Hartpury’s annual Festival of Dressage usually attracts a plethora of dressage stars, but this year is extra special. Yesterday, the British Olympic Association announced the riders bound for Rio to represent Great Britain in dressage and all four riders have set their sights on Hartpury, Gloucestershire as their last competition before they head to Brazil. Carl Hester (pictured with Nip Tuck), Charlotte Dujardin, Fiona Bigwood and Spencer Wilton will all be contesting the CDI3* Grand Prix at the Festival of Dressage (6 – 10 July 2016) with their Olympic rides.
Action kicks off today (6 July) with the CPEDI3*, a last chance for our para riders to make an impression before the selectors decide and announce the team for this year’s Paralympics. The Gloucestershire venue also plays host to the final Premier League of the season, today’s last class of the day is the Fairfax Prix St Georges. The 64-strong class, split into two sections, is jam-packed with top names such as Laura Tomlinson, Charlotte Dujardin, Andrew Gould, Dan Sherriff, Dan Watson, Matt Hicks and Alice Oppenheimer to name a few.
The weekend’s competition is highlighted with the Shearwater Young Horse Semi-Finals and the British Dressage Young Pony Championship Final, showcasing Britain’s exciting up-and-coming talent. The first ever Shearwater Young Horse Semi-Final, three places are up for grabs for the coveted championship final at the LeMieux National Championships in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Also, on Saturday afternoon, BYRDS riders will fill Hartpury Arena and switch horses as they contest the BYRDS A squad ride-off.
A competition that is not-to-be-missed and perfect for spectators – particularly if star-gazing is your thing – click here for more details.
If you’re unable to make it to Hartpury, fear not as thanks to Goldeneye Video and Photography, you can catch the action via the live stream. To start watching, click here.