British Dressage - issue 5 2023

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From the editor

If the last couple of months are anything to go by, it’s going to be a long, hot summer. Always a dangerous statement… by the time you read this we could be experiencing unprecedented floods!

Fabulous as the long summer days and evenings are, they do add to the challenge of managing a competition horse. Whether you are a professional who is on the yard throughout the day or stuck in an office, there’s always the niggling thought that your steed might be too hot, have removed his fly hood or even been bitten by a fly and be running round the field!

And then there’s the question of whether the temperatures make it safe for the horse to compete. While a horse’s response to what is a bearable temperature is almost as personal as a human’s, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index gives a reliable guide to weighing up the factors that determine the thermal environmental load for horses, and is used by the FEI to assess weather conditions for competitions. It’s a technology first used at the Atlanta Olympics, and is discussed in more detail in our ‘Hot Stuff’ feature on p33.

An enjoyable and illuminating part of my role as editor is hearing about the exceptional research being carried out into equine health and welfare. There’s another great example in the ‘Feeling the Strain’ feature where Professor Roger Smith of the RVC outlines some of the work being done to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tendon injuries.

Which makes me wonder if we should be more vocal about the veterinary expertise in our industry.

Formula One has done a great job in promoting how its investment in technology has benefited the motor industry and boosted the safety of everyday motorists.

Similarly, is it time that we showed to the public at large what advances have been made in veterinary medicine and how the extraordinary care and attention that is paid to ensuring competition horses live happy and healthy lives filters down to the equine world as a whole?

Many family horses, RDA ponies, service animals and even wild herds have been helped by veterinary knowledge and improved horsecare techniques derived from sport.

World Horse Welfare recently updated its research into public perception of horses in sport and while the results are broadly similar to 2022, it must ring alarm bells that 40% of those polled say that they would support the continued involvement of horses in sport only if their welfare is improved.

Recent progress made in media coverage of the way welfare of horses is protected in sport and how this influences perceptions has perhaps been countered by the high profile of the disturbing events at the Grand National and Epsom Derby. It’s naive to think that illinformed protest won’t impact other areas of horse sport.

We need to stand together as a sports horse industry. But we can also play a role by spreading the word about the high standards in our discipline to other horse owners and even to those who simply enjoy watching the ‘dancing horses’ on television. It may just help to turn the tide.

Jane

Carley

Editor, British Dressage

Michael Eilberg with the exciting home-bred four-yearold EDH Versace (Archie), a son of Farouche by Vitalis.

Photo: Kevin Sparrow Photography

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN TO HEADLINE THE CONVENTION

British Dressage is excited to announce a partnership with Equestrian Management Agency to deliver the 25th anniversary celebration of British Dressage at this year’s National Convention, with Charlotte Dujardin headlining the two-day event.

The popular National Convention has been a flagship event in the British Dressage calendar throughout those 25 years, bringing together some of the sport’s leading names to deliver a programme of training and education to an enthusiastic and

HORSEQUEST MEMBER OFFER

British Dressage has launched a new classifieds partnership with HorseQuest, the UK’s leading equine sales website.

Members and visitors to the British Dressage website on the search for their next horse or pony will now be able to source their perfect partner via HorseQuest.

BD members will enjoy an exclusive member benefit discount to use the service; with 10% off advertising plus a free upgrade with the code BDP10

HorseQuest’s service is chosen by amateurs and professionals alike, offering a first class user experience to those looking to buy or sell horses. Visit HorseQuest online at horsequest.co.uk to begin your advertising journey. See our feature on P17 for more information about how HorseQuest can help you find your next superstar.

passionate audience. This year’s Convention returns to Addington Equestrian for the first time since 2019 and will take place on the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November 2023.

The last decade has seen a transformation for the sport in Great Britain, with a medalwinning generation of riders and horses achieving the most success ever witnessed in the history of dressage in the UK. We want this year’s Convention to be a celebration of these achievements, delving into what has led to this success, and how we can use these training methods in our

IN MEMORIAM

own training at home or at the stable with our horses.

Dual Olympic Champion Charlotte Dujardin will be anchoring the 2023 Convention and sharing the principles that have led her to the top of the podium, holding every world record in the sport in the process.

Equestrian Management Agency aims to put the 25th anniversary of British Dressage at the heart of this year’s Convention, whilst adding some new initiatives to the two-day event, making it entertaining and informative – and an essential date for your diary!

Former British Dressage president, Susan, Duchess of Richmond passed away on Tuesday 13 June at the age of 90.

Her Grace, Susan, Duchess of Richmond was a loyal supporter of British dressage. Through her creativeness and drive she led the laying of the foundations at Goodwood for the rise of British dressage from a little-known sport into Olympic gold medal winners and this included introducing music to dressage within the FEI. The Duchess of Richmond was president of British Dressage from 2007-2012.

For 21 years (1973 – 1993), Goodwood hosted international dressage competitions and many of the world’s greatest combinations of the time graced the arenas in front of Goodwood House. It also staged the 1978 World Championships, where Jennie LoristonClarke and Dutch Courage won individual bronze, and the 1980 Alternative Olympics following the political boycott of Moscow. For our full tribute, please see the BD website news (17 June 2023).

GET READY FOR THE NATIONALS

Tickets are now available for the LeMieux National Dressage Championships on 14-17 September.

Entering into its third year at Somerford Park, the best display of dressage in the UK returns, promising to be bigger and better than ever. So make sure to join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of British Dressage in style.

With classes from Prelim to Grand Prix, as well as the showcase KBIS Young Dressage Horse

series finale and dedicated U21 championship, there’s no better opportunity to see the full range of British Dressage levels on show –all whilst Britain’s top amateurs and elite battle it out for the 31 prestigious titles on offer.

Ticket prices include free parking, free access to grandstand seating and free admission for children aged 12 and under. Visit the BD website for full details of the timetable, what’s on over the four days and how to purchase tickets.

PARA HOME NATIONS

The South & West team won the Equissage Pulse Para Home Nations crown at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire (18-20 May).

A massive congratulations to all who took part both individually and in your respective teams.

British Dressage thanks the team at Onley for putting on a fantastic three days of competition.

RESULTS

Team Competition:

1. South And West 408.84 S&W

2. Pendragons 408.54 Wales

3. Green Goddesses 406.49 S&E

4. Buckingham 403.73 N&E

5.

PARA MATTERS

LETTER FROM TRACY

Hello everyone, I am in slight denial that it is now June as I write, and it will be the beginning of July when you receive the magazine – this year is going so fast! The Para Home Nations goes from strength to strength as a competition with great camaraderie and atmosphere, lovely to see some new faces and support from Scotland for the first time, I hope you all enjoyed yourselves, please encourage others to take part next year.

I hope to see many of you at the championships at Hartpury; I will be at the drinks party and also watching during the day, come and say hello. Don’t forget there is also a freestyle championship for the first time.

Applications are coming in for the Para Academy. There is still time to submit your application, if you have any queries we are happy to help and guide you.

Tracy Ormrod, Para Director

Individual:

1.

2.

3. Veronica

1.

2.

3.

1.

2. Sara Bates and Tango VII 139.03 N&W

3. Julia Godden and Garties Mr D’Arcey 131.80 Wales

Grade 5

1. Sarah Oram and Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow 139.23 S&E

2. Kathryn Gallagher and Swinging in the Rain 135.57 N&E

3 Jo Dagley-Cleworth and Uptimistic 135.00 S&E

PARA DRESSAGE GALA

Following the success of showcasing our sport at the RDA Championships last year, this year we are doing a ‘para dressage gala evening’ once again, on Friday 14 July. Please come along and support our riders! And please note that entrance is free.

PARA ACADEMY

Introducing the Para Academy! The Para Academy programme will help develop your training, education, and skills within para dressage as well as horse welfare to assist you through the BD National para structure.

The Para Academy will comprise of two 2-day camps, running in October 2023 and April 2024 and are subsided by British Dressage.

Applications close 1 August 2023. To find out more about the programme, and how to apply, please scan the QR code.

RIDER TALK

We will be holding an open rider talk in one of the classrooms at Hartpury on the evening of Wednesday 23 August at the Para Bronze and Silver Championships. We will be covering the next steps to compete within the para international structure and how to get internationally classified. We will also have a rider talk, followed by a mini champagne reception in the café.

If you are attending the Bronze and Silver Championships, please do come along. We will confirm the start time once the times have been released for the competition.

PICTURED Winners from the Para Home Nations, the South & West team.

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Family first

Michael Eilberg is being kept busy with a young family and a stable of exciting horses. Jane Carley catches up with the producer, trainer, coach, rider… the list goes on!

They say that introducing a new generation to the world can bring fresh perspective and inspiration, and that’s certainly the case for Michael Eilberg, who is reaping rewards with a stable of home-bred horses as well as enjoying the happy chaos of life with a young family.

In 2013 he was on the bronze medal-winning team at the European Championships in Herning, before taking team silver at the World Equestrian Games in Caen, both with Half Moon Delphi, then adding team silver at the Europeans in Aachen in 2015 with Marakov. He also rode the outstanding mare Woodlander Farouche to gold in two FEI World Breeding Championships for

Young Dressage Horses in

and now many of the young horses they have bred or produced from youngsters are proving themselves in competition.

“We felt that we would have more control of the horses’ destiny if we bred and owned them,” Michael explains.

Two are starting out in Grand Prix this year. MSJ Dante VX (Dante Weltino x Quattro B) crowned a great season as runner-up in the Inter I freestyle at the 2022 LeMieux National Championships. Dante was one of the first of their own horses that Michael produced from a youngster and was purchased by Mount St John from Holland in utero. Figlio (Leo),

PICTURED

Above: Michael Eilberg with MSJ Encore, produced from a youngster and now winning at PSG.

Below: Michael and wife Maya with Joshua, Elise and Amalia.

2011 and 2012.

The Eilberg family – father Ferdi is a medallist himself and renowned trainer, sister Maria is also an international dressage rider, and mother Geri has a keen interest

in breeding and youngstock – were already building up their own breeding programme,

...introducing a new generation to the world can bring fresh perspective and inspiration.

generation

by Fidertanz, was purchased to replace a great favourite of Geri’s that they sadly lost.

MSJ Encore (Eric) came to the Eilbergs as a foal and won the KBIS Seven-Year-Old Championships in 2022. He has already been successful at Prix St Georges this year.

“He’s an example of the bloodlines that we like, as he has the same dam as our mare Dornroeschen, and is by Escolar,” he comments. “He’s a lovely big horse that has taken time to develop, but is now going from strength to strength.”

He picks out the homebred EDH Zorro (by Blue Hors Zack out of a daughter of Farouche) as Eric’s ‘polar opposite’. “While he is the same age as Eric, we have taken a different path with him. Zorro has so much talent for piaffe and passage, but is very hot and was not easy to show as a young horse. In the end

my wife Maya took him over for a while and improved his way of going simply by teaching him movements.”

With such a talented string of horses it would be tempting to hit the show circuit, but Michael has other priorities at the moment.

Michael married Maya Goldberg in 2018 and they have three children, Joshua, four; Amalia, two and six-month-old Elise, and the demands of a young family have shaped his competition plans for this year.

“I don’t want to be away for days on end at shows. Whereas in recent years I’ve concentrated on progressing with two or three horses, by going to local shows I can get more horses out and give them competition experience.

“Eric and Zorro are ready to go out at small tour, while Figlio and Dante are at Grand Prix, but not quite ready for the Premier League shows. So we will stay at home and go to more local shows where we can still compete at that level, but a bit more low key.

“I can go to a day show with those horses and then have a little bit more time with the kids, and then go to another day show with some other horses.”

Breeding horses has become a family passion, Michael explains.

“We used to breed from some of my old show jumping mares but we got really into the breeding side about seven years ago. Our lines stem back to Dornroeschen, and then we try to bring our own horses into it. Mum has been the driving force behind the breeding programme; it’s her biggest interest and she has the emotional connection to all those horses.”

Amongst the home-bred horses is a direct descendent of Farouche, by Vitalis.

“Archie is a four-year-old, a lovely chestnut gelding, and we’re very excited about him. We chose Vitalis for Farouche to get a little bit more of that old fashioned stamp, he’s quality without looking fragile. He’s got huge feet, but to see him move in the field, he’s quite something.”

The immediate plan for Archie is general grounding, Michael suggests. “He’s quite a big boy, so I’d be more likely to target five-year-old classes than get him out this year. Four years old is very young to be going to competitions, I feel it should be quite an easy year. To go out and have a good experience you have to put quite a lot of work into them. But he’ll definitely be out as a five-year-old.”

He comments that along with the highs of breeding exciting youngsters, you have to be prepared for the lows.

“We lost Archie’s full sister – she was stillborn just ten days before the mare was due to foal. She was absolutely beautiful; it was very sad.

“There are so many lovely moments but it can be a painful process as there’s so much that can go wrong. It’s not for the faint hearted and there’s a lot of work, especially looking after youngsters.”

With such a pool of young horses coming through, he says that they may now need to switch the focus back to training and producing those on the ground.

Amongst the home-bred horses is a direct descendant of Farouche, by Vitalis.

Above left: Archie, by Vitalis and out of Farouche, an exciting prospect for the future.

Left: Geri and Michael with broodmare Laila (by De Niro) and her foal EDH Fonzarelli, by Franklin.

“I’ve suggested this to mum, but she enjoys the breeding side so much she’s not easy to convince!”

This year’s exciting colt foal, EDH Fonzarelli by Franklin out of a De Niro mare may make the decision that bit harder – and brings up the dilemma of when to sell a homebred youngster.

“We never wanted to sell them as foals, the plan is to keep them, start them and then see what happens. It’s a business, so you need to sell, but we always train them on first and I think that’s part of the enjoyment to see what they make.

We felt that we would have more control of the horses’ destiny if we bred and owned them.

PICTURED

Above: The home-bred EDH Zorro, by Blue Hors Zack.

Right: Pupil Hannah Luesley on MSJ Distinction (Troy) trains through some polework with Michael.

“With EDH Fonzarelli we thought that we should sell him as a foal to give us a bit of breathing space with the youngsters, but as soon as he was born, it was out of the question!”

While the family prefers to own most of the horses outright, MSJ Encore is owned by Nicky Hannam who also has shares in Zorro and Dante.

“I met Nicky and her family through teaching in Canada and she’s very passionate about the horses as are we, and enjoys the training and the process.

“Now we’ve got quite a lot of nice horses for sale, that we’ve trained up, from six to eight years old, and some at higher levels.”

He concedes, however, that it can be hard.

“You can get quite emotionally attached to them. If you are riding for an owner, if they decide to sell, it is what it is. When they are your own you have to make the decision; you can decide to keep them a bit longer, but if the person comes along to suit that horse you have to sell.

“It’s also important to be realistic about the horse’s ability – every now and then you will get a horse that proves you wrong, but the big picture shows that not every horse you breed is going to make Grand Prix.”

With two horses starting Grand Prix and exciting prospects following behind, returning to international competition is

once more on the horizon. It’s a prospect that Michael welcomes.

“I think the big difference in the future would be that I would take it for granted less. I didn’t think it was that big a deal at the time. In some ways I think that helped me, as I just got on and did it, but what I was achieving didn’t really resonate with me. Now, having to rebuild everything, having had a family and taking a break from more intensive competition, I definitely appreciate the good days more. I’m also starting to work under my own name rather than under my parents’ umbrella, and it means more if my horses do well.”

He recalls going to Keysoe last year and winning five out of seven classes.

“In the past if I did that, I wouldn’t even register it, and just go on to the next show. I was riding all these amazing horses and I just expected to do well. At Keysoe I really soaked it up. Nicky’s family came over for the show and it was amazing to be able to celebrate that with them.

“Most of all I enjoy the process of training our horses to the top of the sport as I now appreciate its a good job well done if you do.”

There are so many lovely moments but it can be a painful process as there’s so much that can go wrong.

Above: Michael works closely with father Ferdi.

Left: MSJ Dante, on the podium in both Inter I classes at the LeMieux National Championships in 2022 and now headed for Grand Prix.

British Dressage has joined forces with leading equine sales website HorseQuest , our of cial Classi eds Partner. We nd out how you can bene t from its services.

What is HorseQuest and how does it work?

HorseQuest is the UK’s leading equestrian sales site, founded in 2000 by director Alison Roeves, a former breeder and judge. Now in its 23rd year, HorseQuest has grown beyond recognition with an established audience attracting over 740,000 monthly visits and 3 million monthly page views.

As HorseQuest continues to thrive it remains true to its original objective, to be a userfriendly website that appeals to everyone from the private horse owner to top competition riders and breeders across the world, providing advertisers with quality, effective advertising at fantastic rates and offering a first-class helpful service without compromise.

How do I find my next dressage horse on HorseQuest?

With over 800 quality dressage

horses and ponies currently advertised we understand the need to search and filter by height, age etc, users can do this via our search facility. We do also encourage users to browse the listings by competition / ability level. Our dressage listings are split into categories, from Age Classes through to Advanced, allowing you to browse without filtering too. After all, your perfect partner could be simply one year older or 10 miles further away!

Can I narrow my search just to horses that are reasonably local for viewing, or can I see what is available overseas?

We have a strong established customer base in the UK, Europe and the USA. Browsers can filter by UK regions and international listings.

What sort of information can I get on the horses that are for sale? Does it include videos? All listings include three photos and three videos, unlimited text, and three-generation pedigree. The HorseQuest Hub offers helpful tips browsing HorseQuest and on creating adverts. As an advertiser, you have access to one-to-one support from a small team of dedicated, knowledgeable staff. If you need a hand creating your listing, we’re available to help.

How often are the sales pages updated?

The sales pages are constantly updated with new adverts posted daily between the hours of 9am

and 5.30pm, seven days a week!

All adverts are approved by our sales teams before they go live.

How much does it cost to advertise on HorseQuest? How do I advertise?

Advertising packages start from just £36 for a single horse or pony. Have multiple horses to list?

The yard page option is designed to allow riders and dealers to advertise multiple horses at a reduced rate, providing huge benefits.

I’m on the move for much of the day, does HorseQuest work on mobiles and tablets?

HorseQuest is fully responsive so will work well on whichever device you choose – PC, tablets and mobiles.

We’re flexible to suit you – we know you’re busy, so we make the process of advertising as easy as possible for you. You can place your advert online 24/7 with full support seven days a week.

Any helpful tips from HorseQuest?

We would recommend creating a free HorseQuest account when you start your search journey –it’s quick and easy to set up!

Your HorseQuest account includes access to a ‘Virtual Stable’ – whilst you’re browsing HorseQuest you can save adverts you like the look of, so they’re all in one place when you want to find them!

You can also set up Email alerts and receive adverts that meet your search criteria straight to your inbox daily!

BD MEMBER BENEFIT

The code BDP10 will give members 10% off adverts, renewals and upgrades plus a free leader upgrade worth £7.50.

PICTURED

“When I need to sell any of our horses, I always use HorseQuest. The response I get is far better than any other form of advertising, and the team are always extremely helpful and prompt” Andrew Gould, Priory Dressage.

12th August 2023 Newton Stu d

ZEAL MONACHORUM, CREDITON, EX17 6LL

FREE ENTRY & GIN BAR!

GATES OPEN 11.00am | FOAL GRADING FROM 12 NOON

There will be a marquee (and gin) so don't worry if it rains!

Enjoy a presentation and grading of the 2023 foals

Ridden demonstrations by the Elite Dressage team

Futureproofing the workforce

In common with many ‘hands-on’ industries, recruiting and retaining good staff can be a challenge for equestrian businesses. But BD’s apprenticeship schemes offer professional qualifications and transferable skills across a number of roles – not just on the yard.

Training for a career in dressage used to mean hours of mucking out for little or no reward and limited prospects of progression. If injury or circumstances meant that riding or looking after horses was no longer an option, potentially valuable employees were left with few transferable skills or qualifications.

That has changed in recent years with the development of a new apprenticeship scheme, introduced in partnership with training providers Sport Structures, with British

Dressage taking the lead as the National Governing Body. While it’s easy to associate apprenticeships with school leavers, this new training opportunity is open to all ages, and to those transferring from other industries.

“If you are considering a career in the equine industry, on a yard or elsewhere within the sector, our apprenticeships offer a range of qualifications to assist your chosen path,” explains BD’s Professional Programmes Officer Clare Stockley. “You will benefit from a real job with hands-on experience, salary and training while you work.”

Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 5 so employers can recruit new staff or upskill existing staff onto a programme at any time, and training lasts 12-18 months depending on the level.

Different categories offer training for various roles in the wider industry as well as the traditional rider or groom jobs. These include business administration, digital marketing and management, up to a level which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

To be eligible for government funding, applicants need to the have the right to >

Above: BD Apprentices can gain valuable experience in a wide range of equine careers, while studying for transferable qualifications. Right: Apprenticeships offer training for management or marketing roles as well as groom or rider jobs.

work in England, but there are also routes to the training in Wales and Scotland.

“No specific qualifications or experience are required to access the entry level qualification, although you will naturally need an interest in dressage,” explains Clare. “Ideally applicants should already have GCSE Maths and English to access the Level 2, however if applicants do not have them, we can support them via a functional skills programme.”

Running alongside practical, industryfocused training, the programme also develops transferable, employability skills such as time management, safe working practises and good communication.

“Generally applicants will need to have completed Level 2 before progressing to Level 3, but we can take into consideration previous achievements such as lower level BHS exams and Pony Club tests,” comments BD Training and Education Manager Charlotte Osborne.

Applications are made online (see below for details), ahead of an initial assessment skills scan.

“There’s no need to attend a college assessment day, and similarly all training is carried out in the workplace or online, so the apprenticeships fit well into busy yard and competition programmes,” says Clare.

While most skills are gained via handson experience, 20% is off-the-job training. Examples of this are self-study, training in new working practices or using a new piece of equipment, a lesson, industry visits, assignment writing and practical activities in the workplace.

“Apprentices also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, such as the BD Horse Care Certificates, or to progress to coaching qualifications. We work with partners such as the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) to offer support towards their qualifications too, such as introductory saddle fitting. There’s a ‘menu’ of options so applicants can tailor their experience to meet their own needs and ambitions,” explains Clare.

Added value activities offer an insight into the many opportunities the industry has to offer, points out Charlotte.

“Apprentices are also provided with exclusive training and experiences such as visits to championships, national events such as the Principles of Judging Seminar, or domestic international competitions where

Apprenticeships offer training for various roles in the wider industry as well as traditional jobs.

they are supported by a learning mentor and have talks from industry experts. There are no costs to attend and employers are also invited.

“The scheme also allows us to track the competitive performance of apprentices, and for those with competitive rider ambitions, we can monitor their scores and where they demonstrate national or international potential, we can link them in to appropriate additional training such as academies,” she says, “and it’s open to anyone in the sport; you don’t need an expensive horse to learn on the job. Previous performancebased programmes didn’t cater for anyone competing at Medium or below, but there are now more opportunities.

“We are working to dispel the myth that the industry only has mucking out roles to offer. There are sustainable careers in the industry, and there are many diverse opportunities. The initial qualifications provide a strong practical basis for people to move through in any way they may choose.”

There are benefits for employers, too, she points out. “Having a dedicated, nationally recognised training structure will help with recruitment and retention as well as developing a skilled, motivated workforce.”

LEARNING AND EARNING

Katherine Tuckley worked with horses for 16 years, but after suffering a few injuries decided on a career change which would allow her to stay in the industry.

“When I joined Red Gorilla, I wanted to develop my management skills. I’d already done an apprenticeship which gave me the necessary NVQs (qualifications) for a British Dressage level 5 operations/departmental manager course, which lasts 18 months, and the company’s MD fully supported myself and a colleague to apply.”

The course includes a special project, which in Katherine’s case is developing a sponsorship agreement for BD’s Combined Training Championships.

“The course is based on my role at Red Gorilla with the content guided by my MD, and gives me transferable skills for this and other industries. There were very few other courses that would have been relevant, and my previous equestrian experience and links with the industry have also been key when it comes to activities such as photo shoots.”

Charlotte Thomas is refocusing her business from training livery towards competition coaching, providing a varied and interesting role for apprentice Lucy Fox, 17. “Lucy helps to mentor the young riders that I coach as

well as being a groom, using her valuable background as a youth rider,” explains Charlotte. “She also helps on the ground with my own horses and accompanies me to lessons and competitions, so she’s constantly learning. We discuss everything from farriery to training, in a way that I probably wouldn’t with an employee who wasn’t an apprentice.”

Lucy, who is studying for the Level III Senior Equine Groom qualification, came to the role with her Pony Club B test. She says: “I’m gaining experience and making contacts that wouldn’t be offered by a college course; Charlotte and I attended the Principles of Judging Seminar together and that’s been really useful when I’m working with her and the horses.”

Online tuition and portfolio development with BD’s Claire Moir are fitted in on days off or around work, and a recent in-person assessment is described by Lucy as ‘more of an observation of what we do and the way I work.’ “I started in October and I’ve already learned so much,” comments Lucy. “I feel really involved in the business and that I’m part of the team.”

MONEY MATTERS

Costs of training for 16 – 18-year-olds are 100% covered by government funding for any employer with fewer than 50 staff. There is also a £1000 incentive to employers.

At age 19 + an employer contribution of 5% is required ie for level II £250.

The National Minimum Wage must be paid to the apprentice in accordance with their age group. Other typical industry benefits such as meals, accommodation and stabling for the apprentice’s horse are subject to a separate contract.

Time-off in lieu (eg for working at a show on the apprentice’s day off) must also be stated in the contract.

For more details and to apply, please scan the QR code.

Hot competition

Wellington CDI, which took place from 06-11 June, saw exciting action as the battle for team selection for the FEI Senior and Youth European Championships intensi ed. The show also played host to Premier League classes, the Festival of Para Dressage, Equissage Pulse Para Gold Semi-Finals and KBIS Young Horse quali ers. Here, we celebrate the international winners.

Left: Charlotte Dujardin and 10-year-old Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi), owned by Carl Hester and Coral Ingham, scored a fantastic PB of 80.196% to win the CDI3* Grand Prix, and a second PB of 80.872% to claim the CDI3* Grand Prix Special.

Below: The 2022 Junior team bronze and individual silver medal-winning combination of Annabella Pidgley with Sarah Pidgley’s Espe (Escolar x Dimaggio) won the top spot in both the CDIY Young Rider Team and Individual Test on super scores of 74.657% and 75.049% respectively.

Photography: Kevin Sparrow Photography

Above: Mette Dahl and her new ride, Fiona Bigwood’s Caporal de Massa (Rieto x Xaquiro). Mette and ‘Capo’, a purebred Lusitano stallion bred by Sylvain Massa in the South of France and formerly ridden by French Youth rider, Mathilde Juglaret, were unbeaten in the CDIJ Junior classes.

Above: Carl Hester and his Tokyo 2020 partner, En Vogue (Jazz x Contango), who he co-owns with Sandra Biddlecombe, Charlotte Dujardin and Lady Anne Evans, enjoyed a triumphant return to the international arena. The duo, who placed second in the Grand Prix, delivered a winning ride to take the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle on a new PB of 82.945%.

Left: Charlotte Dujardin, aboard Peter Belshaw and Carl Hester’s eight-year-old mare Times Kismet (Ampere x Lord Leatherdale), was unbeaten in the CDI1* Prix St Georges and Intermediate I on scores of 77.647% and 77.843% respectively.

Right: Birthday girl Sofia Games delivered a winning score of 71.442% to claim the Pony Individual Test partnered by Lauren Geraghty’s 12-year-old gelding, WS Jackson (Chiskin Jaguar x His Highness).

Below: Darcey Blaze Marcus took the win in the Children Team Test scoring 72.150% with Hiedi Marcus’s eight-year-old dun gelding, Tackmann’s Dark Deluxe (D-Day AT x Dornik B).

Left: British Youth rider Mette Dahl enjoyed a winning debut in the U25 division, winning both the CDIU25 Inter II and Grand Prix 16-25 with Fiona Bigwood’s 18-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Sir Donato (by Sir Donnerhall).

Right: Abigail Gray and her 12-year-old gelding, George Clooney B.S (Caesar 171 x Santano), on their way to winning the Pony Team Test on an international PB of 71.286%.

Right: Mimi Kempster and Che Bello (FS Champion de Lux x Dressman I), a 13-year-old gelding owned by Rachael SindenKempster, impressed to win the Children Individual Test on 73.746%

BOARD UPDATES

Earlier this year, nominations were invited for the member elected position of Sport Operations Director. Two candidates, Derek Pullem and Simon Bates, were proposed for this position, with both approved by the Nominations Committee and British Dressage Board. The current post-holder, Simon Bates, is eligible to be elected for a second four-year term. Voting will open on 14 July.

In addition, applications were invited for two Extra Director appointments to the Board, with specific expertise in the areas of Finance and Business Development. The current post-holders, Caroline Godfrey and Suzanne Homewood, are both eligible to be re-appointed for a second four-year term and were the only applicants for these roles. These two positions are not subject to a membership vote and will be re-appointed after receiving Board approval. All appointments will be effective from the date of the next British Dressage Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 October.

2023 Board elections:

I have been involved in dressage since 1996, mostly as an organiser, including two terms on BD’s Rules and Fixtures Committee, and my current position as Sport Operations Director. I owned and ran Keysoe from its formation until sale of the business at the end of 2020, having grown it from small family farm to successful international competition centre.

My first term as Sport Operations Director has not seen as much evolution of our sport as I would have liked, as the worldwide pandemic rather affected progress, with the main priority and focus being on maintaining rather than progressing the sport during those times. We have still made good progress (with more to come) in balancing the sections and pathways, particularly for Silver riders, and offering a range of opportunities for every individual. This is being achieved through steady progress, without massive changes and bombshells appearing with each new handbook. We now have two seasons of Area Festivals, while Quest becoming a 12-month competition is the beginnings of an evolution of that part of the

sport. Our elite calendar of Premier, High Profile and international shows is also growing into new venues to meet increased demand.

Moving forward, our sport needs to widen the base at grass roots level by increasing the reach of Quest. This is our product that interfaces the most with the unaffiliated market. It is an affordable and consistent product to bring riders in to British Dressage, but we need a way to bring in venues where there is low existing Quest membership. We also need new venues where there is an existing market, without damaging the venues that are already there. We have seen from the recent survey of members that My Quest is a more popular product than Team Quest, and so we need to find a way for individuals to be able to compete in two tests at the same level at a show. The Associated Championships are another important route into the sport, and these need to be able to continue to grow and allow more breeds and types to come into this competition.

We should be encouraging and assisting unaffiliated organisers to follow a consistent

set of our rules, and to adhere to all of our welfare standards, to help the natural transition through to affiliated competition. Good unaffiliated sport is good for the affiliated sport. New members, venues and judges come through from the unaffiliated market, and our members use unaffiliated competition to prepare and consolidate their training outside of BD’s recorded results.

We need to make the transition from unaffiliated to affiliated dressage, and from Club to Full as simple as possible, and to remove any intimidation that people feel when they look in from the outside. This is an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive sport, and we need to make sure that message is clear for all to see. We do need to grow our online learning and information, and a relaunch and rebrand of the “BD at Home” content that worked through COVID as a vehicle to draw riders in, and to grow riders within our sport.

Full members need a simplification of the pathways for Regionals and Area Festivals. It needs to be an easy and natural choice for a rider who is nearing the top of Area Festival Silver, to choose between moving up an AF level or moving to the Regional route at their current level. At present, it is more complicated than necessary. The qualification structure for both needs to follow a similar template, which is a number of scores exceeding a set percentage. The sport will change with the needs of both its equine welfare and sustainability challenges. Both will fairly equally affect the way sport evolves in future.

For equine welfare, I would like to see horse injury managed in the same way that human injury is recorded, whereby any serious injury that results in a horse not being able to compete for a time can be recorded. We should have provision that horse membership can be extended where a horse is off for a reported injury, when accompanied by a veterinary certificate, so that there is no commercial pressure on the recuperation and recovery period. This will also give an opportunity to monitor the different types of

injury and the frequency that these injuries occur within dressage horses.

Sustainability needs to grow as a priority, with a clear hierarchy of implementation. BD as an organisation should develop and implement best practices at its head office, and with its own network of staff and volunteers, then implementing best practices at the Championship shows run by British Dressage, before taking these refined and implemented ideas and best practices, and offering them to our members, venues, centres, and yards.

British Dressage is now well established as a charity, so with a healthy Reserves position we should also be looking at further investment in our charitable aims and objectives that fulfil a wider remit for the sport as a whole.

HOW TO VOTE

The voting process will be hosted online, with the electronic ballot opening from Friday 14 July 2023. Eligible members will receive an email with details of how to vote electronically using the unique link provided by independent company, Mi-Voice.

If you wish to vote by post, you can download a ballot form at britishdressage.co.uk from 14 July 2023. If you need a hard copy, please send an SAE to Ben Waterhouse at British Dressage, Building 2020, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands, CV5 9RG.

All ballot papers/votes cast must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 1 September and any received after this time will not be counted.

Each current paid member has one vote. Please note that Community members are not eligible to vote. Mi-Voice will scrutinise all votes (electronic and paper) and carry out random spot checks for authenticity. British Dressage will not have access to the voting papers, or any record of which members voted for which candidate.

The result of the ballot will be announced at the British Dressage Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 October.

2023 Board elections: SPORT OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

I came to the sport of Dressage relatively late in life when I met my wife eighteen years ago. At that time, you still needed to be a class winner to enter the Regionals and my wife competing at Elementary was a major achievement at local competitions. My learning curve was steep, as the extent of my equestrian knowledge was limited to horse racing and watching Badminton and the Horse of the Year Show on the BBC. But the bug bit me and now it seems perfectly normal to spend every spare moment mucking out, planning the dressage season campaign, and then working out how to fit in all the trips around the country. My wife now competes three horses at levels between Medium and Grand Prix, including the remarkable “Rosie”, or Cheeky Wee Red, the ex-racer who we took all the way from Novice to Grand Prix level.

As a groom for my wife, I have experienced the evolution of the British Dressage competition structure first hand. I first took an

active interest in the competition structure in 2015 when the Gold, Silver and Bronze sections were introduced. This was when my alter ego – “Groomwithabroom” (or GWAB) was born on the old BD forums. The more I discussed with other members the more I realised that they shared my concerns over the new competition structure. So much so that BD invited me to sit on the Sport Operations Committee in 2018. Groomwithabroom didn’t disappear after 2018 though, you can find some of my views on my blog at https:// groomwithabroom. wordpress.com/. This has led me back to working informally with several members of the BD team at Meriden over the years.

We have all now become accustomed to the Gold, Silver and Bronze structure and enjoy the opportunity to compete in winter and summer seasons at Area Festivals and Regionals. These are

significant achievements by the BD Sport Operations team. It is fair to say that many members still struggle with the complexity of the eligibility rules and sometimes feel that the reward for success can feel more like a penalty when it tips them over into competing in a higher section. If I were elected, my two principal objectives over the next four years would be:

• Simplify the eligibility rules as much as possible.

• Rebalance the competition structure so members are encouraged to compete at their highest level possible, but not pushed too early into a higher section, particularly for their second or following horses. We have two very successful competitions, Area Festivals and Regionals. Both can lead to championships at national level, but Area Festivals have always been aimed at the grassroots rider – and as such need ‘protecting’ from the riders who could be >

competitive at Regionals. There needs to be a much smoother transition from Area Festivals to Regionals to encourage those riders who are capable to compete at Regional level on their current horse.

Similarly, there needs to be opportunities for the talented grassroots combinations to compete at the advanced levels without the commitment to the ‘professional’ Gold circuit that comes with entering Premier Leagues. More and more members are reaching or aspire to these levels, and we need to look closely at the opportunities available to them, such as through the number and timing of High Profile Shows offering Silver sections. So, what do I see my role as Sport Operations Director, and by extension the wider Sport Operation team at BDHQ delivering? It can be summarised in these three actions:

Enable: Provide a range of competitions for the membership, from new riders just starting out to international competitors. We need to make sure we can sustain these competitions

by making them a financially viable option for the venues.

Encourage: Ensure that success is rewarded by encouraging members to take on new challenges and not by penalising them. We need to recognise personal achievements more, as we used to do with rider groups.

Engage: We need to engage with the membership and communicate not only the changes in rules, but the reasons for those changes – and to listen to the feedback. Engagement is a two-way street, and we need to help and encourage more members to volunteer to support the sport at competitions and to be public ambassadors as part of the debate on equine welfare.

So why do I think I am the best candidate to guide the Sport Operations team at British Dressage for the next four years?

I have a wide knowledge of the rules and structure of the sport, plus a keen interest in equestrian issues beyond BD, both nationally and internationally. I also have hands-on

2023 Board: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Meet our Business Development Director, due to be re-appointed for a second term.

I am very excited to be appointed for a second term as Business Development Director, at a time when our sport, horse welfare, and its role within social and environmental change can play a crucial part in helping build and sustain a healthy, harmonious future within a more natural world.

The last four years have seen so many changes impacting the way we work, play, and interact with nature. Expectations, priorities, and relationships have changed, and that includes what we expect from our equestrian networks and of course our governing bodies and membership organisations. The health of our horses and their environment continues to be a priority as our natural resources start to become more impacted from climate change, and economic stresses take their toll on many areas including suppliers to the market, event venues and competitions.

British Dressage itself has changed considerably over the last four years, with huge leaps forward in the quality of communication, particularly online, from our website to our social media presence, providing access to so many new followers and members by sharing what we do and what we stand for. Working with our media partners Horse and Country, live streaming events, bringing friends, family, and worldwide connections closer to our sport through video has enabled our members to stay connected, wherever they are.

BD at Home, created during the pandemic, has extended into many support areas such as fitness, nutrition, member stories, training,

experience of some of the actual challenge faced by members trying to navigate their way through the rulebook and qualification process, from Novice Area Festival to High Profile Shows and Grand Prix. I can also bring in a strong understanding of how to plan and ensure the timely delivery of change based on my day job as a Major Projects Manager.

We have an opportunity to build on the solid foundations of the last eight years to make the structure of our sport more progressive and less complex. We should aim for a system where everyone is motivated to compete against the best, without being overly penalised for a single success.

One person cannot do this alone. Even with the Sport Operations team and the support of the BD Board of Directors there is no guarantee of success. But if you are generous enough to vote for me in this election, I am committed to working with every member, be they rider, owner, judge, volunteer, or organiser to try to deliver these goals in the next four years.

access to our top rider tips and advice, and so much more, that our members have told us they find invaluable.

Our new insurance and legal partnerships have enabled us to offer even better benefits to our members, helping to reduce the overall cost of horse ownership. Our National and Winter Championships have taken steps to reduce waste, be more inclusive and celebrate our diverse culture and membership. Our sponsors and marketing partnerships have continued to introduce educational content, giving firstrate access to expert advice. >

SUZANNE HOMEWOOD

And we have been leading the way across the UK equestrian sports with our approach to horse welfare through our rules, judge training, and education tools.

I therefore believe that we need to continue to build on the member engagement,

communication, and community, providing greater access to advice, guidance, and support across many aspects of health, welfare and of course our competitions. We will continue to increase our range of member benefits, diversifying with new

2023 Board: FINANCE DIRECTOR

Meet our Finance Director and Deputy Chair, due to be re-appointed for a second term.

CAROLINE GODFREY

Over the last five years I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the British Dressage Board. My roles as Finance Director (and as Interim Chair for 10 months) have allowed me to get under the skin of the organisation and to fully contribute to its ongoing development. We are fortunate to have a skilful and committed workforce of paid staff and volunteers, and it has been my responsibility to work with the Senior Management Team and the Board to ensure that our finances are well-managed and used appropriately for the benefit of members and the sport of dressage.

In my first term I have been instrumental in establishing a Finance & Business Development Committee, to provide professional oversight and guidance for the organisation in these key areas.

I also encouraged the introduction of a Nominations Committee, which promotes good governance by ensuring any

nominees have the requisite skills for their proposed role.

The pandemic in 2020-2022 involved a lot of financial modelling and it was the continued loyalty of our members that enabled us to come out of the crisis in a strong financial position. My top priority for the next four years is to see that the Reserves we have built up are reinvested in projects that will benefit the widest range of members and stakeholders.

The Finance role is a ‘back room’ one, not requiring the dressage expertise of many Board roles, but I am committed to using my skills and experience as an accountant to ensure members’ resources continue to be

products and services that help support a more environmental approach to all aspects of sport. We also want to celebrate and reflect even further our diverse and engaged membership base so we can continue to retain, and attract new people to our sport, and grow beyond our current record number.

This ensures we maintain a strong commercial baseline that enables us to invest in our office teams, our competition structure, our officials and venues, and every aspect of our organisation. With reliance on such a wide range of stakeholder groups and people to run and execute our sport, the participation and engagement of our members is what keeps us growing and thriving.

I am confident that we can, with the aid of a new Commercial Manager working alongside our existing strong Marketing and Membership teams, find new suppliers and partners that can reflect our priorities and ambition for building a sustainable sport that brings people and horses together in harmony, whilst delivering value for our current and future members.

used wisely and that we offer value for money in all that we do – as a grassroots rider this really matters to me. I am excited to continue in this role for another term.

When I was elected as Finance Director in 2018, I knew a lot about finance as a chartered accountant of many years, knew something about dressage as a grassroots competitor, but knew very little about how British Dressage as an organisation worked. It was a fairly steep learning curve, but an exciting and interesting one! During my time on the BD Board, I have been fortunate to work with a very focused management team and Board Directors, to help develop strategies that ensure BD’s financial position remains strong. I have also worked closely with the finance team to improve financial reporting and with the Chief Executive to deliver a holistic business strategy. At present our focus is on the reinvestment of funds into the sport: we are fortunate to have generated surpluses and now are looking to apply these to a

range of projects, to benefit as many members as possible across all regions and competitive levels.

WHAT HAVE I DELIVERED IN MY FIRST TERM?

• Established the Finance & Business Development Committee – to provide a format for in-depth discussion of business matters for the charity on a regular basis.

• Encouraged the introduction of the Nominations Committee – to promote good governance by ensuring any nominees have the requisite skills for their proposed role.

• Appointed new Auditors through a competitive tender process.

• Appointed investment managers through a competitive tender process and formulated an Investment Policy.

• Oversaw the finances in detail during the pandemic to support the finance team, including during staff vacancies and changes.

• Acted as Interim Chair for 10 months.

• Worked with the Chief Executive to set up Designated Funds and plans for reinvestment.

• Acted as a sounding board to the Chair and Chief Executive.

• Ongoing suppor t for the finance team, including work on improving management reporting and drafting of statutory accounts.

WHAT IS MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE?

• Deliver on the reinvestment of reserves, in line with the agreed management plan.

• Invest BD resources effectively to protect value as far as possible in a time of high inflation.

• Continue to manage costs so that value for money is achieved, while still enabling BD to deliver on its plans and to grow as a sport.

• Be mindful at all times of pressures on members and stakeholders due to rising costs and to reflect that in financial planning.

• To have a flexible approach so that social

impact initiatives and any other ‘hot topics’ can be financed as required, such as equine welfare, sustainability, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

• Review of Auditor and Investment Manager appointments on a cyclical basis, as a matter of good governance.

• Continue to suppor t the Chief Executive and Chair in their roles as required, particularly in respect of finance, governance, and business management.

• Work with the finance team to continue to improve regular financial reporting, which will enable the Senior Management Team and Board to be better informed.

I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to British Dressage and in my new term will continue to work with the Board and the Senior Management Team to deliver best value for our members across all levels, ensuring that the values and aims espoused by British Dressage are lived out in practice and are fully funded by prudent financial management.

Hot stuff

With warmer weather already here, Emma Penny asks the experts how we can keep our horses cool.

Last year’s extreme temperatures led many horse owners to change plans as temperatures hit 40degC. That experience will be put to good use if the heat returns this season, but preparation can help minimise disruption.

British Equestrian’s director of equine sports science and medicine, vet John McEwen, says horses adapt surprisingly well to hot and cold temperatures, and turning them out in warm sunshine will help horses acclimatise to hotter weather.

Where temperatures do become more extreme – such as last summer’s 40degC – he explains that these temperatures don’t reflect the temperature

experienced by horses. This is more accurately assessed by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index which takes into account sun, temperature, windspeed and humidity in one figure. It is easy to measure with a fairly inexpensive handheld device, and accurately weighs up all the factors that determine thermal environmental load for horses. The index was first used for the Atlanta Olympics and is used by the FEI to assess weather conditions for all competitions, from dressage to endurance.

PICTURED

Above: Planning for training and competition in warmer weather has become part of the regime even for UK-based riders.

Below: BEF advisor John McEwen who has carried out extensive research into the effects of hot weather on competition horses.

The WBGT can often be lower than ‘just’ the temperature as the wind, for instance, can add a significant cooling factor.

However, while he advises owners maintain daily routines as closely as possible, turning out in the cooler morning or evening periods can be helpful, and providing shade which doesn’t overheat is critical. “Stables and shelters sometimes don’t have much insulation in the roof, and can heat up quickly. Airflow is crucial – keep doors and windows open, and think about using fans, as long as you are not in a dusty environment.”

Continue to turn out in fly rugs where horses are wearing them to avoid insect bites, and keep horses’ diets consistent,

WATER INTAKE

Getting horses to drink enough, particularly when they are away from home, can be a difficult task. Seeing horses competing in hotter climates with the associated risk of dehydration led Saracen Horse Feeds’ Lizzie Drury, its senior nutritionist for sports horses, to develop its Re-covery Mash (pictured below).

“I thought we needed to find a way to encourage horses to drink and a fail-proof mechanism of getting fluid on board. It needed to be easily and quickly soakable, palatable, and made with common ingredients so that it wouldn’t compromise digestive health. It’s not a feed – it’s just a medium to get horses to drink, and can be used at any time, even just strategically.”

When horses feel fatigued during work, riders may be tempted to up their feed, but she warns that dehydration is one of the major causes of this. “When they are even slightly dehydrated, their drinking response may reduce, so getting fluid on board reliably and consistently is important.”

but ensure salt or electrolytes are included (see panel). Provide plenty of tepid clean water as this is the temperature horses prefer, he says.

Ensuring horses drink enough (see panel) is critical for welfare and performance, particularly in hotter weather. “Monitor how much your horse drinks and keep a note of it. Only a small percentage of dehydration can have a marked effect on performance. You won’t know if a horse is dehydrated, and it is far too late if they are clinically dehydrated.”

Performance can also be hugely affected by how well the horse is cooled after exercise

in warmer weather, says Mr McEwen. While it is commonplace to see racehorses and eventers being aggressively cooled at competitions, he says dressage horses are more likely to require this than other disciplines.

“I was involved in all three [Olympic] disciplines in Atlanta, and the hottest horses were those doing dressage. Dressage horses are not moving through the air like eventers, and are often heavier, bulkier types. The arenas often don’t have the same airflow, especially if they are surrounded by banks of seating, and a pale arena surface will reflect the heat too.”

Aggressive cooling after work

Opposite

and at competitions should be routine, and not just for hot weather, he says. In practice, this means applying large volumes of cold water across the large muscle masses without scraping it off, and continuing this until the horse has returned to its comfort zone. “This is good practice and for the horse’s wellbeing. It will not cause muscle damage and will get the horse’s temperature down quickly so they will recover better and perform better.”

Keeping a daily log will help monitor horse health, and can be particularly useful in challenging conditions. The log should include feed and water intake, consistency and frequency of droppings, rectal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate. While temperature monitoring is an FEI requirement before and during competition, it is something which should be done by all horse owners, he says.

When travelling to competition or training, keeping horses cool is crucial; fitting fans in lorries is a good idea, as is monitoring the temperature in the horse area, he says.

“Don’t travel at busy times of day when it is hot – sitting still in a lorry is not good [for air flow], so travel when roads are quiet and do offer water and feed on a longer journey. Horses don’t mind travelling at night as long as they have recovery time when they arrive at a venue; a 6-8 hour journey will need about a day’s recovery.”

Taking water from home is ideal, but where this isn’t possible, he says it is important to monitor your horse’s water intake to ensure they are drinking it.

“The other key point is to ensure grooms and athletes are well hydrated too – it takes only a few percentage points of dehydration to affect decisionmaking and performance.”

PICTURED

main: Aggressive cooling after work will get the horse’s temperature down quickly so they will recover and perform better.

While temperature monitoring is an FEI requirement before and during competition, it is something which should be done by all horse owners...

HOT WEATHER TIPS FROM THE TOP

Alan Davies has travelled horses to some venues where the heat and humidity have been really challenging, including the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA.

“The humidity in South Carolina was so much more than in Rio.” Alan says this meant rapid post-work cooling of horses was critical.

“We had buckets of iced water prepared for washing down when horses came out of the arena and worked as quickly as possible to cool them.” Stables were well ventilated, with additional fans to keep the air moving and horses were regularly hand walked as air movement helps with evaporation. He also uses cooling washes, post-exercise, and says they can also help. “Where we are washing horses a lot, I do watch that their heels don’t crack and will often dry their heels. I also add oil to feeds to keep their skin good.”

As dressage horses often tend to be bigger, heavier types he says that where they are working in hot, humid conditions they need to be kept ‘ultra-fit’. It is also important to know their normal heart rate and temperature at home when they are working, and at competitions so that any potential issues can be quickly spotted.

Getting horses to drink enough in hot conditions can be tricky, he says. “Valegro was very good, but I’ve had to syringe water into the mouths of other horses to encourage them to drink, or cut up apples to put in their water.”

Alan takes a canister of water from the yard in the lorry when travelling, allowing him to water horses when someone else is driving, or put water on the horses if it is particularly hot. “We have fans on the lorry and ensure there is as much ventilation as possible when travelling. I also tend to travel the horses naked to keep them cool.”

Liquid and powdered electrolytes are a key part of his kit, as horses will often prefer one over the other. He will also sometimes use a cooling gel or clay on legs for the home journey if horses have been competing on hard ground.

ELECTROLYTES EXPLAINED

When horses sweat, the chemical compounds lost in their sweat need to be replaced – this is the role fulfilled by electrolytes. Horses cannot create a store of these in their body, so any lost need to be replaced, explains Nicola Tyler of TopSpec.

For horses sweating only lightly, 24/7 access to a salt lick, ad-lib forage and adding table salt to their feed – even if it is only a light chop – is likely to be enough. However, where horses have been working hard, a specific electrolyte product offered afterwards will help replace lost nutrients and ensure they do not suffer dehydration, she says.

“If a horse is only 2-3% dehydrated, they are likely to be behind the leg. If sodium isn’t replaced quickly, the horse can lose their thirst response and won’t drink.”

Electrolytes can be added to water or feed on top of salt; adding them to feed is a useful option for fussier horses, she says. John McEwen adds that where horses are given electrolytes in water, a bucket of plain water should be offered alongside.

PICTURED

Inset: A specific electrolyte product can be helpful after exercise to replace lost nutrients and avoid dehydration.

PICTURED

Left: Cooling washes can help post-exercise, suggests Alan Davies.

HOT WEATHER CARE

ABSORBINE COOLDOWN is an all-natural body wash with 12 herbs and essential oils, including rosemary, lavender, peppermint, aloe vera, and arnica extract. The aromatherapy fragrance is relaxing, gently cooling, and soothes tired muscles - perfect for after exercise or competition. It conditions the skin and coat, and is soap-free with no rinsing required so great for everyday use too.

RRP: £27.01 | absorbine.co.uk

COOLWASH is a peppermint no-rinse wash which removes sweat and grease and refreshes and cools your horse while helping reduce recovery time. Coolwash contains no alcohol or chemicals and nourishes and conditions the skin and coat. It can also be used as a leg brace and for bandage soaking. 100% natural and biodegradable, a little Coolwash goes a long way, making it economical too.

RRP: £14.95 | pro-equine.com

REVIVE is a great-tasting powder supplement for horses. Use in hot weather, pre and post exercise. Revive helps to maintain essential minerals and salt lost through sweating. Mix 15g with every one litre of water. Available in a 500g recyclable pouch or a 3kg bucket.

RRP: from £10 | animal-health.co.uk

NAF LOVE THE SKIN HE’S IN D-ITCH

LOTION works in two ways. Firstly, it sinks deep into the skin to soothe and lessen the itch, supporting damaged or irritated skin back to its normal healthy condition. Secondly, it works as an effective barrier to protect the skin from environmental and seasonal challenges. The ingredients have been specially chosen for their ability to comfort and restore the skin while fortifying it against further irritations. Applied two to three times a day, Love The Skin He’s In D-Itch Lotion will help keep your horse’s skin healthy all year round.

RRP: £18.99 for 500ml | naf-equine.eu/uk

THE BOETT BLANKET was designed in Sweden over 30 years ago and has been continuously improved since. It is still at the forefront of the market. Used worldwide, it is made from a unique light, but strong water-repellent breathable fabric impervious to midges, the ‘parasol’ effect keeps the horse cool and stops bleaching. The genuine Boett blanket protects horses and ponies from biting insects, It is also used by many as an effective fly rug and for the protection of horses with sarcoids.

RRP: From £170 | itchyhorse.co.uk

COOLING SPRAY is a multiple use intensive cooling spray ideal for use at competitions to cool your horse down in hot weather. Cools and revitalises the whole body when out and about with no need for water. Soft, quiet trigger spray. Also used to help soothe muscle strain, reduce swelling, soothe bruising and reduce itching from insect bites. A must-have product for the summer months.

RRP: £14.95 | strathheavenequine.co.uk

SPILLERS PERFORM & RESTORE MASH supports optimum condition and recovery in performance horses. It’s a low starch, molassesfree blend of highly digestible fibre and oil to support digestive health and reduce the risk of excitability. Formulated to assist hydration and complement the replacement of electrolytes post-exercise. It supplies powerful antioxidants including vitamin C to support respiratory health and natural, bioavailable vitamin E to support immunity, muscle health and athletic performance.

RRP: £17.75 for 20kg | spillers-feeds.com

NAF COOLING WASH

No rinse, no worries. Prepare to be cool and wash the build-up of sweat and dust right out of your horse’s hair with this cooling no rinse body wash. Designed to cool down, relax and refresh tired muscles, just add a couple of capfuls to five litres of water to wash down your horse.

RRP: from £9.99 for 500ml | naf-equine.eu/uk

BAILEYS AQUA-AIDE helps to rehydrate and recover from sweaty work, when water (or mash) alone is unlikely to be sufficient. Baileys Aqua-Aide electrolyte is formulated to mirror salts lost in sweat and is one of the most palatable of its kind on the market. Add to water - with chaff, beet or mash, if desired – and offer whenever your horse has sweated, both at home and in competition, to encourage salt replenishment, rehydration and recovery and support ongoing performance.

RRP: £15 for 2kg or £50 for 9kg baileyshorsefeeds. co.uk

LEMIEUX KUDOS MESH SPORTS

COOLER RUG is an effective cooling rug with 3D mesh top panel which contours the horse’s topline promoting airflow and ensures key muscles along the back are kept at optimum temperature. Lycra-lined shoulders and 45-degree angled front closure make this a must-have performance rug. Sizes: 5’6” to 7’0”, in navy and black.

RRP: £99.95 | lemieuxproducts.com

NAF OFF DEET POWER PERFORMANCE Long-lasting liquid protection against flies, horse flies and insect menace.

RRP: from £19.99 for 750ml | naf-equine.eu/uk

BETTALIFE PHARMATRAC supports your horse’s digestive system during times of stress caused by hot weather, triggered by changing routines, forage intake, exercise regime, or appetite loss. Targeting both the fore and hindgut, PharmaTRAC contains the highest-grade ingredients and prebiotics to maintain an optimum pH level, contribute towards normal stool patterns, and support gastric comfort. It can be fed as part of a year-round maintenance programme or when extra support is required.

RRP: £45 for 1kg | bettalife.co.uk

THE DOMINICK FLY RUG is designed to be extremely comfortable and breathable, featuring a long neck to keep your horse covered at all times. Dominick rugs feature an exclusive ‘Liberty System’ which shapes the rug to the contours of the horse’s body to keep it straight and prevent it slipping backwards. Dominick rugs allow maximum freedom of movement and comfort for the horse.

RRP: £95 | thecentreline.co.uk

LEMIEUX ARMOURSHIELD PRO FLY MASKS are new and improved and now have a more generous fit over the eye darts, around the cheeks and over the headpiece which allows a greater stand-off over the face and increased coverage. The heavier duty silver 75% UV protective mesh provides good protection from irritating flies while giving a clear, unobstructed view. The elasticated head piece and throat strap allows for close firm fit while maintaining comfort with a soft fleece edging.

RRP: From £22.95 (standard), £23.95 (half) and £24.95 (full) lemieuxproducts.com

SARACEN RECOVERY MASH supports optimum hydration and recovery during periods of warm weather, postperformance, travelling or competing. Fed as and when needed, the banana-flavoured mash encourages horses to drink, especially useful when away from home. The advanced formula includes Vitamin E to support normal muscle function and recovery, live yeast to stabilise the gut pH level and linseed, which is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, to help manage inflammation and muscle response. The quick soak mash can be fed without disturbing the horse’s normal feed routine.

RRP: £23.17 for a 20kg bag; £8.50 for 1.5kg travel pouch saracenhorsefeeds.com

MASTA WAFFLE AIR TECH COOLER RUG with moisture wicking properties and a soft knitted waffle weave, the Masta Waffle Air Tech Cooler is the ideal rug for travel or exercise. Sizes: 4ft6” – 7ft6”.

RRP: £49.95 | harryhall.com

EQUI-N-ICE’S RAPID COOLER RUG is an alternative to conventional ‘sweat rugs’ which work by air convection alone. Effective heat loss through sweating requires evaporation as well as convection and this rug achieves the perfect combination of both, dropping the horse’s core body temperature as quickly and safely as possible.

RRP: £89.95 | equinice.co.uk

TRI-TEC 14 is the fly control which people ‘in the know’ use. A water-based formula that protects your horse against six types of biting and nuisance flies, plus gnats, mosquitoes, lice and deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease. TriTec 14 delivers quick knockdown and long-lasting protection and keeps working for up to 14 days. Available in: 600ml spray, 946ml spray, and 3.8L refill bottles.

RRP: £28.00 – £149.00 | LeslieSutcliffe.com

TOPSPEC ELECTROLYTES are designed to help compensate for electrolyte loss after heavy sweating. This high salt formula is flavoured with wildberry, significantly increasing palatability. TopSpec electrolytes are supplied in 3kg tubs which will last a 500kg horse for 20-60 days, and economical 9kg and 20kg tubs.

RRP: £31.50 for 3kg Topspec.com

Your say

In November 2022, we invited members to take part in the British Dressage competitor survey, to help us understand how we can improve and enhance the competition experience for members at all levels of the sport.

3,256 competitorsurveyscompleted

3,236 competitor surveys completed

96% Female responses

46 Average age

Average time as a British Dressage member

6 years

OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH BRITISH DRESSAGE SATISFACTION WITH BD HEAD OFFICE

OF PEOPLE

SATISFACTION WITH DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH BD REGIONS & REPS

When rating the overall experience competing or participating in the sport, dissatisfaction rates have reduced, whilst satisfaction rates have increased. 8, 9 or 10 Satisfaction ratings out of 10

73%

Rated as ‘highly likely’ or’definitely’

ATTITUDES TO BD COMPETITIONS

FULL CLUB

Achieving qualification for championships is realistic

Competition structure encourages my progression

There are plenty of competitions for me and my horse

SUMMARIES

• Fewer Full members think the competition structure is complex.

• More Full members agree that the rules are easy to understand compared to 2019 survey results.

• Attitudes towards judging are positive and consistent.

Quest provides a good introduction to affiliated dressage

Achieving qualification for a championship is a realistic goal

I’d like to compete more often

• While the competition structure isn’t viewed as too daunting, Club members prefer the fun, informal and social aspect of Quest competition.

• There is plenty of choice and opportunity to compete for Club members.

• Club members think that judges are well trained and offer encouragement to aid their progression.

ON JUDGES

BD judges are well trained and experienced

Judges have a good level of knowledge and understanding

Comments are positive which helps my progress as a rider

• Following feedback in the 2019 survey, a working group was set up to oversee the Judge Education Project. This was delivered in 2021 and, while we are still in the early stages of implementing the new system, the process has transformed the way that judges are now trained and assessed.

1 2 3 CPEDI (international) 67%

Winter & Summer Championships 73%

ATTITUDES TO BD COMPETITIONS

regular shows 30%

PARA DRESSAGE 94% 22% 4% 24% 31% TALKING

Achieving qualification for a championship is a realistic goal

The competition structure encourages progression

Rules around BD competitions are easy to understand

POINTS

Although the numbers are comparatively small, fewer Para riders believed that there were sufficient opportunities to compete against riders of a similar ability, compared to the 2019 survey, and some wanted to see more options to compete in para competitions. We have recently introduced the Para Academy to support rider education and development, as well as adding Para Freestyle titles for all grades to the championship offering in 2023. We’ll be further developing opportunities for those with hidden disabilities as part of our diversity and inclusion strategy, to ensure the sport is accessible to all.

MOTIVATION & GOALS TRAVEL & FREQUENCY

COMMUNICATIONS &

WITH BD?

For our member groups from under 18s to under 44, there’s higher focus on Instagram and Facebook, whilst our members aged 45 and over choose to engage with the magazine and our e-newsletters.

FINDINGS & ACTION PLAN

DIGITALISATION

Smartphones are now an integral part of our daily lives, which you use to access all things related to BD media, from online schedules and results to our social media channels and website. As part of our digitalisation strategy, we will be making various improvements to the BD website, to improve the navigation and provide easy access to the growing amount of content available. We will also be looking at ways to integrate access to BD tests and score sheets online in digital form. Your feedback on what you want to see will shape this future direction and help us to support your member journey.

BD COMMUNITY

You clearly enjoy having the opportunity to socialise with other BD members, and meeting other riders is important to you. We want to develop the range of training and education activities available to members, delivered both centrally and at regional level, and our Development Officers will be working with the Regional Committees to introduce new and innovative ways of providing social activities linked to the sport we all love. As part of the reinvestment of our reserves we want to establish more of these community initiatives within the regions, as well as continuing popular annual events such as regional balls and celebration events. Watch out for our 25th anniversary celebrations coming later this year!

IT INVESTMENT

You rated our online member portal and having direct access to your competition record as the second most important benefit in being a member of BD, as well as giving it a satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5. This is fantastic to see, as we have invested heavily in developing our IT systems and website in the last five years, and we are committed to continuing this technological evolution of our sport, from providing online training to live scoring and other digital initiatives. Several projects are currently underway, aimed at enhancing the member experience even further.

ORGANISER SUPPORT

Forourmembergroupsfromunder18sto under44,there'shigherfocusonInstagram andFacebook,whilstourmembersaged45 andoverchoosetoengagewiththe

Good customer service at venues is also a key component in how often and where you take part in BD activity, and the survey provided valuable feedback for organisers. Our affiliated venues are important and valued partners, and we will continue to provide support to develop and enhance the competitor experience. We have recently confirmed an extension of the starter levy subsidy until at least the end of 2023, and we have other projects in the pipeline, using Designated Funds to further invest in and support our venues and events.

COST OF LIVING

While BD continues to enjoy record membership levels currently, we continue to closely monitor the impact that the cost-ofliving crisis is having on members’ ability to compete.

Only 50% of Club members now compete at least once a month, representing a 15% decrease from the 2019 survey, while Para has fallen from 61% to 55% over the same period. These results show how inflationary pressures, escalating fuel prices and cost of competing are having an adverse effect on the frequency that members compete, although engagement in training activity at local level is up significantly on 2019 levels.

Girths play a big role in our horses’ performance. Not only are they responsible for the stability of the saddle, but they can also impact a horse’s way of going.

The 2013 study ‘Girth pressure measurements reveal high peak pressures that can be avoided using an alternative girth design that also results in increased limb protraction and flexion in the swing phase.” by Rachel Murray, Russell Guire, Mark Fisher and Vanessa Fairfax, looked at the location of peak pressures under a range of girths and compared the horse’s gait.

“We found that the pressure occurs under the girth just behind the elbow on the muscles that control the forelimb and the core of the body,” says vet Rachel Murray. “If you have big pressures under the girth, particularly in that area, it decreases hindlimb and forelimb function. Horses need to be able to contract the muscles underneath the girth in order to lift the thorax and the withers. If the girth is anatomically shaped to allow those muscles to contract without pressure points, then it’s much easier for the horse to work more correctly.”

It’s also important to consider the positioning of the girth groove which will affect where the girth chooses to sit.

“For some horses, a saddle will have a tendency to slip back or forward because where the girth attaches to the saddle puts the saddle in the wrong place and then the

Girth up!

Research into girth t and design has led to some rather interesting new creations. Stephanie Bateman explores the latest girth designs and how they impact performance.

PICTURED

Above: The design and fit of a girth can have a significant impact on the horse’s way of going.

Below: Where there is elastic on the girth it should be on both sides or in the middle to avoid asymmetric pressures.

whole unit becomes a problem,” says Rachel. “The issue there isn’t necessarily the girth but could be the girth straps on the saddle. Saddles with more flexibility in terms of number and position of girth straps will be easier to fit. For example, a saddle that has a tendency to slip forward may be less likely to slip if you put the girth on a point (front) strap. If you have a saddle that slips back, it may be in a happier place with a girth strap positioned further back in conjunction with the balance (back) strap.

“If the saddle is slipping to one side because the horse moves asymmetrically, or the saddle is not flocked evenly, the girth is more likely to rub, so it’s important to look at everything together.”

Then you have the elastic vs non-elastic debate and where you should have the elastic. “Elastic on one side only isn’t ideal because it gives you asymmetric pressures,” tells Rachel. “If there is elastic on a girth, it should be in the middle or on the sides equally. Elastic will also stretch over time and become less stable.” >

SYMPTOMS OF A BADLY FITTING GIRTH

• Rubbing – hair loss and sores

• Pain on palpation anywhere under the girth including the buckles

• Issues with collection or connection

• Unhappy when doing up the girth.

STÜBBEN EQUI-SOFT

Another girth to boast research behind its design is the Stübben Equi-Soft. A comparative study of girths was performed by physiotherapist Mar de Echevarria Ruiz-Oriol and vet Patricia Prats Filgueira who found that the heart rate of horses were much lower when using the Equi-Soft girth. This girth uses a system of elastic rings to even out girth pressure distribution.

It has an anatomical design to fit the contours of the horse’s body to achieve maximum comfort, avoiding pinching.

The design allows the horse to expand its chest when needed during exercise.

Dressage rider Emily Ormerod said: “Not only can the horses find greater looseness and freedom in their paces, but their relaxation is significantly improved. It reassures me to know that they are able to expand the rib cage and take in the oxygen they need to work at their maximum. On a practical note, I love that the interchangeable pads can be swapped in seconds or between tests so my horses never have to work in a damp or dirty girth.”

PRESTIGE RP

Prestige’s RP (Relax and Perform) girth has an oval area which is padded and sits away from the horse’s sternum, and is designed to slide over the oval plate as the sternum moves while also allowing for lateral movement. The oval plate also means the girth sits away from the horse’s sides where there is a large concentration of blood vessels and nerves. Horses are able to lift more through their backs and take deeper breaths.

Emily Kemp competes Artie, a nine-year-old German Warmblood. This year they qualified for Preliminary Winter Regionals and Novice Area Festivals.

Emily has struggled with Artie’s walk; he would throw his head up and have a choppy stride.

Keith Ewers from supplier Equitogs visited Emily last November and fitted a new Prestige X D2 Saddle and Prestige RP Girth.

“I was impressed with the difference in Artie’s movement,” Emily said. “His stride lengthened, his head carriage was more consistent and he was a happier horse, no longer fighting against me.”

THE FAIRFAX GIRTH

Based on the research undertaken in 2013 as mentioned above, The Fairfax Performance Girth was designed and has been shown to improve forelimb protraction in dressage horses by up to 33%.

“A reduction in pressure facilitates increased forelimb extension,” says Vanessa Fairfax of Fairfax Saddles. “This is because the horse is free to move without restriction. Not only that, but knee and hock flexion is improved too.”

The Fairfax Performance Girth removes asymmetry between the leg pairs.

“If you ride evenly and generate less wear and tear, your horse will be sounder for longer,” adds Vanessa. “The Fairfax Girth design incorporates a unique leading edge which was thoroughly tested and shown to allow enhanced freedom of movement. The appearance may be unusual but it is important to note that the design was scientifically proven not to transfer pressure to the back edge of the girth.”

SHARF FREEDOM GIRTH

“The Scharf Freedom Dressage Girth has been designed to work with the horse’s various muscle groups, providing independent support for each area of the chest,” says Claire Hubbard of The Centre Line. “This allows the ribcage to move freely, to expand and contract as the horse breathes, relieving pressure. It is designed to encourage horses to let go over the back and work into the contact with ease. It is the first girth on the market to enhance muscle function, improving the freedom of muscle groups and therefore enhancing the horse’s movement and overall way of going. The girth has been composed of individual sections that allow air to circulate, reducing sweating and minimising the risk of any sweat rubs or sores.”

GIRTH FITTING TIPS

• A dressage girth should fit to avoid the key pressure zones behind the horse’s elbows. Choose a girth long enough so that the buckles are fastened away from the elbow area and closer to the bottom of the saddlecloth.

• Shape is important too. In principle, a wider girth would distribute pressure and also aid saddle stability, but if it is so wide that it interferes with movement or causes pressure behind the elbow, the benefits are lost. Also, if the horse has a particularly forward girth groove, or lots of wrinkly skin behind his elbows, a wider girth might not suit him either.

• Using a girth cover risks adding unnecessary bulk. If your horse needs a sleeve, make sure it’s the right size and fits the shape of your girth.

• Seek the advice of a qualified Society of Master Saddlers

Saddle Fitter when it comes to which girth to suit an individual horse’s conformation and the saddle he’s using.

Source: Fairfax Saddles

PICTURED

Girths should be long enough to allow the buckles to be fastened away from the elbow area.

GIRTHS AND SADDLE ACCESORIES

RIDER IN BALANCE STEEL STIRRUPS help to improve a rider’s leg position and balance. They feature an adjustable angle on the foot plate which affords the rider maximum foot support and control, placing their leg softly around the horse, releasing the knees and allowing for effective leg use. The safety release arm is made of a soft PU-material, allowing the foot to slip free in case of an accident by bending out and releasing from the steel.

RRP: £300 | Thecentreline.co.uk

LEMIEUX GEL-TEK ANATOMIC DRESSAGE

GIRTH is an anatomic high-performance girth that maximises comfort with a combination of dynamic gel and ultra-soft oiled leather to absorb and spread pressure evenly across the surface area of the girth. Gel-impregnated pockets on the leading edge of the girth allow muscles to move freely without restriction or the sensation of blocking. A contoured shape allows maximum freedom and space behind the elbow with scalloped, shaped ends for even pressure under the buckles. A minute degree of elastication is built in to each buckle attachment – just enough for flexibility without affecting saddle fit or girth tension.

RRP: £129.95 | Lemieuxproducts.com

EQUITEX AIRTECH SADDLE

PADS

are an essential accessory for your summer tack locker.

The upper side takes its technology from premium sports footwear and gives maximum breathability. The underside is TechVelvet which lies flat against the coat and is highly wickable. The shock absorbing, reactive foam layers allow for total freedom of movement for the skin and muscles under the saddle. The Airtech is entirely ‘non-slip’ and proven to reduce the impact and concussion that a rider can impart through the saddle. There are no girth straps or fixing loops, the non-slip guarantee comes from the ‘sticky’ heat-sealed, graphic grips that secure the saddle firmly in place.

RRP: £239 | equitex.co

WOW FREESPACE GIRTH The truly innovative FreeSpace girth gives the horse full freedom to move, because, as pressure testing shows, it completely removes pressure on the pectoral muscles which lift the back and move the foreleg. The patented Active Cushion double sternum plate holds the girth straps away from the muscles while comfortably cushioning the girth against the sternum. This modular girth system has interchangeable components, including the choice of a standard or slim sternum plate designed for narrower horses. Available in premium quality synthetic or real leathers, it can be used with all saddles.

RRP: from £249 | freespacegirth.com

DRESSAGE GIRTH is designed to work with the horse’s muscle groups, providing independent support for each area and allowing freedom for the ribcage to move as the horse breathes. Manufactured in Europe to be strong and durable, with high-quality materials, the individual sections of the girth allow air to circulate and minimise the risk of any sweat rubs or sores. The girth buckles are designed to work alongside the saddle position rather than against it and the leather surround is soft and padded, made for comfort. Its design is extremely flexible making it easy to fold together, transport and store appropriately.

RRP: £275 | Thecentreline.co.uk

LEMIEUX SOFT SHELL ANTI SLIP DRESSAGE SQUARE combining style with the practicalities of the iconic LeMieux cut, a new grip silicone design and sporty soft shell outer, this pad ensures saddle stability, grip and comfort.

The LeMieux soft shell anti-slip saddle pads are made with an innovative softshell material outer that is lightweight and with a linear design that contours to the shape of the horse without restriction. Lined with signature bamboo fabric this pad is soft, friction-free and ensures the whole pad breathes and wicks.

The blast foam under the saddle area aids with comfort and shock absorbency whilst remaining breathable. Available in large, and in black, navy and burgundy.

RRP: £114.95 | Lemieuxproducts.com

FAIRFAX PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE GIRTH is scientifically proven to relieve pressure and improve freedom of movement. It is clearly demonstrated that this patented design removes girth pressure behind the elbows without transferring it to a different area. Flexion, extension and gait symmetry is improved. Available in standard and narrow, long and short design.

RRP: £240-£260 | fairfaxsaddles.com

THE ST Ü BBEN EQUI-SOFT GIRTH The sophisticated and exclusive system made of elastic strips allows a perfect girth-pressure-distribution. Its special design allows the horse to expand its chest when needed during exercise. The elastic rings expand and contract with the rib cage, maintaining a uniform tension. A comparative study of various girths certified that all horses maintained lower heart rates when using the Equi-Soft-girth. Available in black or brown with natural sheepskin lining.

RRP: £159 (excluding cover) £278 (including cover) | stuebben.co.uk

PRESTIGE RP DRESSAGE

GIRTH 3A152 was developed to fit both horses and ponies. It is a modified dressage girth that slides inside an innovative, resistant roundshaped panel. The benefits are that it eliminates almost all lateral movements because the girth slides inside the special panel and the pressure is evenly distributed over a larger surface. The special shape of the panel, characterised by a round contour on the outside and three oval inserts inside, all made in extremely soft material, creates an air cushion to further reduce the pressure. The loops for the girth straps also further improve its fitting properties.

RRP: £269 | Prestigeitalia.com

THE CHILDERIC ‘SOFT’ DRESSAGE GRITH is subtly shaped to avoid the elbows and prevent chafing, and encourage an increased range of movement. Extremely soft and comfortable for the horse. Features Velcro buckle guards for additional comfort. Available in either calf or buffalo, with wide or narrow ends.

RRP: £310 | childericsaddles.co.uk

WOW FREESPACE GIRTH

Happy Gut = Happy Horse

Is your horse nervous, spooky or moody? His diet could be a factor.

Kate Hore RNutr(Animal). R.Anim.Technol., head nutritionist at NAF, looks at the Gut-Brain Axis and its influence on the horse’s behaviour.

If I asked you which organ in your horse’s body was responsible for their behaviour, moods, spooks and spins, you would probably say their brain – and you’d be right, or partly right. The brain, of course, is important but it does not work alone. The role of the digestive tract in behaviour, and particularly its vast microbial population, is

CNS Central Nervous SystemPart of the nervous system, principally the brain and spinal cord.

ENS Enteric Nervous SystemSub-section of the nervous system. A mesh like system of neurons (nerve cells) governing function in the GIT.

GBA Gut-Brain Axis Bi-directional communication between the brain, nervous system and gut.

GIT Gastro-Intestinal TractTotal digestive tract from mouth to rectum

well-established along what is called the ‘Gutbrain axis (GBA)’.

The connection between the brain, the gut, behaviour and immunity has long been recognized, and that knowledge continues to grow. It is a complex relationship between the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its microbiome, central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). Communication along the GBA runs both ways, with changes in the brain able to influence the balance of the microbiome; whilst dysbiosis (imbalance) in the microbes can strongly influence the brain and behaviour. Indeed, human research has shown clear associations between changes in gut microbiota and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (Chang et al 2022).

Exact mechanisms controlling this relationship are still not fully understood, but they are known to be complex and likely involving multiple pathways, including neural, endocrine, metabolic and immunological.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system is integral to the GBA, with roles in the CNS, ENS, and along the Vagus nerve running from the brain to the gut. The Vagus nerve is part of an involuntary nervous system, meaning we can’t consciously control it. Roles for neurotransmitters in both brain and gut are another example of how the nervous system acts directly on the microbiota. Gut microbiome stability influences digestive efficiency and the uptake of nutrients, so impacting endocrine function,

Exact mechanisms controlling this relationship are still not fully understood

PICTURED

Neurons, or nerve cells, send messages between the gut and the brain.

which in turn affects the GBA. Meanwhile the role of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotic metabolites are all being investigated for their potential to stabilise the microbiota, protect the epithelial cell wall of the GIT and positively influence behaviour and mood along the GBA.

RESEARCH

The link between digestion and emotions dates back hundreds of years, hence the word ‘gutsy’ meaning brave and determined, but now science is catching up with evidence in horses. The equine hindgut, in particular, is an area of extensive research, and here we discuss just a few recent developments.

The importance of feeding a fibre focused forage-based diet is evident, as research demonstrates the high-starch concentrate diet changes the microbiota, and is seen as increased behavioural reactivity (Bulmer et al 2019). Destrez et al (2019) looked further at responses in horses when exposed to stress from a novelty test and a startle (umbrella) test and how a changed microbiota might influence their reactions. Moving to a lowfibre, high-concentrate diet changed the microbial profile of the hindgut, which was then seen as reactive behaviour during the novelty test, and changed gut chemistry in the startle challenge. Concurrent changes in both behaviour and gut chemistry reflect the bi-directional aspect of the gut-brain axis.

STUDYING BEHAVIOUR

Mach et al (2020) studied a range of variables in a large group of healthy horses kept in similar conditions over eight months, and found two key relationships between health and the microbiota. Firstly behaviour linked to poor welfare, such as stereotypies and aggression, were closely linked to the microbiota, so reinforcing the role of the GBA in horses. Secondly, performance challenges were highly associated with gut microbiota variability. Differences were even seen within discipline, with dressage and jumping recognised as similar to each other, differentiated from horses training for eventing or other specialties. The stressors were recognised less as the training itself, but associated issues such as long-distance transport, stabling and high concentrate diets. Further work from this group has reinforced the link between microbiota and behaviour in horses, and is looking at the

benefits of time at pasture for equine athletes, their gut and brain.

When looking at the research overall, a recent scientific review confirms the literature shows evidence of the gut-brain axis and its influence on behaviour in horses. Feeding targeted nutritional support of the microbiota of the GIT is recommended. Ongoing research by Professor Veronique Julliand’s group in France continues to improve our knowledge on the role of probiotics in equine digestion, whilst postbiotic research offers emerging evidence for controlling stress in young horses, and further research – outside the scope of this article – shows evidence for specific nutrients and their role in gastric health.

MAINTAINING A STABLE GUTBRAIN AXIS

• Feed a high fibre, low-cereal diet

• Make changes gradually

• Maximise pasture turnout

• Supplement with targeted support for the microbiome

• Maintain gut wall integrity with evidencebased nutrition

CONCLUSION

If we go back to that opening question, of ‘Which organ controls behaviour?’,

we can see there is clear evidence, both across species and specific to horses, that it isn’t one organ, but a double act between the brain and the gut, along the fascinating corridor known as the Gut-Brain Axis.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Full references available on request from info@naf-uk.com

• Bulmer et al (2019) High-starch diets alter equine faecal microbiota and increase behavioural reactivity. Scientific Reports.9; 9(1) 18621

• Chang L et al (2022) Brain-gutmicrobiota axis in depression. Brain research bulletin. 182. 44-56

• Destrez A et al (2019) Dietaryinduced modulation of the hindgut microbioate is related to behavioural responses during stressful events in horses. Physiology & Behavior. (202) 94-100

• Mach N et al (2020) Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes. Scientific Reports. 10:8311

The Gut-Brain Axis, a complex multi-directional pathway between the brain and gut.

Further work from this group has reinforced the link between microbiota and behaviour in horses.

Feeling the Strain

Many horse owners will be familiar with the feeling of dread when their horse damaged a tendon or ligament. Helen Triggs spoke to Professor Roger

W. K. Smith MA VetMB PhD

DEO FHEA DipECVSMR DipECVS FRCVS, Professor of Equine Orthopaedics at the Royal Veterinary College, to get an insight into scientific advances in equine tendon research that are leading to new treatments that could help horses in the future.

Tendon and ligament injuries are common in dressage horses, particularly as the level of training increases in intensity and the horse also increases in age. Scientific research is a continuous process to try and find ways of returning the horse to healthy work and has certainly moved on a lot in the last few decades.

PICTURED

Right Inset: Steady rehab including walk exercise is important.

Below: Early diagnosis of a tendon injury can be key to successful treatment.

Prevention is obviously the best policy and it’s important to try and minimise injury as there is no magic bullet which will reverse damage. While tendons and ligaments can repair, they are usually less efficient than before the injury and more prone to re-injury.

“While injury can be a sudden event, occurring during exercise or in the field, there is a lot of evidence now that

there is an accumulation of micro-damage in the tendon over time caused by high intensity exercise. We are constantly trying to identify the key processes and increase our understanding of why injuries occur which helps to develop preventative strategies,” says Professor Smith.

UNDERSTANDING WHY INJURIES OCCUR

“Traumatic lesions look very different to overstrain injuries. The latter increase with age which is why we think there is a degenerative phase not normally seen in the young horse,” he points out.

Cellular senescence (deterioration) is being extensively researched in the human field. Senescent cells play a role in preventing the accumulation of procarcinogenic mutations. However, as they age, they lose the capacity to replace themselves and in turn become a source of inflammation. This can happen in multiple locations. Stephanie Dakin, Associate Professor of Skeletal Science at the University of Oxford has taken her work on the role of inflammation in equine tendonopathy into the human health field. Her research has identified a commonality between cell senescence and inflammation and the aging of tendon.

Professor Smith’s group believes that senescent cells may play a key role in this process. “Equine drugs that could inhibit this are currently under investigation,” he says. “Potentially inhibitory molecules could be administered into the site to prevent cells becoming senescent.”

Chavaunne Thorpe, lecturer in Basic Sciences at RVC, is developing our understanding of how tendon fibres slide in relation to one another which is crucial to understanding how they function and the impact of aging. The tissue between the tendon fibres that allows this sliding changes with age and so is probably the main site on which to focus our new treatments.

PROGRESS IN DIAGNOSIS

Early diagnosis can be critical in identifying the scale of the injury and implementing a recovery regime.

“Ultrasound is the diagnostic workhorse and there are some newer techniques which allow us to identify injuries earlier and detect them where we couldn’t before. This is a combination of an improvement in the machinery and the quality of the images we get back,” comments Professor Smith.

Doppler imaging, which is used to track the movement of blood through the human heart, has been transposed into tracking blood in damaged tendons as it gives a read out of the degree of inflammation.

“We now have different ways of scanning injuries we couldn’t see before.”

In the US, vets are introducing PET (positron emission

tomography) as a diagnostic tool for tendon injuries in the feet. However, with a cost of approximately $650,000 per machine, this is not yet available in the UK.

Non-invasive assessment is an interesting area of exploration. By measuring the height and degree of extension of the fetlock and elasticity of the soft tissue, the effect of injury and healing can be better determined. >

There is an accumulation of micro-damage over time caused by high intensity exercise.

SUCCESS AFTER INJURY

Even with the current state of treatments, dressage horses have returned to the highest level of competition after injury.

Mr President was the partGelderlander that brought Steph Croxford to prominence in the dressage world. She trained him to Grand Prix and despite being a non-traditional dressage-type, the pair were being considered for team selection for the Beijing Olympics when he suffered a forelimb suspensory injury. “He took a misstep in the warmup at the show in Mechelen but went on to complete two tests. He was being given a topto-toe evaluation by team vet John McEwen who found he was reactive to the palpation of the suspensory ligament,“ recalls Steph.

“It took a year of road-walking under saddle – it was felt the slip and slide of walking would help with the realignment of the tissue.” After two years of rehab, Mr President returned to the ring and despite further tendon and collateral ligament injuries, plus a fractured pedal bone, he competed at international Grand Prix level for a further five years. When he retired at 18, Mr President was sound.

Alice Oppenheimer’s ride, Headmore Difinnity, has come back from the ligament coming away from the bone of a hind fetlock in 2019 to carry on his international Grand Prix career. Finn had just made his debut at Grand Prix when he injured himself in the field. “It was a major soft tissue injury so we rushed him to Rossdales Vets and the prognosis was guarded,” explains Alice. “Rachel Murray provided the most detailed rehab plan and this was key to his recovery. He had three courses of laser treatment but in the main it was down to the stable exercises, pole work and hours and hours of hand walking to get him strong. We had to do enough to get the fibres healing but not too much to cause injury.”

Controlled exercise was key to the recovery of Katrina Hall’s 22-yearold King of the Street when he tore his annular ligament nearly two years ago. A structured in-hand walking programme over eight weeks followed by a controlled ridden programme meant that he was able to continue his career at Advanced Medium. “It was a long haul but worth every second,” said Katrina.

We now have ways of scanning injuries that we couldn’t see before.

IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATMENT

Stem cell treatment in equines was pioneered at the RVC 20 years ago. The original process is to take cells from the horse’s bone marrow, send to the lab to create more, then inject into the injured tendon where they turn into new cells that effect a better repair. In 2022 Boehringer Ingelheim launched RenuTend™ an allogenic (i.e. sourced from another horse ) stem cell product which claims to improves the quality of tendon healing by promoting parallel alignment of the right type of fibres and decreases the amount of scar tissue formed. Together with their sister product for joint disease (Arti-Cell Forte™), these are the first cell products licensed in the UK.

“Other treatments currently being evaluated are a more powerful (type 4) laser, and drugs that manipulate the scarring process to minimise its adverse effects. In addition, there are new machines, such as the Tenex machine, devised for the treatment of human tendon injuries, which involves the insertion of a probe into the tendon which sucks out defective tissue from within the tendon but has not been sufficiently evaluated in equines.”

A promising development crossing over from the human world is the biopatch, made from the material used in sutures which acts as a scaffold, and which holds some promise for treating tendon tears within the tendon sheath behind the fetlock but has yet to be fully evaluated.

Professor Smith would also like to see further research into the ideal rehab programme to optimise outcomes.

PICTURED

Above: Steph Croxford’s Mr President returned successfully to competition after a suspensory ligament injury.

Right: Laser treatment, pole work and ‘hours of hand walking’ helped Alice Oppenheimer’s Headmore Difinnity recover from a tendon injury.

TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS

MY JOINTS PLUS is a carefully selected blend of quality ingredients that aid the core building blocks of connective tissue – Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, MSM, Algae-Omega blend, chondroitin and turmeric, delivering highly effective results. It provides complete care and support for the joints and tendons in just one daily serving.

RRP: From £35 for 750g | horsefirst.net

VITAFLOOR is an innovative and effective vibrating floor system for horses. Vitafloor stimulates blood circulation, helps maintain muscle condition as well being a very effective treatment for recuperating horses that are on ‘box rest’. It helps maintain general health and fitness, promotes injury prevention and helps the healing process for injuries and to reduce the incidence of colic.

RRP: £POA | equinehealthcentre.com

LEMIEUX SCHOOLING BOOTS are highly protective all-round boots. Contoured to fit joints and tendons with a polycarbonate strike-proof shell integrated with the shock absorbent lining. Improved flexible memory TPU shell and new improved faux leather outer gives these boots a high-quality feel. Ideal for schooling and general work especially for dressage involving more intense lateral work. Sold in pairs, sizes: medium, large and X-large, black and white.

RRP: £49.95 | lemieuxproducts.com

ECB has been linked with dressage since its first equine spa was built over 20 years ago. Today ECB has sold over 400 spas around the world, including to leading dressage riders such as Fiona Bigwood, Ulrik Molgaard and Henriette Andersen, Richard Davison and Beatriz FerrerSalat. Used for injury prevention and rehabilitation, the equine spa is a vital element to the successful training of dressage horses.

RRP: £POA | equinespa.com

ECB WATER TREADMILL can increase the stride length, range of movement of the distal limb joints and lumbar flexion. This can increase muscle mass, core stability, straightness, balance and coordination. Water depth, belt speed and optional incline allow for specific muscle groups to be targeted. The horse works through its full range of movement encouraging them to work from behind in a relaxed non-intensive way.

RRP: £POA | equinespa.com

HESTEVARD HESTEFLEX Stage 1 Equine Joint Care features triple action formulation for proactive and preventative support for the joints and tendons of your horse. Contains Boswellia, MSM, glucosamine HCl 99%, chondroitin sulphate plus vitamins C & E. Register for your free sample plus 30% discount voucher.

RRP: From £35 | hestevard.com

BEMER HORSE SET can be used daily to naturally enhance healing and recovery by increasing microcirculation in your horse’s body. This process optimises blood flow and transport of white blood cells, allowing your horse to heal and regenerate faster after an intense training session, competition, injury, or surgery. Buy or hire option.

RRP: From £125 per week jane-horsman.bemergroup.com/en_GB/animal-line/home

BD ACTION

NOTICE OF AGM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of BRITISH DRESSAGE will be held at Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Merseyside, L9 5AS on 18 October 2023 at 6:00pm, for the purpose of considering the matters set out below.

AGENDA

Ordinary Business

The following will be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions:

1. To receive the Financial Statements of British Dressage for the year ended 31 December 2022 and the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports thereon.

2. To reappoint the auditors of British Dressage and to authorise the Board to fix their remuneration.

Special Business

The following resolution will be proposed as a Special Resolution:

3. That the draft articles of association submitted to the meeting and for the purpose of identification signed by the Chairman thereof be and the same are hereby approved and adopted as the articles of association in substitution for and to the exclusion of all the existing articles of association of British Dressage. At the close of the formal business of the Annual General

Meeting the following items will be dealt with:

4. To receive questions from members in attendance and to answer questions submitted in writing by members to the Chief Executive at least ten days prior to the meeting. By order of the Board.

Jason Brautigam Chief Executive British Dressage

Meriden Business Park

Copse Drive Meriden

West Midlands, CV5 9RG Company number: 3443026

Dated: 30 June 2023

Notice is hereby given that the following documents will be available on British Dressage’s website on or before 8 September 2023 (Documents):

• BRITISH DRESSAGE’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022; AND

• THE PROPOSED NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DRESSAGE (AS REFERRED TO IN ITEM 3 ABOVE), PLUS A COMPARISON (SHOWING THE PROPOSED CHANGES BEING MADE TO THE EXISTING ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION). The website address to access the Documents is www. britishdressage.co.uk. The Documents may be accessed

JUDGE RETIREMENT

Lynne Tolan (List 5), from the North and East region, has retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Lynne for all her hard work and support over the years and wishes her all the best for the future.

BARBIE MARCEAU

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Barbie Marceau, a List 5 Judge from East Sussex, has passed away at the age of 73. Barbie was a staunch BD supporter, owner and judge, often stepping in to judge at the last minute. Really well known in the South & East Region for her infectious enthusiasm, support of up-and-coming riders and her wealth of knowledge, she is also remembered for her unwavering support of Grand Prix rider Daniel Watson and as owner of his Grand Prix horse, Aster Butterfl y IV. She leaves behind her husband, Maynard, and her son, Nicolas.

on the website by typing the link provided above. If you do not have internet access and would like a hard copy of the Documents, please contact Ben Waterhouse, Chief Operating Officer at British Dressage, on 02477 087805.

NOTES:

1. Any questions to be raised by members who are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting should be notified in writing to the Chief Executive at least ten clear days before the date fixed for the meeting, to enable a full response to be given at the meeting.

2. The Annual General Meeting

will be streamed live on the British Dressage website: www.britishdressage.co.uk.

3. Any member of British Dressage entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened by this Notice is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place. A proxy need not be a member of British Dressage. The completed proxy form must be received at the registered office by no later than 6.00pm on 16 October 2023. Proxy forms can be downloaded from the BD website or obtained by writing to the Chief Executive with a stamped addressed envelope.

Testing times

Coping with a chronic illness while balancing the various elements of training and competing can add a further complicating factor.

Andrea Oakes looks at how riders can overcome health conditions to get more from their dressage.

Many riders are accustomed to managing chronic equine conditions, keeping their horses competition fit by carefully monitoring their medication, workload and recovery periods, but what about their own long-term health issues? Dressage is a demanding sport, both in the preparation and the arena.

For Sian Nash, a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can cause painful sores and inflammation in the gut, didn’t mean an end to her dressage.

“Anyone who knows me knows I can be pretty stubborn, so I was never going to let Crohn’s define me and control everything I do,” says Sian, who had been in and out of hospital in her late teens before the problem was properly identified. “I’ve learnt a lot about the condition and altered much of my routine, behaviour, diet and lifestyle. These changes have helped enormously to keep it under control.”

Ironically, it was the sport she loved that worsened symptoms and left Sian deliberating whether to cut back her competition schedule.

“With a previous horse I put a lot of pressure on myself, when training at home and especially when competing,” she explains. “This exacerbated my Crohn’s to the point where I didn’t feel I could eat anything on the day before, even if I was due to compete in the late afternoon or evening. When that horse was sadly put to sleep due to injury, I had a few months off before I started looking for something in the new year. My symptoms improved and I realised how much the stress was affecting my disease.

“I decided that with my next horse I would focus on fun and enjoyment,” she adds. “This has really helped me control my symptoms. I still get the odd bad day, but it’s nothing like it was previously.”

On a practical level, Sian times her training sessions for when she feels at her best.

“I tend to ride in the morning, as that’s when I’m most

comfortable,” she says. “One symptom is chronic fatigue, so I struggle to find the energy after work in the week. I would never keep my horse at a yard that didn’t have decent WC facilities, nor attend a show without them, due to the anxiety it would bring. I’ve also learned which ‘trigger foods’ aggravate my Crohn’s, so I avoid these and go on a low-residue diet if I start getting symptoms.”

Sian’s latest success with her Hanoverian gelding Woodcroft Dream Boy was a fifth in the Inter I Bronze at the Petplan Championships in April.

“My aim when I bought him as a five year old was to get my tailcoat and ride at Prix St Georges,” she says. “To be placed at the Inter I championships was more than I ever dreamed of. My Crohn’s will inevitably flare up at some point, but I believe that the changes I’ve made to my life have helped massively and I’m looking forwards to what we can achieve together this year.”

Left: Sian Nash and Woodcroft Dream Boy.

CAREFUL PLANNING

UK-based rider and coach Ben Franklin (pictured right) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14.

“Every day is a work day just to manage my medical condition, to enable me to do the job I love and be as successful as I can,” he says. “Having a low blood sugar level moments before entering the dressage arena really does not help with concentration or performance, so I have to carefully plan logistics around my diabetes when it comes to competition days.”

The continual finger-prick testing required to monitor his blood glucose levels caused excessive sensitivity in Ben’s fingertips, with the risk of infection from working at the yard in a non-sterile environment. A new blood glucose sensor is helping, however, as is working with a sports nutritionist to try to reduce his daily insulin intake.

“Some simple adaptations to cut down carbohydrates at certain mealtimes have helped to reduce the need for such frequent injections,” he says. “I’m fortunate to travel internationally with my work, but I struggle with excessive fatigue and fluctuating blood glucose levels in relation to changes in time zone and weather, particularly heat. Eating

a healthy, balanced diet with regular meals can be problematic, as can staying well hydrated throughout the day. This is particularly important in warmer climates such as Dubai, where I work on a frequent basis.

“I endure a lot of muscle pain and fatigue that does not always seem to be linked with the intensity of exercise undertaken, which can be frustrating. Regular sports massages and acupuncture, among other therapies, are beneficial, and I also have one-to-one Pilates sessions help with core stability and overall suppleness.”

Ben had considered giving up competing and even changing career to find a routine that would enable easier management of his diabetes, but he realised that his love for the sport outweighed the many challenges.

“My riding and competition goals were put on hold due to a niggling neck and back injury throughout 2022, but with the amazing support of the therapists and medical team around me, I’m feeling better than ever,” he says. “I’m once again riding multiple horses on a daily basis, pain-free, and I have an exciting string to campaign regionally and nationally.

“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” he adds. “I’ll be working twice as hard to continue to improve both my health and myself as a professional.”

WHAT WORKS FOR ME:

• Setting realistic goals “I try not put extreme pressure on myself and instead identify what I want to achieve personally – whether that’s getting a qualifying score or improving a specific movement,” says Sian. “This helps me focus and not worry about what everyone else is thinking or doing. Planning ahead can also reduce anxiety, which may be caused by the unknown.”

• Prioritising health “My advice to other riders facing a similar problem would be to set aside time to look after yourself,” says Ben. “Ideally, build a support team that will work together to the same end goal.”

• Enjoying your horse “He helped me through everything, both physically and mentally,” says Swedish grand prix rider Sanna Nilsson of her former international horse Lennox who passed away, aged 22, in 2021. Sanna suffers from several chronic diseases, including aggressive endometriosis.

My advice to other riders facing a similar problem would be to set aside time to look after yourself.

REGIONAL UPDATES

JUDGE TRAINING

For 2023 Annual CPD requirements for judges, from 1 April 2023 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 2024 to fulfil this full-day training requirement.

• Black Horse One Online Seminar

• Module 4 Live Training*

• Principles of Judging Seminar

*A half Module 4 day can be attended alongside an online collectives training or online freestyle training (due to launch in the up-and-coming months) to fulfil the full-day requirement. Two separate half Module 4 days can also be used to fulfil the fullday 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

REGIONAL TRAINING

fulfil this requirement must write to officials@britishdressage.co.uk. Judges are reminded that they should be up-to-date with CPD before they judge.

Online seminars with the eDressage platform Black Horse One are available for all judges including trainees. Please ensure that you register for the relevant seminar either at 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 a Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/ how_to_become_a_judge

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

SOUTH & EAST

DO:Katharine PerryandSharon Walker(jobshare)

M:07872603871(Katharine)

M:07894232358(Sharon)

E:southandeast@britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Katie Powell 07887 514203

Coaching: Teresa Edmonds 07957 785929

Rachel Wright 07816 235441

Ridertraining: Nicola Preston 07984

642291 Samantha Williams 07974 225005

BDYouth: Jessica Brown 07852 282983

Ben Grose 07732 435528

Karen Dance 07747 001494

Judges: Fiona Wilson 07803 263983

Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth

07967 605566

Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497

Craig Messenger 07591 202175

Nikki Goldup 07769896734

SOUTH & WEST

DO:AmandaRodgers

M:07894232355

E:southandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677 977

Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562

Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955

Ridertraining: NickyDuPlessis07398130955

BDYouth: Tina Burrow 07967 912785

Clare Deithrick 07446 265843

Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499

Para: Mark Cunli e 07717 727147

Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700

Paula Holland 07748 666794

NORTH & WEST

DO:AlexPhillips

M:07495013192

E:northandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Jane Critchley 07966 865604

Coaching: Alison Calvert 07980 886004

Ridertraining: JackieCrombie07816216594

BDYouth: 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:JoByrne

M:07783791191

E:northandeast@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148

Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141

Ridertraining: Rachel Longworth 07863 970192

Alison Timmins 07867 304327

Jessy Grove 07747 055951

BDYouth: Jess Gri iths 07590 732896

Charlotte Clark 07786 344617

Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864

Para: Vicky Earnshaw 07919 684181

Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360

SCOTLAND

DO:AshleyStewart

M:07584147258

E:scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211

Coaching: Michael Whippey 07870 542349

Ridertraining: Linda Thompson 07919 441039

BDYouth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248

Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132

Para: Contact DO

Marketing: Jade Struthers 07852 411979 Sam Turpitt 07801 428333

WALES

DO:VanessaArcher

M:07398763414

E:wales@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315

Coaching: Nina Boex 07966 032090

Ridertraining(NorthWales):

Helen Hopewell 07971 490038

RiderTraining(SouthWales): Bethan Powell 07545 082247

BDYouth(NorthWales): Anna Roberts 07786 674893

BDYouth(SouthWales):

Briony Cutler 07889 817609

Quest: Emma Thompson-Warren 07747 611274

Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953

Para: Donna Rooney 07969 747817

Marketing: Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941

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.

KEEP

INSTANTCOLD TREATMENT

REDUCEINFLAMMATION &BRUISING

TREATDIFFICULTAREAS -KNEES&HOCKS

KENNAA EQUESTRIAN

KINGS SEDGEMOOR EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, SOMERSET

MANOR GRANGE STUD, WEST

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ALNWICK FORD

BURROWS COURT FARM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Competitions: Schedules.

SOLARIUMS

Uk’s highest quality solariums & washroom products

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

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

PICKERING

ROCKROSE

AIKE GRANGE STUD, EAST RIDING

Competitions: Schedules.

LEMIEUX NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 14 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2023

SHOWORGANISER: Kelvin Bywater SHOWSECRETARY: Sara Green SHOW&ENTRYSECRETARYTELEPHONE: 07790309424, SHOW&ENTRYSECRETARYEMAIL: entries@showdirect.co.uk

The full schedule is available to download on the competitor information page at www.bdchampionships.com

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01352 771718

email:info@itchyhorse.co.uk

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Connemara Pony Sales, based in Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, is Ireland’s leading and largest sale of Connemara Ponies.

Here are the dates of our next sales:

August 2 Day Sale

Saturday August 19th & Sunday August 20th

(may extend to a three day sale subject to entries)

September 1 Day Sale – Sunday September 17th

October 4 Day Sale

Friday 27th till Monday 30th October

(may extend to a five day sale subject to entries)

Vetting, stabling and transportation of ponies can be organised • Connemara Ponies from our sale have been sold to countries all across Europe and North America.

• We offer Connemara Ponies suitable for all equestrian disciplines.

WWW.PHHB.CO.UK | 01483 416555 julia.mcneill@phhb.co.uk

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS 17 OCTOBER – 29 NOVEMBER

Colraine Equestrian Centre QWL Cornwall

TUE 17 OCT

Cherwell Competition Centre PE Oxfordshire

WED 18 OCT

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP) North Yorkshire

Myerscough College (P-E) Lancashire

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

Cherwell Competition Centre (P-AM) Oxfordshire

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

WED 18 - SUN 22 OCT

Aintree International Equestrian Centre High Profile Show Merseyside

THU 19 OCT

Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex

Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Kent

Radfords Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Powys

Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset

FRI 20 OCT

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

Prestige Equestrian LLP (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Arley Moss (P-PSG)+FS Cheshire

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

Beechwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Essex

Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cheshire

FRI 20 - SAT 21 OCT

Bromyard Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Herefordshire

SAT 21 OCT

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre QWL Staffordshire

Fairoak Grange Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Berkshire

Speedgate Events (P-PSG)+FS Kent

Cockshot QWL Cheshire

The College Of West Anglia (P-AM) Cambridgeshire

Colraine Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Cornwall

Merrist Wood College (P-M) Surrey

Moor Farm Equestrian Centre QWL Pembrokeshire

Moulton College Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Northamptonshire

Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre QWL North Yorkshire

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

Chard Equestrian Ltd QWL Somerset

Whitegate Farm (P-AM) Wrexham

Breach Barn (P-PYO FEI)+FS Kent

SAT 21 - SUN 22 OCT

Ladyleys Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire

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

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Warwickshire

BS Guernsey (P-INTI) Guernsey

SAT 21 - TUE 31 OCT

South Staffordshire College (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

SUN 22 OCT

Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire

Bicton College (I-AM)+FS Devon

Cockshot (P-INTI) Cheshire

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

Aike Grange Stud QWL East Riding of Yorkshire

Ladyleys Equestrian QWL Aberdeenshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham

Moor Farm Equestrian Centre (P-E) Pembrokeshire

Queach Farm Stables (I-AM) Suffolk

Quob Stables (I-AM)+FS Hampshire

Tall Trees Arena (I-PSG)+FS Cornwall

Inchcoonans Equestrian (I-E) Perthshire and Kinross

Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre QWL Somerset

Caron Roberts Equestrian QWL Wiltshire

Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Leicestershire

Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) East Sussex

MON 23 OCT

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

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

TUE 24 OCT

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Somerset

WED 25 OCT

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-E) Lancashire

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

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

WED 25 - THU 26 OCT

Aintree International Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Merseyside

THU 26 OCT

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Derbyshire

Solihull Equestrian Centre (P-GP) West Midlands

West Wilts (P-PSG) + FS Wiltshire

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) Surrey

FRI 27 OCT

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-GP) Essex

Lake Farm (P-PSG) Isle of Wight

Anvil Park Stud (P-INTI) Norfolk

FRI 27 - SAT 28 OCT

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

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

FRI 27 - SUN 29 OCT

Sheepgate Equestrian (P-PYO FEI)+FS Lincolnshire

Sparsholt Celebration of Dressage (I-GP) + FS Hampshire

SAT 28 OCT

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Staffordshire

Burrows Court Farm (P-INTI) Gloucestershire

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-GP) Essex

Conrhenny Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Isle of Man

Foxes Riding School (I-M) Cheshire

Stretcholt Farm (P-M) Somerset

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

Windmill Farm (P-PSG) Buckinghamshire

Willow Banks Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham

Amersham Dressage (music only P-E) Buckinghamshire

Suffolk Rural (P-PSG)+FS Suffolk

SAT 28 - SUN 29 OCT

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

SUN 29 OCT

North Yorkshire

SAT 4 NOV

Burrows Court Farm (N-E) music only Gloucestershire

Fairoak Grange Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Berkshire

Brigend College (P-AM) Bridgend

Colraine Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cornwall

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

Reaseheath College (P-GP) Cheshire

Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Kent

Chard Equestrian Ltd (P-GP)+FS Somerset

Earlsway Farm (P-AM)+FS Suffolk

SAT 4 - SUN 5 NOV

Scottish National Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+PE West Lothian

SUN 5 NOV

Newton Rigg (I-E) Cumbria

Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Staffordshire

Beacons Equestrian (P-M) Carmarthenshire

Alnwick Ford Equestrian (P-PSG)+FS Northumberland

THU 9 NOV

West Wilts P-PSG Wiltshire

Windmill Farm (N-PSG) Buckinghamshire

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Surrey

FRI 10 NOV

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-GP) Essex

Moreton EC (P-PSG)+FS Dorset

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

Stourport Riding Centre (E-PYO FEI)+FS Worcestershire

FRI 10 - SAT 11 NOV

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

SAT 11 NOV

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Staffordshire

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-E) Essex

Brahan Dressage (P-AM) Highland

YORKSHIRE DRESSAGE (P-INTI) South Yorkshire

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-M) Essex

Bold Heath Equestrian Centre (P-PYO FEI) Cheshire

Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire

Hunters Equestrian (P-INTI) Gloucestershire

Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire

Pachesham Equestrian Centre (P-PSG)+FS Surrey

West Kype (P-E) South Lanarkshire

Chapelton Equestrian Centre (I-M) Highland

TUE 31 OCT

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+PE Buckinghamshire

WED 1 NOV

Speedgate Events (P-AM) Kent

Myerscough College (P-E) Lancashire

THU 2 NOV

Half Moon Stud (P-M) Dorset

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INTI) Derbyshire

Dressage at Belmoredean (P-GP) West Sussex

Bicton Arena (P-GP) Devon

FRI 3 NOV

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

Anvil Park Stud (P-GP) Norfolk

FRI 3 - SAT 4 NOV

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

Kingswood Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Staffordshire

FRI 3 - SUN 5 NOV

Arena UK Quest National Championships Lincolnshire

Cockshot (P-INTI) Cheshire

The College Of West Anglia (P-AM)+PE Cambridgeshire

Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Hampshire

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

Foxes Riding School (I-AM) Cheshire

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

Hartpury University and Hartpury College (N-AM) Gloucestershire

Moreton Morrell (P-AM) Warwickshire

St Leonards Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Cornwall

Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire

Yorkshire Riding Centre QWL North Yorkshire

Beacons Equestrian (P-M) Carmarthenshire

Dark Deer Croft (I-M)+FS Inverness

Cherwell Competition Centre (P-INTII) Oxfordshire

MON 6 NOV

Bury Farm Equestrian Village (P-GP) Buckinghamshire

TUE 7 NOV

Bromyard Equestrian (P-FEI PYO) Herefordshire

Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Somerset

Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Leicestershire

WED 8 NOV

Hargate Arena (P-E)+FS Derbyshire

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

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

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

Burrows Court Farm (P-E) Gloucestershire

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-AM) Lancashire

Eland Lodge Equestrian Centre (P-M) Derbyshire

Kennaa Equestrian Centre (I-M) Isle of Man

Lluest Equine Centre (P-PSG) Ceredigion

Stretcholt Farm (P-M) Somerset

Sparsholt College (P-GP)+FS Hampshire

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

Willow Banks Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre (P-GP) East Lothian

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

Dressage at Hascombe (P-GP) East Sussex

SAT 11 - SUN 12 NOV

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

SUN 12 NOV

Vale View Equestrian (I-PYO FEI) Leicestershire

Blackdyke Farm (P-M) Cumbria

Bold Heath Equestrian Centre (P-PYO FEI) Cheshire

Brook Farm Equestrian Club (P-PSG) Essex

The Cabin Equestrian Riding Club (I-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire

Cobham Manor Events (P-E)+FS Kent

Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire

Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire

Sunnybank Farm (I-M) Caerphilly

Tall Trees Arena (P-PSG)+FS Cornwall

Radfords Equestrian Centre (P-INTI)+FS Powys

The Croft Equestrian Centre (N-FEI PYO)+FS Berkshire

Competitions: Forthcoming Events.

Venue County Venue County Venue County

Mullacott Event Centre (P-M)+FS Devon

Suffolk Rural (P-PSG)+FS Suffolk

TUE 14 NOV

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

Cherwell Competition Centre PE Oxfordshire

WED 15 NOV

Vale View Equestrian (I-GP) Leicestershire

Hunters Equestrian (P-GP) Gloucestershire

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

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-E) Buckinghamshire

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

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

Cherwell Competition Centre (P-AM) Oxfordshire

THU 16 NOV

Solihull Equestrian Centre (I-GP) West Midlands

FRI 17 NOV

Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-AM)

Lake Farm (P-PSG)

Worcestershire

Isle of Wight

Arley Moss (P-PSG) Cheshire

FRI 17 - SAT 18 NOV

Bromyard Equestrian (P-GP)+FS Herefordshire

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

Addington Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Buckinghamshire

SAT 18 NOV

Mount Ballan (I-GP)+PE Monmouthshire

Bishop Burton College (I-GP) East Riding of Yorkshire

Fairoak Grange Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Berkshire

Duchy College (I-AM) Cornwall

Ladyleys Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Aberdeenshire

Merrist Wood College (P-PSG)+FS Surrey

South Staffordshire College (P-AM)+FS Staffordshire

Wellington (M-GP) + FS Hampshire

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

Whitegate Farm (P-AM) Wrexham

Pickering Grange Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Leicestershire

SAT 18 - SUN 19 NOV

Hartpury University and Hartpury College (P-GP)+FS+PE Gloucestershire

Myerscough College (P-INTI)+FS Lancashire

SUN 19 NOV

Field House Equestrian Centre (P-INTI)+FS Derbyshire

Kingston Maurward College (P-INTI) Dorset

Foxes Riding School (I-E) Cheshire

Myerscough College PE Lancashire

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-M) Warwickshire

Wellington Riding (P-E) +FS Hampshire

Muirmill (I-AM) East Ayrshire

Kings Sedgemoor P-PSG Somerset

TUE 21 NOV

Arena UK (P-AM)+FS Lincolnshire

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

WED 22 NOV

Crow Wood Equestrian (P-M) Lancashire

Northallerton Equestrian Centre PI-GP) North Yorkshire

Quob Stables (P-AM) Hampshire

Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (P- AM) Borders

Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Somerset

THU 23 NOV

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

West Wilts EC (P-PSG)+FS Wiltshire

Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey

Golden Cross Equestrian Centre (P-PSG) East Sussex

FRI 24 NOV

Anvil Park Stud (P-AM) Norfolk

SAT 25 NOV

Bicton College (I-AM) Devon

Colraine Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Cornwall

Lower Stocklands Farm (I-M) Cardiff

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

Windmill Farm (N-PSG) Buckinghamshire

Amersham Dressage (music only P-AM) Buckinghamshire

Suffolk Rural (P -PSG)+FS Suffolk

SAT 25 - SUN 26 NOV

Swallowfield Equestrian (P-AM)+FS Warwickshire

Tillyoch Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Aberdeenshire

SUN 26 NOV

YORKSHIRE DRESSAGE (P-INTI) South Yorkshire

Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Staffordshire

Bluegate Hall Farm (P-E) Essex

Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire

Hunters Equestrian (P-INTI) Gloucestershire

Fenning Farm (P-M) Cambridgeshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham

Hill House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Lincolnshire

Chapelton Equestrian Centre (I-M) Highland

Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (P-AM)+FS Leicestershire

TUE 28 NOV

Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire

WED 29 NOV

Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Hampshire

Holmside Hall Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Durham

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

To find out more and to book please call Jacob Holmes on 01242 259244 or email: jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com

To find out more and to book please call Jacob Holmes on 01242 259244 or email: jacob.holmes@ fellowsmedia.com

MEET Judy Peploe

Watching the development and progression of your dressage horse is an incredibly rewarding experience. Long-time owner, Judy Peploe had the thrilling experience of watching her horses win four titles at this year’s NAF Five Star Winter Championships, We caught up with Judy, who lives on a farm in Wiltshire with husband Charlie, two dogs and her horses, to nd out just what it means to her to be involved in the sport.

QTell us a little about your equestrian background. I spent weekends and school holidays at our local riding school, working for extra rides and loved looking after my favourite pony, Pretty.

Having worked in the City for 18 years I missed being part of a team, so when we decided to convert some redundant dairy buildings for stables, we began a new adventure.

QHave you ever ridden competitively yourself? I did a couple of Novice tests years ago, but I know my limitations!

QWhen did you first venture into ownership?

I bred an eventer and Spencer Sturmey competed him – it was a lot of fun but I watched most of the crosscountry through my fingers.

Then I went to Germany with Suzanne Lavandera and bought my first dressage-bred horse, Whisper, who was trained by Steve Wallace to Prix St Georges. She died suddenly and it broke our hearts. She had, however, given us a foal - Rivermeyer Blue. He’s 18 now and is a wonderful schoolmaster teaching our grooms all the tricks.

Through the heartbreak of losing Whisper I met Judith Davis at Hawtins Stud. I went to visit Whisper’s dam, and whilst there I fell in love with and bought a youngster, fouryear-old Hawtins Rossana, and made a friend.

QWhat have been your highlights as an owner?

There have been so many highlights. My first introduction to big shows was with Super Blue, who opened so many doors, with memorable trips to Saumur, Deauville and Le Mans. He’s now happily retired here.

This year’s Winter Championships was amazing for the whole team. It was like a dream. Davy (Harvey) was

well prepared and when he asked the horses to up their game, they willingly responded. The dressage family were lovely, sharing the experience with them made the show unforgettable. I thought it would be a hard one to follow, but having stepped Diamond Blue up to PSG, Davy won both of his classes at Somerford Premier League. I keep pinching myself.

The real highlight is what goes on at home – watching Davy train the horses daily and seeing them develop. The endless care and attention of our home team, and the relationships with the wider team, farrier, vet and physio. We’re so lucky to have Carl Hester train us and share his wisdom, he’s a highlight too. At the shows, I love catching up with familiar faces and seeing the riders and horses progress through the levels.

QWhenand how did you first meet Davy?

I met Davy on the circuit about ten years ago.

QWhat do you take into consideration when matching a rider to a horse?

Although winning is fabulous, my priority is that our horses are happy athletes. I keep them for life and they go at their own pace. Davy is dedicated and talented and both are essential. He listens to the horses and accommodates their quirks, that way the horses flourish. He’s a good team player and a pleasure to have around. Oh, and Carl’s advice! I take that into consideration too.

QYour funniest competition-day anecdote. When Davy forgot his short jacket. He only had tails, so he stuffed them down his breeches – he looked like a duck! He made me destroy the pictures.

Right: Judy Peploe (left) pictured with Judith Davis and Dannie Morgan.