Tomorrow, top dressage and para-dressage riders from across the country gather for Wellington Riding’s biggest ever Premier League show (8 – 12 June 2016). With 550 competitors, the Hampshire-based venue and its hardworking team have created a not-to-be-missed event, promising five fantastic days of competition, including great shopping, brilliant hospitality and £1000 up for grabs in the PSG Freestyle, sponsored by Equi-Trek Windsor (pictured: last year’s winner, Pippa Hutton and Duela).
Hosting the KBIS Gold Championship semi-final tomorrow (8 June), proceedings definitely start with a bang. Para stars such as Sophie Christiansen, Lee Pearson, Natasha Baker, Sophie Wells and Deb Criddle will be amongst those battling to win their place at the final, which will be held at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships in September.
Thursday is a showcase of both ends of the spectrum; exciting youngsters demonstrate just how bright the future of British dressage is in the Shearwater Young Horse classes, which is also sponsored by Mikado Equine, whilst the Fairfax Saddles PSG and Flying Changes Inter I is littered with huge combinations coming into their prime. Names such as Laura Tomlinson, Gareth Hughes, Paul Friday, Alice Oppenheimer, Matt Hicks and Paul Hayler contest the 58-strong PSG, which has been split into two sections, and the lucky winner of the Inter I class will also be presented with a bespoke tailcoat or short jacket of their choice, courtesy of Flying Changes.
The competition comes to a head on Saturday, with the gala evening taking to the stage. Beginning with the LeMieux Grand Prix, the evening progresses to the PSG Freestyle which, for the first time ever, will be held in the Duke’s Hall Indoor Arena and boasts a £1000 prize fund from gala sponsors, Equi-Trek Windsor. And the party doesn’t stop there, as after the gala finishes, there will be a drinks reception in their spectacular clubhouse, kindly hosted by the Duke of Wellington’s family.
And it’s not just about the competition, Wellington’s clubhouse tack shop has been extended, stocking fabulous brands, including LeMieux and Schockemöhle and there are plenty of trade stands to have a shop around too.
Unable to make it to the Hampshire? Not a problem, classes will also be live streamed by Equestrian Pro TV. 2 Gallop, Sunday’s Inter I sponsors, will also be on hand to film and interview riders, so make sure you keep a look out on Wellington’s social media for some great content.
For start times and results, click here.
To watch the live stream, click here.