NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2022 programme

NAF Five Star

Winter Dressage

CHAMPIONSHIPS

13 - 17 April 2022 | Hartpury University & College, Gloucestershire

Championship Programme

“In my capacity as International Travelling Groom to Team Hester, it is crucial that I am able to trust the Supplements and Care Products that we use for the horses on a daily basis. NAF's commitment to Clean Sport ensures that we have the best possible products with us wherever we are in the world.

Our yard at home comprises not only Grand Prix horses that travel the world but also a number of up and coming young horses training across all levels.

Our horses are tested regularly both nationally and internationally and I never have any worries concerning the quality of any NAF products. Also the NAF Care products ensure that all our horses always stand out from the crowd which is so very important to me as a Professional Groom.”

Valegro loves

Watch Alan & Valegro’s tour of the NAF factory here:-

www.naf-equine.eu/uk/videos/22/valegro-visit

F I V E S TA R F O R T H E B E S T P E R F O R M A N C E W O R L D W I D E For more details please call our Nutritional Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

naf-equine.eu/uk

Sponsors’ welcome As title sponsor of the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2022, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to this wonderful venue that is Hartpury.

The Championships will showcase some of the finest horse and rider combinations in the country across the five days of competition and we are extremely proud to be able to support this show.

Our dedicated team will be on site for the duration of the Championships and please do feel free to visit our stand to discuss your horse’s requirements with them.

Whether you are a competitor, trainer, groom, owner or spectator, we hope that you have an enjoyable time at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships and we hope that you’ll be back next year too.

With best wishes, Richard Cleeve Chairman, NAF

Visit NAF

We would like to welcome all competitors and spectators to the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival Championships 2022 hosted here at Hartpury College by British Dressage and Show Direct.

We are very happy that the Area Festivals are now back to running as they should, and we will all be able to enjoy the new winter and summer season format to the full. The 2022 Winter Area Festivals attracted the most ever entries at Prelim Bronze level and this makes us particularly proud. The intention of the Area Festivals was always to encourage and inspire everyday riders to ‘give it a go’ – they are often surprised by what they can achieve.

Petplan Equine is extremely proud of its sponsorship of the Area Festivals with British Dressage, which began more than 20 years ago with a series much smaller than the competition we see today. The 2022 Winter season of eleven Area Festivals had more than 3,500 horse and rider combinations ride ‘up the centre line’ which bodes very well for the Summer series of 17 Area Festivals which will start in July.

Every single competitor riding in the Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships over the next five days has worked extremely hard to be here and we admire the dedication and commitment shown at all the levels. Good luck to all of you, enjoy the competition and do please share your photos and stories on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #PetplanFestivals Very best wishes

Visit PETPLAN

X-D2 K FREE

THE OUSTANDING DRESSAGE SADDLE

The new X-D2 K Free is dedicated to the modern sport horses, allowing them maximum shoulder freedom and an ideal fit. The new aesthetic combines with the technical innovation of the unisex tree and the new double-option for blocks, offering both perfect balance and great freedom of movements. A high performance saddle to stand out.

CEO welcome Welcome to our biggest dressage show, the NAF Five Star Winter Championships at Hartpury, back in its normal April slot for the first time in three years.

Thanks to an enormous team effort from our staff and organisers, Show Direct, working in collaboration with our sponsors, venue and officials, we still managed to run this bumper show under COVID restrictions during the summer months in the last two years, but it’s fantastic to finally be back with sponsors, trade stands and spectators all able to join us again on site.

As ever we’re extremely grateful for the generous support of NAF and Petplan, who make this five-day dressage extravaganza possible, as well as all of our class sponsors, who really help us to enhance the sense of occasion to make it a special experience for all competitors. Year on year, the Winter Regionals and ever-popular Area Festival series are high on the list of riders’ targets for the season, climaxing here at the Winter Championships – and we couldn’t do it without the significant contribution of our loyal and valued sponsors, so a huge thank you from all of us in British Dressage.

Over five busy days we’ll crown 44 champions, from Prelim to Inter I, in our straight, Freestyle and Area Festival classes, which demonstrates not only the size and scale of this event but also the diverse range of combinations in our sport, proving that our sport really offers something for everyone.

Instead of a single members’ meeting, this year we have decided to have more informal ‘drop in’ sessions on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for any members to come and ask questions or provide their feedback. So please do feel free to meet us in the main restaurant overlooking the indoor arena from 12.00 – 1.00pm on any of these days to speak to members of the senior management team. You’ll find us at the table next to the BD banner.

We will also be taking the opportunity at the Winter Championships to pay tribute to our two former Chairs, Linda Whetstone and Penny Pollard, who both made such an immense contribution to British Dressage over the years. It was incredibly sad to lose both of them within the space of just six weeks and not the start to the year we would have wanted. Please join us if you can in the main arena at around 3.30pm on Thursday 14 April when we will be paying our respects to these two wonderful ladies.

The Winter Championships always provides a great opportunity to celebrate members’ achievements, and after a record start to the year for BD this looks set to be a show to remember.

Whether you’re here as a competitor, owner, sponsor, official or supporter, I hope you have an enjoyable and successful show.

With best wishes,

Jason Brautigam Chief Executive, British Dressage

Show Organiser Kelvin Bywater

Veronica Morris Cliff Parry Martin Hopkins

Management Team Marine Delanoe Georgina Creamer Chris Radley Management Team & Presentations Caroline Arnold

Score Collection Lucy Atkins Emily Fudge Charlotte Birtwhistle Emily Price Jessica Moss

Show Services Ronnie Dawes

Chief Steward Dan Chapman

British Dressage representative Sara Green

Stewards Tessa Clarke Rita Young Jones Lynne Campbell Sian Bernard Mel Bailey Abi Howell

Show Secretary Sara Green Assistant Secretary Charlene Bryant

Commentators Gareth Jenkins Dino Maddern

Dressage Scorers Anna Francis Diane Miller Gloria Harrison Anne Dingley

Trade Stand Manager Caroline Arnold

British Dressage is partnered by:

Title sponsors of the Winter Chanpionships

Official legal partners and members’ helpline suppliers

Official partners in dressage technology

Title sponsors of the National Chanpionships

Official commercial partners and hay steaming suppliers

Official surface suppliers and Nationals Pavilion partners

Official Insurance partners

Live streaming partners

Officials Parking Mark Neudeck Martha Robinson CTIH Limited

Sponsor Liaison Maggie Jackman Judges Liaison Mandy Keen Judges Liaison Assistant Wendy Warren Hospitality Manager Ann Layland Hospitality suite Carina Walker Abi Vaughan Smith

Horsebox Parking Manager Chris Miskimmin Horsebox Parking Will Belami Dan Messer Kerry-Anne Miskimmin Night Security CTIH Limited

Stable Manager Piers Warmoth

Live Streaming Horse & Country

Stable Administration Nathan Farrell

Press office Winnie Murphy Joanna Bowns Camille Peters Alice Daish Lizzie Dodd

Stable Services Declan Perry Alice Spencer

Hoof Prints Official Show Photographer

Tele: 01933 418 884 | Mobile: 07909 683 764 Email: hoofprintsservices@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk

Covering all of your Equestrian Insurance Needs Breakdown Insurance

Event Cancellation

Insurance

Freelance Instructor Insurance

Groom Insurance

Horse Insurance

Horsebox Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance

Property Insurance

Show Insurance

Insurance

Tack

Trailer Insurance

Yard Insurance

10% OFF Horsebox, Property and Liability policies for BD members* Find the code in your Members Handbook

Get A Quote.

Contact us for a quote 0345 230 2323 | kbis.co.uk KBIS Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (300861) KBIS is a Specialist Risk Group Company. Standard terms, conditions and Underwriting criteria apply. *Full terms available at www.kbis.co.uk/membership-savings/

Thank yous & visitor information British Dressage would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship: A.W. Jenkinson

awjenkinson.co.uk

Premium quality dust extracted woodshavings

Baileys Horse Feeds

baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Experts in equine nutrition

Equitex

equitex.co

The worlds no. 1 saddle pad for equine back problems

Equi-Trek

equi-trek.com

Leaders in luxury horse transportation

NAF

naf-equine.eu

Range of advanced formulas for your horse’s health and wellbeing

Nupafeed Supplements

nupafeed.co.uk

All-natural calming, performance and care supplements

PDS Saddles

pdssaddlesuk.com

Petplan Equine

petplanequine.co.uk

prestigeitaly.com

Premium quality, dressage saddles and accessories for all riders

HorseHaylage

horsehaylage.co.uk

High quality dust free haylage

A leading specialist equestrian insurance provider since 1988

Horselight

horselight.co.uk

Prestige Italia

Specialist stable lighting

KBIS

Italian saddles and leatherwork

kbis.co.uk

UK’s leading independent horse insurance specialists SPILLERS® spillers-feeds.co.uk Manufacturer of quality horse feeds for over 50 years

LeMieux

lemieuxproducts.com

The finest equestrian products in the UK

Visitor info Bank There are no cash or banking facilities available on site.

First Aid If you require first aid, please enquire at the Secretary’s desk, located just inside the public entrance to the NAF Five Star Arena.

Lost children/lost property/telephone Please contact the Secretary, located just inside the public entrance to the NAF Five Star Arena.

Toilets Toilets are located as shown on the map at the centre of the programme including disabled facilities.

Photographs Photos of the Championship action can be purchased from Hoof Prints Photos www.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk or visit them in the indoor tradestands.

Dogs Dogs are welcome on site but must be on a lead at all times and kept under close supervision at all times. Please clean up any deposits they may leave!

Food and Drink There are outlets inside the NAF Five Star Arena as well as a coffee stand by the Petplan Equine warm up arena.

Scores Keep up with the scores online at www.bdchampionships.com

Wednesday 13 April

Times

Prize giving

NAF Five Star Arena Class 1 KBIS Preliminary Gold Winter Championship Class 2 Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold Championship Class 3 Magic Prix St Georges Gold Winter Championship Class 4 Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold Championship

07.50 - 10.27 10.37 - 13.17 13.27 - 16.43 16.53 - 19.43

11.52 14.15 17.53 19.53

Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 5 Equi-Trek Elementary Silver Winter Championship Class 31 Petplan Equine Medium Bronze Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 13.18 13.30 - 18.40

15.13 19.43

Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 32 Petplan Equine Medium Silver Area Festival Championship Class 33 Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Bronze Area Festival Championship Class 34 Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Silver Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 12.20 12.30 - 15.12 15.22 - 18.20

13.17 16.43 19.03

NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 6 Prestige Italia Novice Gold Winter Championship Class 7 Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver Championship Class 8 Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold Championship Class 9 PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold Championship

07.50 - 11.25 11.35 - 14.15 14.25 - 16.37 16.47 - 19.37

12.50 15.21 17.32 19.47

Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 35 Petplan Equine Intermediate I Bronze Area Festival Championship Class 10 Equitex Advanced Medium Silver Winter Championship Class 36 Petplan Equine Intermediate I Silver Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 10.40 10.50 - 15.35 15.45 - 18.25

11.25 16.37 19.37

Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 37 Petplan Equine Elementary Bronze Area Festival Championship Class 38 Petplan Equine Elementary Silver Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 13.00 13.10 - 18.10

14.15 18.57

NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 11 Equi-Trek Elementary Gold Winter Championship Class 12 Superflex Intermediate I Gold Winter Championship Class 13 Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver Championship

07.50 - 11.38 11.48 - 15.23 15.33 - 18.53

12.48 16.48 19.03

Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 14 Horselight Medium Silver Winter Championship Class 39 Petplan Equine Novice Silver Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 13.18 13.28 - 18.05

15.23 18.53

Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 40 Petplan Equine Novice Bronze Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 12.37 Class 41 Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Silver Area Festival Championship 12.47 - 17:47

13.58 18.28

Thursday 14 April

Friday 15 April

Timetable Saturday 16 April

Times

Prize giving

NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 15 KBIS Preliminary Silver Winter Championship Class 16 Equitex Advanced Medium Gold Winter Championship Class 17 Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold Class 18 Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver Championship

07.50 - 10.27 10.37 - 13.47 13.57 - 16.09 16.19 - 19.49

12.07 14.37 17.04 19.59

Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 42 Petplan Equine Preliminary Silver Area Festival Championship Class 43 Petplan Equine Elementary Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship Class 44 Petplan Equine Elementary Silver U21 Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 17.46 11.18 - 12.48 12.58 - 14.28

18.54 13.47 16.09

Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 19 Prestige Italia Novice Silver Winter Championship Class 45 Petplan Equine Preliminary Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship Class 46 Petplan Equine Preliminary Silver U21 Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 13.10 13.30 - 15.46 16.06 - 18.08

15.19 17.59 19.49

NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 20 PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver Championship Class 21 Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold Championship Class 22 Horselight Medium Gold Winter Championship

07.50 - 11.00 11.10 - 14.23 14.33 - 18.23

12.10 16.19 18.33

Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 47 Petplan Equine Preliminary Bronze Area Festival Championship Class 48 Petplan Equine Medium Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship Class 49 Petplan Equine Medium Silver U21 Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 17.28 11.18 - 13.12 13.22 - 14.10

18.23 14.23 15.21

Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 50 Petplan Equine Novice Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship Class 51 Petplan Equine Novice Silver U21 Area Festival Championship Class 52 Petplan Equine Adv. Medium Bronze Area Festival Championship

08.00 - 09.54 10.04 - 11.58 12.08 - 17.08

11.00 13.13 17.49

Sunday 17 April

All times are subject to amendment.

All in a day’s work Barbara Young meets some of the dedicated behind the scenes team at the NAF Five Star BD Winter Championships.

Sara Green

Show Secretary “I’ve been involved with the BD Winter Championships for well over 20 years, starting back in the 1990s when it was a much smaller affair held at Addington EC. It then expanded and moved to Solihull Riding Club where I was initially part of the scoring team before switching roles to help the secretary which then continued with the move to Hartpury.

As a competitor, I was a latecomer to affiliated dressage as I didn’t have my own horse until I was in my 30s. I bought a schoolmaster and did my first affiliated dressage competition at age 42 and, with the help of very patient trainers, took another horse from Prelim to PSG. However, I’m a much better organiser than rider, so that’s how I can best enjoy the sport.

I’ve worked with three show secretaries over the years and also been front of house. In 2020, when I had retired from full time employment, I was able to take on the whole role, including the entry process, which is effectively a full-time job in the weeks before the winter championships. The main challenges include being able to multi-task and flip from one aspect to another at the drop of a hat. The secretary’s office is an open area, so the ability to work efficiently in that environment is very important.

Accepting that interruptions are a fact of life, being able to cope with those and then get back to what I was doing before, while at the same time being methodical, flexibility is also key. The team that organiser Kelvin Bywater has built up over the years work together well and know how each particular cog in this very complex wheel can perform their role.

What’s my favourite part of these championships? I’m tempted to say the officials’ dinners – Kelvin feeds us well – but really it’s the people, especially the riders, and they are why I do this.

Even if someone hasn’t won a rosette; if they feel that they have fulfilled a personal achievement at the Championships and show that pleasure, it’s wonderful to see. To know that I have helped them achieve their aim gives great satisfaction.”

Debbie Wardle

List 1 Judge

Following a career in Human Resources, List 1 judge Debbie Wardle attended Moulton College and Brampton Stables qualifying as a BHSAI. In 2000 while living in Warwickshire, Debbie began judging alongside competing her young horses and progressed up the levels before upgrading to List 1 in 2018.

“I have been lucky enough to judge at the BD Winter Championships for the past 15 years and in recent years the BD National Championships in the autumn too and one of the things I’ve noticed is how much the standard of competitors in the Area Festival classes is ever improving.

As a judge at the championships, the main challenge is to maintain concentration throughout the sometimes long days of more than one class. You want to give every competitor the full attention they deserve as it is a real achievement to get to the Winters, and it matters.

For me a typical day would be to get up at 5am for a 6am departure from my Cotswold home to Hartpury, ready to meet my writer and fellow judges in good time; for example, the Prelim Gold Championships on Wednesday starts at 7.50am. Late morning will be spent reviewing the class results with my fellow judges, before some ‘fun’ free time catching up with other friends and colleagues, followed by a bite of lunch. Mid-afternoon on the first day, I’ll be heading outside to judge the Area Festival Prix St Georges Silver class until 18.20pm, before another results review, and then back late for dinner. I invariably end up studying my results again, late into the evening!

I always enjoy the huge variety of competitors and classes, and the opportunity to give the high marks out for top quality combinations; the best in the country, well trained and well presented. Nothing better! My favourite aspect of the show is the inclusive nature and scale of the championships, with every shape and size, and the fact that the show runs as a slick, well-oiled machine!

To competitors I would say breathe and enjoy as you have done well to get here and a mistake in one movement is only one mark, and won’t mar the whole test! Remember, the judges want you to do well, and want to give you good marks.”

Proud sponsor of the Elementary Silver and the Elementary Gold Winter Championship

Luxury travel for horse and rider STAR-TREKA from £199 a month* The Star-Treka is a rear facing, horse trailer for up to two 18hh horses with luxury overnight accommodation. The living includes kitchen unit, seating for four which converts to a double bed, toilet area, 70 litre water tank and leisure battery. The horse area includes tack and grooms lockers, horse shower and padded partition.

0114 288 4411

•

sa les@equi -trek .c om

•

w w w.equ i-trek.com

Star-Treka *Quotation based on a cash price of £23,998.80 OTR, less a deposit of £7,199.80 leaving a balance to finance of £16,799.00 over 120 months at £199.71 per month, with an Option to Purchase Fee of £10.00 collected with the final payment. APR 7.8%. Total amount payable £31,165. All figures are subject to credit approval with the rates being quoted being subject to revision should there be any change in prevailing interest rates or existing monetary conditions. Financial information may be required for credit assessment. This is an indication of terms provided for discussion purposes only. It shall have no contractual effect and is not binding upon you or us. E&OE. Equi-Trek Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Please see our website for full terms and conditions. Trailer shown may have optional extras not included at advertised price.

Meet the team

Wendy Warren

Judge Writer

Based on the Isle of Wight, Wendy Warren has been judge-writing at BD competitions for about 20 years, during which time she has written at regionals, Area Festivals and the LeMieux National Championships.

“My husband, Peter and I used to show lightweight and heavyweight cobs on the county show circuit and used to compete in dressage with them and our lovely half Clydesdale mare. I have attended the Winter Championships for many years, initially as a spectator, when I used to call it my ‘spring holiday’. About seven years ago, Caroline Weston (the judge co-ordinator at that time) approached me to ask if I could help as a writer had pulled out and I’ve been writing at these championships ever since!

“As with writing at any competition, the main challenge is to be on time and you need to keep an eye on how the class is running, as there are so many classes during the day. You also need to be aware that it might be a judge’s first time judging at the Winters, so help them to feel at ease by being organised and calm. It’s important to know which arena you are in, while keeping Jack Russell hairs off my writing clothes can be a challenge too!

Since last year, we have stayed on site in our campervan, with our two Jack Russells, Daisy and Pixie; Peter also helps the scorers by going in for a couple of hours over lunchtime. My typical day starts when I arrive at least 45mins before the first class to collect everything we need from the secretary’s office and meet the judge. I have a quick glance at the arena to make sure nothing is amiss, and then off we go! At the end of the class, I hand over collectives, collect up any rubbish in the box, take the board back to Sara, and relax!

I really enjoy writing at the Winters because I get to see judges I’ve written for previously, as well as meeting new ones. Many judges are people who I would never meet in the normal course of my life, so I find it very interesting, as well as seeing competitors who I may have previously seen while writing at regionals and Area Festivals, performing their tests at the winters. It’s great to be part of the writing team here!”

Diana Miller

Judge Writer

Based in Hampshire and a keen rider all her life, Diane, who used to work in banking, has been involved behind the scenes in both eventing and dressage as a volunteer for more than 40 years.

“I started dressage scoring in the early days of Wellington Riding, when it was owned by John and Nereide Goodman and I was invited to join the scoring team under the leadership of Pat Lee; I still score at both Wellington and Sparsholt.

I have also been lucky enough to be invited to be a scorer at national and international championships, as well as qualifiers, including Olympia, the Europeans at Windsor and the Pony Europeans at Bishop Burton. The first time I scored at the BD National Championships was in 2003 and my first BD Winter Championships was in 2004, but the high point for me was scoring at the London Olympics in Greenwich in 2012.

As part of the team of six scorers at the BD Winter Championships, we are based in one of the lecture rooms and although we are unable to see horses competing in real life, we can see them on a big screen if we have time to look up!

Our job is a busy one and we know how important it is to get the scores out as quickly as possible and they must be correct! We have quite long days, starting before 8am and usually finishing around 8pm. When the completed test sheets are brought into our office by the brilliant runners, each is added up and then passed to another person to check. Each of the three judges’ scores for each horse are then added together and a total percentage calculated.

The scores are relayed to the commentator for that arena and are also entered into the scoring spreadsheet and the live system. There is quite a lot of pressure because each commentator needs to announce the competitor’s score as soon as possible after the test and with three arenas on the go, it can be very busy. We then produce the results for each class as soon as it finishes.

I enjoy being part of the scoring team; it’s challenging but we all work well together and have lots of laughs in between all the adding up.

We’re also looked after very well by Show Direct’s Kelvin Bywater and his partner Marine Delanoë and each day ends with a very welcome meal and a glass of wine - or two!”

Rita Young-Jones

Steward

Based in Leicestershire and a BD steward for nearly 15 years, Rita works full time as an insurance broker and has owned and competed horses for nearly 40 years.

“I was chair of a local riding club, Hinckley Dressage, for nearly 10 years and ran competitions and championships with the help of the committee.

As a steward, I travel to many championships up and down the country and ensure that horse welfare and fair play is in place while helping organisers run their shows smoothly and keeping everything safe.

Since 2011, I’ve been an FEI Dressage and FEI Para Dressage steward and also stewarded at the London 2012 Olympics, which was a once in a lifetime experience.

“I’ve been a volunteer on a stewarding team for BD championships for the past 10 years, including the Summers and Winters, where we are usually a team of five or six of us, with Dan Chapman as chief steward.

The main challenges as a steward is dealing with all sorts of weather, long days, sometimes up to 14 hours, as well as helping nervous competitors.

A typical day begins at 6.30am with the horse arena walk which can sometimes be exciting, with fit fresh horses and needing to keep everyone safe. We have a rota and as a team divide our time between the warm-up arenas and doing tack check. If there are mounted prize-giving’s, we have to ensure that all competitors are in place with rugs and rosettes in place as timing is critical for the days’ schedule. We stay in Hartpury’s student halls of residence (not luxurious but warm and dry with a bed to sleep on) and Show Direct look after us very well during the day and make sure we have a lovely evening meal when we have finished.

As well as meeting old friends and making new ones, I enjoy seeing all the horses and riders, many of whom I have stewarded at regionals making it to the championships and seeing how happy they are to be going down the centre line, especially the Petplan Equine Area Festival competitors.

My advice to first time competitors at these championships is don’t be afraid to ask any steward anything you are not sure about; we are there to help and most importantly enjoy yourself with your horse!”

Piers Warmoth

Judge Writer

Owner of Willow Banks Equestrian Centre in Lincolnshire, which runs both British Dressage and British Showjumping competitions, Piers has been involved and owned horses for more than 20 years.

“I have been involved in many of the biggest shows in the country, including as part of the arena party, course building and stable management. Having worked at multiple dressage championships as stable manager at various locations, I’ve now taken on the role as stable manager for Show Direct, working closely with Nathan Farrel who is a key member of the stable management team.

For me, weather is the main challenge at all the shows. You can plan for bad weather, but sometimes when there are extremes, it’s a case of doing what we can to keep all the horses safe and comfortable.

I have found the majority of competitors and grooms very obliging, and they appreciate the lengths that the shows go to in order to make their experience as good as possible.

My typical day at the BD Winter Championships begins with getting up at 6am, before helping set up the office for the day. I then have a walk round site and check all the stables before competitors start arriving. We check horses’ passports, take deposits for stables and allocate them.

“Horses arrive and leave throughout the day with 4pm being the crunch point for arrivals and departures. At about 8pm, we finish in the office and take a walk around the site again for a check.

We’re on call all night for late arrivals; inevitably there will be competitors arriving late due to breakdowns and we’re also on hand to help with any problems in the stable.

Working at the dressage championships is really enjoyable and it’s great to be involved with such a fantastic team while also getting the chance to see some world class competition in action.”

Premium quality, dressage saddles designed by Carl Hester Find out more at:

Freestyle guide Dressage to music has long proved a highlight with spectators at the Winters and this year is set to be another crowd-pleaser with a top line up of talent in the NAF supported music classes – the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold and the Sureflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold.

Freestyles require combinations to perform a sequence of compulsory movements ordered by the competitor, showing off paces in perfect synchronisation with music which complements the horse’s performance. It’s often said that judging freestyle is more challenging than a standard test as not only do judges mark the movements, which are not in a set order, but they also have to assess the artistic nature of the test.

International rider, trainer and 5* judge Isobel Wessels says she likes to see “music that enhances the performance, combined with correct work and rhythm, both in the artistic and technical parts”. “As a judge I’m looking for really fitting music, combined with lots of harmony, fluency and something a bit different choreography-wise, although not a circus performance,” she explains. “I’ve always loved riding to music and when you have a special horse it’s even better.

I love to improvise and ride what I feel the music is saying to me.”

Understanding Freestyle marks Judge scoring in freestyles is split into two parts technical (specified movements you must complete) and artistic marks, which is split into five headings with 10 marks and coefficient of four (total out of 40 marks) each.

1: Rhythm, energy and elasticity 2: Harmony between horse and rider 3: Choreography, use of arena and inventiveness 4: Degree of difficulty, calculated risks 5: Music and interpretation of music

Marks awarded in freestyles tend to be slightly higher than those in standard tests, as riders have the opportunity to emphasise their horse’s strong points and can perform a movement again if this went wrong at their first attempt. The choreography and music marks, which are not as closely linked to the technical marks, also often warrant higher marks.

When it comes to riders’ choice of music, judges’ personal preferences don’t come into it. Instead they are assessing how well the music flows and harmonises with the paces, interpretation, movements, and if it enhances the overall picture and theme of the performance.

“Judges aren’t influenced by the choice of music, as long as it fits the horse and tells a story anything goes,” Isobel explains. “However, many riders choose very well known clips that one hears every other test so sometimes new, different, or unusual makes a better impression.”

Isobel points out common mistakes also include “having the music too loud, making the choreography too complicated for the horse’s level of training, or including too many chopped up small bits that destroy the harmony and fluency”.

“What impresses me most when judging freestyle is music and atmosphere that has me on the edge of my seat, together with beautiful riding,” says Isobel.

EASE & EXCEL CUBES as fed by Lisa Marriott

FIZZY FUSSY POOR

    MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

Low starch & sugar, high fibre, high oil Help maintain a level head at all levels Promote superb top line & condition With flavours of essential oils to tempt fussy feeders For your free sample: Baileys Horse Feeds

Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3) www.easeandexcel.co.uk

Freestyle movements These are the elements the riders must include in their floorplans and the marks available – put your dressage knowledge to the test and see if you can spot them in all the tests and what mark you might award.

FEI Intermediate I

Freestyle

Technical

Collected walk (minimum 20m) Extended walk (minimum 20m) Shoulder-in right (minimum 12m) Shoulder-in left (minimum 12 m) Half-pass right (collected trot) Half-pass left (collected trot) Extended trot Half-pass right (collected canter) Half-pass left (collected canter) Extended canter Flying change every third stride (min 5) Flying change every second stride (min 5) Single canter pirouette right Single canter pirouette left Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test

Artistic

Rhythm, energy and elasticity Harmony between rider and horse Choreography/use of arena/inventiveness Degree of difficulty/calculated risks Music and interpretation

FEI Prix St Georges

Freestyle

Technical

Collected walk (minimum 20m) Extended walk (minimum 20m) Shoulder-in right (minimum 12m) Shoulder-in left (minimum 12 m) Half-pass right (collected trot) Half-pass left (collected trot) Extended trot Half-pass right (collected canter) Half-pass left (collected canter) Extended canter Flying change every fourth stride (min 5) Flying change every third stride (min 5) Half canter pirouette right Half canter pirouette left Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test

Artistic

Rhythm, energy and elasticity Harmony between rider and horse Choreography/use of arena/inventiveness Degree of difficulty/calculated risks Music and interpretation

10 10 x 2 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10

10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4

10 10 x 2 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10

10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4

Delivering Excellence When Performance Is Paramount

<< CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

World-leading solutions for all of your surface, equine facility and stabling requirements.

Our extensive range of equine surfaces, maintenance equipment and stabling options, are manufactured in-house using the highest quality materials and are suitable for riders of all levels, from grassroots to Olympic champions.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIER & PARTNER TO BRITISH DRESSAGE

E: sales@andrewsbowen.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1995 672103

Live stream with Horse & Country Horse & Country is the leading equestrian streaming service, bringing you live sport, masterclasses and entertainment series from the UK and around the world.

H&C+ is available from just £5.99 per month. To find out more about becoming an H&C+ member, please visit: www.horseandcountry.tv/ subscribe Horse & Country are on site at Hartpury covering all three arenas of action.

Be sure to tune in throughout the week to show your support and be inspired by the biggest event in the winter dressage calendar.

Visit H&C to watch live

Key BD events

Premier Leagues

Area Festivals

Here comes Headmore!

Last year’s NAF Five Star Winter Championships were a tremendous success for Alice Oppenheimer and the Headmore Stud horses bred by her mother Sarah.

Headmore Dionysus and Headmore Bella Ruby, offspring of Headmore’s legendary foundation mare Rubinsteena, took four championships, a reserve title and two fourth places. We caught up with Alice and what the month’s since last year’s show have brough her and the yard.

Alice now holds 20 national titles and in the run up to the Winter Championships last year, she achieved a personal milestone of over 50 regional titles.

A lot has been happening at Headmore in the last 10 months as Bella moved up to Big Tour competition and youngsters Valentina and Flintstone have stepped up levels their careers.

The gift of 2021 was the arrival of a Valverde colt, an embryo transfer from Bella Ruby. The sale of Grand Prix mare, Headmore Davina, provided the funds to bring in some new blood and two filly foals by Damaschino and Zack were bought. This year a colt foal by the exciting stallion King IV (Governor x Johnson) has arrived by embryo transfer out of Bella and a Bellissimo foal out of Headmore Valentina is expected soon.

There has also been investment in upgrading Headmore’s facilities, with a new lunge pen and walker, new indoor arena surface and new barn roofs.

In October 2021, Alice took on the biggest possible challenge for someone who isn’t fond of running – the London Marathon. With fundraising support from Abby Newell, she raised over £21,000 for the charity Brooke Hospital which supports working horses in the developing world.

“I’m incredibly proud of doing it,” says Alice “but even if they offered to pay me that money in my bank account I wouldn’t do it again! My toes still haven’t recovered!”

Ever the optimist, Alice accepted BD’s invitation to compete in the prestigious Future Elite Championship at the Horse of the Year Show - just four days after the Marathon! “Thanks to Hannah at Rider Focus Physiotherapy I made a good recovery although my riding boots weren’t too comfy.”

Riding two Inter I tests with Amanda Radford’s Dionysus and Bella Ruby, Alice was the only rider to have two rides and achieved plus-74% scores on both – plus a fantastic experience for these talented young horses.

“The response from the crowd was magical – it was quite special to get that warm a welcome into the arena,” said Alice.”

PROVEN RESEARCH. PROVEN RESULTS. haygain.co.uk | 01488 854005

FUEL THEIR POTENTIAL Optimum condition and recovery

Low starch for a controlled performance

NEW RANGE Balanced energy with added oil for coat shine

Speak to one of our nutritionists on: 01908 226 626

SPILLERS™ - YOUR PARTNERS IN CARE™. www.spillers-feeds.com

© Mars, 2022.

Here comes Headmore!

In 2022, Alice didn’t have the best preparation for the winter regionals as Flintstone threw a splint six weeks before the regionals. “Storm Eunice actually helped me out. As Merrist Wood was postponed, it gave him more time for recovery.

Unfortunately, all his four classes were on the same day which was too much for him, so we have ended up qualifying in the Novice and Elementary Gold Freestyles,” says Alice. “I love his music (produced by Sara Green) and the first time I rode to it, I said if I can get the technical bits right, it’s a championship winning programme.”

The Headmore ‘magic touch’ extends beyond Alice and a number of related combinations will be at Hartpury. Nicky Morris is in the Novice Silver and Freestyle with Headmore Bugatti and his full sister Headmore Bella Luce, who was regional champion at Morris Equestrian Winter Regional, will be ln the Gold sections with his owner, Grand Prix rider, Jo Barry. Roxy Shipley won the northern regional championship on Headmore Dream On at Inter I so will be up against Alice and Dionysus. “I love to see Headmore horses doing well with other riders,” says Alice.

“Valentina pulled a shoe in the warm up for the Novice Gold which disrupted our preparation. She still scored almost 70% and just missed out on a wild card. I can’t fault her attitude on the day and she picked up the reserve title in the novice gold freestyle.”

Finally, Alice’s sister Kate, and her eventer SOS Sealpoint has three classes at Hartpury – elementary silver straight and freestyle in the Winter Championships and medium bronze in the Area Festival championships.

Alice will also compete Headmore Dionysus in the Inter I championship and hopes to enter the PSG and inter I freestyles.

“I love the championships at Hartpury – riding through that arch is a great feeling whether you are amateur or professional,” summed up Alice.

Clothing guide Get the look this spring

1

3

2

6

4

5

1 Lifestyle range organic hoodie, mens and womens in eight colours £39.99 2 Lifestyle kids' organic cotton polo £19.99 3 Unisex organic sweatshirt in eight colours £29.99 4 Supporters womens v-neck knit jumper £24.99 5 Supporters padded gilet in three colours £39.99 6 Supporters softshell jacket £39.99

shop.britishdressage.co.uk

Supporters Lifestyle Regions

NEW Competition Rider Apparel Available on the LeMieux with Hudson Equine Stand

at the Winter Dressage Championships

All about Area Festivals With over 8000 starters each year, the bi-annual Petplan Equine Area Festivals and championships are British Dressage’s biggest showcase for grass roots riders to taste the big time.

Introduced some 24 years ago, 23 years of those with the loyal support of Petplan Equine, the series is aimed at amateur combinations and have grown from as series with less than ten fixtures with five levels to seven levels running twice a year over 29 fixtures all over Great Britain.

In 2021, Area Festival Freestyle to Music classes made their eagerly awaited debut in the summer season with a fabulous response. The addition of freestyle has given a new generation of riders the chance to try dressage to music for the first time with an achievable championship goal. So if having a go at Freestyle and haven’t taken the step yet, you can learn more in the Petplan Equine Area Festivals hub.

The 2022 Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival season has been a resounding success with just over 3000 combinations down the centreline, that’s about 6% up on last year’s stats, and remember we ran slightly later in 2021 due to Covid lockdowns. Petplan Equine and all at British Dressage are delighted to welcome riders, horses and their connections to their grand finale of the Winter season.

Read some of the stories behind our winners from this year’s Winter Area Festivals - 2022 Winter Area Festivals | British Dressage – you may spot them in action at Hartpury!

Area Festivals in numbers

15

years old or over for horses to be eligible for a special Petplan Equine veteran rosette at the Winter Championships

23 years of amazing support from Petplan Equine for the Area Festivals

29

Area Festivals run throughout the summer and winter seasons in 2022

40

titles are up for grabs across the Winter and Summer Area Festival Championships

112 days of Area Festival action planned for 2022

7772

22 beautiful Petplan Equine rugs will be worn by this year’s Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival champions.

546 sashes will be presented to the 2022 winter and summer Area Festival winners

1701

test sheets expected to be added up over this year’s winter Area Festival championships

1918 rosettes will be awarded during the winter Area Festival series in 2022 the number of combinations down the centreline in the 2021 Area Festival Summer series and championships plus the 2022 winter Area Festivals with 567 entered here at Hartpury for the championships.

Inspired by what you’ve seen and read about BD’s largest amateur series? Head over to our Petplan Equine Area Festivals hub for the full lowdown on taking part.

LEARN MORE

Give your horses the luxury they deserve odk o G uc l

s all to titor pe m co

From stable bedding to gallop surfaces, we have a wide range of equestrian products.

Call 01931 712 644 or email sales@awjenkinson.co.uk to request a FREE sample Visit www.awjenkinson.co.uk

From your first pony, or your equestrian business, to professional competing, we help you take the reins 0845 0178 601 www.hcrlaw.com/sector/agriculture-andrural-affairs/equine/

Tradestand listings With a whole host of premium equestrian shopping outlets in one location, treat yourself — or your horse — with a visit to the Winters Shopping Village! Here you’ll find some of Britain’s best equine brands, featuring everything from leather goods and saddlery to rider wear and gifts.

We’re delighted to have the following exhibitors attending the 2022 NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships:

Baileys Horse Feeds Indoor display space Nutritional advice and information about their extensive range of feeds.

T: 01371 850247 E: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Equi-Trek Outdoor tradestand Manufacturers and retailers of horseboxes and trailers with luxury living accommodation.

T: 01142 884 411 E: info@equi-trek.com www.equi-trek.com

British Dressage Indoor tradestand Official merchandise, clothing and advice from the national governing body for affiliated dressage.

T: 02476 698830 E: shop@britishdressage.co.uk www.britishdressage.co.uk

Equitex Outdoor tradestand Equitex saddle pads - the world’s number one for equine back problems.

T: 01582 316991 E: enquiries@equitex.co www.equitex.co

Cathedral Equine Indoor tradestand Leather products – bridles, headcollars, belts, neckstraps, browbands, nosebands, reins, martingales and more!

Contact: 07920 452739 E: lara@cathedral-equine.co.uk www.cathedral-equine.co.uk

Flying Changes Outdoor tradestand Bespoke and ready to wear, jackets, tailcoats, KASK hats and accessories.

T: 01793 676 516 E: info@flying-changes.com www.flying-changes.com

The Centre Line Indoor tradestand The exclusive UK retailer for Scharf, Lotus Romeo, Luxe of London, Dominick and more.

T: 0118 3247471 E: hello@thecentreline.co.uk www.thecentreline.co.uk

Hoof Prints Photos Indoor tradestand Photos and digital images for all competitors available to take home today.

T: 07966 070054 E: hoofprintsorders@hotmail.co.uk www.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk

Classic Dressage Indoor tradestand Classic Dressage is the UK’s leading retailer of dressage clothing and equipment.

T: 0800 246 1994 E: shop@classicdressage.com www.classicdressage.com

HorseLight Limited Indoor tradestand Specialist stable lighting using spectrum light therapy to deliver the health benefits of summer daylight to indoor stabling. Improves performance, condition, breeding and overall health and wellbeing.

T: 01285 896440 E: info@horselight.co.uk www.horselight.co.uk

The Clothes Horze Company Outdoor tradestand The latest in equestrian fashion from leading brands ES, Equito, FairPlay and Montar.

T: 07950 616232 E: theclotheshorzecompany@gmail.com www.theclotheshorzecompany.com Cyclo-ssage Equine UK Ltd Indoor tradestand Suppliers of high-quality massage therapy equipment for horse and rider.

T: 07785 315 310 E: seandhamilton@btinternet.com www.cyclossageequine.co.uk

Hudson Equine Outdoor tradestand Equestrian retailer supplying top quality products for both horse and rider, including brands like: LeMieux, Veredus, Uvex, Pikeur Flex-on and many more.

T: 07948 794699 E: sales@hudsonequine.com www.hudsonequine.com Joshua Jones UK Outdoor tradestand DeNiro and Donadeo riding boots. Lifestyle, country clothing and accessories.

T: 01258 858 470 E: info@joshuajonesuk.com www.joshuajonesuk.com

Tradestand listings LeMieux With Hudson Equine Indoor tradestand Hudson Equine is an equestrian retailer supplying a huge range of everything LeMieux!

T: 07948 794699 E: sales@hudsonequine.com www.hudsonequine.com NAF Indoor tradestand With over 30 years’ experience in equine supplement formulation and manufacture, NAF is the most respected and well-known brand of supplements for horses in the UK. T: 0800 373 106 E: info@naf-uk.com www.naf-equine.eu Nupafeed Indoor tradestand Nupafeed horse supplements.

T: 01438 861900 E: sales@nupafeed.co.uk www.nupafeed.co.uk Petplan Equine Indoor display space Equine and rider insurance.

T: 0330 1021658 E: petplanequine.service@allianz.co.uk www.petplanequine.co.uk

Prestige Italia Indoor tradestand Italian saddles and leatherwork.

T: 07818 051375 E: info@prestigeitaly.com www.prestigeitaly.com Stockpin Chic Indoor tradestand British designers and producers of fine quality stock pins, stocks and accessories.

T: 07966 763196 E: sales@stockpinchic.com www.stockpinchic.com Spillers Feed Store Located in temporary stable area – no public access Spillers Horse Feeds – indoor tradestand Leading horse feed manufacturer.

T: 01908 226626 E: teamspillers@effem.com www.spillers-feeds.com Sports Horse Services Ltd Indoor tradestand Saddle fitting to improve performance.

T: 07939 625 075 E: caroline@sportshorseservices.com www.sportshorseservices.co.uk

Antarès Sellier Indoor tradestand Bespoke French custom saddles, helmets and accessories.

T: 07753 315 800 E: paul@pmequestrian.co.uk www.pmequestrian.co.uk

Sue Carson Saddles Ltd Outdoor tradestand Bespoke saddles fitted for both horse and rider with air flocking.

T: 01629 540343 E: sue@suecarsonsaddles.co.uk www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

PRB Horseboxes Indoor tradestand Top quality horsebox company specialising in new vehicle builds, used vehicle sales, MOTs and servicing.

T: 01568 614638 www.prbhorseboxes.co.uk

Wychanger Barton Saddlery Outdoor tradestand Premium brands featuring NAF, Ariat, Equilibrium, Charles Owen, Pikeur and Kep riding hats T: 01823 673007 E: sales@coolequestrian.co.uk www.inches.com www.coolequestrian.com

15 - 18 September 2022 | Somerford Park, Cheshire The best display of dressage in Britain!

It's not just the action in the arena! Wine, dine and shop with the extensive shopping village and hospitality choices - including our picnic area and Nationals Pavilion. PLUS the Fan Zone gives you the chance to hear from a host of famous faces throughout the week.

Be the first to guarantee early bird ticket prices, visit:

www.britishdressage.co.uk

“I love working with therapists, vets and riders to rehabilitate horses in our Equine Therapy Centre. As my tutor says, we all contribute to that winning partnership.”

Saskya Bingei BSc Equestrian Sports Science student

World-class equine degrees taught in world-class equine facilities

www.hartpury.ac.uk/uni-equine

Venue map

Showground Plan Draft 002

Lorry Park

Access from Main Campus Car parks

Lorry Park

Showground Postcode • • First Aid

Secretary Toilets

Lorry Park

Stable Managers

Hartpury University, GL19 3BE Hartpury is located on the A417, 4 miles north of Gloucester.

Toilets

Trade Stands Hospitality Suite Press Room Toilets Toilets

Temporary Stables Hospitality & Officials Car Park

WoodSide 2 Service Park Trade Stand Parking

Pedestrians

One-Way

Equine Drive

Parking Control Point

Intellectual Property of Show Direct Ltd

Entrance to Showground

Behind the voices All week at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships you hear their dulcet tones – Gareth Jenkins and Dino Maddern keep us updated with the scores, give the lowdown on the combination in the arena and provide great entertainment. We thought you’d like to learn a bit more about our ‘men behind the mic’ so we posed ten quickfire questions to them both…

Gareth Jenkins

Dino Maddern

Indoor arena

Outdoor arena Savoury

Sean Connery

Salt and vinegar I’ve met a huge number of very interesting people from all walks of life, including royalty and politicians, however the most inspirational person I have ever spoken to was Kofi Annan who I met when he was Secretary General of the United Nations.

Sweet or savoury…

Best actor to ever play Bond...

Favourite flavour of crisps...

Biggest inspiration in your life?

Person I’d most like to meet...

Night in, but with a few selected friends for a lovely meal.

Night in or out...

Abba Super Trooper, cringeworthy I know.

Italy, particularly the Umbria region.

Most definitely red!

Sean Connery

Salt and vinegar 42

I would like to meet Billy the Kid just to see if he was as fast on the draw as they say he was.

Ferrari Dino, for obvious reasons!

Savoury

Dream car?

First single purchased...

Favourite holiday destination...

Bacon sandwich - red or brown sauce?

Horses - their kindness, companionship, versatility, athleticism and bravery is awe inspiring.

Murray Walker

Night in

Anything that I can’t use as a messy child and muddy dog taxi or yard hay and feed delivery vehicle.

Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine

Home - Suffolk by the Sea!

Red

How would you cover the cost of unexpected veterinary fees?

At Petplan Equine, we: Offer illness cover until your horse’s 25th birthday (if you insure your horse before it reaches 20) Can pay your vet direct Have a fixed excess with no additional percentage to add

Scan here to find out more

1 month

free

online discount*

*Terms, conditions and excesses apply. Product terms and conditions apply.

Cover may be provided for some pre-existing conditions.

Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc.

Sponsor

A N D   N TA N  VA N H  f  ly m p  A

photo Credit: Kevin arrow

GARETH HGHE

THE BEST FEED NAF Five Star Magic and NAF Five Star Superflex – a winning combination for calm, concentrated and flexible horses.

Contact NAf using our

FREE Nutritional Advice Line Call 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

naf-equine.eu/uk