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From the editor
They
say a change is as good as a rest
While many of us were sad to leave Hartpury and the great memories it holds behind, Addington Equestrian delivered in spades for the NAF Five Star Winter Championships – see our report starting on P11.
Shows must be about the competitors, and the happy faces at the ‘Winters’ evidenced the relaxed, rider-friendly atmosphere that the venue offers. Professional riders get used to navigating their way round lorry parks, stables and warmups on their way to the most exciting few minutes of the day. But for first timers, those returning to the sport or simply where jangling nerves kick in, a quick sprint back to the lorry to fetch something you’ve forgotten is made much easier by a compact site! Warmup space was not compromised either, with the generous outdoor arenas giving everyone room to get in their stride.
New layouts always take some getting used to, and we hope that everyone found time to give the shopping the attention it deserves, and to enjoy the café –for many, taking advantage of all the aspects of a stay away show is part of the pleasure of the Championships.
Obviously any new venue is also a learning experience for the organisers too, and we will be looking at how we can make the event even better in 2025.
A new location also brings a different catchment area, and while for competitors both Addington and Hartpury both benefit from great access to the motorway networks, we should also be able to attract spectators from a wider area. I think we sometimes undersell how attractive our discipline is to other riders and horse lovers – it would be great to see even bigger support teams for competitors in the future and also the public coming along.
Talking of new experiences, many members will be getting started with young horses over the coming months as the better weather makes it all a bit easier. We’ve got some great advice from young horse producers on training and getting to those first shows (P45) and on hoof care for a sound and healthy future from team farrier Ben Benson (P60).
Enjoy these first steps and early outings – they are all leading up to a Winter Championships debut in the future and maybe a national title!
Jane Carley Editor, British Dressage
IN THIS ISSUE
RED GORILLA WINNERS CROWNED
The Red Gorilla Combined Training series finale took place at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre from 27 – 28 April. Two packed days of competition saw seven champions crowned at levels from Intro to Elementary with showjumping from 60 to 90cm. Look out for a full report in the next issue of BD Magazine.
Dean Cox, Managing Director of Red Gorilla said: “We are delighted to have sponsored the Combined Training series for the first time this year. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the competitors and supporters who braved the chilly weekend, it was fantastic to see everyone with such warmth and enthusiasm.
“At Red Gorilla our core business values are dedication, excellence and teamwork, all of these values we certainly saw in every single competitor that took part over the weekend. Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing you again next year.”
PICTURED
NEWS
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
NEW CLASSIFICATION INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
British Dressage has launched a new initiative to offer opportunities for those training and competing with intellectual impairments.
The current Para Classification system focuses primarily on physical and visual impairments, but a new partnership with Virtus and SportExcel UK will signpost new classification eligibility and competition pathways for riders with intellectual disabilities.
Equestrian sport is one of the newest additions to Virtus, with dressage making its competitive debut in 2016. The competition environment is mixed with opportunities for virtual and
in-person competing both nationally and internationally, culminating in the prestigious Virtus Global Games.
To compete across a range of levels and tests, riders require national and international classification, which we can now offer via SportExcel UK which is recognised by UK Sport and is a member of the British Paralympic Association.
Eligibility with SportExcel UK then opens doors to Virtus competition, which is split into
BERNWODE BROKAT
Sarah Steggall’s leading pony stallion Bernwode Brokat passed away recently at the age of 27. By Brillant x Diamant II, he competed in multiple CDIPs with Ruth Hole (pictured) and was twice reserve for the European team.
He was a prominent Sports Pony Studbook Society (SPSS) sire with several of his progeny awarded grading championships
and was the recipient of the SPSS Dancer Medal and the SPSS Trophy for Top Breeding and Competition Pony.
His son Bernwode Broadway was selected to represent Great Britain at FEI Pony level with Clare Hole and number of Brokat progeny have competed well in FEI Pony classes at BD Premier League Shows.
two categories: performance and development. Competitions are judged by an FEI judge, offering the opportunity to integrate valuable feedback and learning into training and future goals.
IN MEMORIAM
Juliet Seal, who was one of the most influential figures in the development of Para Dressage in Great Britain, passed away on 30 January at the age of 86. As a BD List 2 Judge, FEI Para Judge, Para Selector and Chair of Selectors, Juliet’s unwavering commitment played a huge role in shaping and cultivating the sport of Para Dressage, leading to successive Championship successes for the British team during her time at the forefront of the sport. Her outstanding contribution was recognised by her receiving the BEF Medal of Honour in 2015, and the BD Medal of Honour in 2017, following her retirement as Chief Para Selector.
For our full tribute, please see the BD website news (25 March 2024).
Red Gorilla MD Dean Cox presents prizes to Francesca Leaning and Jeu Carla-H.
PARA MATTERS
MESSAGE FROM TRACY ORMROD, PARA DIRECTOR
With the summer competition season in full swing, I hope you are all able to get out competing
and earn those vital points for the Equissage Pulse Para Summer Championships. Just a reminder
to those of you in the gold section that this year you have extra time to qualify as our semi-final is being held at Hartpury in August.
partnership with your horse whilst having a supportive group of people around you. Best wishes
APPLICATIONS FOR 24 – 25 PARA ACADEMY
Applications for the next round of the Para Academy are now open! The Para Academy programme will help develop your training, education, and skills within para dressage as well as horse welfare to assist you through the BD National para structure.
The Para Academy will comprise two 2-day camps, running in October 2024 and April 2025 and are subsidised by British Dressage.
The applications are now open and close 1 August 2024. To find out more information on the Para Academy and to get your application in, please visit: britishdressage.co.uk/get-involved/para-dressage/paradressage-training/
DISPENSATION REMINDER
Congratulations to those of you that have already competed internationally at home and abroad, I often watch the livestream and there have been some super tests and results. I will be going to watch Wellington CPEDI in June, it would be great to see more of you come along to support the riders taking part if you can.
Lastly, a reminder that the applications for the Para Academy are now open, details below. This is a great way to develop your riding and
We’d like to remind all riders with a dispensation for BD nondisabled competitions that it is the rider’s responsibility to ensure they always carry enough copies of their dispensation certificate, and it is presented to the venue and all officials on the day of every competition they attend.
If a dispensation certificate is not presented, then the certificate and all compensating aids listed on the certificate is not valid and the steward will be able to enforce this.
We will be holding a CPD for all current BD Para Judges and Coaches at Arena UK, alongside the Para Home Nations on Friday 28 June. The day will consist of a talk from chief classifier Jenny Byng, followed by non-technical and technical content with Sarah Leitch.
If you wish to book onto the CPD, please do so via Horse Monkey: horsemonkey.com/ equestrian_event/59725/ Para+Judge+and+Coach+ CPD+at+Arena+UK
Please note that spaces are limited, and bookings will be on a first come, first served basis.
Tracy Ormrod, Para Director
BRONZE AND SILVER SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND THE GOLD SEMI FINALS
A reminder for all riders wanting to qualify for the following, that they need to have gained qualification by 30 June 2024.
Bronze and Silver Summer Championships
• Bronze Summer Champs
– 5 points required in the BD Intro 2023 test, in your respective grade.
• Silver Summer Champ
– 10 points required in the FEI Intermediate A 2023 test, in your respective grade. Gold Semi Final
• Gold Summer Champs
– 12 points required in the FEI Grand Prix B 2023 test, in your respective grade.
Summer Freestyle to Music
Champs – all sections
• 1 x 63% or above in a freestyle to music qualifier in your respective section (bronze, silver and gold) and respective grade. Alongside all the championship classes, we will also be running straight and freestyle to music winter qualifiers for all levels (bronze, silver, and gold) over the two days of competition at Hartpury.
PARA COACH AND JUDGE CPD AT THE PARA HOME NATIONS, ARENA UK
Introducing the Evolution. Built on a brand new 7,200kg Iveco chassis chosen for its unrivalled performance, economy and drivability, the Equi-Trek Evolution is stalled for up to 3 horses or 4 ponies.
PHOTOS:
KEVIN SPARROW
Superflex Intermediate I Gold
PICTURED
Right: Sadie Smith and the nine-yearold mare Swanmore Dantina took the Superflex Intermediate I Gold title with an exceptional score of 75%. Sadie purchased the Dante Weltino mare as a three-year-old with the intention of selling her on, but she says keeping her was ‘the best thing I ever did’. They are pictured with NAF’s Branwen Greenway.
“Her temperament and her heart is amazing. She always gives 100% and she always tries. I’m very lucky.”
SADIE SMITH ON SWANMORE DANTINA
Above: Becky Edwards took third place with her own Dita von Teese, by Dimaggio out of a Conteur mare.
Superflex Intermediate I Silver
PICTURED
WINNER
Left: India DurmanMills followed up a win in the 2023 Magic Prix St Georges Silver Championship by claiming this year’s Superflex Intermediate I title with Verity, Saul’s Escade. It was only the third time she had ridden the Inter I test on the Jazz-sired gelding in competition. The Leicester-based rider is a team medallist at both Junior and Young Rider level and trains with Gareth Hughes. She explained that her aunt Verity, who owns Escade, is always there to help on the ground as well. PICTURED
“I’m so pleased with him, he gets better all the time.”
INDIA DURMAN-MILLS ON ESCADE
Left: Chrissie Havis and her handsome skewbald Beckhouse Piano Blue took the runner-up slot.
Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold
1
3
WINNER
Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina
PICTURED
Above: Ros Collins and Hassa Mohammed’s Filligran stepped up from a win in the silver section in 2023 to take a creditable fifth place in this competitive class.
Left: Sadie Smith scored an outstanding 81.750% with Swanmore Dantina to win the Intermediate I Freestyle, 8% ahead of her closest rival. Receiving an impressive 10 for her music from one of the judges, the walk and the trot was originally from her Novice Freestyle back in 2015, created by Equidance. The trot is Curse of the Ice Queen and the walk is from the film Snow White and the Huntsman.
Below: Sara-Jane Lanning and Hawtins Lirica claimed the runner-up spot.
Magic Prix St Georges Gold
PICTURED
and her
and
“A win is always a bonus.”
JEZZ PALMER
Right: Jezz Palmer took the Magic Prix St Georges Gold title with Emily Ivin’s Ketcher B. By Van Olst Horses’ Negro, Ketcher B added to his Addington CDI win earlier this year, scoring 69.706%. It was part of a day-one double for Jezz, who also took fourth place in this class with Honey d’Or. Jezz is pictured with Eloise Chugg-Martin of sponsor NAF.
Below: Tahley Reeve-Smith
own
Jetta O’Kane’s Woodcroft Valentino took the runner-up slot, part of a family double at the show with sister Shelly also on the podium in the Area Festival Championships.
PICTURED
Magic Prix St Georges Silver
Right: Staffordshire-based Isobel Lickley was the worthy winner of the Magic Prix St Georges Silver Championship with Nicola Lickley’s Katniss, scoring 70.000%. Isobel trains with her mum and with Peter Storr and is
WINNER
working towards
qualifications. Below: Gracie Catling rode Julia Catling’s Friesian gelding Tsjebe Fan ‘e Vesta Hoeve into third place with a score of 67.794%.
Isobel Lickley and Katniss
Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold
WINNER
Roland
PICTURED
Left: Roland Tong was victorious in the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold Championship on board
Carolyn Watson's light-footed chestnut CHS Fonteyn, earning a score of 74.125%. Roland commented about the mare:
“You have to say, please can you do that, and I like what you do with your hair! She’s a complete worker, everything she does is fantastic.” He took inspiration from the iconic Baz Luhrmann musical film Moulin Rouge for his music, put together by Gaynor Colbourn.
“Everything she does is fantastic.”
ROLAND TONG ON CHS FONTEYN
PICTURED
Below: Judy Harvey was in the ribbons once again with her own and Jocelyn Rosenberg’s SP Bento in third place. The 11-year-old by Benico has been hugely consistent at Winter and National Championships for List 1 Judge and BD team selector Judy.
Equitex Advanced Medium Gold
WINNER
Katie Bailey and Escomond
Equitex Advanced Medium Silver
Evelina Shrieve and Insist TC
“He’s very small but he’s a bit of a powerhouse.”
EVELINA SHRIEVE ON INSIST TC
PICTURED
Left: Becky Moody took the runner-up slot with Jo Cooper’s exciting Governor mare Magic Dream who already has a national title to her name, having won the Medium Gold at the LeMieux Championships last year.
PICTURED
Left: BD Youth rider Evelina Shrieve was the longtime leader of the 34-strong class with her own Apachesired gelding Insist TC, bred by Dutch sport horse tycoon Tim Coomans. Evelina recently completed the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a cross discipline programme ran by British Equestrian. “He’s a cheeky chappie,” Evelina enthused about ‘Terry’. “People often say he’s a bit of a pocket rocket as he’s very small but he’s a bit of a powerhouse.”
Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold
PICTURED
Below: Jezz Palmer took third and fourth places with Janet Oliver’s Honey D’Or (pictured) and Martin Price’s Romanno Weltino. The 11year-old KWPN mare Honey D’or (by Chippendale) is an exciting prospect for the future for youth team rider Sofia Games.
WINNER
Joanna ThurmanBaker and Sol Invictus X
“When I saw that score I thought that was amazing.”
JOANNA THURMANBAKER
Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver
PICTURED
Left: Sophia Marston took third place with the Jazz-sired E-mail, with whom she was First Reserve for the 2023 FEI Junior European Championships.
PICTURED Left: Former youth team rider Joanna Thurman-Baker and Sol Invictus X took the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold title with 72.278%. Joanna explained: “I run an equestrian podcast called That’s Lame alongside (fellow Winter Champion) Evelina Shrieve. Using the podcast software I thought I could probably make my own music, so I found some songs that I like and put it all together.” They are pictured with Nupafeed’s Sheila Noble.
WINNER
Evelina Shrieve and Insist TC
touch as it’s quite a complex movement in itself.”
PICTURED
Right: Katie Bailey clinched the top spot with Hannah Dovey’s Escomond in the HorseLight Medium Gold Championship, their second victory of the week. Hannah explained that the Escolar gelding’s breeder Verity Jenner – who travelled from Scotland to watch him - still has a share in him as does Katie. They are pictured with HorseLight’s Torjus Baalack.
WINNER
Katie Bailey and Escomond
HorseLight Medium Gold
HorseLight Medium Silver
PICTURED
own GF
on
Full
accountant Claire notched up a trio of reserve champion positions throughout the week: “I’m just a proper amateur and have to compete against all the professionals, so it’s a lovely achievement. I’m thrilled, I kept saying I’d be happy if I got one top ten placing so to have three in the top three is amazing.”
1
Florida of Westoak took third place after
PICTURED
Right: Hannah Luesley rode Ferdi, Geri and Michael Eilberg’s EDH Franklin Rose, to victory in the HorseLight Medium Silver, topping the scoresheet with a score of 69.504%. Hannah trains with Michael Eilberg and has been riding the home-bred mare since October 2023. The pair were also runners-up in the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver.
WINNER
“She is really trainable, really rideable and super talented, I feel like I’ve got a Ferrari beneath me!”
Right: Heidi Hutchinson and Lindsey Gospodarczyk’s
Hannah Luesley and EDH Franklin Rose
Left: Claire Abel finished second with her
Sezuki
70.270%.
time
Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold
PICTURED
SPILLERS MEDIUM FREESTYLE GOLD
1
2
WINNER
Dannie Morgan and Vive la Reinne VH
PICTURED
Above: Dannie Morgan continued his excellent record at the Winters with a win in the Medium Freestyle Gold on Vive La Reinne VH, scoring an impressive 75.00%. Dannie and ‘Delilah’, as the seven-year-old Revolution mare is known, delivered an ambitious programme including medium canter from counter canter up the centre line with a simple change in front of the judge. They are pictured with Leah Grange of sponsor Spillers.
Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver
WINNER
Sarah Edmonson and Kyaro
PICTURED
Left: The Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver saw the top five combinations scoring more than 70%. Sarah Edmondson and her KWPN gelding, Kyaro, topped the results sheet with 71.945% awarded for their freestyle programme which featured a musical combination of Midnight City, Made in Chelsea, Tom Odell and Harry Styles. They are pictured with Vanessa Allen of Spillers.
MEDIUM FREESTYLE
PICTURED
Left: Sophie Chatwin and Katharine-Trix US (by Krack C) claimed a number of podium slots during the show and were worthy runners-up on 71.112%
Equi-Trek Elementary Gold
WINNER
PICTURED Above: Kicking off day three of the championships, Dannie Morgan and his exciting prospect Fever Tree made it a double having won the freestyle 24 hours before. Known as ‘Gordon’, Fever Tree is by Foundation and out of a Dayano mare and the pair scored 74.792%. They are pictured with Conor Thornton and Hilary Janion of Equi-Trek.
Equi-Trek Elementary Silver
WINNER
PICTURED (7829)
ELEMENTARY SILVER
Left:
Hose
Enrique
Right: Charlotte Wood and her own Alfred De Niro took fourth place in this hotly contested class.
PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold
PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle
PICTURED
WINNER
Amy Hose and Enrique
PICTURED
Left: Dannie Morgan scored an exceptional 79.295% with Fever Tree, his 2023 Novice Freestyle Gold winner, to take the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold title. Dannie said of the six-year-old’s progress over the last 12 months: “He’s always been a fantastic horse but he’s a lot stronger this year. He’s developed more cadence in the trot, more strength behind.”
Above: It was an Elementary Silver double for Amy Hose and Enrique winning the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Championship on a fabulous score of 75.513%; the pair also took third in the Medium Silver after receiving a wildcard. Amy said: “My freestyle is to Elvis which means quite a lot to me. I listened to it a lot growing up through my mum and grandma, and my grandma is no longer with us.” She was presented with her awards by Sherry Seals of PDS Saddles.
PICTURED
Right: Myles Graham, 16, winner of team and individual bronze medals at the 2023 FEI Junior European Championships, took the Prestige Novice Gold title with the seven-year-old Macalena N. The are pictured with Jenny Hammett of Prestige.
WINNER
Prestige Novice Gold
Prestige Novice Silver
PICTURED
WINNER
Alys Matravers and Vorvashill Vertigo
PRESTIGE NOVICE GOLD
Above: Alys Matravers and Vorvashill Vertigo took the Prestige Novice Silver victory. The Taunton-based rider originally evented ‘Rudi’ but has focused on dressage since he sustained an injury last year. Alys juggled competing three horses at the show with travelling three hours back to Somerset to do her yard each day. Her British warmblood, bred in Cornwall, still pops a couple of jumps and enjoys hacking.
PICTURED
Right: Laura Wells and Parc Roscoe scored 69.50% for third place, the nineyear-old Welsh Section C gelding impressing in a competitive class.
Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold
Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver
WINNER
Katie Warner and Active Nuvolari
PICTURED
Left: Katie Warner’s stunning mare Active Nuvolari produced a fantastic win in the final class on day three, scoring 73.797% to take the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver title. Active Nuvolari, known at home as ‘Purdy’, carried not only her rider to victory but also Katie’s third child, who’s due in August. They were presented with their prizes by Jane Buchan of Baileys Horse Feeds.
Right: Imogen Casely took third with the 13hh Welsh Pony Parvadean Estelle, a real all-rounder also competing in showing and cross-country.
HorseHage Preliminary Gold
“She was just fantastic the whole way through; she tried so hard.”
ROBYN WALKER ON ST GILES FLAMBORGHINI
WINNER
Robyn Walker and St Giles Flamborghini
1
HORSEHAGE PRELIMINARY
GOLD
4
6
8
Jennie
Secre-C,
HorseHage Preliminary Silver
WINNER
Juan Marin and Sheepcote Adios
PICTURED
Far left:
in the
PICTURED
Left: Robyn Walker, who produces the British-bred young horses at The Countess of Shaftesbury’s St Giles Stud, scored 72.931% to take the Preliminary Gold title. The pair train online with Hubertus Zedtwitz, and Robyn credits their success to him.
the
for
22-year-old
PICTURED
Sheepcote Adios was
standout performer
HorseHage Preliminary Silver Championship for Juan Marin, scoring 72.471%. Bred by David and Serena Pincus, the Ampere gelding won
his
Spanish-born rider in his first season of competing. They are pictured with Sarah Turnbull of HorseHage.
Left: Emily Kemp was reserve champion with her own Boleybawn Arctic on a score of 71.379%.
PICTURED
Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships
Petplan Intermediate I Silver
Right: Julia Walker and her own Rodhea topped the Petplan Intermediate I Silver Winter Area Festival Championship with 66.029%. Julia has owned the 18-year-old mare, who came from Lithuania, since being an unbacked five-year-old and has a twoyear-old colt out of her. Based in Hampshire, the duo competed at the Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships at Arena UK last year where they finished second in the Intermediate I Freestyle Silver.
WINNER
Julia Walker and Rodhea
PETPLAN INTERMEDIATE I SILVER
1. Julia Walker with her own Rodhea
2. Nichola Harrison with Jan Woolgar’s Lobke Van Het Urnenveld 65.93%
3. Gemma Haworth with her own Kilcorban Cottage Fire 65.88%
4. Leonie Brown with her own Wishaw Lord Nelson
5. Heidi Hutchinson with Michael Hutchinson’s Ellison
6. Alex Farleigh with her own Fifty Shades of Bay
7. Julia Umney with her own Woodlander Romance
8. Lauren Lavender with her own Fantastic Khan
9. Shelly Reeve-Smith with Sarah Cataldo’s Foxtrott
=10. Michelle Smith with her own GDH Florestans Fire
=10. Jessica Davies with her own Jodan
Kevin Sparrow Photography
Petplan Intermediate I Bronze
PETPLAN INTERMEDIATE I BRONZE
1. Sara Squires with her own Laetitius C
2. Olivia Wrennall with her own Disneyland
3. Nicola Turner with her own J’Eton Hit LDS
4. Emily Coller with Ann Kent’s Flabbergasted II
5. Claire Ackerman with her own Woodcroft Heinrich
=6. Lucyanna Westaway with Francis Davies’ AHI O’Malley 65.04% =6. Megan Field with her own Bright Time 65.04%
8. Laura Green with her own Ireldo L 64.60%
9. Victoria Johnson with Sarah Johnson’s Temujin 64.02%
10. Nicola Kayes with her own Boss X 63.87%
PICTURED
PICTURED
WINNER
Above: Sara Squires added another Petplan title record to her name riding her own Laetitius C to top the Intermediate I Bronze class with 68.628%. Sara, who events as well as doing dressage, credited her coach Serena Pincus for her help behind the scenes. They are pictured with Lisa Sullivan of Petplan Equine.
Photography:
Sara Squires with Laetitius C
Right: Olivia Wrennall and her Britishbred gelding Disneyland (by Diamond Hit) took the runnerup slot.
WINNER
Jenny Ainscough and Florence PFB
Petplan Prix St Georges Bronze
PICTURED
Left: It was a first Winters win for Jenny Ainscough, who trains with Laura Roe and Becky Moody and has already qualified 14-year-old Florence PFB at Inter I level for the Petplan Summer Area Festivals.
“It feels amazing to be a winner at the Winter Championships.”
JENNY AINSCOUGH
PICTURED
Left: Champions Fiona Newall and Fendy VCG, by Don Schufro out of a Ferro
They are pictured with Sarah Oram of Petplan Equine.
mare.
Left: Amy Foster-Smith and Kimberley SHR, who have a great track record at the Area Festival Championships, took the runnerup slot.
Petplan Advanced Medium Silver
WINNER
Sophia Marston and Solitaire II
PICTURED
Above: Sophia Marston and her own Solitaire II won the Petplan Advanced Medium Silver title, an impressive achievement with no arena at home and working with her trainer via Zoom. ‘Solly’ was purchased by Sophia as a yearling and has come back from a field accident that saw her sidelined for some months; her rider also balances competing with university studies.
PETPLAN ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER
1. Sophia Marston with her own Solitaire II
2. Lucy Mills with her own MSL Saltarello Hit
3. Sophie Chatwin with her own Katharine-Trix US
4. Alice Begg with her own J’Adore II
NAF Five Star Winter Championships.
5. Amber Mothersdale with her own Mount St John Di Romantica
6. Nicola Southall with Cheryl Reynolds’ Skelwith Loulou
India John with Scarlett John’s Grayswood Orlando
8. Margaret Jones with her own Dimagic
9. Madison Eagle with Helen Eagle’s Royalty II
Emily Coller with her own Iondale
PICTURED
Right: Less than 0.5% separated the top two, with Lucy Mills and her own MSL Salterello Hit (Samba Hit x Sherlock Holmes) taking second place.
Petplan Advanced Medium Bronze
PETPLAN ADVANCED MEDIUM BRONZE
1. Daisy Hills with her own Midtgaards Gijon
2. Kizzie Lucas with her own Candito
3. Poppy Burner with Sally-Anne Egginton’s Cillnabradden Evo
4. Sian Larken with her own Braveheart VII
5. Helen Beaton with her own Frankisse II
6. Freya Walsh with Susie White’s Seventh Heaven II
7. Jenna Roddy with her own Tim II
=8. Louisa Julie Brend with Alison Ainsworth’s Cynheidrefawr Gerwyn
=8. Emma Lee-Smith with her own Barnys Diamond Smuggler
10. Katie Branley with her own Buntino
BD Youth has been a really great way of meeting people having only just got into dressage."
DAISY HILLS
Daisy Hills and Midtgaards Gijon, winners of the Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Bronze, entered their first affiliated test together just five months before this show. Daisy has enjoyed BD Youth activities, taking part in Inter Regionals and Home Nations for the past two years. She is currently in her second year of University where she’s studying Agriculture, and works on the farm at home around her riding.
WINNER
Daisy Hills and Midtgaards Gijon
Petplan Medium Silver
WINNER
Carrie Passmore and Star Gazer
Petplan Medium Bronze
PICTURED
WINNER
Ben James and Clapton Banks Primadonna
PICTURED
Left: Carrie Passmore and Star Gazer kicked proceedings off in Petplan Arena 2 with a win in the Medium Silver. The pair are currently working at Advanced Medium with a plan to go up to PSG later this year.
“He's the character of the yard - it's all about him!”
CARRIE PASSMORE ON STAR GAZER.
to their
PICTURED
the
Above: Ben James and Clapton Banks Primadonna added
2023 Elementary Bronze title with a win in the Petplan Equine Medium Bronze. The pair started their dressage journey just three years ago and train with Tessa Thorne and David Trott. Hacking and hill work are part of their formula for success.
Left: Sophie Altmann and Woodlander Crossroads (Clapton x Relevant), known as ‘Chip’ took
runnerup slot. Sophie is a UKCC coach who also teaches cross-country and show jumping.
Petplan Elementary Silver
WINNER
Bethany Edgington and Nelson HD
PICTURED
Above: This hotly contested class with more than 30 starters was won by Bethany Edgington and Nelson HD (Incognito x Amulet) scoring an impressive 73.235%. The six-year-old gelding is owned by Karen Redeam, and Bethany says he is ‘like a big dog’ and adores being fussed and pampered.
Petplan Elementary Bronze
PICTURED
Right: Jonathan Canty secured his first Championship win when taking the Petplan Elementary Bronze with his home-bred 11-year-old mare, Fabelwelt (Fürst Romancier x Ferragamo). Jonathan has worked in a range of equine disciplines including racing, hunting and eventing. He now works as a Senior Area Sales Manager for NAF and is also a BD List 4 Judge aiming to progress through the listings.
PETPLAN ELEMENTARY SILVER
1. Bethany Edginton with Karen Redfearn’s Nelson HD
2. Hannah Gilbert with her own Ivoor
3. Sue Kiernan with her own Just Me
4. Samantha Seaton with Carolyn Gardiner’s Ludico
5. Lucy Fallan with her own Shadow Samurai
6. Christine Daniels with her own Darbey Ramblin
7. Jennifer Bowman with her own Licanto H
8. Megan Havard with her own Dimatiger
9. Alys Matravers with Kari Christopher’s Vorvashill Vertigo
10. Susan Bill with her own Flamenco Princess
PICTURED
Left: Hannah Gilbert and the nine-yearold Wynton gelding Ivoor took the runner-up slot on 72.69%.
WINNER
Jonathan Canty and Fabelwelt
PETPLAN ELEMENTARY BRONZE
1. Jonathan Canty with his own Fabelwelt
2. Chelsea Donovan with her own Frankie Zenturio
3. Sophie Reason with her own Ballygriffin Buddy
4. Rebecca Carver with her own Byrneskill Toby
5. Ruby Walker with her own Moylough Cruz
6. Joanne Jones with her own Jens-S
7. Ruth Whitmore with her own Autopilot II
8. Beth Ault with her own Toberpatrick Ben
9. Philippa King with her own Madermus PP
10. Jordan Kavanagh with Beth Patmore’s Flashdance GH
Petplan Elementary Silver U21
PICTURED Right: Brooklyn Daw and Verity Daw’s Roulette MKM (by Rascalino) missed out on first place by just 0.294%.
PETPLAN ELEMENTARY SILVER U21
1. Alice Lamburn with Kate Lamburn’s Linde WS 70.53%
2. Brooklyn Daw with Verity Daw’s Roulette MKM 70.24%
3. Annabelle Wesley with Trevor Dickens’ Caroline’s Air KM 69.31%
4. Charlotte Rudge with her own Kilcombe Luxsam 69.02%
5. Violet Hawkins with Alex Hawkins’ Glenlichd Fair Un Square 68.28%
6. Rocky Leahy with Tracy Ormrod’s Damocles LL 66.66%
7. Georgie Morgan with Claire Morgan’s Jacodi’s Bo’s Barclay 64.80%
8. Sophie Mansell with her own Bravo Freckles 64.02%
9. Keira Jasinski with Vicki Jasinski’s Altogether Endeavour 62.69%
10. Isobel Walton with Emma Walton’s Pitingo II 61.12%
Petplan Elementary Bronze U21
WINNER
Gabriella Kozersky and Hollywood Semilly
NAF Five Star Winter Championships.
PICTURED
Below: Reading-based Alice Lamburn and eight-year-old Linde WS took the Petplan Elementary Silver U21 Winter Area Festival title with a score of 70.539%. Alice is currently studying Human Biology at University of Liverpool and has to balance training with her studies; she started competing in My Quest before progressing to Petplan Area Festivals.
WINNER
Alice Lamburn and Linde WS
PICTURED
Left: Gabriella Kozersky stepped up a level from her 2023 Winter Area Festival Championships victory with victory in the Elementary Bronze competition with Hollywood Semilly. An A level student, Gabriella also enjoys showjumping and hacking with ‘Frog’. They are pictured with Charlotte Gibbs of Petplan Equine.
“I do a lot of hacking and hill work with him”
GABRIELLA
KOZERSKY ON HOLLYWOOD SEMILLY
PETPLAN ELEMENTARY BRONZE U21
1. Gabriella Kozersky with her own Hollywood Semilly 67.79%
2. Annabelle Wesley with Ros Tate’s Armada Dyffryncothi Bridget 67.05%
3. Melissa Hargreaves with Samantha Hargreaves’ Harmony Lox67.05%
4. Grace Smith with her own Matty Menlo
5. Charlie Thomas with his own Black Jacko
6. Charlotte Best with Lindsay Best’s Paris
7. Freya May Binfield with her own Midnight Legend
8. Imogen Casely with Shona Casely’s Parvadean Estelle
Ellie Romanello with her own Lavita AEG
Molly Bennett with her own Gemini VII
As a leading British showjumper Joe spends a lot of his time transporting his horses to and from competitions. “It is a huge part of what we do, and when we’re out on the road it’s all about minimising risk and maximising peace of mind, no matter how long we are travelling for”.
As a member of Equine Rescue Services, he knows that their specialist team is always ready to respond 24/7 should he ever have the misfortune to breakdown.
rescue and recovery.
When you call the team for help your call is logged, and all the details captured on the incident management system. Equine Rescue Services will then call you straight back to check that you and your horses are all ok.
If your horses are in a place of risk the Police or Highways will be alerted immediately. They can arrange for road or lane closures if needed for the safe transfer of your horses.
“One call to their team will ensure that our lorry is recovered, and our horses are rescued and recovered to a place of our choice as quickly as possible.”
Motorways can be closed both ways to minimise the risk of spooking. They’ll even check how long they’ve been on board and whether they have enough hay and water.”
The team will find out what size horsebox you’re travelling in, and exactly what size will be needed to transport your horses.
Joe Stockdale goes behind the scenes
To nd out how Equine Rescue Services respond to a call for assistance.
horse and organise it if needed.
Frequent calls are made to you to advise on ETA, driver and registration numbers of the vehicles that are on the way and the job is not closed until horse transport has arrived and the horses are safely loaded.”
“One of the best things about being recovered by Equine Rescue Services is that there’s no mileage limit. Your vehicle and horses will be taken to the place of your choice –however far away this is from the incident.” Comments Joe
be just as easy for the team here.
“I’ve been so impressed with the team here, and never hit the road with my horses, without the reassurance that Equine Rescue Services has got my back if we ever breakdown or have an accident”.
Joe was invited up to Huddersfield to find out for himself what happens when your call is received and how the team is able to respond quickly to arrange your SAVE 15% on your first year’s membership with promo code Joe15 and relax in the knowledge that you’ll have Equine Rescue Services on your team. Trailer Assist only £46.75, normally £55 per annum. Call us now on 01300 348997 to speak to the team. equinerescue.co.uk
They’ll check whether your horse is stressed or injured and whether a vet will be required to sedate your
Everyone in the Incident Management Team is horsey themselves, so they understand exactly what’s at stake in any rescue and recovery.
If it is better for you to text rather than speak on the phone this will
Petplan Novice Silver
PETPLAN NOVICE SILVER
1. Natasha Gibbons with her own Penhaligon Soleilette Aimee
2. Erin Dobby with her own Woodlander Million
3. Jennifer Bowman with her own Licanto H
4. Kate Purchase with her own Nethercote
5. Sophie Reason with her own Ballygriffin Buddy
6. Rachael Mosey with Bridget Tate’s Isle Valena
7. Vickie Archer with Samantha Sawyer’s Jaloubet-O
8. Katie Carss with Emma Schofield’s A La Wida
9. Natalie Pearson with her own Tantoni Gallipoli
10. Georgina Tully with her own Collingham
PICTURED
Petplan Novice Bronze
WINNER
WINNER
Natasha Gibbons and Penhaligon Soleilette Aimee
PICTURED
Above: With 34 combinations battling it out in this class, Natasha Gibbons and Penhaligon Soleilette Aimee claimed victory with a score of 71.666%. On the Area Festival Championship debut for the six-year-old mare, British-bred by Theresa Oakes of Penhaligon Stud, Natasha said "she came out like she’d been doing it all her life".
Rachel Gallop with Sara Gallop’s Sazzaro Ballante
Danielle Thackray with her own Romanno Maydream
5. Jo Pool with Jim Pool’s TLB Kannibaloulou
6. Zoe Archer with her own Hallslake Aurora
7. Caroline Saunders with her own TGI Ab Initio
8.
PICTURED
Left: Sophie Savage and her own Two Tone Ted secured their first ever winning test in the Petplan Novice Bronze Winter Area Festival Championship. Sophie bought Ted in 2021 after a break from horse ownership. They competed in the Quest series before moving on to the Petplan Area Festivals, qualifying for and competing at both the 2022 and 2023 Winter Area Festival Championships, followed by a third time lucky appearance for them in 2024!
Sophie Savage and Two Tone Ted
Right: Erin Dobby and her own Woodlander Million, by Millennium, took second place.
PETPLAN NOVICE SILVER U21
1. Keira Jasinski with Vicki Jasinski’s Treworgan Dancing Diva67.98%
2.Oliver Lawery with Heather Lawery’s Seiont Glesyn67.77%
3.Lilly Newcombe with Georgie Roden’s Lagos 67.15%
4.Gabriella Kozersky with her own Hollywood Semilly66.52%
5.Lola Rega with her own Amy 13
6.Beatrice Burns with her own Megaboy
7. Leah Roberts with her own Micro Man
8.Phoebe Deller with her own Lough Easkey Donna64.30%
9. Connie Strutt with her own Calipso Cool
10. Freya Kenworthy with Ann Kenworthy’s Mojo VIII 63.81%
PICTURED
Right: Keira Jasinski and Treworgan Dancing Diva topped the Petplan Novice Silver U21 Championships with a score of 67.986%. Keira describes the ten-year-old bay mare, known as ‘Riva’, as “lovely to have at home, she’s like a proper family pony - out in the garden most days.” Keira, who is 17 and based in Norfolk, is currently at college studying Level 3 Equine Anatomy and Physiology and hopes to be an Equine Physiotherapist.
Petplan Novice Bronze U21
WINNER
Lydia Holmes and Caramelle
WINNER
Keira Jasinski and Treworgan Dancing Diva
PETPLAN NOVICE BRONZE U21
1. Lydia Holmes with Karen Holmes’ Caramelle
2.Alexandra Cordingley with Rosemary Cordingley’s Joris Couture71.18%
3. Jemima Byam-Cook with Nicola Byam-Cook's Twyford Salamander
4.Charlie Thomas with his own Black Jacko
5.Isabel Coombes with Annette Coombes’ Abou Ben Adhem68.54%
6.Oliver Gould with Rhian Gould’s Miami Alana 67.63%
7. Honor Casely with Shona Casely’s Lafforcry
8.Ruby Kelly with her own Sir Nunn’s Just Rudi
9. Talitha Jordan with her own Crippsy Bilbo Baggins66.38% 10. Tillie Mansi with Michelle Holton’s Secret Service
PICTURED
Top left: Jemima Byam-Cook rode her mother Nicola’s lovely palomino gelding Twyford Salamander into third place.
Left: Lydia Holmes and the striking dun Caramelle scored 71.597% to capture the Novice Bronze U21 title. Caramelle and Lydia have been a partnership for six years.
Petplan Preliminary Silver
PETPLAN PRELIMINARY SILVER
WINNER
Rachel Gallop and Sazzaro Ballante
1. Rachel Gallop with Sara Gallop’s Sazzaro Ballante
Mia Kirby with her own WFD Wild Thyme
Lauren Green with her own Dalgan Chester
John Osborne with Amanda Miller’s Cruglwyd Tango
O’Connor with her own Riversides Caballero
PICTURED
Above: With 35 starters in the Petplan Preliminary Silver, the Secret-sired Sazzaro Ballante oozed class, with Rachel Gallop at the reins of a winning test worthy of 73.125%. The six-year-old ‘Sazzaro’ belongs to Rachel’s sister Sara, for whom Rachel jumps her horses for fun, and this showjumping specialist admits to having enjoyed competing ‘on the flat’ for a change. The pair run the family business, Prestige Equestrian, with mum Helen.
Right: Lauren Green took third place with her own Connemara gelding Dalgan Chester.
Petplan Preliminary Bronze
PETPLAN PRELIMINARY BRONZE
1. Alex Heaton with her own Cosmopolitan du Rouet
2. Xanthe Gould with her own Tartan Tiger
3. Anastasia Meadows with her own MGH April
4. Caroline Cook with her own Settvalley The Alchemist
5. Martha Eldred with Laura Frost’s Diamond Dove
6. Mikaela Wright with Melissa Chapman’s Darcie L’Amour
7. Soph Icke with her own My Gentleman Jack
8. Vicki Walton with her own Licor I
=9. Sydney Hockney with her own Nonstop Lightning UK Z
=9. Claire Cook with her own Daredevil Penny Red
PICTURED
Above right: The only rider to score over 70% in the Petplan Preliminary Bronze Area Festival Championship was Alex Heaton and her own Cosmopolitan du Rouet scoring an impressive 72.292% to take first place. Alex bought the gelding as an unbacked three-year-old from Annie Dalton and then found out she was pregnant, so turned him away in the field and brought him back into work after having her baby. She credits her trainer Laura Rowe for help getting him going again.
Right: Xanthe Gould and her own Tartan Tiger took the runner up slot.
WINNER
Alex Heaton and Cosmopolitan du Rouet
“I couldn’t be prouder of him, he’s never had a score like that before.”
ALEX HEATON ON COSMOPOLITAN DU ROUET
Petplan Preliminary Silver U21
PETPLAN PRELIMINARY SILVER U21
1. Lilly Newcombe with Georgie Roden’s Lagos
2. Theo Charnley with Paul Charnley’s RSPCA George
3. Talitha Jordan with her own Crippsy Bilbo Baggins
4. Nina Gribben with Rachel Gribben’s Keelogues Beauty
5. Everley Sinfield Day with Harriet Sinfield Day’s Benmore’s Pot Luck
6. Laura Fowler with her own Cherokee
7. Tanisha Arian with Alison Cairns Scott’s Macgarrett Coral Prince
8. Molly Serdet with her own Llanmore Ammeretto
9. Summer Bellis with Jayne Heard’s Marshbrook Poppy
10. Abigail Hird with her own Toytown XL
PICTURED
Right: Theo Charnley claimed second place with Paul Charnley’s superstar rescue pony RSPCA George.
WINNER
Lilly Newcombe and Lagos
Petplan Preliminary Bronze U21
PICTURED
Right: Sophie Bellamy rode the lovely Drumnaconnell Goody Bag (Ricardo Z x Master Imp) to their first championship win, with a super score of 72.361%. As a partnership, Sophie and the 11-year-old gelding have been growing together and having previously evented. The Area Festivals have allowed the combination to work on their dressage skills, she commented.
WINNER
Sophie Bellamy and Drumnaconnell Goody Bag
PETPLAN PRELIMINARY BRONZE U21
1. Sophie Bellamy with Lisa Bellamy’s Drumnaconnell Goody Bag 72.36%
2. Lilly Cox with her own BE Barbara
3. Pippa Stephens with her own Odd Spot Brite Eyes
4. Tillie Mansi with Michelle Holton’s Secret Service
5. Erin Grier with her own Buriana Larkrise
6. Rachel Brown with her own The Bare Necessities II
7. Zurie Dempster with William Dempster’s Ella’s Lightening
8. Hope Spatcher with Sally Harris’s Morrigan Eirikr
9. Skylar Fear-Monday with her own Greenbarrow Goldleaf
10. Sadie Campin with Elaine Campin’s Dior Delight
PICTURED
Above: Lilly Newcombe and Lagos earned 72.014% to win the Petplan Preliminary Silver U21 title. Lilly is a BD newcomer having started affiliated dressage in late 2022; she is a freelance rider currently and is taking the time to work out what she wants to do.
PPICTURED:
Left: Ashley Jenkins, who has produced a number of successful young horses, emphasises the need to treat them as individuals.
Below: A diet based on quality forage is important for a young horse’s development.
Start them right
A young horse’s early education can have a big impact on their future career. Stephanie Bateman speaks to experts about how to give your young horse the best start.
roducing young horses from backing to competing at their first show is one of the most rewarding things a rider can do, but it also carries a huge responsibility. Ensuring they have plenty of positive experiences is important.
“My main piece of advice when it comes to young horses is to let go of your
expectations,” says Ashley Jenkins. “I treat young horses as individuals and give them as much time as they need.”
Ashley uses cavaletti with the young ones, as well as lots of walking and hacking.
“I never school them more than two or three times a week,” he says. “It’s very basic stuff but done well, and they are turned out as much as possible, usually overnight with a friend.”
It’s also important to keep assessing where your horse is at in his physical development.
“Some young horses go croup high which can throw their balance out, so I’d just hack them for a month,” says Ashley. “We also give them lots of regular breaks especially in the spring and autumn.”
Ashley follows an effective routine for taking a young horse to their first show.
“Practice loading in advance,” he offers. “I also take young horses to arena hires so they’re familiar with the
surroundings and I get an idea of how they will react at a new place.”
Having a secure warm up routine and familiar exercises can also help to settle a young horse at a show.
“Stick to what they know, and if they are a bit keen, get into canter earlier to expel negative energy,” adds Ashley.
“Scratching the withers can help relaxation rather than big pats, and I always ride with a neck strap so if they shoot off you don’t pull on their mouth. Their first few shows are definitely about education and not ribbons.”
Ashley also advises making sure young horses are used to being ridden in the arena with others to help them get used to a warm up environment.
“I only take them to venues that are relaxed and quiet for their first few times,” he comments. “Judge your horse’s character and pay attention to their personality and what they can cope with.” >
TOO HOT TO HANDLE
“We are often dealing with very hot horses that are super sensitive and when you get to a show, their flight instinct kicks in, so it’s really important that you can actually put your legs on and ride from your leg to your hand and have a contact,” Henry Boswell advises. “Basic lateral work is key to getting a hot horse to accept your leg. Little bits of leg yield and shoulder fore on circles and in the corners work well.”
With very hot horses, Henry gets them plaited and ready and then tacks up and lightly schools or hacks before heading to the show.
“It takes the adrenaline down,” he says. “I then do a shorter warm up at the show. Your warm up is totally dependent on the horse. You need to be fluid with the babies and read the horse on the day.”
Henry also has a routine before he gets on his youngsters.
“Before I get on, I walk them in hand, and do turns on the forehand to help unlock their body,” Henry says. “Some can look fine, but their bodies are hard and rigid and the moment you get in the saddle they explode.”
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A young horse’s back is a blank canvas, and the damage that can be done by backing them away in ‘any old saddle’ can be costly.
Variation is also important, as Henry explains: “I like them to hack so they’ve seen traffic and a bit of life, and they go out in the field as much as possible. I will sometimes keep a fresh one out the night before a show to take the edge off.”
When it comes to exercising the young horses, little and often is better.
“I’d rather do more days of exercise in a week but only for 10minutes, as it’s time in the saddle, not intensity,” Henry says. “I do four or five days ridden a week.”
Henry is careful which horses he chooses to aim at young horse classes.
Given the exuberance and excitement of newly backed horses, some riders prefer to use a jump or a general purpose saddle initially.
“It allows them to shorten their stirrups and feel secure,” says Steph. “Should the worst happen, it is easier to remove oneself from a flatter jump saddle. When introducing the dressage saddle, take care as the dressage girth and leg position will feel different.”
Care should also be taken with the choice of girth.
“They are about the horse gaining confidence, and not looking hot and flashy,” he tells. “I want them to go in a nice relaxed way. I would only take a certain type of horse to the championships, one that I know could handle the atmosphere, because you don’t want to scare them. I would also not force a horse up the levels before it was ready.”
“Feeling the buckles on their sides can cause an over-reaction,” tells Steph. “Saddle slip can be terrifying for young horses too, so take care with stretchy elasticated girths.”
There are many relatively inexpensive, adjustable saddles that are perfect to start a young dressage horse. The key is comfort.
“Feel the panels of the saddle,” advises Steph. “Rock hard panels are not to be used on any horse.”
Steph advises that young horses should have their saddle checked at least every three to four months as they are likely to change shape.
horse up the levels before it was ready.”
UNDER SADDLE
A young horse’s back is a blank canvas, and the damage that can be done by backing them away in ‘any old saddle’ can be costly.
“The need to properly fit the young, unbacked dressage horse with a correctly fitting saddle is often overlooked,” explains qualified SMS saddle fitter Stephanie Bradley. “It can be likened to putting your young child into ill-fitting school shoes and expecting their feet to develop correctly.”
“This is why it is so important for saddle fitters to take templates to see what adjustments need to be made,” she adds. “Even the smallest adjustment can make a big difference.”
Sometimes your saddle fitter may suggest a remedial half pad to sit where the muscles will eventually develop.
“There are now new designs of saddles which can have the panels changed as well as the width at the tree,” says Steph. “These are a very welcome addition and can be adjusted to fit the horse in the future.”
FEEDING
THE YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE
When it comes to feeding your young dressage horse, Lizzie Drury MSc
Inset: Young horses should have their saddles checked regularly, advises SMS Saddle Fitter Steph Bradley.
Right: It’s important to be able to ride from your leg to your hand and have a contact when taking a hot youngster to a show, says Henry Boswell.
Registered Nutritionist has the answers.
“Managing a young dressage horse that is beginning its career can present many challenges,” she says. “Not only do they represent a fit and hard-working population, but they are also exposed to a high amount of stress when training and competing that can add up to a potentially bad formula for intestinal
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and respiratory health, musculoskeletal development and psychological health.”
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Research has shown that there is an increased risk of impaction colic within the first two weeks of significant management changes, one of the main drivers being the change from a diet that is higher in moisture and lower in fibre and eaten pretty much on the move.
“To help reduce the risk of impaction colic, feed high quality forage and consider either steaming or soaking the forage to increase the water uptake,” advises Lizzie. “Use small-holed haynets so that smaller bites are taken over a longer period. This will increase the flow of saliva, which helps to buffer the stomach acid.”
Introduction of a live yeast or prebiotics can help to maintain a stable environment and pH in the hindgut to help support the fibre digesting bacteria.
CONCENTRATE FEED
Choosing feeds that have an emphasis on the digestible fibres and higher oil
levels providing slow-release energy helps to maintain a more trainable and focused temperament. For some, conditioning feeds can also work well as they support the continued development of some horses who are still maturing while competing.
“It is recommended to feed <1g starch/ kg BW to ensure safe starch solutions and to help maintain gastric health,” says Lizzie. “Feeds that utilise alternative energy sources such as alfalfa, beet pulp and soya hulls and oil or rice bran supplements, help to keep starch intake down.”
It is essential that young competition horses are provided with optimum levels of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support immune function, optimum muscle development and topline, and support optimum recovery times between training and competition sessions.
“To achieve a fully balanced diet you must pay attention to the recommended feeding rates that are provided by the feed manufacturer,” says Lizzie.
Above: The young horse’s first few shows are about education, not ribbons.
Left: Choose feeds that have an emphasis on digestible fibres and higher oil levels.
YOUNG HORSE MANAGEMENT
HORSEHAGE HIGH FIBRE The original dust-free forage. 100% natural and never rebagged. HorseHage’s unique direct-to-smallbale method means every bale is packaged straight from the field, ensuring it stays fresh and nutritious for up to 18 months without the need for preservatives or flavourings. Low in sugar and starch and dust-free HorseHage High Fibre is suitable for all horses and ponies.
FEMAS and BETA NOPS certified – HorseHage guarantees every bale produced is of the highest quality.
RRP: £9.99 for 20kg | horsehage.co.uk bale
SPILLERS ORIGINAL BALANCER is an enhanced multi-vitamin and mineral balancer with added digestive, hoof and immune support. It is ideal for balancing a forage-only diet and supplies the essential amino acid lysine to support muscle and topline. It also benefits from the inclusion of pre- and probiotics to support digestive health, 15mg of biotin per 500g serving to support hoof health and a high level of vitamin E alongside added vitamin C to support immune health.
RRP: £43.89 for 20kg | spillers-feeds.com
FIVE STAR SUPERFLEX is recommended by NAF for the stars of tomorrow, helping to stimulate cartilage production and support the regeneration of connective tissue. With synovial fluid nourishment, circulatory assistance and free radical dispersal, Five Star Superflex delivers flexibility for life.
RRP: £26.50 for 400g | naf-equine.eu/uk/
SARACEN CONDITION-IMPROVER
CUBES A barley and whole oat-free cube formulated to support a trainable temperament without the loss of presence and performance level. High in ‘Super-Fibres’ and oil for controlled energy release, the fully balanced, calorie dense cube also contains Equi-Jewel, a high-fat supplement that supports low feeding rates whilst supporting optimum condition and topline development. The cubes also contain a live yeast to maintain microbial health, activity, diversity, and function, which therefore helps to optimise fibre and feed digestion.
RRP: £19.00 for 20kg | saracenhorsefeeds.com
MAH CALMING SYRINGES give young or anxious horses a positive experience with the help of Nupafeed MAH Syringes. MAH is an advanced magnesium compound that works by supporting healthy muscle, nerve and hormone function during times of stress. In this way, magnesium uniquely helps to manage stress-related behaviour whilst enhancing concentration and muscle performance. MAH Syringes are the perfect on-the-day solution for young, spooky, sharp or tense horses.
RRP: from £7.50 | nupafeed.co.uk
MUSCLE & FOCUS is a mid-calorie (10.5MJ/ kg) feed suitable for horses and ponies requiring stamina, focus, and support for healthy muscle development and recovery, whether competing at higher levels or maintaining a leisure riding career. Free from alfalfa, soya, molasses, and whole cereal grains, Muscle & Focus contains a comprehensive gut support package to maintain a healthy digestive system.
RRP: from £18 | allenandpage.com
BETTALIFE PHARMAPRO TOTAL EQUINE SUPPORT
Supporting the entire young horse in just one scoop per day, Bettalife PharmaPRO Total Equine Support is a research-driven all-in-one formula containing a blend of PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA, PharmaTRAC Total Digestive Support and PharmaPlast Ultimate Topline providing optimum levels of 35 active ingredients to support horse’s joints, digestive system and muscle recovery. This highly palatable, non-heating powder offers an invaluable time-saving method of providing comprehensive support to horses starting their ridden careers. Includes 100% money back guarantee.
RRP: £75 for 1kg – 30 days supply | bettalife.co.uk
TOPSPEC COMPREHENSIVE FEED BALANCER is a very palatable, high protein, cereal grain-free, low sugar and starch, nonheating concentrated feed that contains a multi-supplement including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally found in high quality specialised supplements, including a hoof supplement and generous levels of antioxidants. This superb specification allows horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights/blends in their diet.
RRP: £37.55/£49.95 for 15kg/20kg | topspec.com
BAILEYS PERFORMANCE BALANCER While calorie requirements may be met by forage alone for some young horses embarking on their early ridden training, their requirements for other essential nutrients are likely to be high. Performance Balancer is the ideal option for providing those nutrients, known to be lacking in forage, yet without the calories associated with a mix or cube. Quality protein, for muscle and tissue development, plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, to support their physical and mental exertions and support recovery, all from a low starch, low energy base.
RRP: £36 for 20kg | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
OSMONDS EQUINE CALMING
PASTE is an all-natural formula containing essential amino acid Tryptophan that helps to promote the production of serotonin to assist in managing stress in horses. Further fortified with magnesium, which not only assists in the absorption of other vital vitamins and minerals but helps stimulate a calming effect, making it ideal for travelling, training and competing. 100% competition legal.
RRP: £10.95 for 30g syringe osmonds.co.uk
Test your training Part 1
We take a practical look at how to prepare your horse for the new BD tests with the help of Paul Hayler, Bobby Hayler-Wright and Andrew Wright .
The new tests will start to be used from 1st July, and are designed to help the progression of the horse and rider through the levels according to the scales of training. The movements in the tests and the way they are put together build on the strength, balance and suppleness that the horse is developing and prepare for the work ahead. Many riders have found the step up from Elementary to Medium challenging in the past, but this structure and the focus on the scales of training should help to develop the skills needed with any type of horse or pony.
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Above: When the horse is ready for Elementary he will be developing more strength and engagement to cope with the level of training required.
NOVICE TO ELEMENTARY
1. THE PACES
Once the horse is established at Novice and is ready for Elementary he will be developing more core strength and engagement to cope with the level of training. You should start to see the horse become more ‘uphill’ and show the amount of self-carriage needed to perform the movements with balance and rhythm.
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CANTER
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Above: Once the horse is established at Novice he will be developing more core strength and engagement to cope with the level of training. You will see a requirement for some collection (shown by Delta on the right) from Elementary onwards, but at this stage it is really just the understanding of control.
Above: At working trot, you can see that Louis (right) is more advanced in his development than Levi, and is able to step under more with his hindlegs.
>
2. THE CENTRE LINE
The Novice championship test (N6) is the first time you will see the requirement for a halt on the first centre line. It checks straightness, whether the horse is between your hand and leg, and whether he is in control and in balance. The turn onto and off the centre line also shows suppleness.
It’s your chance to make a great first impression. Practice halting on the centre line often – it requires balance and engagement to land that square halt and to move off smoothly. To help ride a straight centre line and halt, you can use a pair of poles at D as you turn onto the centre line and at X.
3. CORNERS
The most important part of the test! They link the movements and give you an opportunity to rebalance and prepare for circles, lateral work and transitions, so practice them often and ride them well. Think of a ‘leg yield feeling’ through the corner, riding from the inside leg to the outside rein, keeping the horse’s shoulders up. The outside rein controls the speed and balance and the inside leg creates the ‘banana bend’.
4. LEG YIELD TO 10M CIRCLE
Leg yield was introduced to Elementary tests in recent years to get the horse used to the idea of moving sideways from the leg; linking through into a 10m circle teaches body bend and helps to develop suppleness and engagement. In the test, the circle then checks the horse’s balance and suppleness.
In the test it’s also an accuracy question –once you hit the three-quarter line you’ve got just 5m to get back to the track.
Remember to sit into the bend when riding a leg yield rather than turning away from it – move your stomach in the direction of the bend.
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Above top: Using poles on the centre line can help with straightness...
Above: ...and with nailing that straight halt.
Right: Leg yield gets the horse used to the idea of moving away from the rider’s leg.
5. MEDIUM TROT
At Novice we ask for a few lengthened strides; at Elementary and above it is a sustained movement along a whole long side or diagonal. This movement shows that the horse can lift his shoulder and is developing the self-carriage to keep his body in balance. There should be no change in rhythm – the horse should not rush. Start by pushing the trot forward – don’t worry if the horse tries to canter initially as that’s the ‘push’ needed from behind to get medium trot. Bring him back and try again.
THE THREE QUARTER LINE
Use the long side for training – the wall supports the horse and gives him the confidence to stay in balance. For the horse that is still developing strength, ride 20m in medium, bring him back and then push on again.
PICTURED
Above left: Using the long side when training for medium trot means that the wall supports the horse.
Above right: Medium trot shows that the horse can lift his shoulder and is developing self-carriage.
6. 15M CIRCLES
The 15m circle asks the horse for more bend and engagement in both trot and canter. Nail the accuracy by drawing a line in the surface at the three-quarter line and then visualise where the line ends as a point on the opposite wall or fence. This is a rider trainer too – developing your spatial awareness and ensuring that you look up and ahead. When riding the line, turn your shoulders to mirror the horse’s shoulders and think of the horse moving on a ‘banana bend’. The hindlegs should follow and land in the front footprints, so aim to control the shoulders, not the neck. If you ask for too much neck bend, the shoulders will fall out and if the horse is not sufficiently supple, the hindlegs will fall out.
SIMPLE CHANGE
The first step towards a flying change. This starts on half circles to the centre line, which helps to collect the canter for the transition and with body bend and engagement. You need to be able to collect the canter to make a simple change; as the horse gets more established and you move up the level towards Medium, the simple change is on a straight line and eventually on the diagonal.
Wear it well
Fancy trying something different in your out t? Jane Carley looks at how manufacturers have responded to the latest rules on clothing colours.
When British Dressage announced the relaxation of turnout rules in the 2024 rulebook, it’s fair to say that it polarised opinion.
While many members have welcomed the option to choose more practical grey, navy or black breeches, possibly reinforced by the wettest, muddiest winter ever, traditional white keeps a special place in riders’ hearts, social media comment would appear to suggest.
Where jackets and tailcoats are concerned, a degree of individuality has been permitted for some time, with contrast collars, cuffs and pocket trims the choice of many a discerning rider. Equally some interpretation of the subtle
colours has been exercised for a while, with burgundy, mid-blue and beige jackets on show. But now, in theory all bets are off, and there’s no need for judges to ponder the legality of that violet tailcoat.
You could go wild and partner a scarlet jacket with teal breeches, but should you? From a practical viewpoint, though, if you are considering a lighter weight jacket, perhaps in a technical fabric for our warmer summers, a lighter colour could reflect the sun better than black or navy.
Budget permitting, you could have a new combination for every big show, although with an eye to sustainability perhaps choosing a top quality jacket that fits and flatters you
perfectly and switching up to different breeches (because you can always wear the darker ones at home as well!) to suit the elements, occasion and your mood might be better.
With all this choice, it’s also worth considering what looks good with your horse too. LeMieux’s website features a colour matcher widget which was designed for the company’s casual clothing range, but could also give you some ideas for competition clothing.
A look around the NAF Five Star Winter Championships suggested that for the big occasion, many will continue to favour white breeches at least, although there were some stunning new looks to be seen too.
DYNAMIQUE DUOS
The Dynamique show jacket from LeMieux oozes style and tradition but you could switch up the look from the classic deep navy to graphite, which would work equally well with white, toned or matched grey or black breeches. In any colour it offers vented side panels and sports mesh lining to the front for breathability, combined with superior stretch and recovery so that the rider is unrestricted and free to move.
Subtle beaded trims on pocket edges and back belt panel add a touch of luxury sparkle and creates a flattering silhouette and stylish appearance.
The Dynamique is fastened with a front zip and custom LeMieux press stud for practicality.
LeMieux offers an extensive range of breeches which may already be your go-to in white, such as the Dynamique in full seat or knee patch versions, and which are also available in navy, black and two tones of grey. >
1 LIGHTER LOOK A charming look showcased at the winter championships’ new home of Addington Equestrian. A lighter Lotus Romeo tailcoat and grey Cavaleros breeches.
2 STORMY WITH SPARKLE Samshield offers tailcoats in a range of traditional dark and lighter colours – this is Stormy Sea. The Women’s Frac Premium combines high quality, Italian fabrics with sparkling highlights of Swarovski Ultra Fine Rock crystals and Swarovski crystal decor.
3 SHOW YOUR COLOURS From the timeless elegance of classic navy to the audacious vibrancy of cherry red, Lotus Romeo jackets offer a spectrum of hues to suit every taste and mood. Make a statement in a striking cobalt blue tailcoat, as shown recently by brand ambassador Carl Hester.
4 RED ALERT This Quarto ladies competition jacket from Premier Equine’s exclusive Black Label range features an innovative design which combines panels of differing technical fabrics. The back and
arms incorporate a technical 3D knit which is moulded to the muscular anatomy of the back and shoulders of the rider. For riders who aim to stand out, it is available in London Red.
5 GREEN WITH ENVY Pikeur’s latest Athleisure competition jacket is made of a technical jersey fabric with a laser cut back section and a mesh lining for maximum breathability, and the ‘perforated’ look continuing in the details. Importer Shaws Equestrian tells us they have sold out of this stunning Jade colour but there may be a few left at retailers!
6 SHOW YOUR DEPTH Breeches from Cavaleros utilise technically advanced, highquality compression fabrics which will help the rider battle muscle soreness and aid in recovery. This rich Bordeaux colour adds a chic touch.
7 FLATTERING TONES Don’t fancy dark breeches but would like something
LOOKS FROM THE WINTERS
a bit more flattering than white? The Ventus riding tights from Premier Equine are available in taupe as well as black and are crafted from a technical four-way stretch fabric for flexibility, breathability and wicking properties.
8 MAKE A STATEMENT Want to really make a statement ? Ledmore Diamante
breeches from Coldstream are available in white, a pearl grey and amber, and have a silicone knee grip. The breeches are innovatively developed from recycled plastic bottles, offer a 50+ UV block protective guard and are water resistant. They are detailed with luxury diamantes and have jeans-style rear patch pockets.
An all-navy look in the lap of honour.
Hunter green – classic but a bit different, sets off the horse’s colour beautifully.
Elegant grey... down to the toning saddle pad.
DRESSAGE CLOTHING
EQUICLASS BOOTS offers a range of luxury boots which are timeless and elegant. Opt for a classic style or design-yourown unique boots from a large selection of leathers. Made-to-measure or a large range of standard sizing options available. Handmade in Italy, these boots are as high in quality as they are beautiful.
RRP: from £494.58 | equiclass.co.uk
FLEX FAUX
LEATHER SEAT FOR BREECHES
Riders choosing Pikeur’s McCrown seat for their breeches rather than the silicone-applied style will be thrilled to hear about the new, stretchy version of the vegan suede seat. The new Flex Faux Leather (FFL) material has the perfect amount of stretch, gives superb grip; and is already available in the high-waisted new Candela style.
RRP: £189.95 | pikeur-eskadron.com
ARDEN LADIES BREECHES are made from a four-way stretch woven fabric that is lightweight and supportive. A full silicone seat gives you extra security when you need it, and the water-repellent coating keeps you dry if you get caught out in a shower. Finished with reflective branding and stretch ankle panels.
RRP: £89.99 Toggi.com
HORZEHOODS WHITE NAVY SEAT COMPETITION
LEGGINGS are made from a quick dry, breathable, 360deg stretch fabric with a high waist, belt loops and one close contact pocket. Horzehoods are certainly trending in the competition circuit as a hot favourite amongst amateurs and professionals alike. High grade fabrics, tailored fits, and innovative designs. The legging range is made from super bounce fabric technology fibres; uniquely crafted to offer a ‘butter soft’ feel and premium panelling for ultimate fit.
RRP: from £64.99 | horzehoods.com
THE OLIVIA SHORT SLEEVE SHOW SHIRT from LeMieux provides the perfect blend of elegance and performance with super soft stretch fabric. An invisible front zip closure keeps the shirt sleek and the intricate diamante detailing adds just the right amount of sparkle A delicate, laser-cut lace sleeve and back detail provides subtle beauty while also allowing airflow through the shirt to regulate heat and moisture. Finished with a white show collar with LeMieux stud detail. Available in white, mist and navy in sizes 6 to 18.
RRP: £44.95 | lemieux.com
THE NEW DYNAMIQUE SHOW JACKET from LeMieux has been designed with your competition performance in mind. Vented side panels and sports mesh lining to the front provide the ultimate breathability, combined with superior stretch and recovery so that the rider is unrestricted and free to move. Subtle beaded trims on pocket edges and back belt panel add a touch of luxury sparkle and create a flattering silhouette and stylish appearance. Fastened with a front zip and custom LeMieux press stud for stunning practicality, this show jacket is a must-have for all competition riders. Available in navy, black and graphite and in sizes 6 to 18.
RRP: £189.95 | lemieux.com
EQUILINE EFISA WOMEN’S JACKET is an unlined competition jacket, which is air jacket compatible. Double front fastening with a zip and press studs ensures the jacket closes perfectly for an enhanced silhouette. Micro-perforated fabric inserts under the sleeves and on the hips ensure greater breathability. Available in sizes 6 to 14 in colours ‘green milieu’ and ‘urban chic’.
RRP: £460 | royalequestrian.co.uk
HARRY HALL SOFTSHELL JACKET is a multi-purpose and extremely versatile mid-layer, ideal for use when training, riding, or when a lighter weight jacket is required to keep off the chill. A sleek, flattering design made from lightweight technical softshell material with a shower-resistant finish and soft micro fleece lining for added comfort and warmth. Easy to care for, simply wipe clean when possible and machine wash when required. Available in dark navy.
RRP: £69.95 | harryhall.com
THE SAMSHIELD
VICTORINE PREMIUM
COMPETITION JACKET is a must-have for the summer, available in new limited edition colours! The innovative fabric is light and breathable with a fourway stretch lining for second skin feel, whilst offering ultimate freedom of movement. Easy care, machine washable.
RRP: £429 royalequestrian.co.uk
CECILE SHORT DRESSAGE COAT
A very sophisticated short dressage coat made from super-elastic, very lightweight and breathable softshell, with Airmesh under the arms. Dressage coat points, shaped rear waist belt and collar all trimmed with diamante braid. Colours: night blue or black. Sizes: 4 to 20, long fittings also available.
RRP: £289.95 | pikeur-eskadron.com
CATAGO NICE COMPETITION SHIRT features a high neck, short sleeves and a zip adorned with caviar crystals which add the perfect amount of understated sparkle. Available in classic white and fashion colours, sandshell and faded forest.
RRP: from £49.99 | Visit your local stockist
Best foot >>FORWARD
Good hoof care for young horses will set them up for life, Emma Penny reports.
Managing your young horse’s feet like your car might seem a strange analogy, but it’s one which British Equestrian’s farrier Ben Benson (pictured below) says is worth sticking to. As a Master Farrier and head farrier at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he has worked with performance horses throughout his career and has seen the long-term benefits of good foot management from the outset.
“Be proactive rather than reactive, and make sure you are on top of everything – just like getting a car serviced at the manufacturer’s recommended mileage intervals, rather than when there’s smoke billowing out.” Cars which are well looked-after and regularly serviced generally last far longer and run with fewer problems – much like horses, he believes.
worth. Where toes are over-long, every centimetre over the ideal is equivalent to 50kg of additional weight on the horse’s back.
“A lot of people let young horse’s feet grow too much. They chuck them out in fields, and think that as they aren’t doing anything it doesn’t matter. Then the farrier is expected to deal with a feral youngster with poor foot balance. Foot care from an early age is critical – it saves a lot of problems.”
The requirement to be proactive increases when horses are younger, says Ben. “It is far more valuable to trim a young horse’s feet before any problems occur – make sure they don’t get to the point where it looks like they need trimming.”
The average healthy hoof grows by a paper’s-width (the thickness of this page) every day, he says. “Within five or six weeks, feet can have grown by as much as a magazine-
Where possible, young horses should be walked up for the farrier, and he says they must be taught to stand properly and with their legs held up. “There is nothing worse than uneducated young horses - sometimes the only time a young horse’s feet have been picked up is by the farrier. They should be trained and be comfortable with this before we visit.”
When horses start work, it is a good idea to have the vet and farrier on site at the same time watching the horse move, something which should be repeated annually. “Seeing a horse before any problem occurs is great for the vet/farrier relationship and makes working together and communicating much easier.”
He also advocates getting annual x-rays taken of all four feet – before any problems occur. “It is an amazing way of
PICTURED
The aim must always be to ensure a young horse’s foot balance and posture is the best it can be.
checking foot balance as you can’t check internal angles without them. Some vets now offer this as part of an annual package, and over time they build a great picture. You can see any changes, and they are objective rather than subjective.”
For all horses, and particularly those who are young and changing rapidly, taking consistent photos each month of each side of the horse plus front and back, and videos of it moving, can be useful. This can help highlight changes which can go un-noticed on a daily basis, and is useful reference material for the vet and farrier, especially when any issues may occur, he says.
For many people, one of the main decisions with a young horse will be whether to shoe or not. From backing to Elementary level, where there is little collection or lateral work required in tests, horses will often do well barefoot. However, this isn’t an ‘easy’ option, he warns. A barefoot sports horse is very different to a barefoot leisure horse, and may require much more regular but very subtle trimming.
“Every week the hoof will grow a little bit more out of balance, and the environment affects growth too, so if the horse is loading one foot more than the other, this will become exacerbated by the end of the cycle – whether barefoot or shod. If the horse is barefoot, it makes it more important to balance the foot regularly as the only option is to trim it.”
Shoeing can be a huge benefit helping with posture and stability, he says. “If a young horse has an issue such as a rotation or other conformation issue, shoeing gives the ability to do more about that. Any issue or instability will be highlighted once there is more collection involved –correctly fitted shoes can help reduce it.
“We would mainly put fronts on, but in some cases a horse might have better balance if they have hinds on too. Shoeing is about posture and helping horses with their stability – it’s providing a ‘mechanical advantage’, like a rider choosing a dressage saddle rather than a GP one.
Right top: Dressage horses can do very well barefoot but may require much more regular and subtle trimming.
Right: Young horses must be trained to be comfortable with having their feet picked up.
“Shoes can also give grip, which is important if you’re on a slippery yard or hacking out – they also make the hoof more robust. For barefoot horses, boots suit some horses but not others, and can only be worn for so long.”
The surface a horse will be working on, and its conformation, will usually dictate the type of shoe.
CASE STUDY – WHITE HILL STUD
For international dressage rider and trainer Jess Dunn, based at Lancashire’s White Hill Stud, the key to young horse hoof care is regular farrier checks, keeping things simple, and doing what is best for each individual horse.
White Hill Stud’s farrier visits every three weeks, so every horse – from foals upwards – will never go more than six weeks without being seen by him. “It’s such an important thing, and is often neglected by people. I have seen horses which have had hoof issues which could easily have been fixed when they were very young but it wasn’t done.”
Recently, stud owner Jennifer Whittaker has adopted a policy of x-raying the feet of home-bred horses when they are started, explains Jess. “It’s something people do when buying horses, but with home-breds we would usually just get going with them. However, we decided it would be a good idea to start doing this, and so we can discuss anything with our vet and farrier. It was really refreshing to see that all five we looked at were fine.”
Most horses at White Hill Stud are barefoot for as long as possible, until they are at least five. “I want them to be in their own natural balance and footfall, and our vet thinks this will benefit their soundness long-term. My own horse is still barefoot and has brilliant feet.
“I like to keep things simple. I won’t shoe just for the sake of it, and it also helps that all our hacking is off-road. However, they will have shoes if it looks like they need it, and it very much depends on the horse. I have one young mare who has a set of fronts on as she has quite poor quality white feet and a slightly turned in toe, and she has benefitted from being shod.”
PICTURED
Left: Any issue or instability will be highlighted once there is more collection involved in the work.
“Where a horse is hacking on tarmac it will need enough grip, so a concave shoe might suit it best, perhaps with road pins. It will need a shoe that gives it enough confidence to tackle any surface. If you’re in a school at all times or on tracks, a flatter shoe might be enough.”
Whatever is chosen – barefoot or shod – Ben says the aim must always be to ensure a young horse’s foot balance and posture is the best it can be. “In engineering terms, there is potential for a lot of compound error – not getting the foot balance right in a youngster will really show up by the time they are, say eight to 14 years old.
“Compromised feet will always compromise a horse’s stability. Cutting corners with car maintenance always leads to other problems and it’s the same with young horses and their feet – it will only increase vet bills in the long term and impact the horse’s career.”
HOOF CARE
ANIMALINTEX HOOF TREATMENT xis suitable for rapid treatment of foot conditions Animalintex hoof treatment is the only VMD-licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK. Highly absorbent, it can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including abscesses, a bruised sole, and for the effective removal of thorns. Animalintex contains the active ingredient boric acid and tragacanth, a natural poulticing agent.
RRP: from £6 | robinsonanimalhealthcare.com
NUTRAHOOF is a high strength natural hoof supplement for horses with weak, cracked and brittle hooves. Formulated to pharmaceutical grade standards, it contains high levels of biotin and other natural ingredients to help improve hoof elasticity, reduce inflammation, accelerate hoof healing, growth and build strong healthy hoofs. Nutrahoof can be sprinkled onto or into your horse’s usual food.
RRP: from £56.99 | nutravet.co.uk
HORSLYX HOOF PACKAGE has six different Horslyx balancers available, each contains specific extra ingredients to address different requirements. All Horslyx balancers contain the fundamental B vitamin biotin to promote and maintain the growth of healthy hooves.
RRP: from £17.48 | horslyx.com
HEALTHY HOOVES here at NAF we work with leading farriers who have helped develop the Profeet brand to provide both internal and external support. Target hoof growth and tensile strength on the inside and help protect against the wet/dry cycle and environmental threats on the outside.
RRP: from £35 for 3kg | coligone.co.uk
HOOF FIRST is a high strength formula containing 40mg Biotin per serving, plus all the essential vitamins and minerals to produce a strong, healthy hoof with continuous growth. Hoof First grows hooves which are better for your farrier to work with, and fights problems such as thin soles and cracked, chipped or weak hooves which contribute to lost shoes. A 2kg tub lasts 80 days.
RRP: £56.95 for 2kg | horsefirst.net
ABSORBINE HOOFLEX ORIGINAL LIQUID CONDITIONER trusted by farriers for over 70 years, this unique formula contains nine beneficial ingredients to help maintain the pliability of the entire hoof by providing conditioners necessary for proper moisture balance. Regular use of Hooflex will keep the frog, sole, heel, and coronary band flexible, healthy, and resistant to cracking or infection.
RRP: £22.17 for 444ml bottle with brush absorbine.co.uk
HOOF GROWTH is high in biotin delivering 35.1mg per serving (18g). Combines with the amino acids L-Methionine, Threonine and L-Lysine to help restore health and strength of the hoof wall. Also contains Vitamin C, an important nutrient for a strong, healthy network of collagen fibres.
RRP: from £39 | xquinexceed.com
COLIHOOF is a unique gastro-hoof formulation that helps ensure maximum nutrition for horse’s hooves through improved digestive function. This supplement is packed with calcium, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients to support optimum hoof care. ColiHOOF also contains 50% Coligone, which works throughout the digestive tract using active natural ingredients to help support digestive health and aid optimum digestion of the hoof supplement ingredients.
RRP: from £35 for 3kg | coligone.co.uk
2 3 4
STABILITY
PART 2
A stable seat
After exploring the foundations of stability last issue, Andrea Oakes looks at putting theory into practice in the saddle – with four fascinating exercises to try.
It’s a truth about dressage that the better the riding, the easier it looks. A beautifully balanced and stable rider appears to absorb a horse’s movement without effort, yet so many things can affect our ability to maintain the level of relaxation needed to achieve this.
Issues that undermine rider stability include pelvic asymmetry, an insecure lower leg, holding our breath and muscle tension caused by nerves. To help identify and address some of these, advanced dressage rider and qualified personal trainer Nickie Maddaford outlines some simple yet effective in-saddle exercises…
ISSUE
1:
INSTABILITY
IN
THE LOWER LEG
“Instability in the rider’s lower leg affects the hip, back and core,” says Nickie. “Working to secure and control the lower leg often improves overall balance and stability in the saddle.”
EXERCISE: Rise to the challenge
“Challenge yourself at trot: instead of the usual up-anddown pattern of rising and sitting
on alternate strides, try riding ‘up, up, down’ – staying in the air for two beats rather than one.
“Riders who lack stability and effectiveness in the leg invariably find themselves riding ‘down, down, up’, or the ‘down’ is heavier than it is during usual rising trot because of this change from the norm. In this case, try thinking ‘up, up, touch’, so you just touch the
saddle with your seat.
“The exercise takes lots of concentration at first but becomes easier with practice and increased balance and stability. Once it is established, try rising for five strides and then sitting for five. As your stability improves, you’ll become more relaxed. Your horse will work more easily and his legs will begin to move
rhythmically, like a metronome, as he starts to relax over his back and neck.”
ISSUE 2: OVERTHINKING
“The right side of our brain controls feel,” says Nickie, explaining that this invisible communication with a horse is what creates a harmonious picture. “People who primarily use the left side of their brain to ride tend to over-think and analyse what their horses are doing, or might do, rather than just feeling.”
EXERCISE: Make it count “Try counting as you ride, because counting keeps the left (analytical) side of the brain busy. This will allow you to ride from the right (feel) side, using your natural instincts. It’s common to hold your breath when you’re tense, unsure or actually analysing something, which makes your muscles stiff. By counting, you’ll take in lots of air; air intake brings oxygen to the muscles and this will help you relax.
PICTURED
People who use the left side of their brain to ride tend to over-think.
Challenge yourself at trot...
“Counting in sets of five will give you enough time to think, but not so much that you become bored. In sitting trot, for example, count when the horse’s outside foreleg hits the ground, one, two, three, four, five, deepening your seat every time that leg hits the ground. Practise until you can count out loud in a nice rhythm, breathing easily.”
ISSUE 3: HEAVY OR UNEVEN HANDS
“Your hands are a good indicator of how balanced and stable you are as a rider,” Nickie explains. “You may have ‘busy’ hands, or an overly strong or unsteady contact in one or both reins. Perhaps you’re repeatedly told by your trainer to keep your thumbs on top or a particular hand still, or to allow your hands forward.”
EXERCISE: Stick with it
“A great sense check to see whether or not you’re using the reins to help your balance and stability is to hold a short whip, horizontally, under your thumbs. When hands are light, still and working correctly as a pair, the rider has to fully engage the stabilising muscles in their core. By holding a whip in this way, your grip on the reins will become lighter and with this your entire upper body muscle tension will release. This will allow your core and stabilising muscles to activate, which in turn improves your lower leg stability.
“See how this exercise affects how you and your horse work on both reins, in all paces.”
ISSUE 4: HIP FLEXOR PROBLEMS
Many riders have tight and/or weak hip flexors,” says Nickie, referring to the muscles along the front of the upper thigh. “If your hip flexors are tight, your lower leg will try to compensate for incorrect alignment throughout your entire leg. As you struggle to follow your horse’s movement, the lower leg will move more in an attempt to keep you in balance – which in turn affects how your horse can use his body and therefore his paces, balance and stability.
“Tight hip flexors can create a stiffening of the key back muscles
responsible for stabilisation of the rider’s pelvis and spine,” she adds. “We mentioned last issue that pelvic asymmetry, often caused by one leg being longer than the other, is a contributing factor for tight hip flexors. Any lack of symmetry in the rider’s pelvis can affect how a horse performs.”
EXERCISE: Leg lift-away
“Activating and developing strength and flexibility in the hips can really improve your lower leg position. Where it’s safe to do so, take both feet out of the stirrups. This exercise can be done with stirrups, but it’s more telling without.
“Keeping your leg in correct alignment with heels down and toes forward, slowly lift one leg out to the side, away
NEXT ISSUE: Rider symmetry in the spotlight.
from the saddle, holding this for 3-5 seconds before bringing it back into position slowly and with control. Keep correct riding posture throughout, taking care not to hunch your shoulders, round your back or lean to one side. Now do the same with the other leg to establish if you’re tighter on one side than the other.
“Then try lifting both legs away together, feeling any difference in your hip flexibility. If you do detect an issue, think about how this correlates to your horse’s way of going on each rein. A qualified personal trainer should be able to identify causes and suggest offthe-horse exercises to try.”
www.nickiemaddafordequestrian.co.uk
REGIONAL UPDATES
JUDGE TRAINING
For 2024 Annual CPD for judges, from 1 April 2024 onwards, judges must attend a FULL formal training day from the options below only. Judges are required to attend training at a relevant level and have until 1 April 2025 to fulfil this full-day training requirement.
• Black Horse One Online Seminar
• Module 4 Live Training*
• Principles of Dressage Seminar
*A half Module 4 day can be attended alongside an online collectives training or online freestyle training (due to launch in the coming months) to fulfil the full-day requirement. Two separate half Module 4 days can be used to fulfil the fullday requirement.
Small sitting-in training sessions across the regions can be used towards one sitting-in sign off for judges registered for the new system. Judges can also attend these for their own development but are not permitted to use this towards CPD requirements.
General Zoom judge training sessions can be attended for development but are not permitted to be used towards annual CPD.
Anyone not able to complete this is advised to refer to the reinstatement of judges policy on the website, and those unable to
REGIONAL TRAINING
fulfil this requirement must write to officials@britishdressage.co.uk.
Judges are reminded that they should be up to date with CPD before they judge.
Online seminars with the eDressage platform Black Horse
One are available for all judges including trainees. Please ensure that you register for the relevant seminar at either your current level or the level you are looking to upgrade to.
ONLINE SEMINARS
These seminars are available to book through Horse Monkey. Please filter your search to ‘British Dressage Judges’ to find the booking page. To apply to become Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/ how_to_become_a_judge.
Please visit the Judge Horse Monkey page via the QR code where you’ll find all judge-related booking links including trainee judge registration, music paper booking, the judge listing form and Zoom training sessions.
To find details of regional training, including clinics, test riding, social activities, demos and much more, simply open the camera on your device and scan the codes opposite. Alternatively, visit the BD website, find your region and head to the regional training page via your web browser.
SOUTH & EAST
DO: Katharine Perry and Sharon Walker
M: 07872 603871 (Katharine)
M: 07894 232358 (Sharon)
E: southandeast@britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Pam Bushell 07801 252780
Vice Chairman: Mathieu Smith 07481 295713
Coaching: Teresa Edmonds 07957 785929
Rachel Wright 07816 235441
Rider training: Nicola Preston 07984 642291
Jodie Smith 07957 155330
BD Youth: Jessica Brown 07852 282983
Ben Grose 07732 435528
Karen Dance 07747 001494
Judges: Fiona Wilson 07803 263983
Para: Rachel Collins 07855 251514
Marketing: Craig Messenger 07591 202175
Nikki Goldup 07769 896734
SOUTH & WEST
DO: Amanda Rodgers
M: 07894 232355
E: southandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Carrie Payne 07421 022700
Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562
Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955
Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955
BD Youth: Tina Burrow 07967 912785
Clare Deithrick 07446 265843
Judges: Sophie Dickinson 07881 826052
Sara-Jane Lanning 07881 910690
Para: Mark Cunli e 07717 727147
Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700
Paula Holland 07748 666794
NORTH & WEST
DO: Nikki Birt
M: 07495 013192
E: northandwest@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Jane Critchley 07966 865604
Coaching: Alison Calvert 07980 886004
Rider training (North of the Region):
Lucy Warbrick 07508 028666
Rider training (South of the Region):
Natalie Robinson 07971 555975
BD Youth: Kate Tomlinson 07770 803115
Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633
Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766
Richard Baldwin 07903 942498
Para: Diane Fisher 07477 604178
Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176
NORTH & EAST
DO: Jo Byrne
M: 07783 791191
E: northandeast@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148
Coaching: Gwyneth Lewis 07710 021279
Jenny Folman 07909 547156
Rider training: Rachel Longworth 07863 970192
Alison Timmins 07867 304327
BD Youth: Jess Carr 07590 732896
Charlotte Clark 07868 344617
Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864
Para: Vicky Earnshaw 07919 684181
Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360
Marketing (Social Media): Rebecca Wilson 07585 937488
SCOTLAND
DO: Ashley Stewart M: 07584 147258
E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211
Coaching: Michael Whippey 07870 542349
Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039
BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248
Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132
Para: Emma Douglas 07707 657217
Marketing: Sam Turpitt 07801 428333
WALES
DO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414
E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk
Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315
Coaching: Nina Boex 07966 032090
Rider training (North Wales): Helen Hopewell 07971 490038
Rider Training (South Wales): Bethan Powell 07545 082247
BD Youth (North Wales): Anna Roberts 07786 674893
BD Youth (South Wales): Briony Cutler 07889 817609
Quest: Emma Thompson-Warren 07747 611274
Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953
Para: Donna Rooney 07969 747817
Marketing: Under recruitment
BD ACTION
BD YOUTH FOUNDATION ACADEMIES 2024
Applications for the 2024 Foundation Academies opened on 01 May 2024. If you’re a B, B+ or A Squad rider who has attended squad assessments between 01 December and Inter-Regional cutoff date and meet the minimum performance standard of 66% at Elementary level (or equivalent performance at age-appropriate levels on young horses aged 7 or under), you may be eligible to apply for the Foundation Academy programme.
Selected riders will receive coaching and performance development sessions, both mounted and unmounted, over the two two-day camps running through autumn/winter. The 2024 camps will be held at Vale View Equestrian (Leicestershire) and Parwood Equestrian Centre (Surrey), and will include sessions such as: performance profiling, nutrition, rider strength and conditioning, lecture demos with industry professionals, inspirational talks, and ridden coaching and test riding. All information can be found on britishdressage. co.uk/get-involved/bd-youth/ youth-academies. If you have any questions about the 2024 entry criteria, please contact Hannah James, Development Pathways Supervisor, at hannah. james@britishdressage.co.uk. Applications are open until 01 August 2024.
STEWARD RETIREMENTS
Christine Porterfield (National Level 4, FEI Level 3 and Steward
Educator and Assessor) and Jill Chambers (National Level 3 and FEI Level 1) have recently retired from both FEI and National Stewarding. British Dressage would like to thank Christine and Jill for their immense involvement and support over the years and we wish them all the best for the future.
JUDGE RETIREMENTS
Angela Cardiff (List 4) from the South & West region, and Fiona Lowrey (List 5) and Glynis Middleton (List 5), both from the North & East region, have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Angela, Fiona and Glynis for their contribution and support over the years and we wish them all the best for the future.
MARY ROBLEY
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mary Robley, a List 2 Judge from Hampshire, has passed away at the age of 87. We offer our sincerest condolences to Mary’s family and friends.
EQUISSAGE
PULSE PARA WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS CORRECTION
Please note that within the Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships report, published in issue 3 2024, the results of the Freestyle Silver Championships are as below, not as previously printed.
Grade II Lacey O’Hara and Blue Diamond 67.50%
Grade III Jan Cummings and Rhonderful Dorrells 69.72%
Grade IV Lesley McNaughtonWells and Roandale Saxon 71.72%.
Keep up-to-date with the latest notices, news and views from British Dressage at britishdressage.co.uk
KEY DATES
24 May Somerford High Profile Show, Cheshire
24-26 May Somerford Premier League, Cheshire
04-09 Jun Wellington Premier League, Hampshire
04-11 Jun TBC Wellington CDI3*/1* and CPEDI3*, Hampshire
20-23 Jun Vale View Premier League, Leicestershire
27-29 Jun Para Home Nations, Arena UK, Lincolnshire
29-30 Jun BD Youth Inter Regionals, Arena UK, Lincolnshire
02-07 Jul Hartpury Festival of Dressage, Gloucestershire, incorporatingCDI3*,CPEDI3*,KBISYoungPony Championships,KBISYoungHorseSemi-Finalsand PremierLeague
16-18 Jul Summer Regionals, Kelsall Hill, Cheshire
16-21 Jul FEI Young Rider & U25 European Championships, St Margarethen, Austria
19-21 Jul Summer Regionals, Parwood EC, Surrey
23-25 Jul Summer Regionals, Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Buckinghamshire
25-28 Jul FEI Junior and Children on Horses European Championships, Sentower Park, Belgium
25-28 Jul FEI Pony European Championships, Sentower Park, Belgium
26 Jul KBIS Young Horse Semi-Finals, Northallerton EC, North Yorkshire
26-29 Jul Summer Regionals, Northallerton EC, North Yorkshire
27 Jul-04 Aug Olympic Games, Paris
30 Jul-01 Aug Summer Regionals, Hartpury University & College, Gloucestershire
02-04 Aug BD Youth Home Nations, Mount Ballan, Monmouthshire
09-11 Aug Summer Regionals, Bicton Arena, Devon
10-11 Aug Summer Regionals, SNEC, West Lothian
19-24 Aug BD Youth Under 25s Championships, Sheepgate Equestrian, Lincolnshire
21-22 Aug Equissage Pulse Para Bronze & Silver Championships and Gold Semi-Final, Hartpury, Gloucestershire
22-24 Aug Bury Farm High Profile Show, Buckinghamshire
30 Aug-01 Sep Senior Home Nations, Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire
02-07 Sep Paralympic Games, Paris
A comprehensive list of major dates including Petplan Summer Area Festivals can be found online at britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/international-and-major-dates
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365 COMPLETE
365 Complete is a superb high spec balancer that goes far beyond normal vitamin and mineral products. 365 Complete includes every vitamin and mineral a horse needs and these minerals unlike many products are provided in chelated form which makes them far more absorbable. 365 Complete also includes pre and pro-biotics (gut health), MSM (joints, skin, breathing etc) and biotin (feet). 365 Complete helps keep horses in peak condition, the spec on 365 Complete is unsurpassed and yet it is still much cheaper than well known balancers. “I am not one usually to write about products, but as a HUGE sceptic before I tried it, I just had to drop you a line about 365 Complete. I cannot believe the difference in my 5yo in the short time I have been feeding him 365 Complete, his coat is gleaming, he's so relaxed and content and he is bristling with good health!!” Annie Holbeche
FORTHCOMING EVENTS 1 SEPTEMBER – 15 OCTOBER 2024
Venue County
SUN 1 SEP
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Somerset
Yorkshire Riding Centre (P-AM) North Yorkshire
Reaseheath College (I-GP) Cheshire
Aike Grange Stud (I-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Hartpury University & Hartpury College (I-AM) Gloucestershire
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Hampshire
Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Borders Dumfries Dressage (I-AM)+FS Dumfries & Galloway
Tall Trees Arena (I-GP)+FS Cornwall
Vale View Equestrian (I-INTII) Leicestershire
West Park Equestrian Services (I-AM) Durham
MON 2 SEP
Severnvale Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Monmouthshire
TUE 3 SEP
Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Leicestershire
Felbridge Showground (I-GP) West Sussex
Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire
Bromyard Equestrian (P-PYO FEI) Herefordshire
Caron Roberts Equestrian (P-AM) Wiltshire
WED 4 SEP
Topthorn Arena (I-GP) Suffolk South View Competition & Training Centre (I-AM) Cheshire
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (I-AM)+FS North Yorkshire
Hunters Equestrian (I-GP)+FS Gloucestershire
West Park Equestrian Services (P-AM)+FS Durham Crow Wood Equestrian (P-M) Lancashire
THU 5 SEP
Dressage at Belmoredean (I-GP) West Sussex
Chard Equestrian Ltd (I-GP)+FS Somerset Field House Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Derbyshire
Half Moon Stud (P-PSG) Dorset
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
THU 5 - FRI 6 SEP
Sheepgate Equestrian (I-GP)+FS Lincolnshire
FRI 6 SEP
Brook Farm Training Centre (I-GP) Essex Bicton Arena (I-GP)+FS Devon
Please refer to the BD Schedules webpage for the most upto-date schedule information. Visit the ‘International & Major Dates’ webpage to see a complete list of 2024 Major Dates. Venue
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS+PE North Yorkshire
FRI 6 - SAT 7 SEP
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-GP) Worcestershire
FRI 6 - SUN 8 SEP
Scottish Championships @ Rockrose Equestrian Centre East Lothian
SAT 7 SEP
Bishop Burton College (I-GP)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Moulton College Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Northamptonshire
Bridgend College (I-AM) Bridgend
Speedgate Events (I-GP)+FS Kent
Port Royal Equestrian & Exhibition Centre (I-GP)+FS North Yorkshire
South Staffordshire College (I-GP)+FS Staffordshire
Burrows Court Farm (I-GP) Gloucestershire
The College Of West Anglia (P-INTII) Cambridgeshire
Quob Stables (P-GP) Hampshire
Amersham Dressage (P-E)+FS Buckinghamshire
SAT 28 - SUN 29 SEP
Duchy College Autumn Dressage Festival (I-GP) Cornwall
Bromyard Equestrian (I-GP)+FS Herefordshire
Morris Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS East Ayrshire
SUN 29 SEP
Chapelton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Highl&
Brook Farm Training Centre (I-GP)+FS Essex
Hartpury University & Hartpury College (I-AM) Gloucestershire
Queach Farm Stables (I-AM) Suffolk
Cockshot (I-GP) Cheshire
Kingston Maurward College (I-GP)+FS Dorset
Pachesham Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+FS Surrey
Lime Kiln Farm (I-GP)+FS Norfolk
Yorkshire Dressage (P-INTI) South Yorkshire
Hargate Arena (P-E)+FS Derbyshire
TUE 1 OCT
Bromyard Equestrian (I-GP) Herefordshire
Aike Grange Stud (I-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Felbridge Showground (I-GP) West Sussex
WED 2 OCT
Topthorn Arena (I-GP) Suffolk THU 3 OCT
Silver Leys Equestrian (I-GP)+FS+PE Hertfordshire
FRI 4 - SAT 5 OCT
Allens Hill Competition & Livery Centre (P-GP) Worcestershire SAT 5 OCT
Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Somerset
Lluest Equine Centre (I-GP) Ceredigion
The Grange Equestrian Centre (I-GP)+FS Devon
Foxes Riding School (I-E) Cheshire
Checkendon Equestrian Centre (P-M) Berkshire SAT 5 - SUN 6 OCT
Swallowfield Equestrian (I-AM)+FS Warwickshire
Myerscough College (P-A)+FS Lancashire
SUN 6 OCT
Yorkshire Riding Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire
Silver Leys Equestrian (I-GP)+FS+PE Hertfordshire
Marian Bach (P-AM) Flintshire
Myerscough College PE Lancashire
MON 7 OCT
Severnvale Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Monmouthshire TUE 8 OCT
Caron Roberts Equestrian (P-AM) Wiltshire WED 9 OCT
Alnwick Ford Equestrian (I-GP)+FS Northumberl& Hargate Arena (I-E) Derbyshire
THU 10 OCT
Parwood Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Surrey FRI 11 OCT
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS+PE North Yorkshire
SAT 12 OCT
Rockrose Equestrian Sports Centre (I-GP) East Lothian South Staffordshire College (I-GP)+FS Staffordshire Topthorn Arena (I-GP) Suffolk Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre (I-AM)+PE Isle of Man
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre (P-GP) Warwickshire
SAT 12 - SUN 13 OCT
The Croft Equestrian Centre (P-GP)+FS Berkshire Hartpury University & Hartpury College (I-GP)+FS Gloucestershire
SUN 13 OCT
Northallerton Equestrian Centre (I-AM) North Yorkshire Aike Grange Stud (I-AM)+FS East Riding of Yorkshire
Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre (I-AM) Hampshire
Aster Academy Dressage (I-GP) Kent
Epworth Equestrian (I-AM) South Yorkshire TUE 15 OCT
Widmer Equestrian Centre (P-AM) Buckinghamshire
DRESSAGE LIFE MY
SPENCER WILTON
BEST MOMENT IN DRESSAGE SO FAR
Winning the 2007 National Champion title with Dolendo was a huge point in my life. The other was the day I was told I was selected for Rio. It, and the knock-on effect, changed my life. The whole experience from that day was one of the most amazing, enjoyable experiences of my life.
Spencer Wilton’s career so far has seen him represent Great Britain at elite level, most notably with Jen Goodman’s now-retired dressage star, Super Nova II. The pair was selected for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, winning team silver, the European Championships in 2017, then most recently the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon where they brought home team bronze. Spencer lives in the Cotswolds with husband and fellow dressage rider Darren Hicks.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF HORSES
Going for riding lessons at a riding school when I was three or four. I still remember to this day the first time I cantered. It was on a disused railway track, out hacking with my instructor. The pony accidentally went into canter, and we carried on!
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN GROWING UP?
I just remember, from a very early age, not contemplating doing anything other than horses!
THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON MY CAREER
Lucinda Green was my inspiration when I was eventing, then 28 years ago I met Carl (Hester) and he changed the course of my life. Without his support, generosity and wisdom I wouldn’t be where I am today.
life.
the day I was told I was selected
A SPECIAL HORSE
Super Nova. He’s so quirky and high maintenance, yet he has taken to being retired like he’d never done anything else! He warms my heart every time I go to see him at Jen’s. He’s out in the field with Zamboucca. They are partners in crime.
MY FAVOURITE DRESSAGE SHOW OR VENUE AND WHY
Our local venue, Hunters. Frank and Sue (Inglut), who’ve run it for 25 or more years, are the most wonderful people. It’s a super friendly venue with great surfaces and they’re so accommodating.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
Langan’s Brasserie in London as an occasional treat. It is out of this world. Locally, The Old Butchers in Stow-onthe-Wold.
DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS
The late Queen Elizabeth II and Sofia Vergara.
FAVOURITE BOOK
I really like factual books. Beyond the Taiga: Memoirs of a Survivor by Karol Colonna-Czosnowski is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
THE PLACE I FEEL HAPPIEST On the sofa at home with Darren watching TV.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN Maggie Jackman once gave me a
brightly coloured postcard. On the front, all it said was “be nice or leave”.
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT
In 2006, on my first FEI Nations Cup team. In the Grand Prix, I went up the centre line and turned right instead of left! Then in the Grand Prix Special, I turned left instead of right!
MY FAVOURITE SONG OR PIECE OF MUSIC
I’ve got really eclectic taste, though the music I end up listening to the most, not through choice, is Taylor Swift as Darren is a huge fan!
MY BEST HOLIDAY
I’ve had some really lovely holidays over the years, but Darren and I went to the Seychelles for our honeymoon which was an incredible experience and beautiful place.
MY FAVOURITE FILM AND TV SERIES
My favourite film that I never get tired of watching is Love Actually. My favourite TV series is Strictly Come Dancing.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN THE FILM OF YOUR LIFE?
Tom Hiddleston.
MY GUILTY PLEASURE
On the rare occasion that we can, a Sunday morning fry-up!
PETS IN MY LIFE
We have three dogs – two French Bulldogs, Percy and Penny, and a long-haired dachshund called Pippin.
