British Dressage can now proudly announce four special combinations who’ll take centre stage alongside Stephen Clarke at this year’s BD National Convention, in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys and St John’s Chambers (19 – 20 November).
In a new twist to the programme and in keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Dressage for All’, riders of all types of non-traditional dressage horse, including gypsy cobs, Iberian horses, thoroughbreds and native breeds, were invited to apply through their region to receive expert coaching from the legendary Stephen Clarke in front of the crowd at Hartpury College.
Over 100 applications came in, each with a recommendation from a judge, trainer or regional committee member and short video, which were then painstakingly sifted through by the regions. The eight regions then submitted their shortlist to the BD Training Committee who made their final selection.
The chosen four are:
Jade Clark (24) from Kinver in the West Midlands with her seven year old grey Lusitano stallion Evangelico who she rides at Medium level.
Maddie Thynne (25) from Banwell, Somerset with her nine year old black Friesian gelding Wietse V/D Slothoeve, currently competing at Elementary level.
Martin Greet (49) from Stevenage, Hertfordshire with Catherine Flind’s Welsh Section D mare, Watling Shakira, who’s eight and competing at Medium.
Charlie Samuel-Camps (36) from Southampton, Hampshire and Mary Johnson’s Glasshards Warrior, a Traditional 8 year old piebald gelding working at Novice level.
Reserves
Nicky Heale (45) from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire and Welsh Section D Retanach Request
Millie Mcbride (26) from Harpenden, Hertfordshire and native pony Bounty
Nicole Turner (27) from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire and the ex-racer Galileo Figaro
BD’s Training and Development Manager Jo Brown commented; “The response to apply to ride at the Convention has been amazing and those who’ve been selected will beautifully illustrate that dressage isn’t just for warmbloods! The Training Committee has put together a varied programme for this year’s Convention, which it’s hoped appeals to everyone who’s involved in dressage, and having such an array of horses and riders taking part across all levels will show what amazing variety we have. Huge thanks to everyone who applied, we’re only sorry we couldn’t take more!”
As the timetable is different each day, you can join us for just a single day or make savings with a weekend ticket, which is just £80 for BD paid members and £90 for non-members. Daily tickets are £50 for members and £55 for non-members. Tickets are on-sale via the British Dressage website and for the first time we’re using e-ticketing. Alternatively, you can book over the phone with Katy or Ellie on 02477 087801 or 02476 698833 during office hours.