The final stage of the second running of the British Dressage Associates Online Championships hosted by Dressage Anywhere has once again proved a triumph. British Dressage and Dressage Anywhere first teamed up in 2013 to host the annual championship for BD associate members, and since then, it’s enjoyed an explosion in popularity. The main advantage of the series is that competitors needn’t leave the comfort of their own yard to take part. They just need someone handy with a camera to video their test!
In 2014, monthly qualifying classes took place between May and September at four levels – intro to elementary, and all those securing two scores of 62% or more at the same level were invited to take part in the Online Championship Show in November.
British Dressage Online Introductory Championship
Lucy Latter from Surrey rode Breakthrough to win the Intro championship with a strong score of 68.04%. And Emirates pilot Isabell Altenkaemper-Jahn and Elando, all the way from Dubai, were runners-up with 67.61%. “Winning this is the highlight of my year,” said Lucy, clearly delighted. “I’m so proud of my horse who is 20-years-old and had never competed in dressage until April!”
BD List 1 Judge Sue Petty who presided over the class was impressed: “The first and second horses were very close. They both showed promising, correct paces and presented consistent tests. They showed ability to progress in the future.”
British Dressage Online Preliminary Championship
Laura Butcher from Gloucestershire riding Fries van Blauw Kepel took a clear lead with 72.73% - an outstanding achievement for a combination new to the level. BD List 2A judge Leanne Wall who judged the class said: “Dressage Anywhere is a fantastic, slick operation which gives riders at all levels the opportunity to compete for pleasure, training and fun.
“As a judge I am impressed by the huge variety of horses that enter online and it has made me appreciate how many people Dressage Anywhere reaches. It’s a great starting place for any dressage enthusiast because the pressure of coping with a strange arena and venue can be daunting for some, and of course, if your horse finds travelling stressful, Dressage Anywhere removes this worry for you!
“I feel very privileged to have been asked to judge the Prelim final. The standard was high and the marks were close. Much budding talent is clear to see and I was particularly impressed with the harmony shown in many combinations throughout the 2014 season.
Many congratulations must go to Laura Butcher as she produced a fluent, active, consistent test with pleasing preparation shown for every movement and transition.”
British Dressage Online Novice Championship
South African rider Dawn Gray from Limpop, riding Vyfhoek Copper Penny was another high-scoring test on 71.46%. The pair topped the leader board ahead of competitors from the UAE and all parts of the UK. BD List judge Kim Ratcliffe said: “I enjoyed judging the class and was delighted to see that the majority of competitors would have been able to hold their own comfortably in any affiliated novice class. I hope that the competitors take the plunge and start competing at BD shows and that many will also be making the step up to Dressage Anywhere Elementary in the near future."
British Dressage Online Elementary Championship
Essex-based rider Tea Witchalls riding Mr Lou-Bi-Light was awarded a well-earned 69.40% to win her free BD membership and horse registration. List 1 judge Debby Lush commented that it was a ‘fluent and well-balanced test’.
Now on its fourth year, Dressage Anywhere, the online competition website, has members from 38 countries worldwide, competing in monthly competitions and training classes. Working closely with BD, it has enabled riders to compete from home by way of videoing their tests at their own yards and having them judged by top-listed BD judges – all online. It’s proving invaluable for those who find it difficult or impossible to get to a show and for those who wish to practice before going out to compete.
For full results visit the Dressage Anywhere website www.dressageanywhere.com/home/results