News

ACTION ON EHV

The FEI recently announced an extension to the cancellation of international competition in Europe following the EHV-1 outbreak on the Continent. British Equestrian is working with the Equine Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) and the member bodies, including British Dressage, to help mitigate the spread of EHV from Europe as domestic competition resumes.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) circulates in the UK constantly. It commonly causes mild fever and respiratory signs and occasionally it leads to neurological signs, abortion and neonatal illness. There are an increased number of reports of EHV from a number of European countries suggesting that currently, there is a mildly increased risk of EHV infection in the UK over and above the usual ever-present threat.

In a further step to minimise any spread of EHV, the EIDAG also recommends the implementation of a new self-certifi cation process for riders to declare that their horses are healthy and have not been in contact with any others showing signs of infectious disease.

British Dressage has agreed to implement this process and will

A NEW LOOK FOR BD

Over 20 years on from British Dressage being established in 1998, we’re celebrating the resumption of activity and competition with a new look for the sport.

While retaining traditional blue and red of the Union fl ag, the modern logo has been designed to encompass the artistry, inclusivity and dynamism in our sport. The new logo will take pride of place on all our digital assets and over time will roll out in print as items are reproduced, for an economic changeover.

REGIONAL RESTRUCTURE

Members in England will notice their region has a new name from the end of March. We announced changes in February following a comprehensive review into British Dressage’s regional offering.

England will now be made up of four regions: North & East, North & West, South & West and South & East, while Wales and Scotland remain unchanged. See the website news page from 18 February for the full reveal and which counties feature in each region.

There’s a new look to the role of the Development Offi cer who will now have a renewed focus on members and venues and less about delivery of activity. BD Board Director Claire Moir gives an video insight into the changes: bit.ly/2NJmQPr

BRITISH DRESSAGE NEWS

now work with our organisers and venues on a system to make the declaration before the horse arrives at the venue.

Competitors should follow the information on each competition schedule on how to submit their information. This process will be in place from 29 March to 12 April but could stay in place should the risk level dictate.

FAREWELL TO CHAGALL

Chagall, the Grand Prix partner of FEI 5* Judge Isobel Wessels, has passed away at the age of 18. Isobel and the elegant Contendro x Galatea gelding were a prolifi c partnership winning Advanced Medium and Inter I titles at Stoneleigh and a Winter Championship Advanced MediumPSG Freestyle double on their journey to Grand Prix.

DIGITAL YOUNG HORSE FORUM

The British Dressage Young Horse Forum has gone digital so you can view this year’s event from the comfort of home, when it suits you, for just £20. As in previous years, we have a great programme lined up under the guidance of BD Training Director Paul Hayler, who is joined by FEI 5* Judge Isobel Wessels and some world class combinations to demonstrate each of the age groups.

Paul and Isobel will take you through the training steps for horses from a start point at four years, up the levels to seven-year-olds, as well as providing insight as to what judges are looking for. They’ll refl ect on the Scales of Training and their application in each age group, to help give youngsters a sound base for the more advanced work.

Tickets are on sale now from the website, and will provide access to watch the Young Horse Forum from 2 April onwards, with the content available to watch on demand until 30 June.

BABY JOY FOR NIKKI

Congratulations to international rider Nikki Barker and her husband Will on the birth of their daughter Beatrix (Bea). First steps on the ladder to success came early for Bea as Nikki competed at the LeMieux National Grand Prix championships in December three months before giving birth!