Many equestrian eyes may be fixed on Gloucestershire this weekend but us dressage enthusiasts know that the best dressage action will be a few counties away in Buckinghamshire – at Addington Manor Premier League (08 – 10 May) to be exact!
The three-day feature show is the third instalment of British Dressage’s Premier League and many top riders are making the trip. There’s classes for the younger riders in the shape of FEI Pony, Junior and Young Rider team and individual tests as well as the ‘baby’ equines with qualifiers for the Shearwater Potential International Dressage horse finals as well as Hickstead national and international British Young Dressage Horse qualifiers. Other classes run from advanced to grand prix, including a grand prix freestyle to bring the curtain down on Sunday afternoon.
Moody siblings Becky and Hannah are in great form this year and with a selection of rides, they look set to add to their rosette collection. Spencer Wilton makes a welcome high-profile competition return with two missing stars; Jayne Lancashire’s 2014 Saracen Inter I Supreme Champion Alfons (pictured), who we’ve not seen in action since September and Jennifer Goodman’s Goodmans Supernova, missing since May last year. Spencer will also be hoping for back-to-back Premier League wins with Jennifer Goodman and his own Zamboucca who was an Inter I winner at Keysoe in April. Michael Eilberg has a lorry load travelling from Pink Green Farm including the exciting Der Designer, Fuerst Sinclair and Woodlander Donnroeschen. Charlotte Dujardin will be debuting her new youngster, Florentina, in Sunday's 5yo Shearwater qualifier at 13.41pm.
Saturday afternoon’s grand prix looks an exciting watch with a great field; four hours of amazing dressage! Alex Hardwick, Katherine Bateson-Chandler (USA), Hannah Moody, Michael Eilberg, Steph Croxford, Spencer Wilton, Pippa Hutton, Henriette Andersen and Hannah Biggs are just some names to grace the start list.
There’s action from 08.30 each day and of course Addington is renowned for its great hospitality and catering so you won’t go thirsty or hungry!
For timetable, start times and results – click here