British
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 6 | 2020
DRESSAGE
Expanding horizons # S TA Y S A F E S A V E L I V E S
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DESIGNED AND PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF BRITISH DRESSAGE BY: Fellows Media: www.fellowsmedia.com e: mark@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259241 Fellows Media, The Gallery, Manor Farm Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PB Managing Director: Mark Brown ADVERTISE WITH US: For enquiries, contact Jacob Holmes e: jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259249 SUBSCRIBE NOW: If you aren’t a member and would like to receive the magazine contact 01442 820580, bd@webscribe.co.uk or www.mysubcare.com CONTACT US: British Dressage: www.britishdressage.co.uk Managing Editor: Winnie Murphy e: winnie.murphy@britishdressage.co.uk t: 024 7669 8842 Content Editor: Jane Carley e: janecarley5@gmail.com t: 01926 645981 For the full list of BD Office staff, visit www.britishdressage.co.uk British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG Main switchboard: 024 7669 8830 Fax: 024 7669 0390 Executive: 024 7669 8844 Training & Education: 024 7669 8833 BD Youth/u21 International: 024 7708 7801/024 7669 8834 Membership, Horse Registrations & Results: 024 7669 8832/836 Quest: 024 7669 8908 Sport Operations: 024 7669 8827 Judges: 024 7669 8831 Senior International: 024 7669 8835 Para & International: 024 7708 7803 Fixtures: 024 7708 7804 Championships: 024 7669 8846 BD Shop: 024 7669 8830 – press 1 Finance: 024 7669 8838/841 Marketing: 024 7669 8819 Communications: 024 7669 8842/839 Sponsorship & web ads: 01608 676180 The views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Dressage. Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement of the products and services by British Dressage.
23 – Leading grooms share their turnout tips
IN THIS ISSUE... 3
From the editor
4
News & Paramatters
7
Profile Levi Hunt on combining training with competing
WELCOME
13 Stay safe in the sun Protection from
W
hen war broke out in 1914, the sad misconception was that ‘it will all be over by Christmas’. In a similar vein I’m sure that when the news of Coronavirus first reached our shores, none o us e ected that hand sanitiser and face coverings would be essential accessories si months later. r that so many o the as ects o li e we too or granted would be out of the question. This includes a jolly day out at a competition, catching up with friends, enjoying a picnic, huddling round the scoreboard, a hug for a fellow competitor who has scored a personal best…. All these leasures seem a long way off. ut we must never orget how lucky we are to have our horses, be able to train and compete. For members in Scotland especially it has been a long road out of lockdown, and they still face plenty of challenges in getting their season back on track. he efforts made by organisers to acilitate social distancing at their venues, while still allowing competitors to have a fair warm u and com etition e erience have been e traordinary, given that many equestrian centres have evolved ‘organically’ and were not designed for one-way systems and two metre spacing! For many competitors, just getting down that centre line again has been a ma or achievement, and will ho e ully offer some moments to savour as this most unusual of seasons continues. raining also eels a little different, although or dressage riders individual sessions are a normal occurrence. Trainers have had to hone their tech skills to stay in touch with pupils, and while a virtual lesson can never re lace the honing offered by a talented coach, it could be a useful option in the future if bad weather or work and family commitments get in the way of regular lessons. riginal goals or may have been derailed, but there is still plenty to aim for, whether it’s breaking into qualifying scores or moving up a level, as FEI 5* judge Clive Halsall tells us on P35. Even without a pandemic to contend with, the route to success can be full of twists and turns, as rider and trainer Levi unt outlines in this issue s rofi le. he message is to loo or opportunities rather than worry about obstacles. It’s an approach that will serve us all well in the months to come. British
DRESSAGE THE OFFIC IAL
Jane Carley, Content Editor, British Dressage
ON THE COVER:
Levi Hunt and Frappucino enjoy some ‘out of arena’ time.
MAGAZINE
FOR BD M EMBERS
skin cancer 17 Get ahead Latest developments in safety headwear 23 Well groomed Turnout tips from the top 32 Livery on paper Legal agreements and essential insurance 35 Maximising marks Improving results and moving up a level 40 Joint care Nutrition, care and regimes for sounder horses 50 Riding requisites Going out of your comfort zone 53 Score sheets analysed Part III of Jane Kidd’s enlightening series 61 Regional activity Contacts and judges’ diary 63 BD Action BDHQ updates and members’ benefits
| £5.00 | ISSUE 6 | 2020
66 Dressage Days Optimum Event Management’s Duncan
Expanding horizons # S TA Y S A F
ESAVELIVE
Whitney-Groom
S
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 3
BRITISH DRESSAGE
NEWS REVISED BD YOUTH PATHWAY AGREED Recommendations from a review of the development pathways for riders with international and team aspirations conducted earlier in the year have now been approved by the BD Board. Key decisions include the operation of a clear pathway through squadding, training and teams, into the development structure provided by the British Dressage Academy programmes. The BD Academy programmes will now form a key
part of the selection process, with riders new to international competition benefiting from the significant expertise available, as well as progressing their horsemanship skills. Selection Policies for all teams and competitions will be reviewed and criteria determined by an indepth analysis of results and scores at international championships over the past three years. International team selection criteria will be benchmarked alongside policies for the BEF World Class Programme to ensure that there is a consistent approach across all levels. A clear route will be established for riders who are new to competing internationally, including those who achieve qualifying scores outside of the formal development pathways, and a ‘fast track’ system for those who are proven performers at CDI level. The summary report, pathway infographic and a selection of frequently asked questions are available from the BD website.
IN MEMORIAM…
FIVE STARS FOR STORR
Tim Price It is with sadness that British Dressage has learned of the passing of Tim Price, former show director at Addington Manor. Tim passed away on 12 July at the age of 66 following a short illness. A former show jumping competitor and BS course builder, Tim was probably best known in recent years as show director at Addington from 2003 to 2018. Our condolences to Tim’s wife Liz, his son Julian, family and friends.
The FEI has promoted British FEI judge Peter Storr to 5* Judging status as of 1 January 2021. Peter joins Andrew Gardner, Isobel Wessels, Stephen Clarke and Clive Halsall to make a total of five British judges at this level and he is now eligible to officiate at senior FEI Championships around the globe. During his competition career, Peter (55) has amassed numerous national titles including the accolade of National Grand Prix Champion in 2000 and 2001 with Gambrinus. Peter and Gambrinus also represented Great Britain at the 2001 FEI European Championships and the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games, and were reserves for the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games. Alongside judging, Peter is also an internationally renowned trainer, and spent eight years as trainer to the British Pony team. In 2009, Peter fast-tracked to a BD List 2 Judge before progressing up the levels to reach FEI4* status, and 2018, Peter was appointed to a four-year term on the British Dressage board as Judges Director.
FAREWELL TO... International Small Tour, British Youth team and triple FEI Para European gold medallist horse Abira (above) was put to sleep on Tuesday 11 August. He was 20 years old. Owned by Pammy Hutton, Abira took Charlie Hutton to two FEI Junior European Championships, two FEI Young Rider European Championships and later achieved para glory with Suzanna Hext at the 2017 FEI Para Dressage European Championships in Gothenburg. Vicky Thompson-Winfield’s Olympic partner Enfant has also been put to sleep, following a long and happy retirement, at the age of 34. Trained and mentored by the late great Franz ‘Rocky’ Rochowansky, a former Chief Rider at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Vicky and Enfant represented Great Britain at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
FOR ALL THE UP TO DATE COVID-19 INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK/BD-INFO/CORONAVIRUS-COVID-19
4 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
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PROFILE.
HUNT FOR SUCCESS A YEAR AFTER SEARCHING FOR A NEW DIRECTION, INTERNATIONAL RIDER AND TRAINER LEVI HUNT HAS FINALLY FOUND MECCA IN A PEACEFUL SPOT IN HEREFORDSHIRE. STEPHANIE BATEMAN MEETS HIM AT HIS NEW BASE TO FIND OUT WHERE HE’S COME FROM AND WHAT HIS PLANS ARE FOR THE FUTURE.
I
t was a pile of horse droppings near his house on a council estate in Wolverhampton that sparked Levi Hunt’s passion for horses. A year later, having spent ‘every possible moment’ at his local riding school, working for ‘a bareback ride turning the horses out’, he was on a train to Devon to work for the Bleekmans as a working pupil, aged 16. I bluffed my way through my interview and when I got there, I realised how little I knew,” says Levi. “The most important thing was that I had escaped the world I was living in; food stamps at school, a single mum bringing up seven kids and living below the bread line.” He spent 18 months as ‘cannon fodder’, breaking in young horses for the Bleekmans before heading to Warwickshire to work on a hunting yard. From there, he did a nine-week stint at the British Racing School followed by a year at the Waley-Cohens’. “I went from earning £20 a week and living in a mobile home to earning £100 a week and living in a converted stable. At every step up, I felt like I’d made it,” he muses.
LEFT: LEVI HUNT WITH THE EIGHT YEAR-OLD FANDANGO, PART OF AN EXCITING STRING OF HORSES HE IS NOW PUTTING TOGETHER. RIGHT: PASSIONATE ABOUT COACHING, LEVI TEACHES 50 LESSONS A WEEK ALONGSIDE PRODUCING AND COMPETING HORSES.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 7
PROFILE.
Levi then headed back to the West Midlands as a freelance rider and trainer. “One person I helped was a lady called Helena Dolisznyj who owned Iberian horses. She had a Painted lac horse who was tric y to get on, so I offered to hel out,” e lains evi. It was the fi rst time I d ever sat on a warmblood, and although it was cold bac ed and trying to ill me, it elt amazing.” Helena took Levi under her wing and e osed him to lots o eo le and training . “She trained with Andrew ur hy, Charles de unff y and Arthur Kottas, and I got a chance to see classical and modern dressage. I realised that the ey is to ee it sim le and get the horse as light as you can. If you do that, you can t go wrong.” It was a trip to Portugal that instigated evi s ne t move. I used to go with elena once a month to loo or horses,” e lains evi. e met a man selling custom made boots there and he offered to ma e us a air or each. hey were the most amazing thing I d ever seen, but it made me cry because I realised that I had these beauti ul boots but no horse to ride. I decided I needed to move to an area fi lled with contacts and o ortunity, and it was
clear that Gloucestershire was the best place to be. It was then that I met att urnett.” A ter ust a ew months o meeting att, evi had moved with him to Abbey ressage, renting bo es and running a training and livery yard. I fi nally elt li e I was in the magic circle but still accessible to my taffordshire clients, so I could continue training but also circulate and get some rides,” he tells. “However, I quickly realised that I d moved to the most com etitive county in the country for dressage. Matt had already ridden at rand ri and I d only ust got to lementary, so I was always loo ed at as the boy riend o att and not as a rider in my own right. Quite quickly, Matt and I s lit as artners but remained friends and Matt left the yard.” Juggling the entire yard with his teaching in taffordshire was a huge tas , but one he managed success ully or five years under the su ort o yard owner lenys emmings. It was during his time that his com etitive career too off than s to lenys Abbey iron, a a om. e too it si months at a time to ee him sound, and every time we met our ne t goal, I elt on to o the world,” he says. earing a tailcoat, doing my fi rst INSET: A LESSON FOR BEX BURNETT AND REMI WHO ARE COMPETNG AT ADVANCED MEDIUM. BELOW: LEVI AND FRAPPUCINO ENJOY THE SCENERY AT STEPH PALMER’S CALIBRE EQUESTRIAN.
ABOVE: HELMETS NOW COMBINE STYLE WITH SAFETY.
8 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
PROFILE.
nationals and internationals and then getting to Grand Prix – it was surreal.” A ter five years at Abbey, evi decided to move to astures new ust over a year ago. om was retiring and although I d bought Chino Fra ucino , he was my only horse and I elt li e I needed more,” he says. An o ortunity came u with an owner who was building a lace in iltshire. e wanted to move me and the horses there so I could set u a training yard.” It was a hard decision or evi, having built u a success ul business and circle o clients, but the ros ect o more rides and a new training acility were a big draw. I too the ris and moved to iltshire, but it nearly illed me,” he says. I did , miles in a year traveling to clients, and while the cost o travel and living went u , the hours I could s end teaching went down,” he says. It then became a arent that the training acility wasn t going to ha en. I don t li e being a yard ho er, but this wasn t sustainable, and I needed a new direction.” It was then that he was introduced to businesswoman and small scale breeder te h almer. hen I arrived at te h s and was shown around, it elt li e the best o every owner and yard I d ever had was enca sulated in this one lace and one erson,” evi remembers. Calibre uestrian is a rivate stud and com etition yard, with the em hasis on uality over uantity. here is no commercial as ect which ta es the stress out o it and ma es it eel li e home and not wor .” evi has been able to stri e u a much healthier wor li e balance. I get on so well with all the staff here, and we s end our days off wal ing the ea s in ales,” he says. I ve also bought a aya and go roc climbing with my artner.
hat s what this lace is about. aving a healthy balance with no pressure.” he yard certainly has a very uiet, laid bac eel to it. As we sit chatting in a wooden ergola overloo ing slo ing addoc s with buzzards gliding overhead and a stunning coloured mare and oal grazing contentedly in the bac ground, I can see the attraction. I m still teaching eo le a wee because it s what I m assionate about,” he says. It s my security, but I m also addicted to riding because o how that ma es me eel.” evi s accolades s ea or themselves. e is a CC evel coach and egional trainer or central, south west, south, wales and north west. In , he was awarded the oung ro essionals award. ABOVE: LEVI AND HIS OWN FRAPPUCINO, A NINE-YEAR-OLD BY JAZZ, CURRENTLY AT SMALL TOUR. BELOW: CALIBRE KNIGHT, STEPH’S COLT FOAL BY GOVERNOR ENJOYS THE SUN.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 9
PROFILE.
ABOVE: “BEHIND EVERY MAN IS A GREAT WOMAN”, SAYS LEVI OF HIS PA NICKY HILL. RIGHT: WITH HIS PUG BARBARA.
“I went to every knockout day expecting it to be my last and when they announced my name, I thought they’d forgotten me in the list of runners u ,” he says. It was the fi rst time I thought I could be someone in the sport.” His PA Nicky Hill helps pull his busy life together. “I couldn’t do it without her. She answers 60-70 messages a week, admins the Facebook page, books the arenas and sorts the money,” he says. “She’s incredible. Behind every man is a great woman, and she is mine.” Alongside giving clinics, camps and lessons, Levi also trains and competes on his own and Steph’s horses. He earned his Union Jack badge three years ago. “I am currently competing three horses – Frappuccino who is mine and is a nine-year-old by Jazz competing at
Small Tour with Big Tour the aim next year; Fandango by Fontainbleau, an eight-year-old owned by Steph about to go Advanced edium and ortsfield uality an I out at Advanced Medium. There’s also young horses of Steph’s coming through.” Despite everything he has achieved, Levi is hugely humble, never forgetting his roots. “I want to show people that horses are accessible regardless of your bac ground or fi nancial osition as long as you want it and work hard,” he says. “I like to stay in the ‘real world’ so work with the Caring Hooves group for young carers. They spend a day with the horses and have a lesson as respite from their everyday lives. It really gives perspective.” Levi has also volunteered at at the Ebony Riding Club in London. “I come from a mixed-race family after my mother married a Jamaican man, so the Black Lives Matter movement has been really close to my heart,” he says. “I’ve lost clients because of their racial views.” Looking forwards to his bright future, Levi has it all mapped out. “I’d like to retain my international rider status and compete abroad,” he says. “If I can get to an Olympics or WEG, amazing, but if every horse I have only gets to Grand Prix healthy and happy and no more, I will be contented. “My training ambitions are to become a chef d’equipe and team trainer and I won’t stop until I get there.” BELOW: THREE EXCITING RIDES, LEFT TO RIGHT, FRAPPUCINO, SPORTSFIELD QUALITY AND FANDANGO.
10 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
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12 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
SKIN PROTECTION.
HERE COMES THE SUN THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN TRAINING OR COMPETING ON A SUNNY DAY, BUT AS
I
HELEN TRIGGS FINDS OUT, SKIN DAMAGE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
n Britain, hot weather tends to take us by surprise – and so far this year has been a prime example. Boiling hot in spring, followed by cooler weather (duvets back on) and summer returning when you least expect it. It’s not surprising then, that skin protection tends to be a bit haphazard. It’s important that people working predominantly outside, as well as those riding for recreation and sport, understand that it’s not just on the beach that sun protection is important. While the sun has plenty of health benefits, the action o ultra violet
rays can cause damage ranging from unsightly wrinkles through to severe burning and potential skin cancer. At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year, and the disease kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK – that's seven people every day. “When we talk about skin cancer, we’re actually talking about a number o different types,” says Professor Richard Marais, a skin cancer expert and director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. “And for almost all of these types, it’s very clear that the environmental carcinogen is sunlight.”
ore s ecifically, it s the ultraviolet (UV) radiation given out by the sun that causes these cancers. This type of radiation can penetrate the skin and damage the DNA inside cells.” “UV light causes DNA damage which means certain cells in your skin distribute a pigment called melanin to other cells. This causes the skin to darken
and is what people call a tan. You only get the tan if you have the DNA damage,” says Marais. Naturally occurring biological agents in the skin absorb a proportion of UV radiation (UVR), with melanin being one of these. People with the darkest skin, for example those of African descent, have the most melanin and so are usually best protected from the sun.
BELOW: WHETHER COACHING OR RIDING ON A SUNNY DAY, BE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR SKIN DAMAGE FROM THE SUN. INSET: CHECK ANY MOLES REGULARLY AND IF YOU ARE CONCERNED,
CAMILLE PETERS
SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 13
SKIN PROTECTION.
It’s important to understand what kind of skin you have. Those with very fair skin (often redheads and blondes will find they burn very easily in the sun and develop freckles as their skin has less of the pigment which gives some protection. Even if you tan easily, it doesn’t mean you won’t burn and still need to take precautions. Skin cancer is the UK’s common form of cancer. Despite the evidence that over-exposure to the sun can cause cancer, we Brits love to tan. Culturally, a tan is seen as something positive and healthy. However if you have the most susceptible skin types, you would do better to invest in a spray tan. Don’t neglect your eyes either. It‘s important to protect your eyes from blue and ultraviolet (UV) light all year round, not just in the summer. There are three types of ultraviolet radiation (UVR): A, B and C. UVC is generally blocked by the earth’s atmosphere. However, 90% of UVA and UVB reaches us. When choosing sunglasses, look for a European CE mark or British Standard BSEN 1836:2005 to ensure good quality lenses. Lenses with insu cient protection are more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all, according to the Macular Society.
HEALTHY ROUTINE • When the sun is at its most powerful – 11am-3pm – cover u . ight loose fitting clothing is the best protection. Some companies now make clothing that’s lightweight, comfortable, and protects against UV rays even when wet. It tends to be more tightly woven, and some have special coatings to help absorb UV rays. These sun-protective clothes may have a label listing the UV protection factor (UPF) value (the level of protection the garment provides from the sun’s UV rays, on a scale from 15 to 50+). The higher the UPF, the higher the protection from UV rays. • Wear a cap with a peak to protect your eyes and sunglasses which offer rotection. Close fitting sunglasses or those with wra around rames offer the most protection. Invest in high-protection shatterproof sunglasses for riding in. • Make sure you have sun cream with you – in the car or in your tack box. Use it! Frequent generous a lications offer the best protection. High factor creams offer the best rotection. • Stay in the shade as much as possible – if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and it’s important to protect yourself. • Check your skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour and seek medical advice if anything concerns you.
OTHER HEALTH HAZARDS Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can also occur in the heat, particularly if you are working or 14 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
ABOVE: AIM TO COVER UP WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS MOST POWERFUL: A RANGE OF RIDING CLOTHING IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH A UV PROTECTION FACTOR (UPF).
exercising. Keeping out of the sun at its height, restricting physical exertion and drinking plenty of liquids are ways to stay safe. Children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk. Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down in 30 minutes, according to the . ove the affected erson to a cool place and get them to lie down and drink plenty of liquids like water or sports drinks. Spray or sponge with cool water. Heat stroke is much more serious and people can have a series of symptoms including, not sweating though too hot,
a temperature above 40°C, fast breathing or even losing consciousness. It needs to be treated quickly and the ambulance service should be called. Advice or em loyers o staff working outside is available from ww.hse.gov.uk. UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for people working outdoors and it is your responsibility to provide training and encourage them to keep covered up during the summer months and to use sun cream. You could consider rescheduling working hours to minimise exposure.
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HATS AND HEAD SAFETY.
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RIDING HATS HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN RECENT YEARS, AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS MEAN
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THAT DRESSAGE COMPETITORS CAN COMBINE STYLE WITH SAFETY, JANE CARLEY REPORTS.
he contribution to safety made by the latest headgear is now widely accepted in the UK, confi rms Claire illiams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with 98% of riders stating that they wear an approved standard hat. Over the last 10 years or so, the most significant research into hat sa ety has been in relation to rotational motion and the effects this has on the brain, suggests Helen Riley, brand manager or Cham ion a ety. “Development of test methods to measure rotational motion have sadly lagged behind, which may have caused a delay in bringing products to market which protect from this ty e o in ury. owever, at Cham ion we have been researching and testing for this type of accident scenario for quite some time and have recently added a new layer of protection to our existing high performing helmets, in the orm o the latest I technology ulti Im act rotection ystem and all research and testing data indicates that it is highly beneficial or rider rotection.” The Revolve range of helmets from
Cham ion are tri le certified to A , ,A F and carry the itemar and I mar as well as incor orating I technology. Charles wen mar eting director Ale ure e lains e launched our fi rst helmet s ecifically designed to include I technology 18 months ago and researched the technology for many years previous to this in our in house testing acility. he I system was invented in in weden by ans von olst, a neurosurgeon and Peter Halldin, a researcher from the Royal Institute o echnology. I is designed to add protection against rotational motion (or kinematics) transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head, which is how most riders fall. Rotational motion is a combination of rotational energy (angular velocity) and rotational forces from angular acceleration that both affect the brain and increase the ris or minor and severe brain injuries. I added rotection system has been proven to reduce rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain.”
I ta es the orm o a slim additional hidden liner that is incorporated inside the riding helmet, Ale e lains. his low friction layer enables your head to move mm in all directions, which has been proven to reduce the rotational movement to the brain and therefore injury (particularly concussion and traumatic brain injury). The core idea behind I is to simulate and enhance the brain s own rotection system, which uses the principle of the brain being able to slide a little bit against the s ull.” hile I has been available in other ty es of helmets (such as cycling and snow sports) for some time, it is still a relatively new concept in the e uestrian field, Helen points out. “Education is paramount to help consumers understand the benefits that this extra layer of rotection offers on top
ABOVE: THE LATEST GENERATION OF SAFETY HEADGEAR FOR RIDING INCORPORATES MIPS TECHNOLOGY, WHICH OFFERS ADDED PROTECTION AGAINST ROTATIONAL MOTION TRANSMITTED TO THE BRAIN IN A FALL. RIGHT: THE CHAMPION REVOLVE RADIANCE MIPS HELMET.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 17
IMAGE: CHARLES OWEN
o the more well nown linear im act, crush, enetration, stability and harness strength testing that we at Cham ion carry out on all o our A tandard helmets. hile u ta e has been good so ar, more needs to be done to give the consumers the confidence to ay a remium or this higher level o rotection. e are roud to have been one o the fi rst to mar et to offer this higher level o security and rotection and we have introduced a I layer to hats in our range, giving consumers more choice and even greater eace o mind.” Ale ure comments he Charles wen y helmet offers three certifications to three international e uestrian sa ety standards, A , . ,A F , lus I technology. Charles wen has embraced I technology as a way to to u the sa ety o some o our already tri le tested, tri le certified riding helmets. he ado tion o I rovides urther rotection to reduce brain shear in riding accidents involving alls at s eed.”
FIT FOR SAFETY ABOVE: HELMETS NOW COMBINE STYLE WITH SAFETY.
18 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
o be effective, hats must fit the wearer well, oints out Claire illiams.
“Fit is absolutely key to the protection offered, so it s im ortant to have your hat ro essionally fitted be ore urchase, and avoid sharing hats with other riders. ven with interchangeable liners, sharing can affect the fit.” he erce tion that certain brands fit different head sha es has largely been countered by manu acturers offering a wider range o models, Claire e lains. ifferent hats within a manu acturer s range will fit round or oval sha ed heads, so once you have ound a sha e and model that fits, it s best to stic to it. ome hats also rely on the fi ne ad ustment o the harness to fit recisely, which is another reason to have your hat ro essionally fitted.” ats are also hand fi nished, so each individual hat will vary slightly, she adds, so you won t get a er ect fit i you try a hat on at a show, and then subse uently decide to urchase it rom the internet or by mail order at a later date. A trained hat fitter can offer micro fitting by adding a ad or twea ing the harness. anu acturers offer their training or their individual brands or retailers can go on a general fitting course offered by A.” hile modern sa ety hats differ greatly
HATS AND HEAD SAFETY.
The angle helmets are tested today The angle you are more likely to fall
from the now-outdated snug ‘beagler’, no com romise to the fit is necessary when designing helmets with higher levels of rotection, says elen. e have a wide range o styles, which overall offer a range o different fits to accommodate most head sha es and sizes. And there is no reason why different sha es to fit different heads cannot still be achieved when incor orating any new technology, including I . It may ta e a little longer in development, but the end result or Cham ion in bringing roducts to mar et is always to offer a com lete and recise range o sizes to suit all consumers.”
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Classic ressage is the su lier o as helmets which meet the C . and A F with I A standards, and are designed and made in Italy using com onents rom the . he as design eatures an inner shell made with e anded olystyrene with three levels o densities or shoc rotection, com ort and lightness. Classic ressage s manager ulia ornig comments ni ue to A is the nec cradle attached to the bac o the helmet which offers increased sa ety and wearer
com ort. For urther com ort A uses a honeycomb li e aeration grid that is built into the olystyrene to create a cooling air ow, and since , the helmets have a merino wool liner which is removable and can be hand washed at degrees.” ulia adds As riders become conscious o the im act o the sun, A is selling more o its tar ady wider brim helmets. ere in the we are still selling mainly the ogma ight standard ea helmets but our sales are e anding in both styles.” rands to suit a range o re uirements are on offer rom retailer Classic ressage ne is an interesting helmet as it uses a uni ue air um to fi ll out the s ace in a helmet liner, so it s er ect i you want to ad ust your helmet during the day. is the only helmet with a de th adjuster, as well as the dial ad ustment at the bac o the helmet. ne o our best selling models is the amshield hadowmatt which is slic , elegant and aerodynamic loo ing ” hile dressage has remained a most notoriously
traditional disci line, style has in recent years seen some relaxation from the top hats and bowlers o yesteryear, suggests elen. As consumers become more sa ety conscious through education, and rightly so, tastes have develo ed and a demand or alternative styles has emerged. evelo ing good loo ing helmets which will a eal to the masses is the holy grail or all sa ety manu acturers and at Cham ion we believe that there should be no compromise – stylish can, and should, always be sa e. very Cham ion helmet carries the I itemar , which means that each and every batch roduced is inde endently tested by I to ensure they re u to scratch and with so many gorgeous designs now available in itemar ed hats and helmets, there s no trade off between sa ety and style.” ABOVE: LATEST RESEARCH HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE ANGLE OF THE HEAD IN ‘REAL LIFE’ FALLS RATHER THAN IN LABORATORY TESTS. ABOVE RIGHT: MANY STRIDES FORWARD FROM TRADITIONAL RIDING HATS, MIPS HELMETS SUCH AS THE CHARLES OWEN MY PS ARE NOW MUCH IN DEMAND. LEFT: KASK HELMETS ARE MADE IN ITALY AND OFFER A NUMBER OF SPECIAL FEATURES FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 19
PRODUCT WATCH.
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CHARLES OWEN AYRBRUSH REFLECTION New for 2020, the AyrBrush Reflection blends the latest technology with a sophisticated exclusive design that pairs gloss and matt finishes with the option of crystal piping, or pinstripe in chrome or rose gold. Meets standards ASTM F116315, PAS015:2011, VG1 01-040 2014-12
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REVOLVE RADIANCE VENT-AIR MIPS PEAKED HELMET Coming soon from Champion, the brand new Revolve Radiance Vent-Air hat combines style with substance, for an eye-catching and elegant look that also offers unbeatable protection. The Radiance incorporates MIPS, the brain protection system that offers added protection against angular impact and damaging rotational forces, together with a highly ventilated airflow system for maximum comfort. The Revolve MIPS Vent-Air is triple certified and meets PAS 015 2011; VG01 01 2012; ASTM F1163-15 Standards and is kitemarked to PAS 015 2011. Available November 2020. RRP: £250–£300 (depending on size) | championhats.com
SAMSHIELD SHADOWMATT With ultimate safety in mind, for many years Samshield has designed and created a range of helmets to offer quality and performance as the paramount objective, certified to ASTM SEI/EN CE, with a huge range of customisation available. Available in navy, black and brown. RRP: FROM £256.00 | samshield.com
20 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 21
22 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
ADAM FANTHORPE
GROOMING.
ABOVE: A BEAUTIFULLY TURNED OUT HORSE CAN’T FAIL TO CATCH THE EYE ON THE BIG OCCASION. BELOW: RACHEL STEPHENS, WHO GROOMS FOR MATT FROST BEGINS HER PREPARATIONS SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE A SHOW.
ALL DRESSED UP WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO ENSURE TOP DRESSAGE HORSES ARE PRUNED TO PERFECTION FOR A SHOW?
P
STEPHANIE BATEMAN SPEAKS TO SOME OF THE INDUSTRY’S TOP GROOMS TO FIND OUT.
icture-perfect plaits, .a gleaming coat and socks so white they glow – preparing dressage horses for a show is no easy task, but with a little organisation and elbow grease, fabulous results can be achieved. So, when should you begin your show day preparations and what’s involved? Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin’s groom, Alan Davies, says that preparing a horse for a show happens weeks, if not months before. “Instead of slippery coat sprays to create a shine, I prefer a dose of daily elbow grease,” he says.
“They all get brushed every day with a body brush to remove the dust and bring out the shine. At an international show I groom them three times a day with a body brush.” When it comes to bathing, most grooms bath a day or two beforehand. “If we’re going to a stay away show, I bath the day before we go because some of the shows haven’t got great facilities,” says Claire Bell, Spencer Wilton’s groom. “I use purple shampoo which gives the coat a nice shine whatever colour they are. I’m also a big fan of shine spray which I put on after I’ve bathed them.”
For a day show, Matt Frost’s groom Rachel Stephens starts preparing a few days before. “I’ll wash their manes and tails so they’re not slippery clean on the day of the show,” she explains. “I bath them the night before and will leave a clean cotton sheet on and a rug on top if needed, to keep them clean.” Claire Bell uses diluted medicated shampoo marketed for human hair ‘because it’s sensitive and
great for their skin’, and salon-grade conditioner, again designed for human use, for their mane and tail.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 23
ADA M
FA NT H
“For white socks I use blue shampoo and leave it on for a few minutes be ore rinsing off,” she adds. “I chalk the white socks wet – I make a paste and aint it on.” PE OR When it comes to clean manes and tails, Alan likes to wash them a day earlier. “If they are worked the day be ore a show, I’ll give them a bath afterwards and wash their manes and tails,” he says. I ut mane and tail spray on after washing which removes any dust and shavings on show day. They wear a tail bandage rolled down to the end on the way to the show to ee them clean.”
TRIMMING AND PULLING As it s not always a uic ob, most grooms keep on top of trimming and mane pulling so it’s not left to the day of the show. hen trimming, they all have a bridle path and I clip out the uff y ear hair,” e lains Gareth Hughes’ groom Steph
Sharples. “I only have a couple of horses that need to have their manes pulled as they have such thic hair, and I li e to use scissors by snipping at the ends upwards rather that in a straight line. I also use scissors for the tail and will pull a few hairs to fi nish the loo .” Steph advises pulling after the horses have worked as the hairs will come out easier. ate gloves can also be inder on your fi ngers,” she adds. Claire Bell is another who prefers to use scissors on manes. “For those who don’t like their manes being pulled the traditional way, I dam en the mane down with a wet sponge and use a comb and scissors,” she says. “I don’t pull them too short either as they need a bit of length or laiting.” he adds I ust trim the edges of the ears and under the head with cli ers,” she says. e leave whis ers on.” ADAM FANTHORPE
ABOVE: GARETH HUGHES’ GROOM STEPH SHARPLES PREFERS TO USE SCISSORS TO TRIM THINNER MANES, SNIPING UPWARDS FOR A NATURAL LOOK. INSET: PURPLE SHAMPOO FOLLOWED BY CHALK ON WET LEGS CAN HELP TO MAKE WHITE SOCKS GLEAM.
24 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
PLAITING
ADAM FANTHORPE
GROOMING.
Each groom has their own preferred method. “I use elastic bands and I like the mane clean,” says Alan. “I have a little trick where I roll the plait through the band so you can’t see the elastic. It’s quick and easy and means you can take them out easily without breaking or cutting any of the mane. Afterwards, I use plaiting spray which helps keep them in place.” Alan is quite particular about the size and shape of his plaits. “I like them to have a nice wing on them and not be too small,” he says. “I prefer them medium-sized so they make a nice shape along the crest of the neck.” Claire Bell opts for sewing in her plaits. “Neville (Super Nova) has a thin mane and trying to keep it all in with bands is a nightmare,” she says. “Sewing helps them stay tidier and you can tuck loose ends in easier. If it’s a day show, I plait the morning of the show – I’m not a fan of leaving plaits in all night. If the mane is really fly-away I’ll use hair spray.” Rachel likes to be in the right position to get the best plaits. “I make sure I am up and above the horse’s neck so I’m looking down at the plaits,” she says. “I start at the top of the neck, plait down and roll up and then French plait the forelock which I band.” A tip for making plaits look good is to make sure they are even, explains Lottie Fry’s groom Claire James. “They will always be slightly bigger in the middle of the neck, but ideally they need to be gradually smaller as you move down the neck,” she advises. ABOVE: BANDS OR THREAD FOR PLAITING? THE JURY’S OUT BUT AIM TO GET ABOVE THE HORSE FOR THE BEST VIEW OF THE NECK.
CLIPPING There’s nothing worse than a horse with streaky clip lines or blotchy irritated skin from cli ing, so how do our e erts ensure a slee , even fi nish “If we’re away for a couple of wee s, we cli as close to leaving as ossible,” e lains achel. I bath them the night before they are clipped and spray them with a coat shine to help the clippers glide through. I also loosely plait the mane before I clip so that I don’t end up taking chunks out and tails go u in a tail bandage.” o revent irritation, achel pays attention to the temperature of the clippers. “I leave plenty of time and give
the cli ers re uent brea s to cool down,” she says. I m also careful what oil I use on the clippers as some can irritate the s in.” Alan cli s a ew days be ore a show and uses a skin wash in warm water after they’ve been clipped to remove any loose hair and dirt. “It’s very good for stopping rashes,” he e lains. Claire James will do a full body clip a week before competition after the horses have been bathed. It allows a bit o regrowth,” she says. “They will then get another shampoo after clipping to remove all the loose hair and the grease dee in the coat.”
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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 25
GROOMING.
Grey horses can be the bane of a groom’s life, but there are ways to keep them clean. “I skip them out all the time to prevent poo stains,” says Rachel. “If we’re going to a show, I put leg wraps on them and a lycra all in one body suit. You can also use a blue rinse which is a powder that you add to water, apply to the white bits and then rinse off.” Charlotte Dujardin’s mare Florentina (Flora) is grey, but Alan has an effective routine. “The aim is to try and keep her clean all the time to stop the stains setting in,” he says.
ADAM FANTHORPE
LIGHT COLOURED HORSES
ABOVE: ALAN DAVIES CARES FOR CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN’S FLORENTINA AND SAYS THAT THE BEST WAY TO KEEP GREY HORSES PRISTINE IS TO REMOVE STAINS AND PREVENT THEM SETTING IN. BELOW LEFT: QUARTER MARKS ARE THE ULTIMATE FINISHING TOUCH – PURPOSE-DESIGNED SPRAY HELPS THEM STAND OUT. ADAM FANTHORPE
“Purple shampoo prevents the hair staining, so she is washed with this a couple of times a week. I use a spot spray on the morning of a show to remove any stable stains.”
FINISHING OFF For the finishing touches, Claire Bell keeps it simple and uses shine spray and a splash of hoof oil. “I put a bit of the spray on a cloth and wipe it over Neville when Spenny gets on,” she says. “It leaves a lovely shine without making him slippery.” Rachel uses black equine eye makeup plus a splash of baby oil on the plaits to ‘make them shine,’ and Alan wipes oil
enhancer over their eyes and muzzle to ‘make the skin gleam’ and applies hoof oil. “I use Vaseline or baby oil to give a lovely shine to their muzzle and eyes, and I also find that talcum powder can bring up white socks nicely,” says Steph. When doing quarter marks, Alan uses a brush from his own collection – Alan Davies Quarter Marker Brush. “It’s made with natural hair and leaves a lovely finish,” he says. “I make sure the coat is really wet first and then use quarter mark spray and do it freehand with my brush, and gloss spray is then sprayed over the top to keep it in place.”
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…. Claire Bell: “I couldn’t live without my cooler rug – it’s great if you have to wash the horse off in the cold as they are dry in 15mins.” Rachel Stephens: “Keep adding mane and tail spray to their mane and tail every day because it stops them rubbing them and helps keep them clean.” Alan Davies: “Clean rugs are really important – a clean sheet after a bath the night before helps to keep them sparkling.” Claire James: “Be prepared for anything!” Steph Sharples: “If I have several horses to plait, I will thread my needles before, so I don’t have the fiddly bit to do at the important time.”
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DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 27
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Care for your horse's mane and tail with our deluxe conditioning spray for a smooth, shiny tangle-free finish. Leaves a non-greasy, non-sticky natural shine that will not attract dust and allows mud to be easily brushed from hair. RRP: £10.99 FOR 750ML Naf-equine.eu/uk
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SUPREME PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES BAG Stylish and practical! This sturdy black grooming bag with gold detailing includes multiple storage compartments and features a mesh base for easy cleaning, ideal for storing shampoo bottles after bathing. Complete with removable shoulder strap and grab handles. RRP: £39.99 supremeproducts.co.uk
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 29
PRODUCT WATCH.
CAVALOR STAR SHINE is a long-lasting hair conditioner with a unqie and pleasant aroma. It can help give your horse’s coat a brilliant gloss, add volume to the hair and keep the mane and tail tangle-free for up to a week. Star Shine contains a mixture of a high-quality silcones which are essential for an excellent detangler. Cavalor® Star Shine helps repair damaged hair while enhancing coat colour and structure with an unforgettable shine. RRP: FROM £19.00 cavalordirect.co.uk
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HY – EVENT PRO SERIES GROOMING BAG A stylish and practical bag for keeping all your grooming products in one place. This sturdy bag comes with a generous amount of space and six open pockets, perfect to hold all your lotions and potions. Inside the bag features an easy-to-clean lining and zip pocket. The bag is finished with a reinforced base and studs to prevent damage. RRP: £24.99 hy-equestrian.com
30 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
BRITE WHITES SHAMPOO
SHOW OFF
can be used neat on stains (simply massage onto area, leave for five minutes and rinse out) or as a normal shampoo. Brite Whites leaves the coat soft, shiny and snow white. Guaranteed! Brite Whites is a dream come true for greys, coloureds and those dirty white socks!
For all the dirty horses and ponies in the world, who would really like to be clean and smart, we have created this fabulous shampoo which not only cleans deeper and shines brighter, it smells wonderful too! So to make your show horse showier, your black horse blacker, your white horse whiter and all others in between simply more dazzling, just add Show Off to your water and work up the suds. The results will be dazzling!
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LEGAL MATTERS.
GET IT IN WRITING AFTER YOUR HORSE OR RUNNING A LIVERY YARD IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ENTER INTO A BESPOKE LIVERY AGREEMENT WITH THE OTHER PARTY, SAYS SPECIALIST LEGAL FIRM HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS.
H
aving an agreement in place ensures you both know your obligations and rights at the outset, eliminating uncertainty and leaving less room for disagreement should things go wrong. Standard documents are readily available online and are a useful starting point. However, the particular circumstances of the horse as well as the yard in question and what is required should be considered carefully and documented. Here are some of the things you should include:
1. Parties – the name, address and other contact details of the yard owner and horse owner. 2. Charges – what is the livery fee? When and how can it be increased? Include any additional costs e.g. farrier, vet, worming, feed and extra bedding and agree a time limit on when payment is due. 3. Insurance – liability of the horse should remain with the horse owner; the yard owner should exclude liability for injury to the horse and loss of tack / equipment. If you are a yard owner, ensure your business insurance is updated annually. 4. Tack and other belongings – parties decide who is responsible for loss or damage to such items on the livery owner’s property if they are not covered by insurance.
LEFT: LIVERY AGREEMENTS SHOULD INCLUDE DETAILS ADAM FANTHORPE
OF ANY SPECIAL CARE REQUIRED FOR THE HORSE.
32 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
ADAM FANTHORPE
WHETHER YOU ARE RELYING ON SOMEONE ELSE TO LOOK
5. Horse passport – the original should be held at the yard, however, the majority of horse owners are reluctant to give up the passport. If this is the case, up-to-date copies should be provided to the yard owner with a right reserved to see the original. 6. Special care – details on any special care required for the horse are important, for example, a requirement for hay to be soaked or for the horse to be housed in a stable with weaving bars. 7. Vices – any vices and behavioural problems of the horse should be fully disclosed. 8. Children/dogs – yard owners may want to exclude children and/or dogs from the yard. In any event, the yard owner should make them the parent/owner’s responsibility. 9. Welfare decisions – the yard owner should have the right to make the decision to put the horse to sleep on veterinary advice only if the owner cannot be contacted.
The importance of this was recently highlighted by a case where a yard owner was sued after a horse with colic was put to sleep rather than operated on. 10. Lien – a very important clause that should be incorporated into all livery agreements to help with any bad payers. Essentially, the yard owner reserves the right to retain the horse and its equipment until payment of any outstanding fees is made. If payment is not made after demand, the yard owner retains the power to sell the horse and equipment to cover the debt. 11. Duties owed by the livery yard owner – services must be provided with reasonable care and skill. This can include the safety of the yard and fields, or e am le the quality of feed and riding areas; reasonable care being taken of the horse, for example adequate feed and water, veterinary needs being
LEGAL MATTERS.
COVER FOR LIVERIES
met, no poisonous plants in the fields remises being o a sa e standard and maintained as such, or e am le su cient drainage and ventilation, non sli oors having suitably e erienced and trained em loyees. . Duties owed by the horse owner the horse s wel are must be o a good standard, or e am le rovision o suitable tac and e ui ment, a ro riate veterinary and arrier treatment, the yard rules being abided by and bills aid on time. hese are ust a ew oints to consider. It is also worth ensuring that suitable terms are incor orated into the agreement so that the terms can be varied should situations such as Covid arise. any yards had to swi tly im lement rocedures to ensure the wel are o horses but limit the number o
CAMILLE PETER
S
Alongside having livery agreements in place, livery yard owners need to ensure they have effective insurance coverage to not only protect their own finances but to meet their legal requirements and protect the wellbeing of their equine inhabitants, says Shearwater Insurance. Why use a specific equestrian insurance policy to look after your equestrian property? Equestrian properties require specific cover to ensure all aspects are protected. Equestrian policy wording is tailored and designed to take into account that the horses are the main residents of the property. You should also bear in mind that many household insurers will not cover you for all of your equestrian equipment, in the event of items such as show jumps, feed, hay, bedding and tack being damaged or stolen, so by using a specific equestrian insurer you can have peace of mind that all your valuable possessions are protected.
eo le at the yard at any one time having a clause in the agreement to allow or changes to the terms is essential. ivery yards are notorious or dis utes and as an e uine team we see many un ortunate situations arise. aving an agreement in lace means that should dis ute arise you are in a much better osition to try and resolve matters amicably and avoid large legal bills. I you would li e hel dra ting a suitable livery agreement lease call ary athen on or email mwathen hcrlaw.com. I you wish to discuss a dis ute relating to a livery agreement lease give Alison oodwin a call on or email agoodwin hcrlaw.com
ABOVE: WHEN ENTRUSTING YOUR HORSE TO THE CARE OF A LIVERY YARD, A WRITTEN AGREEMENT ENSURES THAT THE YARD OWNER AND CLIENT KNOW CLEARLY WHAT IS EXPECTED OF EACH PARTY. INSET: LIVERY YARD LIABILITY COVER PROTECTS YARD OWNERS IF A HORSE
Do I need a specific livery yard insurance policy? By insuring an equestrian property as a livery yard, we can offer additional benefits including Money Cover and Assault and Business Interruption Cover which would compensate for loss of profits caused by an insurable peril. The main difference is liability. Many clients believe that having DIY Liveries or having ‘a friend’ keep their horse with them for free does not count as having a livery yard. However, Livery Yard Liability can cover you if a horse escaped and caused third-party property damage because a gate was left open, for example. This could also cover if members of the public stroke a horse that subsequently bites them. Additionally, Property Owner’s Liability is included within Livery Yard Liability which protects you against instances where members of the general public were injured on your land or in or around your buildings. Shearwater can also include Care, Custody and Control within your policy which protects you for negligent acts directed towards other people’s horses which resulted in their injury while they are your responsibility, including DIY Liveries. Do I need Employers’ Liability Insurance? Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement if you employ anyone, whether they are full-time, part-time or even temporary and not only offers protection for your employees but protects your business. These policies are designed to offer businesses protection, for compensation and legal costs, in the event of an employee making a claim against them following an accident or injury in the workplace. Should I have Personal Accident insurance for handling horses? A robust and effective policy is essential for anyone who rides or coaches for a living, as well as for freelance grooms who have to ride as part of their role. Personal Accident Insurance is included with BD member cover, but any staff or freelances who are not members should have their own coverage in place. Pair Personal Accident coverage with a Public Liability policy to make sure all parties are cared for in the event of an incident. For full and competitive quote call us on 01992 367110.
ESCAPES FROM GRAZING AND CAUSES DAMAGE TO A THIRD PARTY’S PROPERTY.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 33
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MOVING ON UP WANTING TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES OR DECIDING TO MOVE UP A LEVEL? WE CHALLENGED FEI 5* JUDGE AND TRAINER CLIVE HALSALL TO
ADAM FANTHORPE
OFFER SOME GENERAL ADVICE.
I
n dressage, preparation is key and small ad ustments can ma e significant differences. Looking back at training and competition videos, as well as test sheets, can really help you to identify strengths and wea nesses. ry to consider the general impression of the test, as sometimes what the judge sees is different to what you eel. hilst wea nesses may need a longer term training approach, you can often build on the ositives. A ew hal mar s gained in a test can sometimes make the difference to roduce a uali ying score or a lacing. As com etition day a roaches, it is im ortant to review your daily training schedule: full training days, stretching hac ing and days off may need to be ad usted to suit your horse. Following the Covid break it is vital to consider how your horse will cope with travelling, warming up with other horses and the com etition arena itsel . orses need to eel sa e in a new environment to er orm to the best o their ability. ABOVE: AT HOME, AIM TO WORK AT THE LEVEL ABOVE WHICH YOU ARE CURRENTLY COMPETING. LEFT: ANALYSING YOUR PERFORMANCE TO IDENTIFY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES CAN REAP BENEFITS IN THE COMPETITION ARENA, SUGGESTS FEI 5* JUDGE AND TRAINER CLIVE HALSALL.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 35
KEVIN SPARROW
TRAINING.
ABOVE: THINK HOW YOUR HORSE WILL COPE WITH TRAVELLING, WARMING UP WITH OTHER HORSES AND THE COMPETITION ARENA ITSELF. RIGHT: ACCURACY HAS A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE
Each movement is awarded a mark based on the all-important training scale. The main in uencers on higher mar s are: way of going according to the scales of training,
MI
LLE
PE
TE
RS
ON MARKS.
CA
CAMILLE PETERS
TRAINING.
36 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
uality and harmony. ower mar s are o ten related to serious rhythm issues, significant mista es and resistances. otal scores can also be affected by errors o course so nowing the test is invaluable to achieve a ocused personal best. It’s always a good idea to know where marks are awarded in the test. Some movements carry a coe cient and accuracy is a real modifier, in uencing movement mar s both u and down. In every test at every level centre lines, transitions and corners will be re uired. he fi rst centre line is an o ortunity to create a good im ression. ransitions re ect training and highlight reaction, willingness and obedience. Corners, correctly e ed and balanced relative to the level are incorporated into movement marks. As you rogress through the levels, your horse s ability to lengthen and shorten steps, stride and frame will be tested. ifferences within the aces are e ected and transitions from one pace to another become more demanding. These transitions develop elasticity and balance, are great communication tools and are crucial on the ourney towards collection.
TRAINING.
KEVIN SPARROW
LOOKING BACK AT TRAINING AND COMPETITION VIDEOS, AS WELL AS TEST SHEETS, CAN REALLY HELP YOU TO IDENTIFY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Double transitions such as halt-trot-halt or walk-canterwal are o ten the fi rst ste s on the ladder to collection and half halts, which are game changers in any test. al to canter and sim le changes are an im ortant tool in training ying changes, which o ens the door to Advanced Medium level. Transition goals should always be to train these aids to be so subtle they become almost invisible. Every transition/half transition tells a story, even the seemingly innocuous halt-walk-halt. ateral su leness is also essential to rogression lateral work ‘gymnasticises’ and strengthens and it is vital to the goal o straightening your horse. It s fi rst introduced as a move away rom the inside leg to the all im ortant outside rein and the develo ment o e ion, rogressing to move away and bend around the inside leg. ual e ion bend gives you a straighter horse, one that can ush evenly rom both legs to both reins. urn on the orehand, leg yields and shoulder ore offer
ADA MF AN T H
ORPE
the best introduction on the way to the more di cult shoulder in travers, renvers, hal ass and irouette e ercises. As sim le e ercises get easier, more demanding e ercises can be introduced. I roblems occur, brea ing e ercises down to easier move away bend around the leg movements is often the best solution. ABOVE MAIN: AS YOU PROGRESS THROUGH THE LEVELS, YOUR HORSE’S ABILITY TO LENGTHEN AND SHORTEN STEPS WILL BE TESTED. INSET: THE CENTRE LINE SETS THE FIRST IMPRESSION FOR YOUR TEST.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 37
FOLLOWING THE COVID BREAK IT IS VITAL TO CONSIDER HOW YOUR HORSE WILL COPE... HORSES NEED TO FEEL SAFE IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT TO PERFORM TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY It’s always advisable to be training a level above competition. Balance and ease of movements is critical to taking the next step up. Keeping things simple and listening to your horse is often key as sometimes you need to a roach things with a different mindset. ot all horses develop at the same rate; their talent may vary in some exercises and some horses are more trainable than others. Most of all enjoy the journey and the time with your horse. LEFT: LATERAL WORK ‘GYMNASITICISES’ AND STRENGTHENS AND IS VITAL TO THE GOAL OF STRAIGHTNESS IN THE HORSE.
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR DEMONS! Martha Jobling-Purser, 15, is competing for Ireland at Pony FEI level and trains with Clive. “I started off with show ponies, and had previously competed up to Elementary. We purchased Valido’s Starlight (Star) in 2018 for my last year in ponies, where the tests are at Medium level.” Martha says that she found the increased level of accuracy required to be a challenge at first and has worked hard to make her transitions and corners more precise. She comments: “Walk pirouettes were my least favourite movement – they made me freeze and I blocked Star. Clive told me I had to learn to love them! “We just seemed to get stuck and the pirouette often lacked bend, suppleness and turning of the shoulder.” To help her, Clive suggested riding shoulder-in and travers on a 20m, 15m and 10m circle to get Star more responsive and attentive; developing half halt in travers also helps with collection. “Using a quarter pirouette helped me to get started. Then riding the whole working pirouette gave me more time to establish the feel of the movement and to control each step. Star is also very laid back so can get sluggish, but if I push too forward I lose collection then the pirouette is too big,” explains Martha. “I’ve been working on acceptance of the bend and and keeping him more even in the rein, and also sitting more in the middle of him rather than sitting against him. If we ever get stuck, then using the training exercises helps overcome any difficulties.”
38 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
KEVIN SPARROW
ADAM FANTHORPE
TRAINING.
ABOVE: MARTHA JOBLING-PURSER AND VALIDO’S STARLIGHT.
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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 2020 // 39 YOUNG6RIDER PROSPECT
JOINT CARE.
SOUND DECISIONS DRESSAGE PLACES A SIGNIFICANT DEMAND ON HORSES’ JOINTS, SO THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH THROUGH GOOD NUTRITION, CORRECT TRAINING AND CONTINUED MONITORING IS VITAL TO A LONG CAREER, REPORTS BARBARA YOUNG.
W
hen it comes to management, staying sound or the demands o dressage re uires a delicate balance. According to Andy athe, artner at ewmar et s ossdales uine os ital,
riders need to ta e the whole horse into consideration and wor closely with their su ort team to hel minimise ris . It s the whole inter lay between the vet, trainer, arrier, hysio etc who together ma e a ac age, as well as owners not being overly demanding and allowing the horse to have an
off day, rather than utting ressure on the rider to always er orm,” he e lains. oints aren t there in isolation i the sus ensories get in ured which is common , this will ut more strain on the hoc and oints. he most common in ury in dressage horses is the high sus ensory. As the horse goes u the grades, there is more demand on collection and wor ing rom behind which increases loading on hoc s and sus ensories.” Andy also cautions against too much re etition o advanced movements. tatistically, it s grand ri horses which have the highest ris o in ury, although to riders don t ractice movements such as iaffe assage very o ten as horses at this level already have the s illset. owever, or less e erienced riders who are struggling with a s ecific movement, it s better to ta e a brea and move on to doing something different rather than ee re eating. eal with any issues early on i you sus ect something isn t uite right, don t ut your head in the sand.”
STATISTICALLY, IT’S GRAND PRIX HORSES WHICH HAVE THE HIGHEST RISK OF INJURY 40 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
JOINT CARE.
UNDERSTANDING TREATMENTS
SUPPLEMENTARY HELP According to experts, advancing age and exercise over prolonged periods can lead to a breakdown in the natural regeneration process, resulting in joint discomfort and stiffness. Ryan Millar and Tim Mansi, directors of BETTALife, manufacturers of PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA, point out that while many joint supplements can help rebalance this process, it’s important to look at each component to fully understand which are necessary. hey say only a ew glucosamine, chondroitin, and A have been shown to be use ul in maintaining healthy oints. “The equine joint is made up of articular cartilage, synovial uid and so t tissue structures that hold the joint together (capsule and ligaments . “Depending on the horse’s requirements, supplements can be fed at a maintenance level to support ongoing joint health, as well as added strategically when equines are injured or suffering rom oint ain.” They point out that where a horse has shown a change in gait or reluctance to move orwards, it may beneficial to eed a supplement to help boost natural joint re airing substances. “The best approach is to read the labels to make sure the product contains appropriate
ingredients in effective amounts and always loo or the Clean ort logo.” Andy Bathe agrees that supplements have a lace in routine maintenance. “Once the horse is working at a higher level lementary edium and above I would advise a broad-spectrum joint supplement as there isn’t compelling evidence that one particular substance is more easily absorbed than another.”
MRI: “Accurate diagnosis is vital,” explains Andy Bathe. “It doesn’t matter what the problem is, if you stick a needle in the wrong joint, it’s not going to help.” Steroids: “Using steroids in a diseased joint helps to break the inflammatory cycle, although there are risks of laminitis. We often see young horses who may have sore hocks when they’re six; we treat them once and they don’t have a problem again for a long time.” Biologics (PRP, IRAP, Prostride): “These are all similar – biological soups with growth factors and anti-inflammatory to help promote the healing response. Stem cell: “There is a licenced product which owners are reporting a good response; it will be interesting to see how this pans out long term; can be expensive.” Polyacrylamide hydrogel (Arthramid): “A ‘filler drug’ developed for the cosmetic industry and injected into joints. Can be a real turnaround drug in some nonresponsive joints. Not licenced in the UK, but imported fairly easily through vets.” Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery): “Owners having routine steroid injections might want to consider having a look inside to see if there’s a torn meniscus, ligament or fragments as this may be more effective.”
OPPOSITE: ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS IS VITAL BEFORE CONSIDERING ANY TREATMENTS FOR JOINT PAIN. ABOVE: MANAGEMENT OF JOINT HEALTH CAN HELP THE HORSE HAVE A LONG AND TROUBLEFREE CAREER. RIGHT: AS THE HORSE GOES UP THE GRADES THERE IS MORE DEMAND FOR COLLECTION AND WORKING FROM BEHIND WHICH INCREASES LOADING ON THE HOCKS AND SUSPENSORIES.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 41
42 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
JOINT CARE.
SURFACE SOLUTIONS Studies have shown that training on a suitable sur ace is also beneficial. According to David Andrews from Andrews Bowen, research has shown that a dressage horse puts more force per square inch on a surface than any other equestrian discipline, especially when wor ing laterally. “When a dressage horse is doing 80% of its training in an arena, the composition o a sur ace is critical. A sur ace that is too fi rm or lacks structure will heavily im act on a horse s soundness.” Andy Bathe agrees: “My experience has been that deep sandy arenas are the
worst in terms of the leg sinking in and the sus ensory ta ing more battering. “I would advise working on a variety of surfaces; a combination of grass, arena and hacking as the body res onds to different stimuli and remodels itsel . Riding on roads will do much more for bone remodelling than a soft surface, however a soft surface will be less concussive. Like everything in life, everything in moderation is the ey.” David Andrews says there isn’t a ‘perfect’ surface or a defi nition or it. “Horses are multi-terrain animals and where possible riders should vary the type of sur ace a horse is wor ed on.
CASE STUDY – EMILY HARRIS “High level dressage is hard work for horses, so I try to stay away from surfaces that are uneven or inconsistent, or which may cause strain or stress to the joints. It’s unfair to expect horses to train and compete if they are struggling against a poor surface. The main thing is that it is even and stable – a bit of regular maintenance goes a long way.” Emily maintains variety in training and schooling: “I wouldn’t work on extensions or collection every day and make sure to give our horses plenty of breaks so they don’t get over-tired or fatigued as that’s when they are more likely to injure themselves. I also stay mindful of each horse’s physical capability, adjusting their work according to their age, strength and fitness.” Emily explains that as horses get older, they need consistent management and maintenance from an experienced sports vet. “A regular veterinary review is useful for identifying potential problems before they become an issue. I keep to a strict schedule with physiotherapy and shoeing so that any changes are picked up quickly before they develop. “Finding a team that you really trust is vital as is a holistic approach – it’s not enough to focus on one aspect of the management, you have to look at the horse as a whole.”
ABOVE INSET: THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF IMPACT ABSORPTION, ENERGY RETURN AND COHESION ARE ALL IMPORTANT IN THE
ABOVE: VARIETY IN TRAINING AND SCHOOLING HELPS
CHOICE OF SURFACE. ABOVE: RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT A DRESSAGE HORSE PUTS MORE FORCE PER SQUARE INCH ON A
TO AVOID INJURY, SUGGESTS EMILY HARRIS.
SURFACE THAN IN OTHER DISCIPLINE.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 43
JOINT CARE.
WHERE A HORSE HAS SHOWN A CHANGE IN GAIT OR RELUCTANCE TO MOVE FORWARDS, IT MAY BENEFICIAL TO FEED A SUPPLEMENT TO HELP BOOST NATURAL JOINT REPAIRING SUBSTANCES
“It’s important to have the right amount of impact absorption in a surface as well as energy return and cohesion. Generally, surfaces now are softer and more forgiving than they used to be, but with that comes increased maintenance. As a com any with years o scientific research and expertise behind them, the welfare of horses is paramount. We design our surfaces to not only provide the best conditions to prolong a horse’s ridden career, but also rovide confidence or them to express themselves through movement.” Andy Bathe concludes: “Avoiding injury starts by picking a sound horse with good conformation which is able to do the job and progresses with good training and attention to detail, something which dressage riders are very good at!”
A QUESTION OF INSURANCE Harriet Walker, Director and Claims Team Manager at KBIS: Q: Are joint injuries covered by insurance? A: “Any type of joint issue, whether it’s arthritis, OCD, an infected joint or an injury including sprains/ligament damage would be covered if you have full vet fee cover for accident, sickness and disease and the condition did not pre-exist your policy start date or an injury which could pre dispose the horse to such a condition, pre-existed the policy start date.” Q: How is cover affected by ‘maintenance’ injections, or regular supplementation? A: “We’re aware that it’s common to use joint supplements and/or other forms of preventive treatment and therapies in an effort to help maintain horses’ health. The disclosure of such treatment is dependent of what has been given and why it has been administered. Putting your horse on a non-prescriptive joint supplement because you think they could benefit
44 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
is unlikely to affect your policy. As long as the horse has shown no signs of stiffness, lameness, poor performance and/or been examined by a vet, you shouldn’t need to notify your insurer. ‘Maintenance’ injections have to be carried out by a vet so should be disclosed to your insurer. When this has been declared, if your horse is deemed to be a higher insurance risk as a result, we will always tell you what is excluded so you are aware.If they are being administered as preventative (no lameness present), there has been no injury or diagnosis as to a joint disease, then you wouldn’t be able to claim as insurance does not cover preventative treatment. If the horse’s condition was to worsen and lameness and/or a diagnosis was present, your claim is likely to be affected by the fact the horse had previously had their joint(s) medicated, indicative that there was a preexisting underlying problem. Infiltrating the joint does itself pose an increased risk, which is also why a claim would not be covered in the future. In any case where information is not fully disclosed your claim could be invalid and/or the start date of your claim backdated to when symptoms first arose or any veterinary procedure was carried out.”
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PRO-EQUINE'S ACTIVGAIT is specifically formulated to support equine joint mobility, cartilage health and elasticity. Activgait's 100% natural ingredients include powerful yucca, as well as celery seed and Chinese ginger, to work on the circulation and aid the speedy delivery of the ingredients to muscle and joints. Fastacting and competition legal, Activgait can be given regularly or just when needed, such as when competing or after heavy exertion. A small amount can make a big difference in just a couple of days. RRP: FROM £17.95 | pro-equine.com
PRO JOINT PERFORMANCE is a concentrated powder-based supplement designed to maintain healthy joint function in horses. Using five key ingredients, Pro Joint Performance is blended at the perfect ratio to help reduce inflammation after intense riding sessions, increase overall joint lubrication and maintain optimum cartilage/ligament health. RRP: £40.00 FOR 500G POUCH equinenutrition.vet/joint
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VITAFLOOR offers a whole-body vibration therapy solution specifically designed for horses. Just ten minutes per day can help offer significant increases in muscle power and flexibility all while reducing the impact of increased workloads on joints. The positive effects of using vibration therapy as part of your warm-up can be significant, with less energy being required for each transition into trot. RRP: SEE WEBSITE | equinehealthcentre.com
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 47
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CAVALOR ARTITEC is the result of seven years' scientific research (ism UGent) into nutritional support for tendon and joint health in top sport horses. The result is a specific ingredient combination and ratio to not only help support healthy tendons and joints, but also provide protection from damage associated with overload. ArtiTec is formulated in such a way that the herbs have a synergetic effect and thus eliminate negative processes in the musculoskeletal system. During a pilot study1 Cavalor® ArtiTec was successfully absorbed in 97% of horses and 74% of those showed visible signs of improvement. RRP: £164.20 | cavalordirect.co.uk
BETTALIFE PHARMAQUIN JOINT COMPLETE HA EQUINE is an extremely high specification joint supplement with a 10-10-4 Ratio of Glucosamine HCl, MSM and Chondroitin. PharmaQuin Joint CompleteHA Equine only contains the highest grade active ingredients and has zero additives. RRP: £67.50 FOR 1KG | BETTAlife.co.uk
NUPAFEED FLEX GLM aims to sooth and nourish joints with the extraordinary power of Green Lipped Mussel. We use only the highest quality, stabilised mussel extract; nature’s most potent source of omega-3! Combined with anti-oxidants to support tissue recovery, Flex GLM is an uncompromising supplement to keep hard-working joints moving freely. All Nupafeed supplements are made to pharmaceutical standards and are suitable for FEI competition. RRP: £49 FOR 2KG; £85 FOR 4KG; £165 FOR 8KG nupafeed.co.uk
48 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
ARTHRIAID POWDER supplies the necessary building blocks to aid your horse’s own natural manufacture of cartilage. ArthriAid lubricates and promotes regeneration of the important shock absorbing tissues of your horse’s joints. Available in high-strength liquid and powder with a tasty apple flavour, ArthriAid can be easily incorporated into your horse's feeding regime. RRP: £44.50 FOR 1.2KG; £92.50 FOR 3KG horsehealth.co.uk
EQUITOP GLME is a unique joint supplement specifically designed to support healthy joint function in horses. From the moment horses reach skeletal maturity, the normal ageing process kicks in and ongoing joint wear and tear is a key consideration for all owners. This is particularly important for horses in moderate to hard work, as every time they are exercised they will be encountering stresses and strains. Containing sustainably harvested Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME) from New Zealand, Equitop® GLME offers ingredients that support your horse's joint health and soundness. RRP: FROM £63.95 FOR 750G equitop-myoplast.co.uk
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 49
RIDING REQUISITES.
MIND OVER MATTER ‘DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU,’ WE WERE TOLD IN A CHART-TOPPING SONG ABOUT WEARING SUNSCREEN. STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE MAY FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, BUT FACING YOUR FEARS IN A DIFFERENT AND CHALLENGING ACTIVITY COULD BRING A SURPRISING BOOST TO YOUR DRESSAGE PERFORMANCE, SAYS ANDREA OAKES.
A
ccording to experts, athletes who have settled into a steady, stress-free state in their chosen s ort can benefit rom broadening their horizons. hose who suffer com etition nerves or sel doubt also stand to gain. I you try something different to what you re used to, and master it, the intrinsic internal motivation is remar able,” e lains s ort sychologist ichael Caulfield www. ustcaulfield.com . hether we develo greater fitness or a ly ourselves to another s ort, this can leave us thin ing I can con uer most things e then become less reliant on what we can already do uite well,” he adds. e can always return to our own strengths, but there s no harm in develo ing new ones.”
50 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
Michael points out that the idea is to test – not necessarily to terrify – yourself. But pushing past personal boundaries can help you reach an o timal level o an iety, which is shown to enhance productivity, im rove er ormance and ma e dealing with change easier. “Trying an activity you’re not com ortable with really gives you a eeling that you can achieve,” agrees Tori Peter, a freelance coach and rider whose journey into the world of triathlon in her mid orties has roduced ositive s in offs in her dressage career. “I would encourage everyone to have a go at something different.”
RIDING REQUISITES.
RICHARD DUNWOODY
Tori’s breakthrough came while she was on a bit nervous on the way to a competition, I the British Dressage National Development just think ‘what am I so scared about?’ At the Programme for Coaching Excellence, with et lan ualifiers in cotland last year, it was Professor Tony Ghaye. the first time I really rode my horse without “I knew that I could train riders to be brilliant worrying about what other people thought. in my own school, but in competition they “Now, I’m addicted to anything that makes would go to pieces,” says Tori. “I me mentally tough,” adds Tori, wondered how I could make who hopes to complete the them braver. When I cancelled cross-Channel realised it was all about relay swim she trained IF YOU TRY mental toughness, for last year. “But I I decided I should have to keep working SOMETHING challenge myself.” on it. I was almost DIFFERENT TO WHAT Though she too afraid to get possessed neither out of the car YOU’RE USED TO, AND a bike or a wetsuit, or my first o en MASTER IT, THE INTRINSIC and couldn’t yet water swim after swim front crawl, the COVID-19 INTERNAL MOTIVATION ori entered her first loc down I d started IS REMARKABLE triathlon with just four to become a bit wimpy. weeks to train. Whether it’s parallel “I daren’t look down in the parking my car in front of swimming la e as I was terrified onlookers or walking into a bar o fish,” she says. I also had the same alone to meet friends, I make myself ear o ailure that I suffered in dressage I step out of my comfort zone every day.” thought I would Dressage rider and trainer Katie Edwards come last. When has also tested the mind over matter approach I finished ourth, by completing a series of gruelling half I was inspired to Ironman com etitions. ast year she finished carry on. I’m now her first ull event, in Austria a . m swim ran ed fi th in ollowed by a m bi e ride and a m run. the UK for my “I love a challenge and I wanted to see age group and how far I could push myself,” she says. “It I ve ualified or has proved to me that anything is possible, if next year’s sprint you’re prepared to work for it. triathlon world “In any sport there are tough days when championships.” you want to give up,” adds Katie. “I used Tori stresses that to get quite upset if a horse didn’t go well, her horses come first, but this training helps me keep the dressage however, as she is on in perspective. the brink of inter “I’ve had a few events where things have II with I-Jewel’s gone terribly wrong, such as when I set off Indigo. too fast and ended up in extreme pain with “Triathlon a stitch. That taught me to relax on the start helps my line and run my own race. The crossover with riding and dressage competition is that I try not to worry I m finding about what everyone else is doing, but focus dressage instead on my own horse.” a lot more As an added bonus, atie s riding benefits enjoyable rom her greater athletic stamina and e ibility. as a result,” “I’m so much more balanced and can help she says. “If the horse out,” she e lains. he fitter I get, I start to get the better I feel.”
ABOVE: HANNAH BICKET BRAVING THE GAUCHO DERBY, A 10-DAY, 500KM MULTI-HORSE ADVENTURE RACE.
TRY SOMETHING NEW If branching out into a new sport seems a step too far, you can still reap performance benefits by shaking up your riding routine. This could be as simple as hacking over different terrain or boxing up the horses for a beach ride. Former three-day event rider Hannah Bicket took the idea to its extreme in March by embarking on the Gaucho Derby, a 10day, 500km multi-horse adventure race in the wilds of Patagonia, South America. “Being out of my comfort zone helped me realise what I was capable of,” says Hannah, one of 23 riders to complete the route on local Arabians and native Criollo ponies. “None of us could believe what we were meant to put our horses through, crossing mountain ranges, raging rivers and steep, boulder-strewn paths. But rather than over-riding the horses, we had to trust their capabilities and let them make decisions. “It was eye-opening to see how quickly this helped build our relationships with them,” adds Hannah, who plans to race in next year’s Mongol Derby. “Learning to put that trust in a horse is something that could be taken into any equestrian arena.”
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 51
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DRESSAGE TERMS.
PART 3
BEYOND THE COMMENTS OUR FOCUS TURNS TO THE HORSE’S BACK WHICH LINKS THE FOREHAND AND HINDQUARTERS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED. JANE KIDD EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A HORSE WORKING THROUGH THE BACK
T
AND CLARIFIES THE MEANING BEHIND SOME COMMON COMMENTS FROM JUDGES.
he back is the bridge between the two areas we’ve looked at in the previous articles in this series – the forehand and the hindquarters. It’s often overlooked as it takes skill, experience and knowledge for judges, riders and trainers to assess how well it’s working. he effects o a bac that is working well are profound. The
increasing importance given to it distinguishes a ‘happy athlete’ (FEI’s objective) from a merely ‘obedient horse’ and from the dressage horses of the past to that of modern times. One of the reasons why the way the back works has become of greater importance is the increasing opportunity to make it supple and swinging. The conformation of most of the horses in the past had backs
ABOVE: THE BEST TEST OF WHETHER A HORSE IS USING ITS BACK IS THAT WHEN THE RIDER EASES THE CONTACT IN THE REINS THE HORSE STRETCHES FORWARD AND DOWN. THIS YOUNG HORSE HAS CLEARLY BEEN USING ITS BACK MUSCLES. RIGHT: ALLOWING THE HORSE TO WORK IN A MORE HORIZONTAL OUTLINE HELPS TO GET THE BACK TO SWING. THIS IS THE WAY MOST HORSES ARE RIDDEN IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THEIR TRAINING AND AS THE WORK ADVANCES, AT THE START OF THE WARM UP, AS WELL AS BETWEEN EXERCISES AS A REWARD, TO CHECK IF THE BACK IS MOBILE OR TO ENABLE THE BACK TO BECOME MORE SUPPLE AGAIN.
that were di cult to mobilise. Selective breeding of today’s dressage horses has corrected this handicap. Another reason is that it has taken time to build up and spread the knowledge and ability needed to train a horse to work through its back.
TRAINING THE BACK Fundamental to recognising and achieving a supple back is that the rider/trainer knows how it works. It’s a shock for a young horse to carry a heavy weight on its back and it tends to respond by hollowing and tightening its muscles. This reaction obstructs su leness and ma es it di cult for the momentum generated in the hindquarters to pass through to the bit. Also, the muscles affected are the ones which are designed to facilitate movement and help the paces
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 53
DRESSAGE TERMS.
LEFT: THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE RESULTS OF A SUPPLE BACK, A CLEARLY FORWARD GOING EXTENSION WITH A CLEAR MOMENT OF SUSPENSION.
ABOVE LEFT: THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE RESULTS OF A SUPPLE BACK, FORWARD GOING EXTENSION WITH A CLEAR MOMENT OF SUSPENSION. ABOVE MIDDLE: FREE MOVEMENT OF THE BACK MUSCLES HELPS TO KEEP THE WALK REGULAR AND THE EASIEST CHECK THAT THE RHYTHM IS CORRECT IS THAT THE LATERAL PAIRS FORM A ‘V’ SHAPE AT A STAGE IN THE SEQUENCE. ABOVE RIGHT: FEW HORSES CAN PRODUCE AS CLEAR A MOMENT OF SUSPENSION TO THE CANTER AS THIS ONE, BUT ALL THAT HAVE A SUPPLE BACK CAN AIM FOR AN UPHILL TENDENCY WITH A ‘JUMP’ TO EACH CANTER STRIDE.
become expressive. It takes time, some say up to two years, to build up the strength in the postural muscles and of the ligaments to carry the weight of the rider without adversely affecting the freedom of the movement muscles. The essence of the training is to ride forward to the bit with the horse in a position (usually horizontal or stretching forward and down) that it can use the ligaments along its top line and lift rather than hollow the spine.
This is the training tool that more and more riders are using to give their horse a supple back, although it varies from horse to horse, rider to rider and trainer to trainer as to how much time is given to this. It’s a method that can be used at every stage in the training – in the riding in, the letting down at the end of a session and whenever the back tightens through such things as anxiety, resistance, physical weakness or problems.
JUDGE’S COMMENT: SWINGING BACK This is the most obscure of the judges’ comments. It’s used in the trot, the pace in which there is diagonal movement with the off hind and near ore swinging orward together ollowed by a similar movement o the near hind and off ore. In a high uality trot, the fi rst air are still off the ground as the second air ta e off. For a short time there are no eet on the ground, the moment of suspension. To achieve this, the muscles in the back contract and relax diagonally so there is a swing from one set of diagonal muscles to the other. his can only be effective i the muscles are supple and free, a swinging back. When this is happening the tail will swing. I the bac is fi ed, then the horse is a leg mover’ and the back plays little or no part in the and correct suspension is impossible. “ SWINGING movement Possible corrections: Remedies vary BACK” according to the causes. Anxiety, tension, coming above the bit, a backward tension in the
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IMPORTANCE OF A SUPPLE BACK A supple back is not just of value in itself as a mark earner in tests but a way towards developing a ha y athlete. A stiff bac adversely in uences the scales o training , particularly rhythm. In the walk a tight back is a, if not the, major cause of irregular walks and the tendency towards, or resulting in the serious fault a pace (the two-time walk). In trot it restricts the
movement needed to develop freedom, a moment of suspension and ultimately cadence. In the canter, like the trot, it affects the moment o sus ension resulting in at movement, the loss of that vital jump and a tendency towards four time. For dressage s ultimate aim, the ability to lower the hindquarters and lighten the orehand, a stiff bac ma es it more di cult or the horse to step under its weight and achieve this.
reins may be causes that can be corrected relatively easily through reassurance, amiliarisation with different environments, and wor on the scales of training, particularly contact. However, some of the corrections are long term as there is a need to go back to the basic training as discussed above or for the rider to work on their seat and hands, discussed below. It’s important to accept that for some horses it may be very di cult i not im ossible to be su le and move through their bac , this includes older horses and backs not conformed to swing.
RIGHT: A SUPPLE BACK HELPS A HORSE LIKE THIS TO PRODUCE A CLEAR THREE-TIME CANTER WITH THE HINDQUARTERS WELL ENGAGED AND OBVIOUSLY UPHILL.
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DRESSAGE TERMS.
“BACK IS NOT SUPPLE/TIGHT IN BACK”
JUDGE’S COMMENT: BACK IS NOT SUPPLE/TIGHT IN BACK
JUDGE’S COMMENT: HOLLOW BACK/BACK LACKS ROUNDNESS
These comments are as they appear, that the muscles along the top do not move freely, contracting and relaxing as required in all three paces. In the trot, the supple back is a swinging back. In the walk and canter, the muscles need to be supple to assist in maintaining the four- and three-time sequence respectively. The judges are looking for a back that is supple in all three paces and that is what the riders should aim to develop. Possible corrections: as for swinging back.
When the back dips away from the rider’s weight, the muscles cannot move freely. To allow the muscles freedom of movement, the ligaments that are attached to the spinal processes of the back’s vertebrae lift them through good training over time (the stretching forward to the bit, see above). This takes some of the burden of the weight, gives space for the muscles to work and creates an impression of the back rounding rather than hollowing. Possible corrections: as before.
LEFT: A REASON A HORSE DOES NOT STEP UNDER THE WEIGHT MORE CAN BE A TIGHT BACK. BELOW: A HORSE THAT IS ABLE TO TRACK UP (HIND STEPS INTO OR IN FRONT OF THE FOREFOOT’S IMPRINT ON THE SAME SIDE) USUALLY NEEDS A BACK THAT IS SUPPLE.
“HOLLOW BACK/ BACK LACKS ROUNDNESS”
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DRESSAGE TERMS.
JUDGE’S COMMENT: CONNECTED The back can do much more than join the hindquarters to the forehand. It can connect the movement, the momentum and the energy produced in the hindquarters to the forehand. The power is generated when a hind leg swings forward to compress and open its joint. If the horse is connected, this can be transferred over the back to reach the bit and the rider’s
hands. Then the rider can control and direct this power, the horse can work as a whole unit and not in sections such as a leg mover. Possible corrections: As before, it’s a matter of making the back supple and the rider developing the skills to enable the momentum to pass from behind, along the top line into the bit. RIGHT: WITH THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF THE HORSE MOVING THROUGH THE BACK, RISING TROT IS BEING USED MORE WIDELY. THIS IS BEING AIDED BY IT BEING ALLOWED IN HIGHER AND HIGHER LEVEL TESTS.
JUDGE’S COMMENT: NOT CHANGING DIAGONALS
“NOT CHANGING DIAGONALS”
At the lower levels, tests can be ridden in rising trot and this is a good way of helping the horse’s back to swing in trot. As the rider sits on one diagonal and rises on the other, for the horse to keep the diagonals working equally they should change the diagonal to which they sit. This is done by sitting to two beats, not just one and it is usual to rise on one diagonal when working on one rein, and the other diagonal on the other rein.
JUDGE’S COMMENT: RIDER RESTRICTING BACK MOVEMENT Judges are reticent to make this comment as they know how di cult it is or the inexperienced, the part-timers and those who are naturally stiff to develop the skills to ride and train a horse to have a supple back. Nevertheless, it’s all too common. The important point is that all riders can have it as a goal, and work towards it even if never reaching it. Riders do not have to be ‘perfect’ as small improvements can have a big effect on the way o going. Possible corrections: For a rider to be supple enough to follow the movement, balanced
enough to lighten the load on the horse’s back, knowledgeable and experienced enough to direct the movement in the best way is a great deal to ask. Making the goal clear by reading books, listening to the corrections and aims o a trainer, wor ing off the horse with pilates, qi gong, yoga etc. all help. Absorption is another effective tool, watching successful riders with great concentration and, if fortunate to ride with these competitors, studying online sessions and DVDs with them and giving more time to focused ‘looking’ at the good riders at events.
LEFT: THE RIDER APPEARS TO HAVE A BALANCED AND SECURE SEAT. THIS MAKES IT EASIER TO FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT IN THE HORSE OR PONY’S BACK AND IS A MAJOR AID TOWARDS THE HORSE WORKING WITH A SUPPLE BACK.
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60 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
REGIONAL ACTIVITY. CENTRAL
SCOTLAND
NORTHERN RDO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: central@ britishdressage.co.uk
SOUTH WEST RDO: Emma Stewart M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk
RDO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northern@ britishdressage.co.uk
RDO: Amanda Heath M: 07894 232355 E: southwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Jane Imbush 07739 644064 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Rider training: Gemma Dainty 07780 705788 BD Youth: Dawn Fleming 07742 082723 Judges: Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Contact RDO
Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Contact RDO BD Youth: Lucinda Bird 07846 893109 Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Judges: Gwyneth Lewis 07710 021279 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360
Chairman: Sharon Lindop 07793 129245 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248 Judges: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Clare Molyneux 07789 262898 Marketing: Amelia Ratcliffe-Smith 07837 533506
Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677977 Coaching: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 BD Youth: Joanna Lees 07709 376470 Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499 Para: Nick Rodgers 07791 935095 Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794
EASTERN
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SOUTHERN
WALES
RDO: Katharine Perry M: 07872 603871 E: eastern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Coaching: Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Rider training: Hayley Liddiard 07769 692670 BD Youth: Phillippa Coles 07860 215895 BD Youth (U12s): Jessica Brown 07852 282983 Judges: Jane Howard 07831 406406 Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566 Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497
RDO: Nadine Murray M: 07557 233219 E: northwest@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Tim Downes 07775 797484 Coaching: Jane Critchley 07966 865604 (South) Alison Calvert 07980 886004 (North) Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594 BD Youth: Sue Blackshaw 07528 570681 Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633 Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766 Para: Alison Ramseir 07809 456296 Marketing: Contact RDO
RDO: Sharon Walker M: 07894 232358 E: southern@ britishdressage.co.uk
RDO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414 E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Samantha Osborn 01428 656188 Coaching: Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Eve Fifer 07879 643047 BD Youth: Jane Lewis 07749 450862 Judges: Yvonne Huber 07933 133132 Para: Joyce Wood 07949 035021 Marketing: Caroline Gibson 07795 035581 Sam Mabb 07971 871888
Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315 Coaching: Amanda Leaker 07980 309398 Rider training: Bethan Powell 07545 082247 Helen Hopewell 07971 490038 BD Youth: Kelly Bergheim 07792 735909 Megan Roberts 07807 053246 Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953 Para: Tracy Ormrod 07973 616497 Marketing: Jen Smithson 07900 993223 Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941 Quest: Lorry Davies 07940 449002
JUDGES’ DIARY Important information: The Principles of Judging Seminar 2020 has unfortunately had to be cancelled as due to the event format, it’s not possible to observe social distancing measures. We hope to run the same format at some stage in 2021 once the government has given the go-ahead for spectator events. In the meantime, we’re aiming to hold an alternative judge training event later this year should social distancing measures allow. Further information will become available in the coming months. Dispensation has been granted for fulfilling your CPD requirements as a judge, this means you now have until to Spring 2021 to attend CPD. We recognise the challenges around face to face CPD as a number of the regional seminars were cancelled earlier this year, along with the cancellation of the Principles of Judging Seminar, which will not be rescheduled in this calendar year. As an alternative you will be able to fulfil your CPD requirements by attending two online Zoom judge training sessions at your current level. These will be bookable via your regional Bookwhen page. To apply to become a Trainee judge visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/how_to_become_a_judge. For judge training dates and further information on upcoming seminars and induction days, please see the BD website. Please note that the new exam policy is now in place, so any judges wishing to upgrade must have been at their current list for a minimum of one year before coming forward. CONVENTION WEEKEND Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire Incorporating training and judges’ days. Details and format will be released as soon as available. REGIONAL SEMINARS Please visit each region’s Bookwhen page for the latest dates and to book your place. Central Region bookwhen.com/bdcentral Eastern Region bookwhen.com/bdeast
Southern Region bookwhen.com/bdsouthern South West Region bookwhen.com/british-dressagesouth-west Wales Region bookwhen.com/bd-wales North West bookwhen.com/bdnorthwest Northern Region bookwhen.com/bdnorthern Scotland Region bookwhen.com/bdscotland
Reminder: It’s a compulsory requirement for all judges to attend a minimum of one seminar at the relevant list per year. PART 3 EXAM DATES All judge examinations that have been cancelled will be rescheduled where possible and this may fall into 2021 to accommodate candidates. Where possible, those booked onto cancelled dates will be offered priority booking for any rescheduled
dates at their previously chosen venue. We’re reviewing remaining part 3 examinations scheduled for the rest of the year on a rolling basis and will ensure that candidates receive a minimum of four weeks’ notice of cancellation. For more information visit britishdressage.co.uk/ judging/judge_training and to book: bookwhen.com/ britishdressage
All dates are subject to the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please keep an eye on the British Dressage website and social media channels for the latest updates and arrangements. For the most current dates, please refer to the regional Bookwhen pages which can be found on each regional web page: britishdressage.co.uk/regions/
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 61
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BD ACTION.
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AGM AND ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of BRITISH DRESSAGE will be held at The Windmill Hotel, Birmingham Rd, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AL on 20 October 2020 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 elect Claire Moir as the BD Youth Director. 2. To receive the Financial Statements of British Dressage for the year ended 31 December 2019 and the Directors’ and Auditors’ Reports thereon. 3. 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: 4. 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: 5. To receive questions from members in attendance and also to answer questions submitted in writing by members to the Chief Executive at least 14 days prior to the meeting. By order of the Board Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands, CV5 9RG Company number: 3443026. Dated: 4 September 2020 Notice is hereby given that the following documents will be available on British Dressage’s website on or before 4 September 2020 (Documents): • THE BRITISH DRESSAGE’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019; AND • THE PROPOSED NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DRESSAGE (AS REFERRED TO IN ITEM 4 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 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 Angela Green, HR & Office Manager at British Dressage, on 0247 669 8844. Note: 1. Any questions to be raised by members whom are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting should be notified in writing to the Chief Executive at least fourteen clear days before the date fixed for the meeting so as to enable a full response to be given at the meeting. 2. The Annual General Meeting will be streamed live. Members will be notified of how to access the live stream via the Engage newsletter, website and social media. 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 no later than 6pm on 16 October 2020. Proxy forms can be obtained by writing to the Chief Executive with a stamped addressed envelope.
ARE YOUR REGISTRATIONS UP TO DATE? This is a polite reminder that horses and riders should be registered before entering BD competitions. Organisers may take late entries at their discretion, however the onus is on the competitor to ensure they are registered prior to the entry being accepted. To join online, please visit www. britishdressage.co.uk/membership. If you would rather sign up/renew manually, you can download, complete and post the forms to the BD office. Due to the high volume of registrations at peak times, we advise you allow three working days for postal registrations to be processed. Those who compete without being registered will not be covered by the BD members’ insurance and their results will be excluded. Repeat offenders may be fined.
BRITISH EQUESTRIAN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME Applications are invited for the 2020-21 cohort of the British Equestrian Young Professionals Programme. Covering a broad range of topics essential to running a business, it also provides support to create a career development plan, and insight into effective communication. The Programme is a 12-month course funded by Sport England and delivered in collaboration with
British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping. Details can be found on britishequestrian. org.uk/workforce/youngprofessionals. Applications open until 30 September 2020. If you have any questions please contact Georgie Wheeler – georgie.wheeler@bef.co.uk / 07903 090425.
QUEST EXTENSION Because of the shortened timeframe available to gain leaderboard points, the qualification period for My Quest and Team Quest has been extended by two weeks with a new cut-off date of 16 September 2020.
JUDGE RETIREMENTS Wilma Halkett (List 3) from Aberdeenshire, Jude Klaus (List 4) from West Yorkshire and Elizabeth Jayne Wilson (List 3) from South Yorkshire have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Wilma, Jude and Elizabeth for all their hard work and support over the years and wishes them all the best for the future.
CONVENTION WEEKEND INCORPORATING TRAINING AND JUDGES’ DAYS 21-22 November at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire. Details and format will be released as soon as available.
KEY DATES 28-30 Aug 29-30 Aug 2 -4 Oct 29-31 Oct 3-6 Dec
Bury Farm High Profile Show, Buckinghamshire Equissage Pulse Festival of Para Dressage, Solihull EC, West Midlands Keysoe Young Horse Championships, Bedfordshire Vale View High Profile Show, Leicestershire Keysoe High Profile Show, Bedfordshire
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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 65
DRESSAGE DAYS.
DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET DUNCAN WHITNEY-GROOM As founder of Optimum Event Management, Duncan WhitneyGroom is the driving force behind BD competition days at Easton College in Norfolk, Martley Hall Stud in Suffolk and later this year, Wix Equestrian Centre in Essex. With many years of experience in the industry as both a rider and organiser, Duncan’s ethos is that attention to detail is key to ensuring that riders and officials alike have an efficient and enjoyable competition experience. We caught up with Duncan, who lives with his partner near Stowmarket in Suffolk.
DESCRIBE YOUR EARLY EQUESTRIAN LIFE. I started riding relatively late having had lessons when I was much younger and not really enjoying it. My parents always supported my sister, brother and me in everything we wanted to try; when I was in my late teens, my brother and I became extremely interested in riding and it too off rom there. I enrolled onto a one-year BHSAI course at Moulton College where I completed with a Distinction. I secured a working pupil position at a mixed yard in the Cotswolds. It was a antastic o ortunity but a huge learning curve and I really started to grow up. That was where I fi rst met Carl ester who d been a u il there a ew years reviously. I was offered a osition in the as rider groom or one o their to event riders, then when I came bac to the went to wor or Carl at his yard in Stow-on-theold. A ter a season with him and having com eted and finished top ten at the Nationals, I moved to ady am ord s at ayles ord. For three years I evented be ore being offered a ob at the awrence David Event Team alongside Jeanette Brakewell.
DO YOU STILL RIDE NOW? Yes, I continue to ride. I have a lovely eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare which I m currently retraining. I m ortunate to be able to ee her at home along with her miniature Shetland companion.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION OF DRESSAGE EVENTS? I decided that although equestrian sport is a huge passion o mine, I didn t have the same competitive drive as I once did. I didn t want to leave the industry though, so loo ed or a osition which gave me the opportunity to organise competitions and training clinics. I secured the role o Competitions and Events Manager at Merrist Wood College in Surrey; I remember having two gruelling panel interviews or the osition. It was there that I embarked on the organisation o and a liated com etitions alongside everything else we offered. hen the o ortunity to bid or inter Regionals cropped up, I jumped
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at it and the venue has continued to host them ever since. A ter many en oyable years at Merrist Wood, I set up Optimum Event Management in 2013. I wanted to do what I enjoy but with the added e ibility and sco e o being able to do it anywhere.
they ace. I always send emails detailing im ortant in ormation to help them plan their day, but now that in ormation is a lot more lengthy.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE CHALLENGES OF LOCKDOWN?
I ve had a antastic res onse rom competitors. The measures put in place to help protect everyone have been greatly welcomed and everyone has been abiding by the rules. I think the overwhelming response is that people are thrilled to be able to get out again and enjoy their horses, take part in competitions and slowly be making steps back in the right direction.
The only challenge was being unable to organise anything or so many months, es ecially when we were unsure how long lockdown was likely to last; so there was no date we could start wor ing towards. hen you re used to being busy and planning or com etitions scheduled on a weekly basis, to have everything ut on hold with immediate effect came as a big shock. We did slowly ada t to a uieter li e, but I m leased to be able to crack on again.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL COMPETITION DAY CURRENTLY LOOK LIKE? ight now, it s most im ortant to manage people rather than the com etition itsel . ore than ever, com etitors and o cials need to be aware o social distancing protocols way ahead o setting out on their ourney to a venue. When they arrive, there are then no issues and they eel sa e and well re ared or what
HOW ARE COMPETITORS RESPONDING TO THE PROTOCOLS?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COMPETITION-DAY ANECDOTE? There are many, but I think the unniest must be when an inexperienced writer handed some score sheets over, at the to o the sheet where it as s or udge s osition, they d written sitting nce I d com osed mysel , I managed to oint out they probably just needed to put the letter C in that s ace.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS ynamic, ro essional and ambitious.
SPRING / SUMMER
COLLECTION
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 67
Be as one
...the secret to ignite your dressage performance
batessaddles.com 68 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE
