The British Dressage u21 Selectors Judy Harvey, Leanne Wall and Nikki Herbert have today confirmed their Team NAF foursome for the upcoming Pony European Championships in Strzegom, Poland on 14-18 August 2019.

Team (in alphabetical order):

Bonnie Bourne (16) from Kent with her own Fin C We (liver chestnut, gelding 16yrs, 14.2hh, Famos x Eiger III)

Holly Kerslake (15) from Devon riding Carl Trock and her own Valhallas Zorro (black, stallion, 10yrs, 14.1hh, Valhallas Lord Matrafal x Fjordglimts Sir Johnson)

Isobel Lickley (14) from Staffordshire riding Robert & Nicola Lickley’s Mister Snowman (liver chestnut gelding, 13yrs, 14.1hh, The Braes My Mobility x Llanarth Most Triton)

Annabella Pidgley (14) from Berkshire with Sarah Pidgley’s Cognac IX (palomino, gelding, 11yrs, 14.1hh, FS Chamertin x Waldemar) with a direct reserve of Sarah Pidgely’s Ine (chestnut, mare, 12yrs, 14.1hh, Constantin x Handryk)

First reserve:

Hermione Tottman (15) from Hertfordshire with Nicola Tottman’s Brasil (dark bay, gelding, 12yrs, 14.2hh, Sandokkans Leonardo x Orchard Davranches).

The squad of five will travel to Kent for a final Pony Pre-European Team Camp on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August at the yard of John Parker International Horse Transport, who are travelling the ponies to Poland.

The competition at Stzegom gets underway on Wednesday 14 August with two days of Team test, where the first medals will be decided. The riders then battle it out for Individual medals over the following two days before the Freestyle honours are decided on Sunday 18 August.

British Dressage would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous team sponsors NAF for their ongoing support of our Under 21 International teams, as well as our official equipment suppliers LeMieux. We are very grateful for their support.

British riders Erin Orford, Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson were in dominant form, each winning a hat-trick in their respective grades, at Hartpury CPEDI (3 – 7 July 2019).

Sophie Wells MBE won the Grade V Team, Individual and Freestyle tests with scores of 75.30%, 76.81% and 80.14% aboard star ride C Fatal Attraction, owned by Charlotte Hogg.

“In the team test yesterday Jorge was good but slightly inattentive to win on 75%, with Dime in third with just under 70%,” said Sophie on Facebook, referring to C Fatal Attraction and up-and-coming ride, Diadeem, a mare who made her Grand Prix debut at Somerford Premier League in May. “Both were good but with room for improvement. Today were the individual classes… Jorge was mega and today Ange [trainer Angela Weiss] was pleased with us!”

On the concluding day of the CPEDI classes, she added, “[We] Finished the week on a high at Hartpury Festival of Dressage to win the freestyle on 80%. I love my Tom Hunt music he composed for us last year.”

Sophie is the reigning Individual and Freestyle World Champion with the Fidertanz 12 year old and will have a spot at next month’s European Championships in Rotterdam well within her sights. One of the the UK's top Small Tour combinations too, they’ve won PSG classes at Somerford and Wellington Premier Leagues this year.

The Newark-based Paralympian is equally adept in the role of trainer, with her students achieving great success. One such rider is Georgia Wilson (23) who last year was selected as reserve for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Continuing along her uphill path, at Hartpury she posted three personal best scores to dominate the Grade II with 74.27%, 73.29% and a super 76.54% in the Freestyle. Her winning partner Midnight (Hilkens Black Delight x Cassander) - pictured - is a 10 year old British bred mare who Georgia has been competing since April last year.

“I have had an amazing week with Midnight at Hartpury,” she said. “Three PBs and three wins with 74.23, 73.29% and 76.54% which I never thought I would ever get but Sophie Wells’ training has definitely paid off and I can’t thank her enough.”

In the close-fought Grade III classes, Erin Orford impressed by winning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with Annabel Whittet’s Dimaggio-sired mare, Dior UKH. The pair, who are reigning European team gold and World team silver medallists, earned scores of 69.32%, 69.44% in the Team and Individual tests before a plus-74% Freestyle. Throughout the week, the USA’s Rebecca Hart and Great Britain’s Amanda Shirtcliffe jostled for second and third.

Riders from South America made an impression at Hartpury, with Europe-based Brazilian competitors Sergio Oliva (Grade II) and Rodolpho Riskalla (Grade IV) both tasting victory. Sergio and the Dutch mare Coco Chanel M (Tuschinski x Rousseau) took the Grade I Team and Individual tests ahead of Mari Durward-Akhurst, though the tables turned in the Freestyle with the Brit showing her mettle with a winning score just shy of 73%. Rodolpho won all three Grade IV divisions culminating in a 76.86% Freestyle with the gorgeous Don Henrico (Don Frederico x Lauries Crusador xx), owned by Germany’s Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff.

Belgium’s Michèle George (Grade V), who won Individual and Freestyle Gold at London 2012 plus Freestyle Gold in Rio, took the runner-up spot to Sophie Wells on all three days with new ride Best of 8, a nine year old German mare by Bonifatius.


Top-three results:

Wednesday
Grade V Team Test
1st Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction, 75.302% (GBR)
2nd Michele George with Best Of 8, 72.512% (BEL)
3rd Sophie Wells with Diadeem, 69.721% (GBR)

Grade IV Team Test
1st Rodolpho Riskalla T with Don Henrico, 72.400% (BRA)
2nd Kate Shomaker with Solitaer 40, 70.300% (USA)
3rd Nicky Greenhill with Betty Boo, 69.825% (GBR)

Grade III Team Test
1st Erin Orford with Dior, 69.324% (GBR)
2nd Rebecca Hart with El Corona Texel, 68.735% (USA)
3rd Amanda Shirtcliffe with New-Princess, 68.294% (GBR)

Grade II Team Test
1st Georgia Wilson with Midnight, 74.273% (GBR)
2nd Suzanna Hext with Abira, 72.121% (GBR)
3rd Lee Pearson with Styletta, 69.939% (GBR)

Grade I Team Test
1st Sergio Oliva with Coco Chanel M, 72.786% (BRA)
2nd Mari Durward-Akhurst with Sky O’Hara, 70.429% (GBR)
3rd Michael Murphy with Skjoldsgaard Hippo-Vo, 70.107% (IRL)

Full results: Team Test

Thursday
Grade V Individual Test
1st Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction, 76.810% (GBR)
2nd Michele George with Best Of 8, 71.190% (BEL)
3rd Sophie Wells with Diadeem, 69.905% (GBR)

Grade IV Individual Test
1st Rodolpho Riskalla with Don Henrico, 72.878% (BRA)
2nd Nicky Greenhill with Betty Boo, 71.268% (GBR)
3rd Kate Shoemaker with Solitaer 40, 71.220% (USA)

Grade III Individual Test
1st Erin Orford with Dior, 69.441% (GBR)
2nd Amanda Shirtcliffe with New-Princess, 69.235% (GBR)
3rd Rebecca Hart with Fortune 500, 68.971% (USA)

Grade II Individual Test
1st Georgia Wilson with Midnight, 73.294& (GBR)
2nd Lee Pearson with Breezer, 70.941% (GBR)
3rd Lee Pearson with Styletta, 70.824% (GBR)

Grade I Individual Test
1st Sergio Oliva with Coco Chanel M, 72.143% (BRA)
2nd Mari Durward-Akhurst with Sky O’Hara, 69.821% (GBR)
3rd Michael Murphy with Skjoldsgaard Hippo-Vo, 68.857% (IRL)

Full results: Individual Test

Friday
Grade V Freestyle
1st Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction, 80.140% (GBR)
2nd Michele George with Best Of 8, 74.560% (BEL)
3rd Tamsin Addison with Donna Siesta, 71.475% (IRL)

Grade IV Team Test
1st Rodolpho Riskalla with Don Henrico, 76.860% (BRA)
2nd Kate Shoemaker with Solitaer 40, 74.080% (USA)
3rd Nicky Greenhill with Betty Boo, 73.345% (GBR)

Grade III Freestyle
1st Erin Orford with Dior, 74.867% (GBR)
2nd Rebecca Hart with Fortune 500, 73.113% (USA)
3rd Amanda Shirtcliffe with New-Princess, 71.333% (GBR)

Grade II Freestyle
1st Georgia Wilson with Midnight, 76.540% (GBR)
2nd Suzanna Hext with Abira, 74.340% (GBR)
3rd Julie Payne with Pandora, 71.193% (GBR)

Grade I Freestyle
1st Mari Durward-Akhurst with Sky O’Hara, 72.960% (GBR)
2nd Michael Murphy with Skjoldsgaard Hippo-Vo, 70.973% (IRL)
3rd Sergio Oliva with Coco Chanel M, 70.933% (BRA)

Full results: Freestyle

Photo © Kevin Sparrow

With the Summer Regionals getting underway today, please find below the information about qualification for the LeMieux National Championships from the Regionals:

1) Combinations scoring below 65% will not be eligible for qualification for the LeMieux National Dressage Championships as stated in the British Dressage Members' Handbook, unless it's by a wild card.

2) The number qualifying from each Summer Regional class will depend on the number of starters in that particular class according to the conversion charts. The number of qualifications per level varies according to the total number of horses qualified for the Regionals and the number of spaces available at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships.

3) A ‘starter’ is a horse that actually enters the competition arena and goes down the centre line, even if it withdraws before finishing.

4) The number of starters will not be known until the class is finished after which the organiser will calculate how many have qualified and mark them on the scoreboard. The number of direct qualifications will be announced at the prize giving. Everyone who has qualified MUST collect a qualification pack from the secretary before leaving the showground.

NB: Entries for the LeMieux National Dressage Championships close on Tuesday 20 August 2019. No late entries will be accepted.

5) The last Summer Regional finishes on Sunday 11 August and on this week the BD Office will calculate how many unfilled spaces there are in each class at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships. THESE SPACES WILL BE FILLED BY THE HIGHEST SCORING UNQUALIFIED COMBINATIONS FROM ALL THE REGIONALS, WHO WILL BE NOTIFIED BY THE OFFICE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A WILD CARD.

6) The names of the combinations awarded wild cards will be put on the BD website on Thursday 15 August 2019. Please do not telephone the BD Office regarding wild card allocation before 2pm on this day.

Numbers to qualify
All scores must be over 65%

BACKINACTION PRELIMINARY SILVER: 1 in 12 to qualify
1 – 12 = 1 qualifies
13 –24 = 2 qualify
25- 36 = 3 qualify

DODSON & HORRELL NOVICE SILVER: 1 in 16 qualify
1 – 16 = 1 qualifies
17 –32 = 2 qualify
33 + = 3 qualify

DODSON 7 HORRELL NOVICE GOLD: 1 in 7 qualify
1 – 7 = 1 qualifies
8 – 14 = 2 qualify
15 – 21 = 3 qualify
22 – 28 = 4 qualify

CHILDERIC ELEMENTARY SILVER: 1 in 24 qualify
1 – 24 = 1 qualifies
25 –48 = 2 qualify

CHILDERIC ELEMENTARY GOLD: 1 in 7 qualify
1 – 7 = 1 qualifies
8 – 14 = 2 qualify
15 – 21 = 3 qualify
22 – 28 = 4 qualify

TOPSPEC MEDIUM SILVER: 1 in 17 qualify
1 – 17 = 1 qualifies
18 –34 = 2 qualify
35 + = 3 qualify

TOPSPEC MEDIUM GOLD: 1 in 6 qualify
1 – 6 = 1 qualifies
7 – 12 = 2 qualify
13 – 18 = 3 qualify
19 – 24 = 4 qualify

EQUINE CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER:
1 in 16 qualify
1 – 16 = 1 qualifies
17 –32 = 2 qualify
33 + = 3 qualify

EQUINE CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED MEDIUM GOLD: 1 in 6 qualify
1 – 6 = 1 qualifies
7 – 12 = 2 qualify
13 – 18 = 3 qualify
19 – 24 = 4 qualify

FAIRFAX PRIX ST GEORGES – Winner qualifies providing score over 65%
SARACEN HORSE FEEDS INTERMEDIATE I – Winner qualifies providing score over 65%

Good luck everyone!

A competitive line up of future stars made the journey to the Hartpury Festival of Dressage last week to do battle for the prestigious direct qualifier tickets to one of the summer’s highlights, the Shearwater Young Dressage Horse Finals taking place once again at the LeMieux National Championships in September.

2017 winning four year old champion jockey Greg Sims produced a smooth ride on board his own and Stena Hoerner’s Furstenball gelding Waverley Fellini to top the first class of the day in the Hartpury arena. The four year old bred by Sara Longworth of Waverley Stud scored a whopping 8.86. Speaking on Facebook about Fellini Greg commented, “So excited for the Nationals with this unbelievably talented horse.” With seven horses earning top marks over the magic 8.0 barrier, the remaining two qualification tickets were hotly contested. Second spot belonged to Jamie Reynolds, Cherry Elvin and Cat Wood’s Kensington II (Sezuan x Fabriano), the tall KWPN scored 8.30 with Ashley Jenkins doing a stellar job in the saddle. In form rider Jess Dunn picked up her Championship ticket on board Charlotte Lutener’s MSJ Furstin Florida, another Furstenball offspring bred by Emma Blundell at Mount St John Stud.

The light-footed Lemony’s Nicket mare Hawtins Lirica continued her outstanding record with yet another Shearwater victory as she claimed the five year old semi-final title in fine fashion. Owned by breeder Judith Davis and ridden by stable jockey Lucinda Elliot, ‘Lyra’ excelled to score 8.64, with the general impression and potential mark an impressive 9. Samantha Gualtieri placed second with Femme Fatale 2, a powerful daughter from Paul Schockemohle’s popular Grand Prix stallion Foundation, whilst Sadie Smith claimed the final ticket in this age group with Charlotte Dujardin’s All at Once mare, Alive and Kicking.

In the six year old category Mount St John showed strength in numbers as MSJ Dante VX and MSJ For Rome each claimed their qualification ticket. Michael Eilberg expertly piloted class winner MSJ Dante VX to a superb score of 8.16, the Dante Weltino gelding was a dual winner throughout the week as he also picked up the first place accolades in the Hickstead Young Horse National Qualifier a day prior to his Shearwater win. A second place tie saw Zoe Sleigh with MSJ For Rome (For Romance x Donnerhall) and Olivia Oakeley with Rock Diva (Rock Forever) each earn their Nationals spot with 8.0.

Congratulations to all winners and qualified combinations and their associated breeders, riders and connections. The second Shearwater Young Horse Semi Final takes place at Port Royal Equestrian next week, 17 – 18 July 2019. Thanks go to BD Official Insurance Partner Shearwater Insurance for their valued support of this exciting championship series.

Results

Four year old
1st Greg Sims with Waverley Fellini, 8.86
2nd Ashley Jenkinson with Kensington II, 8.30
3rd Jessica Dunn with MSJ Furstin Florida, 8.24
4th Dylan Deutrom with King Boy, 8.10
5th Bryony Goodwin with Hawtins Floresta, 8.08

Five year old
1st Lucinda Elliot with Hawtins Lirica, 8.64
2nd Samantha Gualiteri with Femme Fatale 2, 8.14
3rd Sadie Smith with Alive and Kicking, 7.94
4th Ashley Jenkins with Jenny Wren, 7.90
5th Charlie Hutton with Active Scalini, 7.86

Six year old
1st Michael Eilberg with MSJ Dante VX, 8.16
2nd Olivia Oakeley with Rock Diva, 8.00
2nd Zoe Sleigh with For Rome, 8.00
4th Judy Harvey with SP Bento, 7.98
5th Hannah Biggs with Freeman, 7.989

Full results


Hawtins Lirica in action at last year's Shearwater Young Horse Championships | Photo by Kevin Sparrow. 
 

The Hartpury Festival of Dressage staged five days of top class Premier League competition alongside its annual CDI3* (3 - 7 July 2019). Spectators were treated to a high quality entry of British dressage talent as Hartpury brought the curtain down on the 2019 Premier League season.

Local girl Charlotte Dujardin and new ride Mount St Valencia (pictured) created much excitement with two fabulous winning rides over the week, first of all taking their section of Wednesday’s Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges and later, the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I on Thursday.

Emma Blundell’s sporty chestnut mare and her multi-gold medal rider produced a 76.01% performance on Wednesday in section B of the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges section A to take the class by a wide margin from second placed Dannie Morgan and Knoxx’s Figaro (71.62%).

The following day, Charlotte and the Vivaldi x Ferragamo nine year old again delivered to take the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I with a plus-76% score. An energetic, balanced test was a joy to watch, the horse uphill and expressive from the first centre line to the final halt. There was a little greenness in the changes, but the quality is exciting, the horse so happy to work and with much more to come.

Charlotte also won Wednesday’s Cavalor Intermediate II aboard pocket rocket eight year old Gio (Apache x Tango), on his first attempt at the level scoring 76.93%.

“It’s been an amazing start at Hartpury Festival of Dressage as mine and Renai Hart’s Pumpkin (Gio) won the Inter II with 76.9% and Mount St John Valencia won the PSG with 76.1% and then the Inter I with 76.8%; only her third PSG test and her second Inter I test to date!” said Charlotte on Facebook. “I cannot even tell you how happy I was with both these horses who really tried hard for me in the tests.”

Michael Eilberg enjoyed a good show winning Sunday’s Cavalor Intermediate II with Farah Al Khojai’s Sarotti 57 who he plans to step up to Grand Prix soon. They scored 73.33% on only Michael’s third appearance with the 12 year old Sir Donnerhall gelding. New dad Michael, whose wife Maya recently gave birth to their first child, Joshua Ferdinand, also won Thursday’s qualifying round for the Elite Stallions Young Horse PSG for horses aged seven to nine. His winning ride Daltrey (nine), who he co-owns with Ferdi Eilberg, earned 71.62% securing a place in Saturday night’s Elite Stallions Championship Final.

In front of a knowledgeable gala evening crown in the Hartpury Arena, eight top young Small Tour horses were presented. Giving their best test to date, Jayne Turney and Pengaligon’s Jupiter (by Starnberg), owned by Shirley Rixon, earned 72.94% for victory, with Dannie Morgan (Knoxx’s Figaro) and Sam Duckworth (MSJ Top Secret) completing the top three. Jayne, whose friend and mentor Charlotte Dujardin was on hand to help, put an emotional message on Facebook, “For every little girl that goes to bed on Christmas Eve wishing for a pony, and every person wondering why we are doing what we do! Don’t ever stop wishing and dreaming! With hard work, perseverance and having the right people cheering you on, it’s amazing what you can achieve.”

British Dressage thanks all the class sponsors and the team at Hartpury for putting on a fantastic event. Congratulations to all the winners listed below and to all those who took part.

The winners:
Wednesday
Class 1a: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
Dylan Deutrom with San Marco, 72.28%

Class 1b: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
Charlotte Dujardin with Mount St John Valencia, 76.01%

Class 2: Cavalor Intermediate II
Charlotte Dujardin with Gio, 76.93%

Class 3: NAF M Power Advanced Medium
Dean Skeates with Rossana, 72.43%

Class 4: Baileys Horse Feeds Advanced Medium
Bronte Watson with Guess Van De Moerhoek, 70.66%

Thursday
Class 5a: Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
Charlotte Dujardin with Mount St John Valencia, 76.05%

Class 5b: Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
Rebecca Hughes with Ibisco, 69.47%

Class 6: LeMieux Grand Prix
Carl Hester with Nip Tuck, 73.98%

Class 7: JS Team Wear Advanced 105
Eilidh Grant with Mount St John Doornroos, 68.33%

Class 8: Elite Stallions Young Horse PSG
Michael Eilberg with Daltrey, 71.62%

Friday
Class 9: Hickstead British Young Horse National 5YO Qualifier
Abigail Lyle with Jefferson P, 8.1

Class 10:Hickstead British Young Horse National 6YO Qualifier
Michael Eilberg with MSJ Dante VX, 8.82

Class 11: Hickstead British Young Horse FEI 5YO Qualifier
Martina Ott with Just Jet, 7.46

Class 12: Hickstead British Young Horse FEI 6YO Qualifier
Mia Mordecai-Smith with Innocent, 7.6

Saturday
Class 16: Equine Construction Advanced Medium
Charlotte Dujardin with Hawtins San Floriana, 75.79%

Class 17: Elite Stallions Championship Final
Jayne Turney with Penhaligon’s Jupiter, 72.94%

Sunday
Class 18: Andrews Bowen Junior, Young Rider and Pony Team Test
Soraya Rogers with Evita I, 69.64%

Class 19: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
Calum Whitworth with Fernando, 70.92%

Class 20: Cavalor Intermediate II
Michael Eilberg with Sarotti 57, 73.33%

For full results follow this link 

Photo © Kevin Sparrow

On the most exciting sporting weekend of the year so far, the action at Somerford Park didn’t fall short as fourteen new North West Regional Champions were crowned across two packed days of competition (13 – 14 July 2019).

Frenchman Thomas Bobis (pictured) enjoyed an outstanding Summer Regional Championship debut on his birthday claiming two titles and the highest score of the show with the Eilbergs’ promising six year old, MSJ Distinction. In the Dodson & Horrell Novice Gold, the duo made their mark with 72.47% before going on to top Sunday’s Childéric Saddles Elementary Gold on an impressive 75.94%. Twenty four year old Thomas, a stable rider at Pink Green Farm for Eilberg Dressage, made the move to the UK in autumn last year and has reaped the rewards since building up a strong record of scores and placings on board several of Michael Eilberg’s rising stars, notably MSJ Distinction, the full brother to Michael’s former leading lady Woodlander Dornroeschen. Praising ‘Troy’ and Thomas’s success on Facebook, the Eilbergs’ said “The star of our trip to Somerford Park Regionals was definitely our own MSJ Distinction ridden by Thomas Bobis. After winning the Novice Gold on the first day, he continued his great form to smash the Elementary Gold with 75.9%! He [Thomas] rode a great test and really held his nerve. So happy for this horse who is a full brother to our very special Rosie and looks set to follow in her footsteps.”

Lancashire lady Katie Bagot also become a dual North West Regional Champion with her own Rousseau sired gelding Zomaar earning top marks in the Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver B and the TopSpec Medium Silver to win both tests with ace scores of 73.44% and 69.23%. Section A of the Childéric Saddles Elementary Regional Championships belonged to Helen Hopewell and Freshman (Andretti x Samber); BHSAI Helen successfully runs Hugmore Livery in Holt and trains with Jackie Beaven.

A year to remember continued for Sarah Higgins and Sarah Rao as three titles for three horses went their way over the weekend. Penny Lindop’s Easter Bunny II was the first winner of the show for Sarah Higgins in the Equine Construction Advanced Medium Gold, the 10 year old gelding scored 70.09% to stay ahead of TopSpec Medium Gold winners Emma Jablonski and Higgens van de Uilenhoek. Sarah’s second win came on board Sarah Rao’s Alfranco in the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Gold, the combination will contest their second major BD championship of the year as they head to Stoneleigh in September following two fifth place results in the small tour levels at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships in the spring. #thechinesedressagegirl herself Sarah Rao won a sash of her own in the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold as a fine test with Waldessarini delivered the sole plus 70% in the sixteen-strong class.

BD Wales rider Laura Fisher is another to enjoy a memorable 2019 season to date. With her Petplan Equine Area Festival Prix St Georges Bronze and Ideal Saddles Combined Training Novice/90cm Champion Sam The Man Veldhoek, Lara picked up yet another championship ticket with a win in the Equine Construction Advanced Medium Silver.

With 53 competitors in total, the battle for the Backinaction Preliminary Silver tickets and titles was as close as the history making fixture finales at Lord’s and Wimbledon. Section B saw Ben Cousins with Chevalian Bold Z triumph by the narrowest of margins as the West Midlands rider beat second placed rider Francesca Turner on collectives with just one mark in it. The Section A title belonged to former Nettex RoR Associated Champions, Cheshire teen Emily Entwistle and Tarass D’Alben, with the winning score a rock solid 69.31%.

British Dressage thanks the team at Somerford Park, plus all national class sponsors for their generous support of the summer championship series. Congratulations to all qualified riders and to those who took part.

Regional champions:

Backinaction Preliminary Silver A
Emily Entwistle with Tarass D’Alben, 69.31%

Backinaction Preliminary Silver B
Ben Cousins with Chevalian Bold Z, 70.06%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver A
Charlotte Donovan with Just It’s Mie, 69.94%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver B
Ricki Riley with My Noble Valentine, 70.68%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Gold
Thomas Bobis with MSJ Distinction, 72.47%

Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver A
Helen Hopewell with Freshman, 69.17%

Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver B
Katie Bagot with Zomaar, 73.44%

Childéric Saddles Elementary Gold
Thomas Bobis with MSJ Distinction, 75.94%

TopSpec Medium Silver
Katie Bagot with Zomaar, 69.23%

TopSpec Medium Gold
Emma Jablonski with Higgens van de Uilenhoek, 72.12%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Silver
Laura Fisher with Sam The Man Veldhoek, 68.55%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Gold
Sarah Higgins with Easter Bunny II, 70.09%

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold
Sarah Rao with Waldessarini, 70.22%

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Gold
Sarah Higgins with Alfranco, 69.56%

Full results

It was billed to be the battle of Britain’s dressage heavyweight and the action didn’t disappoint. With places in Team GBR’s senior team for the Rotterdam Euros at stake and the long awaited debut of Charlotte Dujardin’s new music with Mount St John Freestyle it was a treat for spectators, judges and riders alike.

In the Big Tour ranks Charlotte Dujardin continued her 2019 form with Emma and Jill Blundell’s 10 year old Mount St John Freestyle with a new personal best in Friday’s Hazelwoods Grand Prix for 81.89% for the win. There was just a blip with the flying change at the end of the extended canter but the rest of the test showed increased maturity in just a month since their last outing at Bolesworth.

Charlotte said afterwards; “I’m getting there! My aim was to do a clear round and I was just so close! I was a bit bolder than normal in the extended canter and just didn’t get her back in time which hurried the transition – it just didn’t happen in time. A case of ‘slap the rider, pat the horse’! It was annoying but I couldn’t dwell as the zig zag comes up next. The piaffe passage work felt good – she’s getting so much stronger and confident in the arena. Sometimes she sits so much [in the piaffe] she gets stuck coming out.”

In her post performance chat it came out that she still hadn’t received her final music from composer Tom Hunt to debut the next evening… So a frantic download session in the lorry followed for the sound check!

Second spot in the Grand Prix went to Charlotte’s mentor Carl Hester with his own, Lady Anne Evans and Ann Cory’s Hawtins Delicato. With a place on the team all but assured, Carl was searching for that big score as proof of the 11 year old British bred’s talent and quality. Largely it was there but a missed first change in the line of ones and some uncertainty in the piaffe to just pin some marks back but 76.54% is still astounding and bodes well for Rotterdam.

“They were probably the best pirouettes he’s done – we really nailed them today. But those ones will be the death of me! I think I’m not going to get them in and then I over ride,” Carl said. “Normally my second piaffe is the good one but today he just got a bit funny in the contact but then then he picks it up again. That’s the nice thing, the maturity I’ve got in him this year. I just need to get the one big test in the bag – I should be getting about two percent more and I will be by the time the Euros come. I’ve got to be happy with today.”

Third spot went to Gareth Hughes and the Trento B mare Classic Briolinca, whom he jointly owns with wife Rebecca and Julia Hornig. The duo again showed their class and that they’re ready for their first senior team appearance together with some impressive work to score 75.92%.

Saturday’s Superflex Grand Prix Freestyle was a grand occasion as a packed International Arena at Hartpury was treated to a great display of music and dressage alongside the Elite Stallions Young Horse Prix St Georges (see the Premier League report) plus a hugely entertaining masterclass from Anna Ross. It was the chance many had been waiting for to see Charlotte’s newest freestyle creation when Hurricane Florence intervened in proceedings at the World Equestrian Games. There has been some tweaking since and it was the first time Charlotte and ‘Freebie’ had actually ridden to the music together. It also had an air of expectation back to 2012 when Charlotte used Hartpury to debut her music with Valegro which went on to be one of the sport’s most iconic freestyle routines.

The music was inspired by Disney’s global hit Frozen but with that unique Tom Hunt take and Charlotte didn’t hold back on the difficulty of the floorplan – it was technical, it was tricky, it was full on and together it combined to bring a performance which for seven minutes, captivated the audience with everyone holding their breath as they sailed down the final centre line in the mare’s characteristic and breath taking extended trot but there was a moment when it looked like they might just join judge Eddie de Wolff van Westerode at his table at C but they came to an abrupt halt, saluted and the crowd erupted. They knew they’d seen something remarkable, momentous and truly special. The final score came through as 87.6% with two judges giving 89%. Not quite yet at the dizzy heights of Valegro who scored 92% that same night in 2012 but nonetheless it’s clear there’s much more to come with fine tuning and a bit more practice!

“I’m just thrilled!” she said afterwards. “That test has an immense degree of difficulty and there’s no room for error. She’s done around seven Grands Prix and to pull off a test like that just makes me want to cry. The music is magical and tells such a story – it gave me goosebumps after my first extended trot!”

It was an extra special occasion for Charlotte who proudly declared she had “ridden for Roy” in the arena as earlier in the day it was the memorial service for long term supporter Roy Burek of Charles Owen hats who died suddenly in April.

Second place went to 2017 British National Champions Hayley Watson-Greaves and Rubins Nite who were back out competing after an enforced break when ‘Squeaks’ slipped over and fell on concrete at Doha CDI in April. This duo know each other inside and out and rode with great harmony to their dramatic music set to a high degree of difficulty floorplan and returned a new personal best of 77.96%.

It was third again for Gareth Hughes, this time with his newest GP star, KK Woodstock, owned by the Kroll family whose string and piano music earned 75.92%, just a fraction behind Hayley.

Sunday’s Baileys Horse Feeds Grand Prix Special stuck to the script with a win for Carl and Hawtins Delicato but some variation in the judges marks left some scratching their head. There was again some amazing work from the Diamond Hit gelding – moments of brilliance even – only some trepidation in the piaffe appeared to be the sole negative. Three judges awarded 77% plus scores but there was surprisingly a 71% which brought the overall percentage down to 75.89%. Carl told Horse & Hound; “I’m not one to complain about judging, but I am disappointed. There were a couple of errors but it felt like a 77% or 78% test. He felt nice in the hand and was in lovely self-carriage. I just can’t wait for that breakthrough day but I’ve got to be patient. It’s so lovely to still be getting scores like that when it’s not perfect.”

We have to remember this horse is just 11 and has never scored less than 75% in his international career to date.

Gareth and Classic Briolinca went second with 73.55%. They weren’t quite on song with some tension in the piaffe but this mare’s positive outlook and willingness to please always shine through and Gareth was far from disappointed.

Portugal’s newest star duo João Miguel Torrao and 10 year old Lusitano stallion Equador finished third with 70.72% and won many new fans over the week. They’re spending the summer based with Carl which João says ‘is a dream come true’ in a bid to secure a place on the Portuguese squad for Rotterdam.

In the small tour ranks, it was Gareth Hughes who set the competition alight in the first class, the Freeflex Prix St Georges with his own and Judy Firmston-William’s Sintano van hof Olympia, the nine year old’s first international start. The Sandro Hit gelding is full of promise with impressive elastic qualities, abundant candence and a great outlook and has Grand Prix written all over him; 72.32% was the winning score. Hot on his heals was British based Portugese rider Luis Principe riding Vanessa Worthington’s RS Raphael with 72.23% and Katie Bailey completed the podium with Leslie Forlee’s Boccelli 6 on 70.14.

In the Classic Dressage Inter I, the honours were reversed as Luis finished on top, the only rider to break the 73% barrier in the class. R.S. Raphael is by the renowned stallion Blue Hors Romanov and at 18.2hh is a big horse to navigate around the arena but at 6’2”, Luis looks right at home. They had a costly mistake in their two time changes and then missed their final transition into trot but were pleased with 73.64% and the win.

“He doesn’t tend to make mistakes so it’s frustrating and very uncharacteristic for him – they were two stupid mistakes to lose points on but I’m happy. I owe it to the owners who also bred him; they’ve been my clients for 18 years and this was their daughter’s horse. I took the ride over in December when I came back from breaking my ankle and we’ve just cracked on. He’s a super horse with a great character and is getting better and better. We have high hopes for him and he’s already doing the majority of the Grand Prix work,” explained Luis.

The duo will probably do one more show at Small Tour before tackling Grand Prix. “I’d like to do Olympia with him in December which I think is achievable as he’s quite quick to learn,” he added.

Gareth and ‘Piglet’ scored just less than in the PSG at 72.2% for second and third went to Jess Dunn with Jennifer Whittaker’s Alicante Valley with 71.73% to add a further top placing to their impressive international tally so far this season.

In the Equikro Inter I on Sunday, Luis made the class his own again with a stunning score of 77.25% while Jess was third on 73.15% and it was a new name on the podium in the form of Hong Kong rider Jacquline Wing Ying Sui riding Jockey Club Fuerst on Tour who scored 72.05%.

Full results – click here

CDI3* results
Where combination's name is linked - click to see the video of the winning test

Small Tour
Freeflex Prix St Georges
1st Gareth Hughes with Sintano van hof Olympia, 72.32% (GBR)
2nd Luis Principe with R.S. Raphael, 72.23% (POR)
3rd Katie Bailey with Boccelli 6, 70.14% (GBR)

Classic Dressage Inter I
1st Luis Principe with R.S. Raphael, 73.64% (POR)
2nd Gareth Hughes with Sintano van hof Olympia, 72.2% (GBR)
3rd Jess Dunn with Alicante Valley, 71.73% (GBR)

Equikro Inter I Freestyle
1st Luis Principe with R.S. Raphael, 77.25% (POR)
2nd Jess Dunn with Alicante Valley, 73.15% (GBR)
3rd Jacqueline Wing Ying Siu with Jockey Club Fuerst on Tour, 72.05% (HKG)

Big Tour
Hazelwoods Grand Prix
1st Charlotte Dujardin with Mount St John Freestyle, 81.89% (GBR)
2nd Carl Hester with Hawtins Delicato, 76.54% (GBR)
3rd Gareth Hughes with Classic Briolinca, 75.69% (GBR)

Superflex Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Charlotte Dujardin with Mount St John Freestyle, 87.6% (GBR)
2nd Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite, 75.96% (GBR)
3rd Gareth Hughes with KK Woodstock, 75.92%

Baileys Horse Feeds Grand Prix Special
1st Carl Hester with Hawtins Delicato, 75.89% (GBR)
2nd Gareth Hughes with Classic Briolinca, 73.55% (GBR)
3rd João Miguel Torrao with Equador, 70.72% (POR)

Joseph Bright (25), owner of Bright Dressage in Kent, has been awarded the 2019 British Dressage YPP bursary of £3,500. This is an additional opportunity offered to the dressage participants in the cross-discipline Sport England-funded Young Professionals Programme (YPP) and candidates were required to submit a career plan and attend an interview to apply for the bursary.

To be in with a chance of winning, the dressage candidates were required to create a personal statement, a five year plan and a business plan. Followed by a 10 – 15 minute presentation on the future of BD Youth in the next five years, to Stephen Arnett, Penny Pollard and BD Youth Director Clair Moir.

Joe (pictured) impressed the panel with his interview and presentation skills on the day and clearly communicated his vision for Youth within the sport of British Dressage. Joe’s enthusiasm and professionalism earned him the bursary, just ahead of the other talented candidates Megan Roberts (20), Laura Woodcock (25), Victoria Maw (25) and Lucy Amy (21).

Having sat on the panel, Penny Pollard was delighted to announce Joseph Bright as the recipient of the British Dressage bursary. “We were impressed with Joe’s enthusiasm, professional manner, creative suggestions, and thorough approach. He has a confident manner and is motivated to help others in the equestrian industry. He is an asset to our sport. Joe is a delight to be and work with – we wish him all the very best for the rest of his career.”

The BEF Young Professionals Programme is run in collaboration with fellow Olympic disciplines, British Eventing and British Showjumping and supports athletes looking to make a career in the equestrian industry.

Specifically tailored for individuals aged 19 – 26, the programme is designed to help support personal development, career planning and enhancement, leaving a wider and well-adapted skill-set that builds the confidence needed to grow a business and make it a success.

The structure of the programme features up to eight core sessions delivered cross-discipline, with topics covered ranging from business management and business operations to media awareness, personal development and communication skills.

YPP aims to promote young people into equine business rather than riding. They are taught skills such as accounting, tax, HGV law, marketing etc. to expand their knowledge on what happens behind the scenes to make a business run successfully.

Reflecting on the 2018-19 programme, Penny Pollard commented: “It has been a pleasure to support and offer the Young Professional Programme again this year. The enhanced programme design offers a great opportunity for our young members (age range 19-26). All the YPP participants from this year’s cohort, are already making a valuable contribution to the dressage world.”

Applications for the 2019/20 Young Professionals Programme are now open. Read more here.

Photo © Kevin Sparrow

The following horse and rider combinations have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Deauville CDI, 18 – 21 July:

CDI2* - Small Tour
Emily Harris from Dorset with Fay Thomas’s Freya FST (chestnut, mare, 16hh, 9yrs, s. Fidertanz)
Lara Edwards from Humberside with her own and Laura Milner’s Jazzed Up (black, gelding, 16.2hh, 10yrs, s. Jazz) (pictured)

CDI Amateur
Lindsay Hancock from West Yorkshire with her own Barachiel (black, gelding, 17hh, 13yrs, s. Gribaldi)

CDI Junior
Sammy Willson from Hampshire with Jacqueline Willson’s Delhurens Sunshine (dark bay, mare, 16hh, 10yrs, s. Deans San Ciro Hit)

CDI Pony
Annabella Pidgley from Berkshire with Sarah Pidgely’s Cognac IX (palomino, gelding, 14.1hh, 11yrs, FS Chambertin x Waldemar)

Event website for running orders, times and results – click here

Title sponsors Harrison Clark Rickerbys and British Dressage are delighted to launch the 2019 National Convention, Develop to Perform.

Visit brand new host venue Addington Equestrian on 23 – 24 November for an exciting, fresh-look Convention, which will look to focus on modern cross training methods, pole work and effective exercises that you can take home and apply in your day to day training.

This year three standout hosts will take to the stage, working through the scales of training, to deliver our most exciting Convention yet. His first training convention on British soil, Danish dressage star Daniel Bachmann Andersen will be joined by British dressage legends Chris Bartle and Michael Eilberg.

We’ll be taking you on a journey from the training arena to halt, immobility, salute, all with the health and happiness of both human and equine athletes at the forefront of the coaching approach.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

What’s on across the weekend

On Saturday’s session we’ll be opening the day with another brand new feature for the National Convention as Prelim level is discussed and developed for the very first time. Aimed at those competing, or looking to compete, in Quest, Area Festivals and Prelim to Medium level competition, Saturday will focus on improving you and your horse at home to progress positively towards achieving competition and training goals.

Sunday’s program aims to inspire and educate as we turn our attention towards the advanced levels from Medium to Grand Prix, including Young Horse and FEI Youth rider categories. A varied approach to training will remain a key feature of the day as we uncover how a balanced and diverse routine can achieve those marginal gains vital for reaching the very top of the sport.

The hosts

Currently ranked seventh in the FEI Dressage World Rankings, Danish rising star Daniel Bachmann Andersen is one of Europe’s most exciting riders on his way to the very top of the sport. Head rider at Blue Hors stud in Randboel, Daniel is guided by American based Lars Petersen, Blue Hors Sport Director Ulrik Sorensen and Danish team trainer Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.

Between 2012 and 2014, he was employed by Andreas Helgstrand and prior to that he had worked with Rudolf Zeilinger in Germany for six years. His partnership with Blue Hors’ outstanding stallion Zack has quickly established him as a respected rider on the Western European circuit and made him a regular member of the Danish National team from Nations Cup events, to WEG 2018, with a spot at the 2019 Europeans looming.

Daniel also has Blue Hors Don Olymbrio waiting in the wings, another popular Danish Warmblood Elite breeding stallion who’s already earning plus 80% scores at Grand Prix, in only his second season at the level.

Christopher Bartle is the current British Eventing Team’s High Performance Coach. For 16 years up to 2016, he was National Coach to the German Olympic Three Day Event Team - winners of Team Silver and Individual Gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Team and Individual Gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012 and at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Locally Christopher trains many British International level riders in eventing and dressage. Chris was awarded Hon. Fellowship of the British Horse Society in 2001 following his roles of dressage trainer to British Olympic Three Day Event Team Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, Chef d’Equipe and coach to the British Three Day Event Team at the European Championships, Luhmühlen 1999.

In the saddle, Chris achieved sixth place individually at the 1984 LA Olympic Games on board former eventer Wily Trout. This outstanding achievement would stand for decades as the highest placing at an Olympic Games for a British dressage rider until the arrival of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro in 2012.

Returning to the eventing scene following his dressage success, a Badminton Horse Trials title was added to Chris’ CV in 1998 – one of the greats of the sport, he’s a glowing example of the multi-talented, cross discipline rider.

Hailing from prolific dynasty of dressage stars, Michael Eilberg is a much sought after rider and trainer with an established presence on both the national and international stages. In his successful career, Michael made history on board the talented Woodlander Farouche, the first mare to win the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in 2011 and 2012.

A regular on senior teams, he was a key part of the silver medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games in 2014, and the following year he returned to the Team GBR line up at the European Championships with his father Ferdi’s Marakov.

Having begun his equestrian career in a jumping saddle, Michael brings a fresh approach to training and competing dressage horses often with the popular inclusion of cross training and pole work.

Tickets on sale now!

This year’s tickets have been frozen at 2018 prices, plus they now include an event programme! Early bird day and weekend tickets are now available, starting from just £45*, with member discounts available:

BOOK NOW

*Please note booking fees apply to all ticket types.

Title sponsors Harrison Clark Rickerbys and British Dressage are delighted to launch the 2019 National Convention, Develop to Perform.

Visit brand new host venue Addington Equestrian on 23 – 24 November for an exciting, fresh-look Convention, which will look to focus on modern cross training methods, pole work and effective exercises that you can take home and apply in your day to day training.

This year three standout hosts will take to the stage, working through the scales of training, to deliver our most exciting Convention yet. His first training convention on British soil, Danish dressage star Daniel Bachmann Andersen will be joined by British dressage legends Chris Bartle and Michael Eilberg.

We’ll be taking you on a journey from the training arena to halt, immobility, salute, all with the health and happiness of both human and equine athletes at the forefront of the coaching approach.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

What’s on across the weekend

On Saturday’s session we’ll be opening the day with another brand new feature for the National Convention as Prelim level is discussed and developed for the very first time. Aimed at those competing, or looking to compete, in Quest, Area Festivals and Prelim to Medium level competition, Saturday will focus on improving you and your horse at home to progress positively towards achieving competition and training goals.

Sunday’s program aims to inspire and educate as we turn our attention towards the advanced levels from Medium to Grand Prix, including Young Horse and FEI Youth rider categories. A varied approach to training will remain a key feature of the day as we uncover how a balanced and diverse routine can achieve those marginal gains vital for reaching the very top of the sport.

The hosts

Currently ranked seventh in the FEI Dressage World Rankings, Danish rising star Daniel Bachmann Andersen is one of Europe’s most exciting riders on his way to the very top of the sport. Head rider at Blue Hors stud in Randboel, Daniel is guided by American based Lars Petersen, Blue Hors Sport Director Ulrik Sorensen and Danish team trainer Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.

Between 2012 and 2014, he was employed by Andreas Helgstrand and prior to that he had worked with Rudolf Zeilinger in Germany for six years. His partnership with Blue Hors’ outstanding stallion Zack has quickly established him as a respected rider on the Western European circuit and made him a regular member of the Danish National team from Nations Cup events, to WEG 2018, with a spot at the 2019 Europeans looming.

Daniel also has Blue Hors Don Olymbrio waiting in the wings, another popular Danish Warmblood Elite breeding stallion who’s already earning plus 80% scores at Grand Prix, in only his second season at the level.

Christopher Bartle is the current British Eventing Team’s High Performance Coach. For 16 years up to 2016, he was National Coach to the German Olympic Three Day Event Team - winners of Team Silver and Individual Gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Team and Individual Gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012 and at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Locally Christopher trains many British International level riders in eventing and dressage. Chris was awarded Hon. Fellowship of the British Horse Society in 2001 following his roles of dressage trainer to British Olympic Three Day Event Team Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, Chef d’Equipe and coach to the British Three Day Event Team at the European Championships, Luhmühlen 1999.

In the saddle, Chris achieved sixth place individually at the 1984 LA Olympic Games on board former eventer Wily Trout. This outstanding achievement would stand for decades as the highest placing at an Olympic Games for a British dressage rider until the arrival of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro in 2012.

Returning to the eventing scene following his dressage success, a Badminton Horse Trials title was added to Chris’ CV in 1998 – one of the greats of the sport, he’s a glowing example of the multi-talented, cross discipline rider.

Hailing from prolific dynasty of dressage stars, Michael Eilberg is a much sought after rider and trainer with an established presence on both the national and international stages. In his successful career, Michael made history on board the talented Woodlander Farouche, the first mare to win the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in 2011 and 2012.

A regular on senior teams, he was a key part of the silver medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games in 2014, and the following year he returned to the Team GBR line up at the European Championships with his father Ferdi’s Marakov.

Having begun his equestrian career in a jumping saddle, Michael brings a fresh approach to training and competing dressage horses often with the popular inclusion of cross training and pole work.

Tickets on sale now!

This year’s tickets have been frozen at 2018 prices, plus they now include an event programme! Early bird day and weekend tickets are now available, starting from just £45*, with member discounts available:

BOOK NOW

*Please note booking fees apply to all ticket types.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is today announcing that its CEO Nick Fellows is to step down from the organization.
BEF Chair, Mohamed Elsarky commented “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Nick for the work he has undertaken since he joined the BEF, and I wish him well for the future”.

The BEF is pleased to announce that Iain Graham, CEO of British Showjumping, has agreed to act as Interim CEO, effective immediately.

The BEF Board was keen to make the transition as smooth as possible and to maintain continuity so approached Iain, who has years of experience working across the equestrian industry. He joined British Showjumping in 2009 as Head of Sport and Performance and also worked closely with the committees that preside over the sport from grassroots to championship level. He then took the role of CEO in May 2010. Before his time at British Showjumping he was Regional Director for Scotland and the North of England at British Eventing.

Mohamed Elsarky commented “Since the Independent Review in 2018, and during my time as Chair of the Board, we have established a strong collaborative culture across the Federation and its Member Bodies. Iain brings a wealth of experience as a leader with a proven track record in equestrian both within the UK and internationally. We thank British Showjumping for releasing Iain to support British equestrianism in this capacity”.

Iain Graham added “I am really excited about taking up this opportunity, working with the BEF and its member bodies as we head into the final qualifying period for Tokyo.”

Further information regarding the recruitment process to appoint a new CEO will be announced at a future date.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage have today confirmed the combinations which have been long-listed for the FEI Para-equestrian Dressage European Championships 2019. The championships are this year being held in Rotterdam from 21–25 August.

In alphabetical order by athlete surname, the nominated entries are: 

Mari Durward-Akhurst (Grade I) with Glesni Owen’s 20-year-old gelding Sky O'Hara
Nicky Greenhill (Grade IV) with her own and Gary Greenhill’s 10-year-old mare Betty Boo and 11-year-old gelding King Edward I
Erin Orford (Grade III) with Annabel Whittet’s 16-year-old mare Dior
Julie Payne (Grade II) with her own 18-year-old mare Pandora
Sophie Wells (Grade V) with Charlotte Hogg’s 12-year-old gelding C Fatal Attraction and her own 11-year-old mare Diadeem
Georgia Wilson (Grade II) with her own, Geoff and Julie Wilson’s 10-year-old mare Midnight

World Class Para-equestrian Dressage Performance Manager, Georgina Sharples, commented: “Great Britain’s nominated para-dressage list is comprised of a mix of potentially first-time championship partnerships alongside Paralympic, World and European medal-winning expertise – it’s a great reflection of the strength and depth of the riders within the Equestrian Team GBR pathway. I’m thrilled for the nominated athletes, their support teams, and the horse owners who invest so much into the sport, that their passion and commitment has resulted in performances worthy of inclusion on the European Championship nominated list.”

More information on the FEI Para-equestrian Dressage European Championships 2019 in Rotterdam can be found here.

British Dressage would like to announce that Laura Aitken, the Regional Development Officer for the Central Region, has left the organisation to explore new opportunities.

Laura has been part of our Regional Development Team for four years, during which time she has worked closely with her Regional Committee to develop dressage activity in the Central Region, forging close relationships with members and stakeholders, as well as representing the regions on the Judges’ Committee.

BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam commented; “On behalf of all in BD, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Laura for her contribution to British Dressage and wish her all the best for the future.

“I’m happy to say Mari O’Connor has agreed to step in as interim RDO for the Central Region on a contract until the end of 2019. She joins us today and will ensure the Central region is well supported over the coming months. Mari has been invaluable in covering the RDO position during stints working in Wales and more recently the North West, and with her in place, we’re able to ensure business as usual for the Central region over the busy summer period before looking to advertise for a permanent replacement in the autumn.”

BD Southern’s Summer Regional Championships took place last weekend at Sparsholt College, Winchester, and saw hot competition to brighten up the somewhat gloomy British weather (19 – 21 July 2019).

The Equine Construction Advanced Medium Gold and Silver classes were a showcase of talented under 25s riders. In the Gold section Ellie McCarthy’s Donna Summer gave new rider Tarka Abraham a super ride to take the title on a super score of 69.78%. Seventeen year old Tarka is enjoying a stellar first BD season, having recently taken up the reins of experienced campaigner ‘Rio’, a former Youth European Championship team horse for both Ellie and Olivia Oakeley. Speaking on social media, proud owner Ellie commented “So unbelievably proud of Tarka and Rio today! They won the [Equine Construction] Advanced Medium Gold regionals and have qualified for the National Championships in September! After only six months of her riding him and having never competed BD before March - clearly your hack galloping round the forest yesterday with him was perfect preparation!”

Fellow former European Championships representative, Georgia Davis (23) claimed the Equine Construction Advanced Medium Silver with rising star Keystone Diego, by Dimaggio. The duo were awarded 70% from the judges panel, Alison Duck, James Rooney and Sue Wood. Hampshire based Georgia (pictured) bought ‘Doogie’ as a foal and has produced him through the levels whilst working as a freelance rider and coach.

Notching up another win for the U25s, Dylan Deutrom produced a strong performance in the Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver to take home the spoils with Matt Hicks and Sarah Warry’s six year old Identiek BH (Furst Heinrich x Florencio). Their winning score of 70.67% was enough to put them on the top step of the podium in a highly competitive class where only 4.5 marks split the top six combinations.

Coming to Sparsholt off the back of a Petplan Equine Area Festivals win at Elementary level, Sam Mirehouse and Pauldarys Tiger Two Sox were convincing winners of the Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver. Sam and her 11 year old by Pauldarys Tiger Aspect placed first ahead of runners up Sam McEwan with Sunnystone The Highwayman and Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver winners Zoe Kiff and Platinum Barbarian who took third spot in their second class of the week.

Andrew Gould booked his LeMieux National Championships ticket on board Terry and Joan Barnett-Knott’s Blue Hors Dexter in Friday’s Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges qualifier; the former breeding stallion by Don Schufro excelled in the Sparsholt arena to earn 69.86%. Whilst after taking second place in the Prix St Georges, Damian Hallam went one better in the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I with Keith Miller’s Black Jack Sollenburg scoring an ace 68.68% to steal the top spot. Debbie Poynter and the British Hanoverian Keystone For Real placed second, with Lucy Amy and Extra Time claiming third.

The highest score of the show belonged to Backinaction Preliminary Silver winner Sallie Snow, who earned a magnificent 75.11% with her own 17 year old Welsh Cob Winmark Jade.

British Dressage thanks the team at Sparsholt College as well as the National class sponsors for their generous support. Congratulations to all competitors and good luck to those heading to the LeMieux National Championships at Stoneleigh Park.

Buy your LeMieux National Championships tickets here.

Regional champions:

Backinaction Preliminary Silver
Sallie Snow with Winmark Jade, 75.11%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver
Sam Mirehouse with Pauldarys Tiger Two Sox, 69.69%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Gold
Dylan Deutrom with Identiek BH, 70.67%

Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver
Zoe Kiff with Platinum Barbarian, 70.36%

Childéric Saddles Elementary Gold
Nicola Buchanan with St Giles Bon Bon, 71.51%

TopSpec Medium Silver
Lauren Ruffle with Freeman H, 68.28%

TopSpec Medium Gold
Alistair Ridyard with Golden Ray, 71.12%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Silver
Georgia Davis with Keystone Diego, 70%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Gold
Tarka Abraham with Donna Summer, 69.78%

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold
Andrew Gould with Blue Hors Dexter, 69.86%

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Gold
Damian Hallam with Black Jack Sollenburg, 68.68%

Full results

Photo by Kevin Sparrow. 

British riders achieved exciting results at Deauville CDI3* in France (18 – 21 July 2019) last week.

In the CDI2* Small Tour, both Lara Edwards and Emily Harris impressed; Lara with Laura Milner’s 10-year-old Jazzed Up (by Jazz) - pictured left, and Emily Harris with Fay Thomas’s nine year old mare Freya FST (by Fidertanz) - pictured right.

Samantha Willson dominated the CDI Junior classes with Jacqueline Willson’s Delhurens Sunshine (by Deans San Ciro Hit), Annabella Pidgley claimed two second places with Sarah Pidgey’s Cognac IX, while Lindsay Hancock was on winning form in the CDI Amateur classes with her own Barachiel.

Results of the British riders:

CDI2* Prix St Georges
1st Thibault Vandenberghe with Santiago Song, 72.843% (BEL)
3rd Lara Edwards with Jazzed Up, 71.716% (GBR)
4th Emily Harris with Freya FST, 71.520% (GBR)

CDI2* Intermediate I
1st Thibault Vandenberghe with Santiago Song, 74.020% (BEL)
5th Lara Edwards with Jazzed Up, 70.735% (GBR)
8th Emily Harris with Freya FST, 69.755% (GBR)

CDI2* Intermediate I Freestyle
1st Maxime Collard with Happy Lady, 74.300% (FRA)
3rd Lara Edwards with Jazzed Up, 73.267% (GBR)
6th Emily Harris with Freya FST, 69.742% (GBR)

CDIJ – Junior Team Test
1st Samantha Willson with Delhurens Sunshine, 69.091% (GBR)

CDIJ – Junior Individual Test
1st Samantha Willson with Delhurens Sunshine, 70.098% (GBR)

CDIJ – Junior Freestyle
1st Samantha Willson with Delhurens Sunshine, 72.558% (GBR)

CDIP – Pony Team Test
1st Robin Heiden with Oosterbroek Fenix, 72.000% (NED)
2nd Annabella Pidgley with Cognac IX, 69.667% (GBR)

CDIP – Pony Individual Test
1st Louise Brauwers with N-Constantino V/D Bolkerhoe, 71.802% (BEL)
2nd Annabella Pidgley with Cognac IX, 71.396% (GBR)

CDIP – Pony Freestyle
1st Robin Heiden with Oosterbroek Fenix, 75.542% (NED)
6th Annabella Pidgley with Cognac IX, 71.883% (GBR)

CDI Amateur - Prix St Georges
1st Lindsay Hancock with Barachiel, 68.529% (GBR)

CDI Amateur – Intermediate I
1st Severine Vanhamme with Gio Van De Kokerij, 68.382% (BEL)
2nd Lindsay Hancock with Barachiel, 68.284% (GBR)

CDI Amateur – Intermediate I Freestyle
1st Lindsay Hancock with Barachiel, 69.358% (GBR)

For full results click here
Photo from Lara Edwards Dressage 

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Dressage have today released the nominated entries for the FEI Dressage European Championships, taking place in Rotterdam from 18–24 August.

In alphabetical order by athlete surname, the nominated entries are:

Lara Butler with Wilfried and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s 17-year-old bay gelding Rubin Al Asad

Richard Davison with Gwendolyn Meyer and his own 13-year-old bay gelding Bubblingh

Charlotte Dujardin with Sonnar Murray Brown’s 12-year-old bay gelding Erlentanz and Emma and Jill Blundell’s 10-year-old bay mare Mount St John Freestyle

Charlotte Fry with van Olst Horses and her own 11-year-old bay gelding Dark Legend and van Olst Horses’ 10-year-old black stallion Everdale

Carl Hester with his own, Lady Anne Evans and Ann Cory’s 11-year-old bay gelding Hawtins Delicato

Gareth Hughes with his own, Rebecca Hughes and Julia Hornig’s 13-year-old bay mare Classic Briolinca

From this list, up to four riders will be chosen to represent Great Britain in Rotterdam.

World Class Performance Manager for Dressage, Caroline Griffith, commented: “We’re really excited about, and looking forward to, the European Championships at Rotterdam. It’s a showground we know well and one that’s been the setting for some fabulous performances from Team GBR dressage combinations in the past. As we build towards the Championships we have seen some fantastic results from all the combinations on the nominated list. I anticipate some tough decisions for the selectors when the final team is chosen. Achieving a place on this list will have been the aim of the owners, riders and their support teams and they have done a phenomenal job to get to this stage.”