Yorkshire-based specialist in the breeding of elite dressage horses Mount St John Equestrian has made a welcome return as the sponsor of the Dressage Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). This much-anticipated competition will be held at “The World’s Most Famous Horse Show” on Friday 10th October at Birmingham’s NEC.
There are now only two opportunities left for dressage riders to challenge the leaders for the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship: the final premier league qualification show for the Championship will take place on 9th – 13th July at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, followed by The Hickstead CDI*** on 30th July – 3rd August 2014 in Sussex.
Horses’ scores in Prix St Georges and Intermediate I competitions at British Premier League Shows, High Profile Shows and British-based CDIs will be used to determine six of the finalist combinations for the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship, with a £2,000 prize waiting for the winning horse and rider. The average of their three best scores will be used to give an overall percentage, with those gaining the highest overall percentage securing places. A further two places will be offered as wild cards, the recipients of which will be determined by Horse of the Year Show and British Dressage’s senior selection committee.
Latest standings up to and including Hickstead Premier League:
1 ALFONS Spencer Wilton Average 74.81
2 ZAMBOUCCA Spencer Wilton Average 74.19
3 FLAVIO Henriette Andersen Average 72.86
4 EXCALIBUR Matt Hicks Average 72.28
5 AMD DON ROSSO Matt Frost Average 72.14
6 DON JOVI Christian Llandolt Average 71.91
7 CARISINO Becky Moody Average 71.87
8 FURST RUBIN Sarah Millis Average 71.79
9 DJ Maria Griffin Average 70.58
10 AMBIENCE IV Roland Tong Average 70.55
Helena Pettit, Managing Director of HOYS organiser Grandstand Media Ltd, said: “We’re so pleased the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship was such a success in 2013 and that Mount St John has chosen to renew its support. We’ve made some changes to the 2014 timetable so at this year’s show, Friday will provide the ultimate experience for dressage fans.”
The six finalists will perform the Intermediate I Freestyle Test to Music in front of a packed house and three international judges, including FEI Dressage Judge General, Olympic Judge and Internationally renowned trainer Stephen Clarke.
The Mount St John Equestrian team breeds from only the top sporting bloodlines in the world. It focuses on using top class mares and selecting the best European stallions to suit, therefore building a strong foundation on which to breed the next generation of future elite dressage horses.
In 2013, the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship title was won by Michael Eilberg and Half Moon Dynasty, who scored an impressive 74.6%.
Emma Blundell, Owner and Director of Mount St John Equestrian, said: “Mount St John is delighted to be associated with this concept; promoting the up and coming equine and rider stars of Team GB's future.”
Alongside the most prestigious National Showing and Show Jumping Championships, International Show Jumping classes, Virbac 3D Worming Pony Club Mounted Games and Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry Racing, HOYS 2014 is packed with even more exciting features. The popular and awe-inspiring Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, supported by Home Farm Hothorpe and The Mulbrooke Stud, will headline the displays, as demanded by visitors. Meanwhile, the enchanting Doma en Libertad with Antonio Fernadez “El Paqueto” will makes its UK debut. Friday, 10th October will be the day of choice for dressage fans, with The Eilberg Dressage Master Class and Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship both timetabled.
Tickets for HOYS 2014 are now on sale. For show information, including the show timetable, and to book, visit www.hoys.co.uk or call 0844 581 8282.