a partnership for twelve years and Lewis first competed Diego V at the Nationals as a sixyear-old in the Elementary. They are pictured with Robert Lemieux, Managing Director of sponsor LeMieux.
LEMIEUX GRAND PRIX GOLD
1. Lewis Robertson-Carrier with 71.86% his own Diego V
2. Gareth Hughes with his and 71.23% Rebecca Hughes and Julia Hornig’s Classic Goldstrike
3. Laura Tomlinson with her own 70.63% and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Soegaards Bon Royal
4. Abigail Lyle with Fenella 70.10% Quinn’s Farrell
5. Nathalie Wahlund with Julia 69.87% Harrison Lee's Gørklintgårds Scorpion
6. Richard White with his own 68.41% Heroi do Seixo
7. Tom Goode with Richard 66.95% Jackson’s Fürstenrausch PS
8. Alice Oppenheimer with 66.17% Sarah Oppenheimer’s Headmore Bella Ruby
9. Alice Oppenheimer with 66.06% Amanda Radford’s Headmore Dionysus
10. Alexander Harrison-West with his 65.91% own Kickback
RobertsonCarrier and Diego V
Above: Just edged out on a score of 71.23%, Gareth Hughes took the runner up spot on Classic Goldstrike, owned by the Hughes family and Julia Hornig. The 13-year-old gelding (Tango x Krack C) has also been competed by wife Rebecca and daughter Ruby, and this year won the Grand Prix at Windsor en route to being nominated for the Paris Olympics.
Below: Abi Lyle followed up achieving her dream by representing Ireland in Paris with fourth place in the LeMieux Grand Prix, this time with Fenella Quinn’s Farrell.
Below: Lewis RobertsonCarrier rode Diego V to victory in the LeMieux Grand Prix Gold Championship with a score of 71.869%. The duo
We know there are two distinct diseases which affect different areas of the stomach: Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). EGGD is increasingly being recognised as an inflammatory condition rather than an ulcerative one and stress is a really important risk factor. If you’re not sure about what can increase the risk of ulcers, check out the risk calculator on our website dengie.com/ulcer-calc/
Studies are just starting to show that within EGGD, the form of the lesion (nodular versus flat) appears to have a bearing on the effectiveness of current treatment options (Sundra et al, 2024). The current veterinary, evidencebased advice is to implement the same feeding management as for ESGD, which amounts to reducing starch intake and feeding plenty of fibre.
FEEDING THE POOR DOER
High quality fibre feeds containing alfalfa, such as Dengie Healthy Tummy, provide an energy (calorie) level comparable to a competition mix or cube, but with around 10 times less starch. Recent studies have shown that even high level competition horses can be sustained on rations using hay and alfalfa with only a very small proportion of cereals without any detriment to performance and muscle tone (Martin et al, 2023). Another study showed that clinical success with horses with EGGD was 47.7 times more likely when alfalfa pellets were used in place of oats in the ration (Julliand et al, 2023). Healthy Tummy contains alfalfa pellets as part of the formulation and provides a nutritionally balanced ration when fed to recommended quantities alongside forage. It contains Protexin In-Feed Formula to support digestive health as well as a unique blend of herbs that
Feeding Horses With EGUS
What are the options?
Over the last decade, studies have increased our awareness and understanding of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome but there is still much to learn.
make the feed extremely palatable.
FEEDING THE GOOD DOER
Although horses with ulcers were historically thought to mostly be poor doers and underweight, a more recent study from Belgium found that only half of those with ulcers were underweight (Galinelli et al, 2019), with many good doer and overweight horses also now suffering from the condition. Dengie’s Ulser Lite has been developed with the ulcer-prone good-doer in mind. The main ingredient is chopped oat straw, which is blended with chopped alfalfa pellets, grass and grass pellets to provide some natural sweetness whilst keeping the energy level as low as possible. Studies have shown that straw is a safe ingredient for horses with ulcers when fed at up to 50% of the total diet (including grazing and conserved forage). This means Ulser Lite can be a useful partial forage replacer for good doers. The addition of prebiotics and yeast within the Ulser Lite promote digestive health, and the added herbs are ideal to tempt even the fussiest eaters.
DENGIE ALFA-A OIL pure alfalfa & oil, high-calorie, fuels work & promotes condition. Naturally low in sugar 4.5% & starch 2%
DENGIE PERFORMANCE
FIBRE
high-calorie, alfalfa & grass blend with spearmint oil & a light molasses coating to tempt fussy eaters
DENGIE HEALTHY
Dengie has four products that proudly carry the BETA Feed Approval Mark as suitable for horses and ponies prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome as part of a balanced diet. This independent approval process recognises feeds that are appropriate to use to reduce the risk of ulcers.
For friendly advice or information call the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or visit dengie.com Scan the QR code to learn more about EGUS.
TUMMY mediumcalorie, molasses free, nutritionallybalanced, pure chopped & pelleted alfalfa with prebiotics & tasty herbs
DENGIE ULSER
LITE molasses free, low-calorie blend of grass & straw with alfalfa pellets, prebiotics & tasty herbs
PICTURED Above: Hannah Esberger-Hancock trains & competes her horses on a Dengie fibre only diet. Inset: Hannah training at home.
Above and right: Sadie Smith was the standout performer in the Stübben Intermediate II Championship, scoring 74.14% with her own Swanmore Dantina. The pair have had a sensational 12 months, following on from finishing runner-up in the Inter I Gold last year, taking the inter I title at the NAF Magic Winter Championships in April and are now bound for Grand Prix. Swanmore Dantina (Dante Weltino X Charatan W), known as ‘Dia’, is the apple of Sadie’s eye. “She’s always great,” Sadie commented. “I very rarely have a show where she isn’t on form. She goes in with her ears pricked and always tries to do what I want.” They are pictured (right) with Tom Sexton of Stübben.
"SHE WAS RELAXED AND YET I CAN STILL PICK HER UP AND DO THE HARDER THINGS, I JUST LOVE HER TO BITS.”
– Sadie Smith on Swanmore Dantina
WINNER
Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina
Right: Michael Eilberg took the runner-up slot with Nicky Hannam’s MSJ Dante VX on a score of 73.50%. By Dane Weltino out of a Quattro B mare, MSJ Dante has been produced by Michael from the start, with the pair winning at Grand Prix this season.
STÜBBEN INTERMEDIATE II GOLD
1. Sadie Smith with her own Swanmore Dantina
2. Michael Eilberg with his own and Nicky Hannam’s MSJ Dante VX
3. Alexander Harrison-West with his own Kickback
4. Angus Corrie-Deane with Mary Corrie’s Jack Johnson
5. Hannah Esberger-Hancock with Robert Esberger’s Iggy Pop BEK
6. Edward Johnson with Matilda Ashley’s Newton Domino
7. Rebecca Hughes with her own and Julia Hornig’s Classic Flamboyant
8. Jess Bennett with her own JB Dukaat
9. Kate Lister with her own Fiskus
10. Katie Bailey with her own Hillgrounds Wolkenhall
Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Freestyle Gold
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS INTERMEDIATE I FREESTYLE GOLD
1. Laura Tomlinson with her own and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Full Moon II
2. Andrew Gould with Jo and Terry Barnett-Knott's Active Solaris
3. Davy Harvey with Judy Peploe’s Diamond Blue
4. Nikki Barker with her own and Becky Harrow’s Dan Icarus
5. Sara-Jane Lanning with Nicola Seale’s Hawtins Lirica
6. Mark Forrest with Kate Carter’s Fidel von Singing
7. Becky Edwards with her own Laerke Stensvang
8. Sarah Rao with her own Geniaal
9. Tahley Reeve-Smith with her own and Jetta O’Kane’s Woodcroft Valentino
Sara-Jane Lanning with her own Choice I
SUPREME CHAMPION
Laura Tomlinson and Full Moon II
"HE’S STARTING TO BECOME A BIT MORE AMBITIOUS HIMSELF.”
– Laura Tomlinson on Forest Hill
Left: Laura Tomlinson brought forward her Saracen Intermediate I Gold runner up Full Moon II (Furstenball x Gribaldi) for a shot at the Supreme title and successfully completed the mission, achieving 76.475%. “I decided that Forest Hill could have the day off after his win yesterday,” Laura said about her decision on which of her two eight-year-olds she would compete. The Saracen Horse Feeds Supreme Champion title also seeks to reward the winning groom, and Laura’s groom Lydia-May Blake joined her in the prize giving to collect a reward from the class sponsors. Speaking about her part in team Tomlinson, Laura said, “Lydia is fabulous. She’s the most enthusiastic person you could ever hope to have around your horses. Nothing is ever too much for her and she lives, breathes and sleeps horses and is a completely brilliant team mate to have. She’s always positive, always upbeat and a completely reliable wingman to have at a show.”
Left: Andrew Gould rode Jo and Terry Barnett Knotts’ Active Solaris (by Sezuan) into the runner up slot on a score of 73.82%.
Above: Davy Harvey and Judy Peploe’s Diamond Blue took third on another great score, 73.27%.
Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Gold and Silver
Right: Laura Tomlinson took the top two slots on the podium in the Saracen Horse Feeds Gold Inter I Championship, taking first place on Forest Hill (Fursten Look x United) with a score of 71.765% and second place on Full Moon II with a score of 71.147%. Both Forest Hill and Full Moon II are homebred, and Laura describes them as “pretty uncomplicated.” She tells us about their personalities and her progress with the eight-year-old Forest Hill, “He hits his diagonals and sort of takes off with me like ‘lets go mum’ so it’s really nice feeling that change in him and how he’s starting to become a bit more ambitious himself.”
WINNER
Laura Tomlinson and Forest Hill
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS INTERMEDIATE I GOLD
1. Laura Tomlinson with her own and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Forest Hill 71.76%
2. Laura Tomlinson with her own and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Full Moon II 71.147%
3. Andrew Gould with Jo and Terry Barnett-Knott's Active Solaris 70.88%
4. Becky Edwards with her own Laerke Stensvang
5. Davy Harvey with Judy Peploe’s Diamond Blue
6. Nikki Barker with her own and Becky Harrow’s Dan Icarus 69.02%
7. Spencer Wilton with Samantha Britton’s Woodcroft Django Mon Ami 68.76%
8. Greg Sims with his own and Stena Hoerner’s Waverley Fellini 68.70%
9. Dylan Deutrom with Helen Bell’s King Boy
10. Alex Hardwick with her own Joie de Vivre Prins
WINNER
Sara Squires and Laetitius C
and
Sara Squires and Laetitius C (Londontime x Rosella) took first place in the Intermediate I Silver with 69.882%, Sara’s first national title. This win was one that meant more to Sara than most following a scare six weeks ago that meant she almost lost Laetitius C to colic. Fortunately, her partner is a vet and they were able to save him. Sara said, “Laetitius C came to me as a very sharp four-year-old out of Germany, and I produced him all the way. I had 11 event horses, and then covid hit, and I thought, I'm going to enjoy him now”. They are pictured with Sarah Rushby of Saracen Horse Feeds.
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS
1. Sara Squires with her own Laetitius C
2. Chloe Hill with Caroline Hill’s Bon Jovi
3. Rhiannon Hinton with her own Quaikin Horatio
4. Megan Assouline with her own Stald Lykke’s Black Magic
5. Claudia Davis with her own Fergus RT
6. Chris Hammond with Dorothy Taylor’s Exclusive Gem
Antonia Brown with Sara Lucas’s SJL Duuk
Louise Gallavan with Karen Gallavan’s Sandros
Morgan Haerr with her own Floran
Nichola Harrison with Jan Woolgar’s Lobke van het Urnenveld
Right: Becky Edwards
her own Blue Hors Zack-sired Laerke Stensvang took fourth place.
Left:
Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold
“I DON’T HAVE MY OWN MUSIC FOR HIM SO THANKFULLY MY GOOD FRIEND AMY (WOODHEAD) STEPPED IN AT THE LAST MOMENT... THIS MORNING!”
– Sarah Higgins
SUPREME CHAMPION
Above: After claiming her very first National title on day one at the LeMieux Championships, Sarah Higgins went on to achieve the Prix St Georges double on day two, becoming Fairfax Saddles Supreme Champion with Sarah Rao’s, Geniaal. In the Freestyle, Sarah gained a fantastic winning score of 77.150%, ranking a unanimous first amongst the judges.
Above: Becky Moody kicked off a great week with Jo Cooper’s sevenyear-old Governer mare Magic Dream, taking third place in both Prix St Georges Gold classes.
Sarah Higgins and Geniaal
Above: Sara-Jane Lanning took fifth place with Nicola Seale's Hawkins Lirica, a second top ten placing for the pair at the show.
Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold and Silver
FAIRFAX SADDLES PRIX ST GEORGES GOLD
1. Sarah Higgins with Sarah Rao’s Geniaal
2. Nicola Buchanan with her own and the Countess of Shaftesbury’s 70.14% St Giles Flamboyant
3. Becky Moody with Jo Cooper’s Magic Dream
4. Davy Harvey with Judy Peploe’s Diamond Blue
5. Laura Tomlinson with her own and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Forest Hill
6. Tahley Reeve-Smith with her own and Jetta O’Kane’s Woodcroft Valentino 68.91%
7. Jezz Palmer with Janet Oliver’s Honey D’Or
8. Matt Frost with his own Kerouac
9. Nikki Barker with her own and Becky Harrow’s Dan Icarus 68.73%
10. Laura Tomlinson with her own and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Full Moon II
A class of 38 riders took to the
in the Fairfax
Prix St
Championships, where Sarah Higgins took her first ever National title. Sarah and Geniaal topped the class with a score of 73.000%, just under 3% higher than their nearest competitor. The 13-year-old bay gelding is owned and ridden by Sarah Rao, but the two riders work very closely together. Despite Geniaal not being a regular ride for Sarah (Higgins), she speaks of what an ‘amazing and generous’ horse he is to allow her to ‘hop on and go so nicely’.
PRIX ST GEORGES
Bryony Goodwin with Antonia Brown’s Krack DE
Amanda Towle-Shaw with her own Rockwood Virtue
Evelina Shrieve with her own Insist TC
Jade Clark with her own and Sue Brennan’s Jemimah
Louise Gallavan with Karen Gallavan’s Fabergé
WINNER
Bryony Goodwin and Krack DE
Goodwin
the podium with
DE,
who is based in Gloucestershire and trains with Sarah Pincus, has only been riding the 13-year-old gelding, owned by Antonia Brown and previously
Dan Greenwood, since April. Despite their relatively short partnership together, the two clearly have a strong bond already, with Bryony describing him as “an absolute gem of a horse, a really, really lovely character, but he is quite cheeky as well!.” They are pictured with Gill Booth of Fairfax Saddles.
Right:
LeMieux Arena
Saddles
Georges Gold
Above: Nicola Buchanan with her own and the Countess of Shaftesbury’s St Giles Flamboyant, winner of the seven-year old class last year, took the runner up slot. By Franklin out of a Furst Romancier mare, Flamboyant was home-bred by Dina Ashley Cooper.
Left: Bryony
topped
Krack
scoring 69.882%. Bryony,
ridden by
Right: On the final day of the show, Becky Moody and Jo Cooper’s Magic Dream (Governer x Swarovski) topped the Bret Willson International Advanced Medium Gold Championship, with a score of 72.579% including a ten for their halt. Becky spoke very proudly of the seven-year-old mare’s performance commenting, “She was just a little legend. Bless her. She has had a really busy show, but she is a bit of a Duracell bunny. She always has energy. It's one of the really good things about her.” They are pictured with Rosie Moreton-Deakin and Becky Stiljes of
WINNER
Becky Moody and Magic Dream
"SHE IS A BIT OF A DURACELL BUNNY."
– Becky Moody on Magic Dream
Bret Willson International.
Left: Matt Frost and his own Kerouac were the runners-up, close behind Becky on 72.42%. By Sezuan out of Sorento, the eight-yearold, known as Jack, was also on the podium in the Prix St Georges Championship.
BRET WILLSON INTERNATIONAL
ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER
1. Bryony Goodwin with her own Dion II 73.86%
2. Bryony Goodwin with Antonia Brown’s Krack DE 71.23%
3. Charlotte Donovan with her own Just It’s Mie 70.26%
4. Jessica Davies with her own Kadanz II 69.60%
5. Charlotte Smithwhite with her own Luciano 69.31%
6. Sophia Marston with her own Solitaire II
7. Mia Smith with her own Dutch Discovery
8. Michael Whippey with his own Genson Blue
9. Olivia Commins with her own Scuderarri
10. Joanne Ivimey with her own Dailey Diamond 3 67.23%
"I DIDN'T HAVE ANY EXPECTATIONS - I JUST WANTED HIM TO HAVE A CONFIDENCE GIVING ROUND."
– Bryony Goodwin on Dion II
WINNER
Bryony Goodwin and Dion II
It was a highly successful show for the pair, following on from victory in 2023’s Elementary
Bryony expressed thanks for her coach, “Serena Pincus, who I train with, helps me at the bigger shows and she’s just fantastic. She doesn't necessarily have to say an awful lot, but she has got such a good eye and gives me confidence in what I'm doing. I couldn't do it without her.”
Left: Bryony Goodwin enjoyed a one-two in the Bret Willson International Advanced Medium Silver. The Dante Weltino-sired Dion II was her winning ride, whilst Antonia Brown's Krack DE placed second with 70.526%.
Gold.
Right: Charlotte Donovan took third place with her own Just it’s Mie, sired by Van Olst Horses’ Everdale out of a Spielberg mare.
TopSpec Medium Gold
TOPSPEC MEDIUM GOLD
1. Bryony Goodwin with her own Dion II
2. Michael Eilberg with Nicky Hannam’s De la Hoyde
3. Sarah Ingham with Michele Wyatt’s Mowgli S
4. William Roberts with Keeva Dedicoat’s Lenika
5. Becky Moody with Jo Cooper’s Sieben Siegel SL
6. Ruby Hughes with Claire Wyatt’s Fire Kracka
8. Henry Boswell with Kristina Rausing’s Belinski
9. Leah Beckett with Jen Goodman’s J-Lo STH
10. Calum Whitworth with Fenella Quinn’s Neverland MFS
7. Gracie Catling with Gaynor Morris’s Fraithwens Wytske fan ter Lune
WINNER
Above: Bryony Goodwin and Dion II won their second National title of the week in the TopSpec Medium Gold. The duo received an amazing 72.621% from the five judges in the Kudos Arena, putting them top of the leaderboard in another highly contested class. Having now owned Dion for over three years, Bryony has had great success with the talented gelding, previously winning Young Horse titles and this time last year had only competed at Medium level with him a couple of times.
Below: Sarah Ingham took third place with Michelle Wyatt’s Mowgli S.
Bryony Goodwin and Dion II
Right: William Roberts took fourth place with Keeva Dedicoat’s Lenika.
Warwickshirebaed William has been riding the eight-yearold mare, by Foreign Affair, since the end of last year.
Top Spec Medium Silver
"FOR HER TO SAY ' MUM, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE?' ...THAT BEATS ALL ROSETTES AND SASHES."
– Caroline Hunt on Fancy That
WINNER
Caroline Hunt and Fancy That
Left: Returning champion Caroline Hunt had another incredible show at this year’s Nationals. Riding her own ten-year-old Franziskus x Kaiser Kult chestnut mare, Fancy That, or Freya as she’s known at home, Caroline became the TopSpec Medium Silver Champion on a score of 73.000%. The combination were the Elementary Silver Champions in 2022. Caroline has owned Freya since she was two, bringing her over from Germany when she was three and explained, “She's been with me the whole time so I've been able to take it at my speed and she’s really easy, so if I feel that she needs a break, I don't really worry about bringing her back into work, but if I put the pressure on, she thrives on it.” They are pictured with Laura Cooper of TopSpec.
Rose Foley with Jade Struthers’
Beth Miller with Pam Murphy’s
Lucy Bridgwater with her own
Violet Hawkins with Alex
Right: Runner-up was Young Rider Rose Foley with Jade Struthers’ Suarez, having made the trek down from Scotland to Somerford. The combination have been together since the beginning of the year, and have already tasted success at the U25 Championships.
HorseQuest Elementary Gold
"HE'S A CHARACTER, BUT JUST THE NICEST!" – Sarah Ingham on Mowgli
Right: Sarah Ingham and Michele Wyatt’s Mowgli S came out on top of 30 combinations in the HorseQuest Elementary Gold, scoring 73.563% to take the win in a competitive class where the top seven riders finished on 70%+.
It was a successful week for the pair, who had also finished third in the TopSpec Medium Gold Championship the day before.
Sarah said of her seven-year-old gelding, “He can be a cheeky monkey. He likes taking boots off in the field and that sort of thing. He's a character, but he's the sweetest horse, and just the nicest.”
HORSEQUEST ELEMENTARY GOLD
1. Sarah Ingham with Michele 73.56% Wyatt’s Mowgli S
2. Gracie Catling with Gaynor 73.09% Morris’s Fraithwens Wytske fan ter Lune
3. Alice Peternell with Kate 72.59% Pfistermuller’s Vespasiano
4. Hannah Biggs with the 72.34% Countess of Shaftesbury’s St Giles Fortune Cookie
5. Hayley Watson-Greaves
with her own Lamborghini
6. Jezz Palmer with Martin
Price’s Toddington Debut
7. Caroline Princz with Hilary 70.50% MacDonald’s KF Fuerst Dimaggio
8. Ella-Grace Dovey with David 69.87% Pincus’s Sheepcote Jackson
9. Jody Haswell with his own 69.81% Valentinio
10. Greg Sims with Rebecca 69.62% Hulme’s Faraldi
WINNER
Sarah Ingham and Mowgli S
Above: Gracie Catling took the runner-up slot with Gaynor Morris’ Fraithwens Wytske fan ter Lune, a nine-year old Friesian mare by Hessel 48.
HorseQuest Elementary Silver
Amy Foulstone was the winner of the HorseQuest Elementary Silver Championship on her lovely nine-year-old HHS Sterling (Heritage Fortunus x HHS Carlotta) with an amazing 71.031%. The pair are new to dressage, having come from a background of eventing. Amy has had HHS Sterling since he was just a three-year-old and the pair have been training with Becky Moody and have also done some test riding with Andrea Smith, “They were definitely key to our test and performance today.” They are pictured with Sarah Dye of HorseQuest.
WINNER
Amy Foulstone and HHS Sterling
HORSEQUEST ELEMENTARY SILVER
1. Amy Foulstone with her own HHS Sterling
2. Bethany Edginton with Karen Redfearn’s Nelson HD
3. Anna Burns with Jo Cooper’s San Isidro
4. Stephanie Graves with Wendy McKay’s Donna Danita
5. Charlotte Smithwhite with Katie Warner’s Active Nuvolari
6. Jennifer Blunt with Martin Collcott’s Dondolini
7. Lauren Aston with her own Free Flo
8. Rachel Gallop with Sara Gallop’s Sazzaro Ballante
9. Rebecca Stone with her own Fenton Fahrenheit
10. Sue Kiernan with her own Just Me
"IT'S REALLY SPECIAL WHEN ALL OUR HARD WORK PAYS OFF."
– Amy Foulstone
Right:
Left: Bethany Edgington and Karen Redfern’s Nelson HD (Incognito x Amulet) were close behind on 70.21% for second place.
Photo: A. Walas
a
of 74.185% but she almost didn’t make it down the centre line with the six-year-old, after a couple of hairy rides on arrival at the show. She commented, “He's a hot horse, and it's just getting his brain channelled where, yeah, he's working nicely,” adding, “To put that to bed, go in and win, makes it extra special.” She credited Lee Westaway, her Yard Manager, for being key to her making it into the white boards. They are
with Amy Pickard of Bettalife.
"HE'S A HOT HORSE, AND IT'S JUST GETTING HIS BRAIN CHANNELLED WHERE HE'S WORKING NICELY."
– Alice Peternell on Newton D
WINNER
Alice Peternell and Newton D
BETTALIFE NOVICE GOLD
Alice Peternell with her own Newton D
Darcas Lever with Nicola Keenan’s Savannah I
Robert Barker with Christine Kirk’s Licorno
Robyn Walker with the Countess of Shaftesbury’s St Giles Flamborghini
Anna Burns with Jo Cooper’s San Isidro
Bryony Goodwin with Alison Luscombe’s BB Florence
Sadie Smith with Peter Belshaw’s Times Oddjob
Kirstie Clarke with Susan Sutton’s Nono Secret
Robert Barker with Christine Kirk’s Kilian’s Bartholomew
Hannah Biggs with the Countess of Shaftesbury’s St Giles Fortune Cookie
Left: Darcas Lever and Nicola Keenan’s Savannah I took the runner-up slot, scoring 73.81%.
Right: Alice Peternell took the Bettalife Novice Gold title with Newton D on
score
pictured
"SHE'S
Bettalife Novice Silver
A TRUE SASSY DIVA MARE BUT SHE'S GOT A HEART OF GOLD."
– Lauren Aston on Free Flo
Right: It was a first time National Championship win for Lauren and her own Free Flo (Furst Romancier x Sandro Hit), as they beat 33 other competitors to win the Bettalife Novice Silver Championship, with an impressive score of 74.296%. Lauren, who has a full time job in marketing that she balances alongside competing, spoke of how it feels to have won a National title, “I’m really happy with her. Like everyone else it’s a huge amount of work that goes in, and for it to come off on this day in particular is really special. So I'm really happy.”
Lauren Aston and Free Flo
Brown and Sara Lucas’s SJL Bueno
Above: The RAF’s Flight Lieutenant Mandy Meikle took second place with her own Faside Sir Derry.
The Centre Line Preliminary Gold
THE CENTRE LINE PRELIMINARY GOLD
1. Jezz Palmer with Lucy Reynolds’ Olaf TC
2. George Blackburn with Tom Graham’s Faust V
3. Jezz Palmer with Tara Faulds’ Platinum SNW
4. Lara Edwards with her own Woodcroft Silvers Cassandro
5. Owen Davies with Roland Tong and Debbie Bates’ Anjah Valentine
6. Clara Withers with Rachel Withers’ Frazier
7. Marcin Stachurski with his own Crocket I
8. Alice Peternell with Sarah Hodgson’s Bolero
9. Lara Edwards with her own Beaumont Franziska
10. Matthew Procter with James Wolfenden’s Powered by First Dance
WINNER
Jezz Palmer and Olaf TC
“I CAME WITH A FOCUS THAT HE COULD WIN AND I'M REALLY LUCKY THAT IT CAME OFF.” – Jezz Palmer
“I
Lucy
him, and we found him as a four-year-old. He cantered on this hind leg that just sort of snapped up underneath him. I was like, ‘I think we found our one’.” Jezz also attributed his success to Dannie Morgan, who is his vital ‘eyes on the ground’.
Below: George Blackburn took the runner up slot with Tom Graham's Faust V, a five-year-old Franziskus x DiMaggio gelding, scoring 75.97%.
Left: Riding the five-year-old, Olaf TC, (Kevin x Ravel) owned by Lucy Reynolds, Jezz Palmer took the Preliminary Gold title with 77.241%, also placing third with the four-year-old Platinum SNW. Jezz recounted,
went to Holland with
Reynolds, who owns
The Centre Line Preliminary Silver
WINNER
Lauren Burrows and High Hoes Esquisse
Above: Lauren Burrows riding the five-year-old High Hoes Esquisse was crowned champion in The Centre Line Preliminary Silver Championship with a score of 77.414%. Hampshire-based Lauren purchased High Hoes Esquisse (Escalito x Loudabilis) as an unbacked three-year-old and has been working with Dannie Morgan to back the mare and get her going. Lauren commented, “She only started competing at the beginning of the year and was actually quite tricky, it took a while for me to even get around the edge of an arena, so we’ve come a long way. The National title is completely unexpected, but it feels amazing!” They are pictured with Clare Hubbard of The Centre Line.
"THE NATIONAL TITLE IS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED, BUT IT FEELS AMAZING!”
– Lauren Burrows
THE CENTRE LINE PRELIMINARY SILVER
1. Lauren Burrows with her own High Hoes Esquisse
Victoria Murray with Esther Horsfall’s Linck GE
Imogen Swaan with Antonia Brown’s Vic S
Imogen Swaan with Antonia Brown and Sara Lucas’s Peaky Blinder
Daisy Hedges with Paul Critchell’s Felicia V
Emma Flaxman with her own Lopez II
Imogen Swaan with her own Upgrade James VH
Zoe Archer with her own Hallslake Aurora
Regan Lloyd with Kacey Leathers’ Mayon de Jeu
Heather Wallace with Claire Dutton’s Icoon II
Above: Victoria Murray and Esther Horsfall’s Linck GE took the runner-up slot with another excellent score, 76.55%.
KBIS British Dressage Young Horse Championships
KBIS YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS
1. Jezz Palmer with Martin Price’s Premier
2. Katie Owens with Kate Whitehead’s Florisemo
3. Beth Bainbridge with Elite Stallions’ Galaxico
4. Jezz Palmer with Tara Faulds’ Platinum SNW
5. Sadie Smith with Sarah Tyler-Evans' River Rise Pizzazz
6. Sarah Higgins with Mount St John Equestrian’s MSJ Evolution
7. Jessica McConkey with her own St Giles Gatsby
8. Sadie Smith with her own TLH First of May
9. Anna Burns with Becky Moody’s Duende Roo
10. Bea Snudden Burnham with Sara Douglas’s Popeye VZH
WINNER
Jezz Palmer and Premier
Left: Jezz Palmer rode the extremely talented Premier (First Date x Govenor) owned by Martin Price, to win the KBIS Young Dressage Horse Four-Year-Old final with an incredible score of 90.00. The young gelding impressed judge Isobel Wessels and trainer judge Spencer Wilton, to score 9 for their ‘way of going’ and a 9.5 for the ‘general impression’, the only four-year-old to achieve scores of 9 or above. Four-year-olds were assessed on the test alone for the first time this year. Reflecting on his outstanding score Jezz said, “He was so chilled, he felt so good and through his body. I had Dannie Morgan helping me in the warm up, and we thought he felt and looked great, so we left him.” Jezz has been riding Premier for just over a year, after going to Holland to buy him and competed the bay gelding at the Ermelo Young World Breeding Championships. They are pictured with KBIS ambassador Lewis Robertson- Carrier and judge Isobel Wessels.
WINNER
Ashley Jenkins and Game On I
Left: Ride judge Alexander HarrisonWest assesses
runner-up MSJ Dutchess
Above: Game On I (Governer x Sir Donnerhall), ridden by Ashley Jenkins, followed on from his victory in 2023’s Four-Year-Old Championship and won the KBIS Young Dressage Horse Five-Year-Old final. The gelding impressed judge Christine Prip, trainer judge Gareth Hughes and riding judge Alexander Harrison-West. In the national test for five-year-olds the previous day, the combination scored 90.000, securing them a place in the final. The liver chestnut is a homebred, and owner Nicola Mahoney also bred his dam Stella, making his success even more special.
KBIS
YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE-YEAR-OLDS
1. Ashley Jenkins with Nicola Mahoney’s Game On I
2. Amy Woodhead with Emma Blundell’s MSJ Dutchess
3eq Gijs van Vooren with Judith Davis’s Hawtins Brunelli
3eq Charlotte Dicker with Jennie Loriston-Clarke's Catherston Zahara
KBIS British Dressage Young Horse Championships
WINNER
Right: Della Ballerina (Destacado x Weltmeyer), ridden and owned by Alicia Lee, was crowed the 2024 KBIS Young Dressage Horse Six-Year-Old Champion. Alicia, who has owned Bella from a foal and produced her right from the beginning, commented on how the mare felt “so confident and proud” in front of the grandstands. “She didn’t once feel nervous or shy.”
In the final, the stunning chestnut, bred by Christian Heinrich, was ridden by rider judge Alexander HarrisonWest, who when speaking to the crowd about his first impressions of the mare said, “She is a lovely willing mare, really easy to ride and very free and established for this age.”
Alicia Lee and Della Ballerina
"SHE'S A LOVELY, WILLING MARE."
– Ride judge Alexander Harrison-West on Della Ballerina
Right: The stunning seven-year-old mare Magic Dream (Governer x Swarovski), ridden by Becky Moody, scored her first victory of a highly successful show by winning the Young Horse Seven-Year-Old Final. Jo Cooper’s chestnut KWPN received 78.450% from judges Richard Baldwin, Spencer Wilton and Nick Burton.
Becky and the talented Magic Dream have had success throughout the Young Horse Classes in each age category.
Magic Dream has shown her potential from a young age and Becky stated she is, “super excited for her, I think she is a special horse." She is hoping that she will follow on the footsteps of her other ride, James Bond who also won the seven-year-old final three years ago, “hopefully in three years she will also be at Grand Prix” added Becky.
KBIS YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS SEVEN-YEAR-OLDS
1. Becky Moody with Jo Cooper’s Magic Dream
2. Kate Cowell with her own and Trish Andrews’ Samarkand
3. Dannie Morgan with Kristina Rausing’s Vive la Reinne VH
4. Robert Barker with Isobel Wessels’ Rioverdi
5. Tom Goode with Emile Faurie’s Frankie PS
6. Holly Bates with her own Hillgrounds Feinline
7. Daniel Bremner with his own Monet X
8. Jayne Turney with Shirley Rixon’s Penhaligon Freigeist
9. Thomas Bobis with Deborah Gonzalez’ Micquina TF
10. Charlotte Dicker with Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Sarah Marks’
Catherston Tarantella
KBIS YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS SIX-YEAR-OLDS
1. Alicia Lee with her own Della Ballerina
2. Jody Haswell with his own Valentinio
3eq Calum Whitworth with Fenella Quinn’s Neverland MFS
3eq Michael Eilberg with Jackie Jordan’s New Secret
WINNER
Becky Moody and Magic Dream
Rothera Bray Under 21
"THE SWEETEST HORSE THAT ALWAYS WANTS ATTENTION."
– Ella-Grace Dovey describes Sheepcote Jackson
Right: European
Champion Ella-Grace Dovey and David Pincus’ 11-year-old gelding Sheepcote Jackson rose to victory in the Rothera Bray Under 21 Children on Horses Championship with a top score of 76.925%.
At home Sheepcote Jackson is described as “the sweetest horse that always wants more attention. He’s really funny because he doesn’t like you spending time with any other horse.” The duo has only been a partnership for four months and they now aim to contest the Aachen Young Stars Children on Horses classes over Christmas to complete their time in this age category, but in the meantime, they plan to work on changes to go out at Juniors next year.
WINNER
Ella Grace Dovey and Sheepcote Jackson
ROTHERA BRAY U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS CHILDREN ON HORSES
Abigail describes her win as “really incredible, it is a dream come true and I’m so grateful to George for trying his hardest. He loves hacking and competing, he’s such a showman. He’s a really big foodie, his favourite treat is bananas.”
This is Abigail's last year with George, as she reaches the top of the age bracket. She plans to enjoy the rest of her time with him and hopes to compete in Juniors next year.
ROTHERA BRAY U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS PONY
Left: In the Pony Championship, it was a spectacular win for Abigail Gray and her own George Clooney B.S with a score of 73.857%.
WINNER
Myles Graham and Nibley Union Hit
ROTHERA BRAY U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS JUNIOR
1. Myles Graham with Caroline Bell’s Nibeley Union Hit 71.36%
2. Sofia Games with Leslie Forlee’s Boccelli 6 69.79%
3. Isabella Caldwell with Katie Caldwell’s Don Geniro
4. Megan Field with her own Bright Time
Right: Scoring 69.363%, Morgan Haerr and her own Behroez were crowned winners in the Rothera Bray Under 21 Young Riders Championship. At 18.3hh, Morgan admitted it’s not always been easy with her tall gelding, “There have definitely been some ups and downs because he’s such a big horse, especially those eight metre circles, but I feel like we’re finally starting to get them.” They are pictured with Judge Pam Bushell.
"JUST AN OUTSTANDING MARE."
– Myles Graham on Nibeley Union Hit
ROTHERA BRAY U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS
YOUNG RIDER
1. Morgan Haerr with her own Behroez
2. Daisy Hills with her own Midtgaards Gijon
in the
with a fantastic score of 71.364%. The combination have been together for three years and have had great success so far including attending three European Championships with three medals. Myles describes her as “just an outstanding mare.”
WINNER
Morgan Haerr and Behroez
Left: Junior team stalwart Myles Graham and the 17-year-old mare Nibeley Union Hit secured the win
Rothera Bray Under 21 Junior Championship
WINNER
Jemima Green and Fantabulous
Equissage Pulse Para Gold Championships
Left: The Equissage Pulse Para Gold Grade II Champion was awarded to Jemima Green with her own sixyear-old Fantabulous, who won with a score of 66.333%. Their partnership began when Fantabulous was a four-year-old, and after doing some competitions with Anna Miller as a five-year-old, Jemima started competing him as a six-year-old and is aiming for overseas competitions next year.
EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRADE 2
1. Jemima Green with her own Fantabulous 66.33%
2. Julie Payne with Cornelia Cook’s Divinity 64.94%
3. Natasha Adkinson with her own 64.27% Sweet Caledonia
Fiona
with a brilliant score of 69.234%.
Fiona commented she was “really pleased” with the 13-year-old gelding, “his canter work was brilliant, he felt like he had good power but for his trot work I tried a little bit too hard, and we had a little mistake in the medium trot.”
WINNER
Fiona Maynard and Denver IX
Describing the stunning gelding as a very “in tune horse,” Fiona explained that her favourite part of the test was the canter work, “he felt like he was really listening.”
EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRADE 1
1. Susanna Wade with Ami Mclean’s Premier
Elan Williams with Sara Jones-Williams' WSH
WINNER
Susanna Wade and Premier Royal Mint
Susanna Wade and Ami McLean’s Premier Royal Mint won the Equissage Pulse Grade I Para Gold Final, with an amazing score of 70.00%. Susanna, who trains with Spencer Wilton, described her 17-yearold gelding, ‘Zamba’ as he is known at home, as “the ultimate gentleman” Susannah explained, “he really looked after me and did an awesome job.” Looking ahead at what is next for the two of them, “we are heading to the Wellington CPDI in October this year and then we will have a break until next year,” Susanna said. “Then hopefully we will be in contention for the Europeans next year.”
EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRADE 3
1.
EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRADE 4
1. Fiona Maynard with her own Denver IX 69.23% 2. Katie Radzik with her own Showkia 68.10% 3. Sara Bates with Jessica Pritchard’s Socrates
4. Sara Bates with Patty Allen’s Solo Hit
EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRADE 5
1. Alice Begg with her own 67.76% Gluckauf
2. Liz McBurney with her 62.63% own Bangalore C
WINNER
Alice Begg and Gluckauf
Left: Alice Begg and her own Gluckauf won the Equissage Pulse Para Gold Grade 5 Championship with a great score of 67.763%. Alice spoke to us about her favourite moments during her test, “it was probably my left walk pirouette, I’ve tried very hard to get that and we got an 8 for that movement, so I was very happy with that.”
WINNER
Left:
Right: Katie Reilly riding the 11 year-old gelding Impuilz W, owned by Karen Reilly, won the Equissage Pulse Para Gold Grade 3 championship with an excellent score of 67.667% from the three judges in the LeMieux Arena.
Left:
Maynard riding her own Denver IX won the Equissage Pulse Para Gold Grade IV championship
Katie Reilly and Impuilz W
Out About
at the LeMieux Nationals!
Above: Our Olympic, Paralympic and Youth teams gathered together for a Parade of Champions to celebrate their outstanding success this year.
Below: The essential 'engine' behind the results – score verifiers Diane Miller and Gloria Harrison.
Below: FEI judge Clive Halsall and BD List one judge Leanne Wall enjoying officiating at the show.
Below: Becky Moody (centre) with her family and friends enjoying the LeMieux party.
Below: Laura Tomlinson (left) and Natasha Baker took part in one of the popular Fan Zone sessions, discussing how to juggle motherhood with competing.
Right: Laura Tomlinson presented two highly popular masterclasses at the show, giving her home-bred six-yearold Vermicelli a great experience in front of the crowds on the sunny Saturday afternoon.
Below: Music at the LeMieux Welcome party was provided by local students Zack & Gracie, who are currently studying A-Level music at Sir John Deane's Six Form College in Northwich.
IMAGES: KEVIN SPARROW PHOTOGRAPHY AND JASMINE PUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Sophie
delivered an
performance to win freestyle bronze with the Lady Joseph Trust’s LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (St Schufro x Gribaldi).
A beautiful test by Sophie and the mare, who is just eight years old, with just a small but costly anticipation in one of the simple changes, was awarded a score of 75.445%, behind Belgium’s Michele George and Best of 8 (81.470%) and Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s (80.100%).
and the experienced
Athene
It was an accurately
performance
KEVIN SPARROW PHOTOGRAPHY AND KIM C LUNDIN
From Paris with medals
British riders shone brightly at the Para Equestrian Dressage in Paris bringing home seven medals.
In the inspirational arena at the Chateau de Versailles, the Freestyle competition which rounded off the Games saw Great Britain as the only nation to have four athletes on the podium.
Below left: Freestyle Bronze brings Sophie’s total to 10 Paralympic medals. “It was amazing to ride in the arena again. I went in and thought, ‘This is the last time,’ so I want to enjoy it, but also not relax too soon. I’m proud that some of my family are here. I’ve got a lot of friends, and they got to see it too.”
Below right: “It’s been incredible to finally be able to say that I’m a Paralympian,” said Mari, who began riding aged three but since her condition deteriorated regards horses as her ‘legs’.
Above: Georgia Wilson and Geoff and Julie Wilson’s Sakura (Supertramp x Rockstar), who made their Paralympic debut in Tokyo, scored a new PB of 79.374% to take silver behind the USA’s Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes (81.994%) and ahead of Heidemarie Dresing and Dooloop who took bronze for Germany with 76.127%. Georgia rode to the Piano Guys compilation that she presented at the European Championships in Riesenbeck last summer, and it suits 10-year-old mare Sakura’s personality to a tee.
Below: Natasha Baker and the 13-year-old Dimaggio-sired mare Dawn Chorus, owned by Joanna Jensen, Christian Landolt, Phil and Lorraine Baker and Natasha, performed a beautifully executed programme accompanied by a collection of popular Cher and Shania Twain hits to earn 77.140% and claim the bronze medal in the Grade III Freestyle.
Above left: It was Natasha’s first Games since giving birth to one-year-old son Joshua, and she said: “I always wanted to come here, and it was going to be a bit of a mission, probably a naive mission, to get here. But I’ve managed it and picked up two medals along the way.”
Above right: Georgia has an impressive tally of medals already in her trophy cabinet and she said: “It’s amazing. I didn’t expect to come here and medal. To break out of the bronzes and to get to take a silver back home to Wales is just incredible.”
Right:
Wells
exquisite
Below: Paralympic debutant Mari Durward-Akhurst
mare
Lindebjerg, owned by Diane Redfern, Nick Durward-Akhurst and her trainer Rob Waine achieved a fabulous bronze medal.
ridden
set to music from Pirates of the Caribbean and Pearl Harbor for a tremendous score of 77.747%.
IMAGES:
left: Georgia earned her second Individual Paralympic bronze and said: “I’m over the moon. The competition in Grade 2 is really high, but it’s exciting [for the sport]. That arena is so special, and Suki loves an atmosphere, so I had the confidence to go in there.”
Above right: Natasha Baker successfully returned to the Olympic stage with her Tokyo 2020 partner Dawn Chorus. Though the heavens opened during their performance, Natasha smiled through the rain and showed her class as a four-time Paralympian riding to a superb 73.167% in the Grade 3 Grand Prix A test. “It’s quite a big atmosphere here and she’s never been into anything like that. In Tokyo, there were obviously no crowds, no audience, so I didn’t know how she’d react, but she was such a star.”
Right: Her equine partner may be one of the most experienced mares on the circuit and Mari Durward-Akhurst made a magnificent debut, presenting Athene Lindebjerg beautifully in front of the Palace of Versailles. Mari’s Grade 1 Grand Prix A test was characterised by a beaming smile and a balanced, big, bold walk tour with her outstanding horse, who’s previously partnered para dressage greats Sophie Christiansen and Julie Payne. Their harmonious effort produced a score 71.792%, for sixth place in a really competitive class of 22.
Above: After 20 months away from the white boards to have her baby, Natasha took individual bronze, and paid tribute to her mum Lorraine Baker, trainer Lisa Hopkins and husband Marc Jaconelli for helping her to get back in the saddle.
Right: ‘Silent applause’ was the order of the day for Grade I and Grade II competitors with plenty of appreciation for Mari from the British camp.
: Georgia
with abundant confidence and skill
produce 73.414% joining gold medal winner Fiona Howard (USA) and Katrine Kristensen (DEN) on the Grade 2 podium.
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION
The first phase of the Para Equestrian events in Paris was the individual competition, also the qualifier for the Freestyle. Against the fabulous backdrop of the Palace, some strong scores gave an early indication of the incredibly high standard.
Left: Sophie Wells, making her fourth consecutive Games appearance for ParalympicsGB, gave the impressive young mare LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (St Schufro x Gribaldi) a confidence-giving ride on the horse’s debut Games. Sophie showed all her class as a rider to give eight-year-old ‘Diana’, owned by The Lady Joseph Trust, a lovely experience on the biggest stage of her career so far to earn 72.257% in the Grade 5 Grand Prix A test for Individual bronze.
Above: Sophie and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa enjoying their podium moment with team saddler Mark Fisher and groom Beth Revill. Of the talented mare, Sophie said: “I’m just so proud of her. I mean, she’s eight years old, she’s an incredible horse, and I know she will be the best horse in the world at some point.”
Above
Below
Wilson rode
at her second Paralympics with Sakura to
TEAM COMPETITION
A
hugely competitive team test day saw Team USA rise to the top of the podium for the first time, with a valiant effort by the British trio claiming sixth place.
Right: Sophie Wells brought her youthful yet talented partner The Lady Joseph Trust’sLJT Egebjerggards Samoa forward for the Grade 5 Grand Prix B test. Sophie rode with plenty of tact and skill to ensure that the mare gained confidence from the experience in front of a bustling Versailles audience. Their test was rewarded with 70.895%, with the highlights well praised and the small moments of excitement well-managed by Sophie.
Sophie’s achievements with ‘Diana’ are even more remarkable considering that the mare was originally selected as direct reserve for her Tokyo ride, Don Cara M, sadly sidelined due to a minor veterinary issue.
Below: The victorious USA on the top step of the team podium with Silver medallists the Netherlands and Germany in Bronze.
Left: Natasha’s supporters during her test: (l-r) Mari DurwardAkhurst, one year-old-son Joshua in the arms of husband Marc
Above: Natasha Baker produced a Grade 3 Grand Prix B test that was quite outstanding; the harmony between Natasha and her Dimaggio-sired Dawn Chorus is plain for all to see and the quality of work they produced in front of the Palace of Versailles was admirable. The judges rewarded their performance with a fantastic 75.367% – Britain’s highest contributing team score of the day.
“I’m so thrilled with her. She went in there and she just grew in confidence from the individual day and I could ask for a little bit more, hence the two percent increase in score,” said Natasha.
Above: Already a Grade 2 Individual medallist by the day of the team test, Georgia Wilson with Geoff and Julie Wilson and her ownSakura proved once again to be great team members, delivering 73.300% for a really well executed, accurate and enjoyable test. Georgia’s ability to perform under pressure was truly under the microscope and she more than lived up to the occasion.
“I’m feeling a bit relieved,” she said afterwards. “We produced some really nice work.”
Jaconelli, Georgia Wilson and Sophie Wells.
OIT TAKES A VILLAGE
ne of the many high points of the Paris Games was that competitors were able to have their families, friends and supporters back with them once again after the Covid restrictions on Tokyo.
Above left: Showing the importance of the arena familiarisation as TV cameras loom over Georgia and Suki.
Above right: Mari Durward-Akhurst and her personal coach Rob Waine take Athene Lindebjerg in for the arena familiarisation.
Left: Sophie catches up with coach Angela Weiss. Above: No doubt which rider and nation this fan club had come to see!
Above: Multi-talented Para rider Erin Orford who not only produced Sophie Wells’ Freestyle music but also commentated for Channel 4.
Left: Sophie Wells supporters ready for her test with their flags.
Forage matters
Struggling to nd good forage this year, or wondering why your horse won’t eat it?
With such patchy summer weather in the UK, it’s been a challenging time for anyone making hay or haylage. It is frustrating, and quite worrying, when you buy the best you can, but your horse doesn’t do as well on it as they should. So what can you do?
When it has been such a difficult year weather-wise, looking to buy from a supplier who understands the equine market, and has enough machinery to be able to work quickly in short weather windows is a good start.
Director of HorseHage regional producer Fox Feeds Ltd Mark Watson specialises in forage crops and grass drying, and while he had reasonable weather on-farm in Hertfordshire, he says being ahead before the weather turned was a big advantage. “We are also set up to produce hundreds of tonnes in a day. Our whole system is geared up to make good forage, and we do have a ‘safety valve’ of growing more grass than we need, so any which isn’t right goes to an AD plant or to the cows next door.”
Emma Penny asks the experts what to look for and how to make the best of it this winter.
He produces small bales in the field, which are taken into the farm’s bagging plant and extruded into their double-lined bags. These have a patented seal on the bottom which lets air escape as the grass ferments. “This makes it more stable and it lasts longer in the bag,” he explains. At the opposite end of the country, Aberdeenshire farmer Fraser Mackintosh is another who is geared up to make the most of short weather windows when he cuts 500 acres for hay for his Ugie Valley Feeds business. “We produce big bales initially, taking them straight into our biomass-
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IMAGES: HORSEHAGE, SARACEN HORSE FEEDS
FUSSY FEEDER OR DENTAL ISSUES?
If your horse struggles to consume enough long-stem forage, a forage replacer can help, such as soft chopped chaffs (pictured right), and soaked fibres such as beet pulp and grass pellets.
Saracen’s Iona Robinson adds: “Combinations of these forage replacers need to be fed at the same rate as long-stem forage to support maintenance of body condition and digestive health.”
They can be mixed and fed in a large bucket, or different forage replacers and longstem forage options placed in various areas around the stable or paddock to provide choice and promote typical grazing behaviours.
PICTURED
Below left: Get your hay or haylage analysed when changing suppliers or if you are concerned about quality.
powered drying plant to blow air through them and dry the hay. We sell some big bales and rebale into smaller bales too –drying means we produce a nice green hay.”
Both Mark and Fraser grow grass specifically for their forage crops.
Fraser adds:
“We use a Timothy and ryegrass
mix, with no clover as it tends to turn black more quickly, and it doesn’t get much fertiliser as that can lead to leafy, ‘soapy’ hay.”
Mark’s in-house quality manager carries out regular moisture tests and batch analysis, as well as ensuring everything complies with NOPS; there is a stringent focus on quality, he says.
Getting your own haylage and hay analysed is straightforward (see panel), says Iona Robinson, technical nutrition coordinator for Saracen Horse Feeds. She advises testing when changing supplies, or where there’s any concern about its nutritional or hygienic quality.
“Testing is becoming more widely understood and recommended in the equine industry, but still only a small percentage of horse owners routinely do it. Analysis is the only way to truly know the nutritional quality of your forage and allows nutritionists to make more informed decisions when devising a ration.”
While this year’s samples haven’t shown much variation on previous years, there is a wide variation in the quality of samples. “This highlights the importance of getting your forage analysed.
“When we receive forage analysis results, a member of the nutrition team will look at these values against the ‘typical ranges’ for that type of forage. If a ration is working well for a horse, and their forage falls within the typical range, it is unlikely that the current diet will be changed, as the ration will have been based on what we consider ‘average forage’.
“If any of the values lie outside of the typical range, at this stage we can then look further into the contribution of the forage to the whole diet. In most cases, if the horse is receiving the recommended rate of a fully fortified feed or ration balancer, they will still be meeting their nutrient requirements, even on a lowquality hay.
“For most yards, once a forage sample has been sent for analysis, the owner or yard will have already purchased their forage and will have to use it regardless of the forage analysis results. So, if any key components come back as low on the
forage report, it is our job to recommend suitable feeds or supplements to ensure that nutrient requirements are met.”
NAF senior nutritionist Kate Hore is a keen advocate of analysis, adding that owners will often be concerned about bucket feeds, but forget about forage, which is the biggest part of the diet.
“What’s in the soil goes into the grass, hay or haylage, so if your soil is deficient in a particular nutrient, your forage will be too.
“Selenium, for instance, is commonly low in the west of the UK, but is important for muscle function. Zinc is sometimes deficient on the south coast or the East of England, and you may get pockets of other deficiencies. They are becoming more of an issue with increasing rainfall leaching nutrients from the soil, so feeding a vitamin and mineral balancer is important.”
This summer’s rain will also have increased the risk of mycotoxins proliferating in forage and feed, she says. “These are perfectly natural and very common – they are essentially moulds. They can be very obvious – or not, which means they can be an invisible threat.
“They can be tested for, and I would
If your soil is de cient in a particular nutrient, your forage will be too.
be surprised to find forage without any. The issue is that we don’t know what a ‘safe’ level of mycotoxins is for horses. The symptoms could be representative of almost anything – poor performance, lethargy, a change in droppings and so on.
FORAGE ANALYSIS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Saracen offers three options for forage analysis, explains Iona Robinson, Technical Nutrition Coordinator. The most basic analysis, to get a general idea of the forage nutritional quality, is Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR), which includes:
• Dry matter (DM) represents everything in the forage sample other than water. It is recommended that no less than 1.5% of the horse’s bodyweight is fed in forage on a DM basis.
• Protein – naturally variable and influenced by grass species.
• Ash – reflects total mineral content.
• ADF and NDF – measures of the fibrous components of forage and used as indicators of forage quality. NDF represents the total fibre content. Forages with an NDF over 65% are likely to have a poor intake and are not considered suitable for horses. ADF is an indicator of digestibility. Forages with a lower ADF value are easier to digest; those
“If nothing else, I would recommend putting horses on a good gut product which contains pre- and post-biotics and something like bentonite clay or psyllium husks so you are covering all of the challenges to the digestive system.”
less than 40% are suitable for horses.
• Sugar – total natural sugars found in the forage.
• Digestible energy (DE) – unit of measure for the forage’s energy or calorific value.
Another analysis option is for dietary minerals. This test provides information about the mineral content of the forage and will include DM, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride and more. “This test is mostly used by our Thoroughbred racing and breeding stock clients. However, we also recommend it if owners have any concerns about certain deficiencies, or if ash comes back as low on the NIR test. This test allows us to ensure that all essential mineral requirements are being met through the whole diet,” says Iona.
The third test indicates the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) level, which includes fructans and the simple sugars sucrose, glucose, and fructose. It is recommended to determine whether a forage batch is suitable for horses with or at greater risk of metabolic issues such as laminitis.
PICTURED Above left: No less than 1.5% of a horse’s bodyweight should be fed in forage on a dry matter basis, indicated by forage analysis. Above right: Leading forage producers grow grass specifically for haylage. Below inset: HorseHage is packed in double lined bags, with a special design to help the forage last longer in the bag.
HAY AND FORAGE
NAF FIVE STAR GASTRIAID is a daily supplement for total gut health. With seasonal changes occurring dietary support is often required. Feeding GastriAid around the change provides targeted gut support. GastriAid contains Five Star BioG, our blend of pre-, pro- and post-biotics designed to support the good bacteria, along with total gut support to help balance pH levels and promote nutrient uptake.
RRP: from £39.99 for 1.8kg | naf-equine.eu/uk
SUPER FIBRE CUBES are a fully fortified, high fibre cube ideal for those that require a low sugar, low starch diet, particularly good doers, those at risk of laminitis and the ulcer prone. Formulated on superior super fibre sources that are easily digestible, they can be used as a partial hay replacer, and as a dust free ration to help maintain respiratory health.
RRP: £15.49 for 20kg | saracenhorsefeeds.com
HORSLYX MOBILITY BALANCER can be fed alongside good quality forage to help provide balanced nutrition in a convenient, palatable lick format. It ensures optimal health and performance for horses by addressing nutrient deficiencies and promoting joint health and mobility.
RRP: from £21.24for 5kg horslyx.com
HAPPY HOOF MOLASSES FREE is a low calorie fibre blend with garlic and oil and no added sugar. It contains biotin to support hoof health, at 15mg per 3kg serving and can be used as a total hay replacer.
RRP: £17.95 for 20kg | spillers-feeds.com
SPEEDY-MASH FIBRE helps keep horses hydrated and digestive systems healthy. High in fibre, low in starch and molasses free and can be used as a partial or total hay replacer.
RRP: £15.65 for 20kg | spillers-feeds.com
DENGIE PURE GRASS is a natural blend of chopped Britishgrown grasses. Soft, easy to chew, rich in highly digestible fibre and naturally sweet. Flexible to feed; Pure Grass can be added to the bucket feed or offered as a complete or partial forage replacer. Ideal for supplementing poor or limited grazing.
RRP: from £18.65 for 15kg | dengie.com
TOPSPEC FIBREPLUS CUBES are ideal for good-doers or as a hay replacer. Cereal grainfree, very low in starch and sugar, non-heating and contains good quality protein sources to help maintain muscle function and repair. The highly digestible fibre in these cubes is a food source for the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, helping maintain a healthy digestive system.
RRP: £16.40 for 20kg | topspec.com
FAST FIBRE is the original high-fibresoaked feed trusted by thousands of owners for more than 15 years! Ideal for the good doer or those who tend to be excitable even on low energy feeds. The high fibre and low starch and low sugar content makes Fast Fibre suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. Fast Fibre is also suitable for horses and ponies with dental problems and can be fed as a partial hay replacer.
RRP: from £18.50 | allenandpage.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, palatable forage, excellent for traveling and convenient for stabling away from home.
RRP: £10.25 for 20kg | horsehage.co.uk
NATURAL MEADOW COBS contain naturally occurring meadow grasses, wildflowers and herbs and are high in fibre, yet low in starch, sugars and calories. Designed to be soaked before feeding, they can be fed as a total forage replacement, to older equines with poor dentition, or as a healthy additional fibre source for a wide range of horses and ponies. They’re also ideal for boosting fibre intake and offering variety, especially during the winter months when access to grazing is limited.
RRP: £21.50 for 20kg | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
Renting it right
Leasing an equine property is a common way to run a training or livery business. Catherine Angrave and Phillip Heseltine, Partners at Rothera Bray Solicitors, look at some of the legal issues concerning equine leases.
What are the essentials that should be included in a commercial lease when you are looking to lease a property to run your business?
• Rent and how this is paid – include rent review provisions (if any)
• Length of term – also seek to ensure the right to security of tenure
• The option to terminate the lease early if required
• The extent of the repairing obligation
• If alterations to the existing layout or the construction of something new, e.g. stables/arena are required, whether the lease permits this
• The ability to sublet or transfer the whole or part of the lease if required
• The condition in which the property must be left at termination of the lease
Can the landlord specify how the property is used e.g. for training only and not liveries? How do you approach this if you want to change your business focus during the lease term?
Within the lease there will be a definition of ‘Permitted Use’ which sets out what the property can be used for. The use will be limited to a certain extent and careful consideration should be given to these provisions prior to completion.
It may be possible to change the permitted use of the property mid-term, but this may be subject to planning permission and the landlord’s prior consent. This could also impact on the rent payable under the lease.
Can someone who is leasing a property sub-let part of it to another party, for example if some of the grazing is no longer required or by renting out a few unused stables?
Only if the lease permits this. Within the lease there will be provisions which confirm whether the property can be
sublet. If permitted, you may still require the consent of the landlord and for the sublease to incorporate specific terms as set out in the lease.
What should be specified in the commercial lease with regards to who pays for utilities and business rates (especially where there are other properties or businesses on the same site)?
The lease will confirm who is to pay for utilities and business rates, although it is normal for this to be the tenant’s responsibility.
It is important to pay only for the cost of the utilities and business rates for the property leased to you. Where there are other properties within the same building/estate, your contribution towards the costs should be proportionate and documented within the lease.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the property, especially when it comes to wear and tear or facilities such as a riding arena surface which need to be renewed periodically?
This depends on the extent of the repair clause and whether your lease is of the whole or only part of a building/area. It is common for leases of whole properties to be a ‘full repairing lease’ meaning you will be responsible for the repair of the whole of the building including the structure, whereas leases of part of properties are usually internal repairs only. Commonly a lease may require you to keep the property in good repair, with ‘keep’ deemed to include an obligation to ‘put’ something into repair, including any disrepair at the time of lease commencement. Responsibility for maintenance of the riding surface should be clarified and specified in the lease.
What should be included about accidental damage to the property?
Accidental damage will normally be covered by insurance of the property and will therefore fall outside a repairing obligation. The landlord will usually insure (and the tenant reimburse the premium) the property against loss or damage by the ‘Insured Risks’ (defined within the lease). Any damage not covered under the insurance policy
may therefore be your responsibility and you may wish to consider an exclusion in respect of uninsured risks.
What is the position with non-payment of rent, for example if the business is struggling financially?
The lease will include a forfeiture clause for non-payment of rent meaning where the whole or any part of the rent remains unpaid after a period (commonly 21 days), the landlord may repossess the property, and the lease then immediately ends. If the tenant has a guarantor, the landlord can call on them to pay the rent.
It is important to have upfront and open conversations with your landlord before rent arrears escalate. There may be rescheduling arrangements that can be agreed.
How do you allow for notice periods if one party wants to end the lease early?
If you wish to vacate the property mid-term, subject to the terms of the lease, this may only be by way of a transfer, sublease, or exercising a break right, unless you can negotiate a deed of surrender with the landlord (which may be subject to a surrender fee but which the landlord does not have to agree).
A break clause may allow either the landlord or tenant to terminate the lease early. The clause may be drafted to be exercisable on a specified date or at any time during the term on a rolling basis. You must ensure strict compliance with the notice provisions contained within the lease.
Within the lease there will be a de nition of ‘Permitted Use’ which sets out what the property can be used for.
In the unfortunate event that the person leasing the property passes away, do their dependents have any rights to take over the lease? Is this affected by whether the lease includes accommodation?
The below is a general rule and the provisions of the lease should be checked as the lease may account for this scenario.
One individual: the obligations under the lease pass to the tenant’s Personal Representatives.
Two or more individuals: it will depend on whether the lease was held as joint tenants or tenants in common.
The legal interest will pass to the surviving tenant, but the equitable interest will pass either by survivorship (joint tenants) or pursuant to the Will or intestacy rules i.e. to the deceased’s beneficiaries (tenants in common).
Company: this is a separate legal entity, and the death of a director does not of itself change the position of the company as tenant.
For more information contact www.rotherabray.co.uk Legal advice helpline: 0345 646 2122 or email us at: britishdressage@rotherabray.co.uk
Silver and Bronze Championships.
Left: Leonie Saffy was the highest-scoring rider of the 2024 Silver Championships, posting 72.544% aboard her eight-yearold mare Forrests Blackdiamond (Moorhey Tomahawk x Indoctro), known at home as Tia, to win the Grade 2 title.
Equissage Championships in pictures
Above: Alice Begg had a very successful show, winning the Equissage Pulse Grade 5 Silver title with her six-year-old mare Nalique (Ferdaux x Serano Gold), on 69.940%, as well as taking all three podium places in the Grade 5 Freestyle Silver. Nalique, once again, was her winning ride, topping the leaderboard on 75.167%.
“She loves her work, always tries and she takes everything in her stride – like she was born to do what she does,” said Alice.
The Equissage Pulse Para Championships , held at Hartpury in August, welcomed Britain’s top Silver and Bronze combinations as well as those competing in the Summer Para Freestyle Championships, the RDA Championships in association with British Dressage, and the inaugural Virtus classes for riders with intellectual impairments.
Below: Margaret Lupton took no fewer than three titles home to Dumfries and Galloway. With 16-year-old Domino XI, Margaret won the Grade 1 Silver, Grade 1 Bronze and Grade 1 Freestyle Bronze on scores of 67.500%, 68.070% and 67.667% respectively. “He enjoys it and really comes into his own at a competition,” said Margaret who had a 15-year career in Para Driving, competing both nationally and internationally, before taking up RDA dressage in 2011, then para dressage in 2022.
Pulse Para Silver and Bronze Championships.
Right: Alexandra Stewart, 18, and Beau VIII secured an impressive win in the Grade 3 Bronze. Alexandra piloted the 13-year-old Dutch mare to a score of 71.750% to win the class ahead of Kyla Mantilla Ross, who took second and third on Logantemple Blackjack (70.583%) and Libgate Spirit (68.250%) respectively.
Right inset: The Grade 5 Bronze crown was claimed by Harriet Williamson, 28, from London, and her nineyear-old KWPN gelding King D II (Fairytale x Voice) on just shy of 70%.
SILVER CHAMPIONS
BRONZE CHAMPIONS
Above: The winning round in the Grade 5 Freestyle Bronze was that of Mark Colvin and Knocknacree Bertie who posted 63.667% to land the win, ahead of Sarah Oram who completed the podium with Mylano and Captain Jack Sparrow, scoring 63.000% with both horses.
Below: Winners of the Grade 3 Silver last year, 17-year-old Jess Pritchard and lightweight show cob Cochrane fought off the opposition to retain their crown on a score of 70.635%.
Left: Staffordshire rider Frankie Buxton and her 12-year-old mare, Hera Buxton, posted 68.767% to comfortably win the Grade 4 Silver.
JASMINE PUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMER PARA FREESTYLE CHAMPIONS
Right: The highest-scoring win in the Equissage Pulse Para Freestyle Championships came courtesy of European Championship team and individual bronze medallists
Gabriella Blake and Strong Beau. Gabby, pictured with Sally Prichard of Equissage, rode Connemara gelding
‘Beau’ to an outstanding win on 79.167% in the Grade 1 Freestyle Gold.
Equissage Pulse Para Silver and Bronze Championships.
Below: For the second year, RDA Grade 6 and 7 riders enjoyed the opportunity to compete alongside the para dressage classes in a Championships run in association with British Dressage. Christie Brookin and Tynebank Danny Boy won the Grade 7 walk and trot test on an impressive 73.929%.
Left: The inaugural Virtus classes, for riders with an intellectual impairment, boasted a competitive field across the levels. Lincolnshire rider Danielle Curzon enjoyed an outstanding win in the Virtus Performance II
RRP: £399 | classicdressage.com
PEACHY BELTS handmade Italian leather belts with detachable buckles are a perfect present for breeches and jeans wearers - you can add a new buckle each season and they add some sparkle to your dressage test! All sizes, three widths and anything can be changed.
RRP: from £145 | peachybelts.co.uk
RRP: £106 | harryhall.com
RRP: £1067 for Sizes 36-46. Colour 7901 Navy or 9999 Black classicdressage.com
THE FINESSE CASSIDY SNAFFLE BRIDLE has been created with a specialised headpiece designed to distribute and reduce pressure on the poll, offering your horse superior comfort and fit. Featuring rolled leather straps, a padded noseband and a uniquely-designed fibre padding head piece allowing unhindered blood flow in the parts of the horse’s head in contact with the bridle.
THE EXTRAVAGANT BRIDLE by Schockemöhle
RRP: from £275.95 | schockemoehle-sports.com
PROTECHMASTA INFRARED THERAPY COOLER RUG combines FIR technology with lightweight and highly breathable mesh material to create a truly versatile cooler rug. This rug can be used for a multitude of uses from travel, after bathing, before or after exercise or as a lightweight stable sheet. Adjustable front clip fastening, cross surcingle’s and D-ring fittings on the neckline to attach optional neck cover.
CAVALLERIA TOSCANA TECH KNIT LADIES TAILCOAT offers freedom of movement via four-way stretch fabric coupled with UV protection, breathable and water repellent properties. Contrast fabric collar, piping and tail points, metallic logo buttons, a tonal bicep logo and removable bottom tail weights, producing an extremely elegant riding silhouette.
Sports, featuring a patent noseband with glitter piping and browband with large crystals is the perfect Christmas present. The anatomical noseband and the speciallydesigned headpiece offer optimum comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. The bridle is made of vegetable tanned soft Italian leather.
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Driving to the future
How sustainable is your horse transport? Jane Carley looks at what the industry is doing to develop net zero-friendly towing and lorry options and gets some advice on how you can make a difference now.
PICTURED
Below: Using EVs relies on being able to find suitable charging points.
It’s just over a year since the government announced its intention to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2035, as part of the pathway to achieving the UK’s net zero target. While there will obviously still be second hand vehicles available, the rise in used car prices during the Covid pandemic shows that any shortage of new vehicles can make second hand purchases prohibitively expensive.
Electric vehicle technology is currently the most commercially advanced alternative to combustion engines but juggling payload with the increased weight of batteries to keep to legal vehicle weights is a challenge for manufacturers and particularly relevant for horseboxes. The good news is that there are a number of developments in the pipeline, including from Equi-Trek.
Other avenues being explored by LGV manufacturers include using hydrogen as a fuel source, with fuelling technology being just one of the challenges.
Many businesses and individuals are looking at how electric vehicles would work for them and for anyone that has to tow a trailer, the question of suitability looms.
There is little independent research available, but the Caravan and Motorhome Club is one organisation that has conducted a number of trials on behalf of its members and worked closely with motor manufacturers.
Technical manager Martin Spencer comments: “In general, electric vehicles can make excellent towcars, with easy low-speed manoeuvrability, excellent hill starting capability and effortless power.
“However, only a few current models will have adequate towing limits for a horsebox defined by their manufacturers. Good examples would be the Audi Q6 e-tron (2000kg), the BMW iX (2500kg) and the Kia EV9 4x4 (2500kg). There’s no electric car currently available
PICTURED
Above inset: Bigger ‘workhorses’ such as the Land Rover Defender retain decent towing capacity in their hybrid versions.
PICTURED
The lorry park of the future? Electric power is probably the most commercially developed alternative fuel, but payloads and charging present challenges.
on the UK market which has a comparable towing limit to common large diesel 4x4s i.e. 3500kg. However, we are seeing towing limits gradually increase as new models come to market, plus there are a number of 4x4 and pickup models due to launch in the UK in the next 2-3 years which should all have generous towing limits.”
The term ‘range anxiety’ can now be found in the Cambridge Dictionary – the fear that an electric vehicle will not have enough battery charge to take you where you want to go. For most trailer owners the fear is real –one of the benefits of having your own horse transport is being able to go where you want to, when you want to. Running out of charge with a horse on board is not a pleasant thought.
Martin comments: “We find that when towing a caravan, the vehicle’s range is often halved compared to solo use. However, caravans are perhaps a ‘worst case’ in this regard, as they spend much of their journey times at relatively high steady speeds on motorways - a very challenging scenario for EV usage, as aerodynamic losses are high and there’s little or no energy recovery via regenerative braking.
Joanna Cundy-Brooke is one competitor who has gone down the plug-in hybrid route, and she says:
“As an amateur rider I compete around twice a month. My new horse is competing at preliminary and we travel around 30-45 minutes to our local venues. When looking for a new car I wanted to make sure that I had a towing capacity of around 2500kg and didn’t expect to find that in a plug-in hybrid.
“My Mazda MX-60 has 40 miles of range on electric and a petrol engine that tows well. With the Mazda towbar fitted by the dealer, the car automatically ‘knows’ you are towing and has a special mode which aids stability and automatically kicks in the petrol engine.
A correctly maintained trailer or horsebox will be cheaper to run.
motorways
It was reasonably priced and is very economical, so makes day-to-day driving affordable too!”
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
“Most horse trailers are probably a little more aerodynamic, travel less fast and spend a greater proportion of journeys on single carriageway roads where regenerative braking opportunities are greater. We would expect the range loss in such circumstances to be somewhat less, therefore, but we haven’t done any relevant testing which would enable it to be estimated, however.”
roads where regenerative braking would expect the range loss in such would enable it to be estimated, however.”
Charging the vehicle is another consideration, as he points out: “Charging at home is significantly cheaper than using public chargers, so if you have to use these, that can be a real disincentive to adopt this technology at present. Very few public charging points are designed to accommodate a vehicle towing a trailer, so longer journeys do require careful planning.”
Hybrids offer some of the advantages of a fully electric car (e.g. low speed manoeuvrability and hill starting) without the reliance on charging infrastructure or the range limitations. Towing limits vary from model to model, however, so always check to ensure the vehicle is rated for the use you need it for.
Land Rover’s vehicles have become renowned as reliable workhorses for equestrian tasks including towing, and a discussion with the team from dealer Sytner Knutsford representing the brand at the LeMieux National Championships reveals that its hybrids still retain decent towing capacity: the new Defender can tow 3500kg in its diesel format, reduced to 3000kg as plug-in hybrid.
Keeping running costs low not only stretches your budget but benefits the environment. Equi-Trek chief executive Tom Janion explains: “To keep maintenance costs low it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing. Always think ‘maintain not repair’ so that small things don’t become problems that are costly to repair. A correctly maintained trailer or horsebox will be cheaper to run.
“If you are towing, check your brakes and balance your load so that the trailer follows more easily.”
He adds: “At Equi-Trek we can also help with running costs as we offer the option for people to upgrade midcontract should circumstances change, so some people
PICTURED
Below right: Joanna Cundy-Brooke (pictured above) has gone down the hybrid route (inset) to transport her horses to shows. >
might have a trailer for a few months then decide they need a motorised horsebox.
Tom explains that how you drive can also save fuel. “Adjusting your driving style can help reduce fuel use whether you have a horsebox or a trailer. Gentle acceleration and early braking are key to better fuel economy, and choose your route accordingly. Keep windows closed to improve aerodynamics and turn off your air conditioning if possible.”
Tyre pressure can also influence fuel consumption, he points out. “Maintaining the recommended tyre pressures will ensure you get the most out of your tank of fuel. It will also help reduce wear and tear on the tyres which will also help them to last longer.”
Fuel economy is another area where a regular service and maintenance schedule can help reduce costs in the long run.
“Many of our Equi-Trek dealerships offer service and repair as well as annual trailer checks to help keep you on the road.”
SHARING IS CARING
Owning a horsebox is a significant step for riders but offers independence and flexibility that is hard to beat. However, there may be certain times at which you don’t use your transport that much – if your horse is off with an injury or is away for training.
Hiring a horsebox may work for some situations, but you could also reduce the impact of travel by sharing a lorry. This approach may also mean that you can afford a more modern and efficient vehicle, which also lowers your running costs. If you and the other party will frequently travel together, you’ll need to ensure that the payload is sufficient for the number of horses being carried, all your gear and at least one extra passenger, but that’s one horsebox travelling to the show rather than two!
Insurance needs to be considered, points out KBIS Equestrian Insurance’s Emma Cover: “If you and your friend jointly buy a horsebox, the policy can either be put into joint
A correctly maintained horsebox will be cheaper to run.
names so you both appear as the policyholder or the policy can be put into one name but an endorsement applied to the policy noting the financial interest of the other person. Either way it will show that both people have a financial interest in the horsebox on an equal share basis.”
Another approach is for one person to own the box but to offer lifts to shows to a third party.
“This is perfectly fine, and even if there is a small fuel contribution this will not effect the cover on the policy,” Emma comments. “If however, you charge to make a profit from transporting a horse, this would mean that you are transporting for hire and reward. If you do decide to use your horsebox for hire and reward you need to advise your insurer so that they can confirm this type of cover is acceptable and also adjust your premium. You would need to seek assistance from DEFRA with regard to licence requirements and it would also be prudent to obtain liability cover for care, custody and control of clients’ horses.”
It may be worthwhile to draw up some form of contract for who pays for what bills, such as running costs etc, so that there are no surprises along the way.
PICTURED Above: The need to check towing capability of your chosen vehicle is even more important with an EV or hybrid. Below: Sharing a lorry could mean that you can afford a larger or more luxurious means of transport; hire is another option if you don’t need a lorry on a day-to-day basis.
TRANSPORT
PEPER HARROW Trophy Twin, the compact two horse box for large horses with massive payloads of around 2800kg. Built on Iveco daily chassis from 6.5-7.2 tonnes, available in manual or automatic. Lovely to drive, very similar to a 3.5 tonne but with better build quality, generous horse space, lots of tack storage and various size/ specification living areas.
RRP: £POA | phhb.co.uk
EQUI-TREK STAR-TREKA is a rear facing, spacious two horse trailer with luxury overnight accommodation. This stunning trailer features the latest in aerodynamic body styling which is unique to the Equi-Trek range, and the triaxle chassis allows for both a spacious horse area and living area. The living area is bright with a large panoramic window and provides overnight accommodation for two people. The living area seating converts to a double bed and features a well-equipped kitchen and a toilet area.
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EQUI-TREK EVOLUTION is built on a brand new 7,200kg Iveco chassis chosen for its unrivalled performance, economy and drivability. The Equi-Trek Evolution is stalled for up to three horses or four ponies (subject to size and weight). The fully equipped living area of the Evolution Classic incorporates a large L-shaped seating area which converts into a comfortable double bed. A second double bed is situated above the cabin. The Evolution is exclusively available with the Leisure Vehicle Pack.
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Drawing the line
After focusing on rider suppleness, stability and symmetry, Andrea Oakes moves onto the nal of the four pillars of the dressage position: alignment.
ALIGNMENT
PART 1
From our earliest lessons it’s drummed into us that when viewed from the side, a rider’s ear, shoulder, hip and heel should be on the same vertical line. Take a ruler to the photos of our dressage stars and you’ll find some pretty neat examples of this lateral (sideon) alignment. But it’s not just for cosmetic reasons that this perfect position is the aim, as dressage trainer Andrew Day explains.
“The concept of lateral alignment has developed over centuries as the most beneficial way to achieve the three objectives of a correct dressage seat,” he says. “Firstly, alignment enables the rider to maintain balance over the horse at all three paces. Only by being in perfect balance can you achieve stability, without gripping.
“Effective application of the aids incorporates the application of pressure, which should be released as soon as the horse answers the question correctly,” explains Andrew. “The moment the rider grips with leg or hand, aiding becomes confused. If you’re using grip, you can’t release pressure, so there’s no fruitful dialogue between the two of you.
“Correct alignment throughout is essential to achieve a deep, adhesive seat that allows effective communication. It also allows the rider’s legs to move independently from one another, enabling the application of more subtle and complicated aids for movements such as tempi changes and canter pirouettes.”
Incorrect positioning can have profound effects, explains Andrew. Novice riders, or those who are nervous or lack good posture as a result of our modern digital lifestyle, typically tip forwards. This loads the horse’s front limbs, inhibiting movement and contributing to wear and tear. Conversely, a rider can fall behind the centre of balance, or will lean back in an attempt to absorb movement or anchor themselves. If a horse is not going forwards, there’s a tendency to ‘bum shove’ and drive him forwards with pressure at the back of the saddle.
So how do we develop that superstar position, poised for success? Central to it is a level pelvis, which enables the structural units of the rider’s upper body to stack comfortably and in alignment and allows mobility of the legs to create stability in the saddle.
PICTURED
“The rider’s second objective is to unify with the movement of the horse’s back in all three paces,” he adds. “There’s no moment of suspension in walk, so the movement is forward and back, but the trot is complex and the canter even more so as it’s directional. Without balance, you might fall behind the movement or doublebounce at rising trot, while at sitting trot you’ll struggle to achieve the pelvic tuck to move with the horse’s back.
“Alignment has to be taught, in a way not dissimilar to a ballet dancer,” says Andrew. “You won’t know what’s right until you feel it, so it can help to be put in position, manually adjusted, so that you can memorise the feeling and develop the correct proprioception. Mirrors in the school are useful but ideally you need a few of them, in the right places.
“What’s key is to learn on a balanced and forward-going horse, who is well schooled with a good level of symmetry,”
Right inset: An example of good alignment.
You won’t know what’s right until you feel it, so it can help to be put in position, manually adjusted...
FINDING YOUR ALIGNMENT
FEEL THE FORCE
Ask your coach to ‘sculpt’ you into the correct alignment at halt, with a hands-on approach. The process starts at the pelvis and works up to the skull, before returning to the pelvis and working down to the heel. Try to memorise the feeling, returning to it often.
PICTURE THIS
Imagine if your horse disappeared from beneath you. Would you remain upright? The key to the perfect ear-shoulder-hip-heel alignment is to identify where your centre of gravity falls. And be aware of the effect of your movement. Picture yourself gliding on ice or water to understand the consequences of tipping forwards or back, away from vertical alignment.
THINK LATERALLY
Challenge your position, both left-right and forward-back. The introduction of lateral work, even starting in walk, can centralise your inner ‘spirit level’. Try exercises such as turn on forehand, leg yield and half pass, performing them both ways. The inclusion of lateral steps can develop a horse’s suppleness, responsiveness and body positioning, helping you to analyse movement in both directions and highlight what’s symmetrical and straight.
he emphasises. “A novice rider can otherwise adopt a compensatory crookedness and will never find that perfect positional balance, neither behind the horse’s movement nor in front of it.
“It’s also important that the young or learning rider is coached by a knowledgeable instructor, so that good foundations are formed and faults and flaws can be spotted and corrected before developing into an issue that’s difficult to rectify later,” he adds. “It’s worth acknowledging that riders are of different shapes and proportions. Challenges can include short arms or femurs, weight on the inner thighs, a stiff back or ankles and natural asymmetries.”
Whatever our build or body shape, Andrew recommends a good base level of personal fitness to aid core strength and symmetry. “Pilates is excellent, particularly Equipilates,” he says. “I’d also recommend the Alexander Technique, which focusses on spinal alignment and skull positioning to improve posture and movement.
“Work on a mechanical horse can be beneficial, giving you the chance to study your position in front of a mirror to learn ‘muscle memory’,” Andrew adds. “Lungeing is the real tried and trusted way to develop a better seat, as long as this is done on a well-trained and super-balanced horse. As you work on improving your alignment, keep in mind that the horse should think he’s being ridden by a ghost. He knows you’re there, but he can’t feel any impact or abrasion – only the language of correct aiding.”
BD ACTION
NEW BD NATIONAL TRAINING EVENT
BD Presents... Becky Moody and Sophie Wells! Our new-look flagship training event, taking place at Hartpury University & College on 23 and 24 November.
We launch a new era of British Dressage training with a top lineup of hosts; fresh from Olympic medal success, Becky Moody (pictured) will headline the event in partnership with fellow team superstar Sophie Wells, who this year competed at her fourth Paralympic Games.
Our new concept will see the spotlight turned on the everyday dressage rider, featuring horses of all shapes and sizes and riders that represent your own goals and ambitions.
What to expect
We’ll be looking at how you can move through the BD levels, but in a way that will give members and non-members more practical help and support to solve common problems, introducing some new movements and providing guidance on how to improve the way of going, while always putting the horse first.
About our hosts
Becky Moody has been the breakthrough star of the equestrian scene in Paris, proving that you can breed, train and produce a horse from the first day on his feet to the lap of honour on the greatest sporting stage. Becky encapsulates everything about British Dressage that’s great – hard work, dedication, perseverance, patience and an ability to listen and understand
her horses. She’s not only excelled on the international scene, but has over 30 national titles to her name and has trained countless riders to test success.
Sophie Wells OBE is a world-class rider and trainer, with European, World and Paralympic medals to her name. Sophie’s skill in the saddle has seen her earn success in both non-disabled and para sport, whilst building her reputation as an outstanding horsewoman, people person and coach – bringing two riders to championship medal standard, along with many other happy clients and horses. Sophie’s ethos sees her seek to build special connections with every horse she encounters, and this speaks volumes in both her training and results.
These two leading ladies will present a weekend of training alongside special guests and carefully selected combinations who will meet our commitment to presenting relatable and educational content. Please refer to the BD website for the programme and more.
Tickets
Single Day tickets
BD Member: £45.00
Non-Member: £55.00
Weekend tickets
BD Member: £85.00
Non-Member: £95.00
There’s also a Youth ticket option, with a 25% discount for any BD Youth members under the age of 25.
For tickets, please scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/NC24-tickets
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
REGISTRATION REMINDER
This is a polite reminder that horses and riders should be registered before entering BD competitions. Organisers may take late entries at their discretion; however, the onus is on the competitor to ensure they are registered prior to the entry being accepted. To join, please visit britishdressage. co.uk/membership. If you would rather sign up/renew manually, you can download, complete and post the forms to the BD office. Due to the high volume of registrations at peak times, we
KEY DATES
advise you allow three working days for postal registrations to be processed. Those who compete without being registered will not be covered by BD members’ insurance and their results will be excluded. Repeat offenders may be fined.
JUDGE RETIREMENT
Dermot Cannon (List 3A), now resident in Ireland, has retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Dermot for his contribution and support over the years and we wish him all the best for the future.
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 15-19 Jan Winter Regionals, Onley Grounds, Warwickshire 24-26 Jan Vale View High Profile Show, Leicestershire
A comprehensive list of major dates can be found online at britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/international-and-major-dates
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
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: 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
Bury Farm Equestrian Village (P-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire
TUE 21 JAN
Manor Grange Stud (I-GP)+FS West Yorkshire
WED 22 JAN
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS North Yorkshire
Crow Wood Equestrian (P-M) Lancashire
Topthorn Arena (P-M)+FS Suffolk
Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall
THU 23 JAN
Radfords Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Powys
West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Wiltshire
Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire
The Grange Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Devon
FRI 24 JAN
Brook Farm Training Centre (I-GP) Essex
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cheshire
Badgworth (P-M) Somerset
FRI 24 - SAT 25 JAN
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.
Netherton Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Perthshire and Kinross
FRI 24 - SUN 26 JAN
Vale View Equestrian High Profile Leicestershire
FRI 24 - MON 27 JAN
Bishop Burton College Winter Area Festival East Riding of Yorkshire
SAT 25 JAN
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Somerset
Bridgend College (I-AM) Bridgend
Amersham Dressage (P-E)+FS Buckinghamshire
Kingswood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Staffordshire
Colraine Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Cornwall
Foxes Riding School (I-M) Cheshire
Quob Stables (P-INTI) Hampshire
Burrows Court Farm (I-GP) FSM only Gloucestershire
SAT 25 - SUN 26 JAN
Tillyoch Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Aberdeenshire
Hartpury University and Hartpury College (P-GP)+PE Gloucestershire
SUN 26 JAN
Swallowfield Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Warwickshire
Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire
Cockshot (I-AM) Cheshire
Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham
Boyton Hall EC (P-AM)+FS Suffolk
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Leicestershire
Lime Kiln Farm (P-INTI) Norfolk Brook Farm Training Centre (I-GP) Essex
Merrist Wood College (P-INTI)+FS Surrey Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall West Kype Farm (P-E) South Lanarkshire
TUE 28 JAN
Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire
TUE 28 - WED 29 JAN
Aintree International Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Merseyside
WED 29 JAN
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (P-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Cherwell Competition Centre (P-AM) Oxfordshire Burrows Court Farm (P-GP) Gloucestershire
WED 29JAN - SUN 2 FEB
Arena UK Winter Regional Lincolnshire
THU 30 JAN
Solihull Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+PE West Midlands Half Moon Stud (P-AM) Dorset
THU 30JAN - SUN 2 FEB
Aintree International Equestrian Centre Winter Area Festival Merseyside
Parwood Equestrian Centre Winter Area Festival Surrey
FRI 31 JAN
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset
SAT 1 FEB
South Staffordshire College (P-INTI)+FS Staffordshire
Reaseheath College (I-GP) Cheshire
Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Kent Bicton College (I-AM)+FS Devon
Solihull Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS West Midlands
The Cabin Equestrian Riding Club (I-M)+FS+PE Aberdeenshire
Burrows Court Farm (P-M) Gloucestershire
SUN 2 FEB
Swallowfield Equestrian (P-AM) Warwickshire
Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-M) North Yorkshire Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire
Beacons Equestrian (P-AM) Carmarthenshire
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Hampshire Sunnybank Farm (I-AM) Caerphilly
Kingston Maurward College (P-INTI) Dorset
Bogenraith Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Aberdeenshire
Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Borders
West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-AM) East Sussex
Highfield at Howe (P-E) Fife Dark Deer Croft (I-M) Inverness
MON 3 FEB
Bury Farm Equestrian Village (I-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire
TUE 4 FEB
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Leicestershire
Manor Grange Stud (I-GP)+PE West Yorkshire
Bromyard Equestrian (P-PYO FEI) Herefordshire
TUE 4 - SAT 8 FEB
Solihull Equestrian Centre Winter Area Festival West Midlands
WED 5 FEB
Alnwick Ford Equestrian (I-GP)+FS Northumberland
Speedgate Events (I-AM) Kent
Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire
Aike Grange Stud (I-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Topthorn Arena (P-M) Suffolk
Crow Wood Equestrian (P-AM) Lancashire
Quob Stables (P-GP) Hampshire
Tall Trees Arena (I-GP)+FS Cornwall
THU 6 FEB
West Wilts Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Wiltshire
Dressage at Hascombe (I-GP) East Sussex
Moreton EC (P-PSG)+FS Dorset
Bicton Arena (P-GP) Devon
FRI 7 FEB
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (I-AM) Worcestershire
Lime Kiln Farm (I-GP)+FS Norfolk
Beechwood Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Essex
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cheshire
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS+PE North Yorkshire
The College Of West Anglia (I-AM)+PE Cambridgeshire
Wellington Riding (I-AM)+FS Hampshire
Stretcholt Farm (I-AM)+PE Somerset
Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre (I-GP) East Lothian
Colraine Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cornwall
Speedgate Events (I-AM) Kent
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-GP) Worcestershire
SAT 8 - SUN 9 FEB
Myerscough College (I-GP)+FS Lancashire
SUN 9 FEB
Swallowfield Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Warwickshire
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire
Wellington Riding (I-GP)+FS Hampshire
Radfords Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Powys
Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INTI)+FS Staffordshire
Bishop Burton College (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Muirmill Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS East Ayrshire
Merrist Wood College (I-AM) Surrey
Little Mill Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Carmarthenshire
Blackdyke Farm (I-AM) Cumbria
Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Lincolnshire
Ponderosa Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Newport
Suffolk Rural (P-PSG)+FS Suffolk
Cobham Manor Events (P-E)+FS Kent
Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-AM) Gloucestershire
Tall Trees Arena (I-GP)+FS Cornwall
MON 10 FEB
Wellington Riding (I-GP) Hampshire
TUE 11 FEB
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Somerset
Arena UK (I-GP)+FS Lincolnshire
Widmer Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Buckinghamshire
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Cheshire
Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Borders
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Warwickshire
WED 12 FEB
Lower Stocklands Farm (I-AM) Cardiff
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Hampshire
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cheshire
West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham
Crow Wood Equestrian (P-AM) Lancashire
THU 13 FEB
Parwood Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Surrey
Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Kent
Radfords Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Powys
Chard Equestrian Ltd (I-GP)+FS Somerset
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (I-AM) East Sussex
FRI 14 FEB
Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-PYO FEI) Northumberland
Stourport Riding Centre (I-GP) Worcestershire
Coleg Sir Gar Equine Department (I-AM) Carmarthenshire
FRI 14 - SAT 15 FEB
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
FRI 14 - SUN 16 FEB
Chard Equestrian Ltd Winter Regional Somerset
Forest Edge Arena Winter Area Festival Norfolk
SAT 15 FEB
Brahan Dressage (P-AM) Highland
Duchy College (I-AM) Cornwall
Bridgend College (I-AM) Bridgend
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Aster Academy Dressage (I-GP) Kent
Moulton College Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Northamptonshire
Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Staffordshire
Trefor Stables Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Isle of Anglesey
Topthorn Arena (P-PSG) Suffolk
Burrows Court Farm (P-M) Gloucestershire
Solihull Equestrian Centre Combined Training Qualifier West Midlands
SAT 15 - SUN 16 FEB
The Croft Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS+PE Berkshire
Scottish National Equestrian Centre (I-GP) West Lothian
Tillyoch Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire
SAT 15 - TUE 18 FEB
Alnwick Ford Equestrian Winter Area Festival Northumberland
SAT 15 - WED 19 FEB
Myerscough College Winter Regional Lancashire
SUN 16 FEB
Hargate Arena (I-AM)+FS Derbyshire
Stourport Riding Centre (I-AM) Worcestershire
Cherwell Competition Centre (I-GP) Oxfordshire
Aike Grange Stud (I-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Willow Banks Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Lincolnshire
Foxes Riding School (I-M) Cheshire
Bold Heath Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Cheshire
Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire
MON 17 FEB
Bury Farm Equestrian Village (I-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire
TUE 18 FEB
Caron Roberts Equestrian (P-AM) Wiltshire
TUE 18 - SAT 22 FEB
Bishop Burton College Winter Regional East Riding of Yorkshire
WED 19 FEB
Hill House Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+PE Lincolnshire
Reaseheath College (I-GP)+FS Cheshire
Mount Ballan (P-GP)+PE Monmouthshire
Burrows Court Farm (P-GPI) Gloucestershire
THU 20 FEB
Dressage at Hascombe (I-GP) East Sussex
FRI 21 FEB
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (I-AM)+PE Worcestershire
Arley Moss (P-PSG) Cheshire
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Warwickshire
FRI 21 - SUN 23 FEB
Prestige Equestrian LLP Winter Area Festival Gloucestershire
Little Mill Equestrian Winter Regional Carmarthenshire
SAT 22 FEB
Breach Barn (P-AM)+FS Kent
Amersham Dressage (P-E)+FS Buckinghamshire
Boyton Hall EC (I-AM)+FS Suffolk
Kingswood Equestrian Centre (I-GP) Staffordshire
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Leicestershire
Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Staffordshire
Colraine Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cornwall
Foxes Riding School (I-E) Cheshire
Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Surrey
Beacons Equestrian Combined Training Qualifier Carmarthenshire
Pickering Grange Equestrian Combined Training Qualifier Leicestershire
SAT 22 - SUN 23 FEB
BS Guernsey (I-GP) Guernsey
SAT 22 - MON 24 FEB
Highfield at Howe Winter Area Festival Fife
SUN 23 FEB
Moreton Morrell (I-GP) Warwickshire
Hill House Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Lincolnshire
Cockshot (I-GP) Cheshire
Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham
Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire
Yorkshire Dressage (I-GP) South Yorkshire
Manor Grange Stud (I-GP)+FS West Yorkshire
Bromyard Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Herefordshire
Hartpury University and Hartpury College (I-GP) Gloucestershire
The Grange Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Devon
MON 24 FEB
Netherton Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Perthshire and Kinross
TUE 25 FEB
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Somerset
Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire
WED 26 FEB
Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham
Elms Farm Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire
Topthorn Arena (P-M) Suffolk
Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire
THU 27 FEB
Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey
Field House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Staffordshire
West Wilts Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Wiltshire
Pickering Grange Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire
FRI 28 FEB
Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Warwickshire
Netherton Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Perthshire and Kinross
FRI 28 FEB - SUN 2 MAR
Beacons Equestrian Winter Area Festival Carmarthenshire
Venue County Venue County Venue
DRESSAGE LIFE MY
ISOBEL WESSELS
As an FEI 5* Judge, Great Britain’s Isobel Wessels is amongst the world’s top tier of judges able to of ciate at intercontinental Championships, World Cup Finals and Olympic Games. Her riding career included numerous national tiles, and a special partnership with Chagall with whom she competed in several CDIs before committing to her international judging career. Isobel lives in rural Herefordshire with her husband, Justin.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF HORSES... I didn’t ride as a child, I did ballet. My riding started a little later when a friend and I used to go to a field down the road where we rode a farmer’s ponies bareback and with no proper tack. It satisfied a passion that the ballet didn’t.
AN INSPIRING, MOTIVATIONAL OR PARTICULARLY HELPFUL JUDGING COLLEAGUE... Stephen Clarke is my biggest influence in judging - he’s guilty of my entrée into the sport. I never particularly wanted to judge but when he examined me for List 2, at the end of the exam he said, “You can judge me any time”. That was my inspiration to judge.
HAS THERE BEEN A STRONG TECHNICAL INFLUENCE IN YOUR JUDGING? My biggest
inspiration has come from Carl Hester. I learned so much training my horses with him. His trademark harmony with all animals and humans is legendary and I feel so privileged to have absorbed so much of his system and skills over the years.
A DEFINING MOMENT IN MY JUDGING CAREER... Being part of such a strong and significant judging team in Paris. We all had total trust in each other and could face the obvious pressures with confidence. No worries or doubts - we could all just simply judge.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN... Take time and save time.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR LASTING MEMORIES OF JUDGING AT YOUR FIRST OLYMPIC GAMES IN PARIS... I will never forget sitting in that judge’s box in the garden of Versailles with the most stunning of backdrops and to witness sport and art with the most intoxicating view. It wasn’t an easy build up for anyone, but Versailles won through.
A SPECIAL HORSE... Chagall. He was the most beautiful ride I ever had, and I still miss him every day. He was almost human – we had a wonderful bond, and he was a special horse to many. When I lost him, I had more than a thousand messages.
PLACE I FEEL HAPPIEST... Home.
MY FAVOURITE SONG OR PIECE OF MUSIC... I’m a total classical music geek. I like all music with the oboe. On a bad day when I’m feeling down, I listen to Felix Mendelssohn, the opening movement of his Symphony No. 4.
MY BEST HOLIDAY... Because I travel a lot for judging, Justin and I tend to avoid airports and long-haul. We take short breaks to Italy, particularly Florence, Portofino and Venice, which are all beautiful cities with plenty of music, art and culture.
MY FAVOURITE FILM AND TV SERIES... I really enjoy Downton Abbey, and two favourite films The Holiday and Notting Hill, which I often end up watching on a long flight.
FAVOURITE BOOK... The Shadow of the Wind, a novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It starts off in a library in Barcelona and has intrigue at every corner. I also enjoy anything from Jane Austen.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? I love pottering about in the garden. I enjoy dinner with Justin and friends, and I love walking the dogs in the beautiful English countryside.
PICTURED
Above: Isobel Wessels and Chagall. Right: Paris 2024.
