’17 BD Convention provides German insight, innovation and insight

With just eight weeks until the 2017 British Dressage National Convention, the timetable has been released for the weekend at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, 25 – 26 November.  Supported once again by leading law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, this year’s Convention is based on the innovation, insight and inspiration behind the highly successful and world renowned German system of training horses and riders. Entitled ‘The German way forward’, the two days will be hosted by two dressage legends, Ulf Möller and Michael Klimke, and we are excited to reveal an outline of their prime areas of focus.

Ulf Möller’s credentials for producing young horses are second to none, while Michael Klimke has firm foundations in competing at the highest levels and coaching riders to realise potential. Together they will bring a 360° approach to the sessions over the two days. With Saturday focusing on training and Sunday looking more at test riding, as each day unfolds the programme will build the progression of horses and riders through the levels; from laying foundations in the early stages through to the ultimate test, Grand Prix – all based on the Scales of Training. 

What’s the difference between coaching and training? What’s the German approach to test riding?  How should we measure progress? What are appropriate goals to set?  All of these points and many others will be put under the microscope by our esteemed hosts.

BD Training Director Paul Hayler commented; “I was able to spend time with Ulf at the Nationals and he left me feeling completely inspired!  With his immense knowledge and the undeniable skill brought by Michael, I know everyone who joins us will be equally stimulated and enthused. We’ve tried to keep both days similar in format so that if you’re only able to come one day, all the areas will be covered but, rest assured, there will still be plenty of additional insight and inspiration for our weekend visitors.

It should be a fascinating two days as we measure the progress through the levels. We’re going to keep the same guinea pig combinations so that the development of both horse and rider over the weekend can be shown. This is a unique chance to see two trainers who aren’t often in the UK and learn from the best in the business, whatever your role in dressage – so please don’t miss it!”

There’s a range of ticket options available; you can join us for 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 – and all prices have been frozen at last year’s rate.

Tickets are on-sale now via the British Dressage website. Alternatively, you can book over the phone with our Training and Education team on 02476 698831 or 02476 698833.

Timetable:

Saturday - Building the Foundations

Sunday - Putting it into Action