New competition structure: final version

Members will have received issue 6 of the British Dressage magazine which details the final version of the new competition structure. There were a few errors in the copy which was unfortunate but please find below for download a revised version. Also, we’ve expanded it to include some examples to help.

Also for download below is the final version of the flow chart so please make sure you’re using version 5 with today’s date. Major changes are in red for identification.

The final drafts of the members’ handbook are being worked on so as soon as we can, we’ll put a pdf version of the rule up so you can study the structure in full. There’s a few exciting rule changes outside the new structure to look forward to also!

Time frame from here:

w/c 21 September - 2016 Members Handbook available on-line as a pdf
w/c 14 October - 2016 Members Handbook and help guide mailed out with Issue 7 of the BD Magazine
early/mid November - all current members and their registered horses will receive an email with their breakdown of points per level
01 December - new structure effective

Revised magazine article: click here

Flowchart v5 A4: click here

Flowchart v5 A3: click here

Please contact the office by phone or email with questions and we’ll do our best to help. If you’re a forum user and are happy to share your situation (you can still be anonymous) start a thread and we’ll help to answer - it’ll be good for all to see so we can learn by examples – please one thread per case.

Please take time to digest it – feel free to ask questions– it’s really happening and will be live in just over 13 weeks’ time! Good luck.

Spencer on form at Darmstadt-Kranichstein CDI4*

Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II put in a stellar performance at the Darmstadt-Kranichstein CDI4* in Germany, 19-23 August 2015.

Berkshire-based Spencer, 42, and Jen Goodman’s Super Nova II (pictured) held their own in world class company. On their first day of competition, Spencer rode the elastic, long-limbed British De Niro-sired gelding to score 69% for a leaderboard ranking of seventh. This competitive grand prix was headed by the home nation’s Dorothee Schneider with 10-year-old stallion UllrichEquine’s St Emilion (Sandro Hit x Ehrenwort).

Fellow Brit, Kay Maxted, who at the age of 66 has a wealth of international experience under her belt, rode the delightful KWPN gelding Privaldi, her 18-year-old son of Gribaldi, to earn 64.20% for 22nd.

Both riders opted to run in the grand prix special over the freestyle. Spencer and ‘Neville’, who won the grand prix and special at Barcelona CDI3* earlier this year and were selected as first reserves for the FEI European Championships in Aachen this month, showed their class with a 69.58% performance for fourth and Kay and Privaldi earned 62.62% for 14th.

The class was won by young Sanneke Rothenberger from Germany riding Deveraux OLD, a 14-year-old gelding by De Niro scoring 73.64%.

For full results click here

Summer regionals: Mount Ballan

Somerset rider Stephanie Sweet was the highest scorer at the Mount Ballan summer regional championships, 4-5 August 2015. Stephanie travelled to the Welsh venue to compete in the Dodson & Horrell novice restricted with her five-year-old ride Dolle Jung (Don Havidoff x Fürst Piccolo), and came away with her ticket to the LeMieux National Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh in September.

Dolle Jung (pictured) is an attractive chestnut gelding who was found in Germany only last January by his team of owner Sarah Banwell, rider Stephanie, and trainer Virginia Peters. Stephanie loved the horse the moment she put her foot in the stirrup, and going on the advice of Virginia, the horse was soon off the market.

“He’s a one-in-a-million horse and I feel very privileged to ride him,” said Stephanie after the show. “He’s a very genuine, nice horse, and is slightly sensitive which I like. His regionals test just flowed and I was thrilled because his canter-trot-canter transitions, which I’ve had to work hard on, came off. We even scored 9s for them!”

Stephanie is a freelance rider whose time is spent starting youngsters, riding out on the gallops and hunting, as well as in the dressage arena. She likes to employ this varied life with Dolle Jung’s training. “He’s treated like a normal horse, hacking and going in the field which really suits him.”

The Sheepcote Stud, located in Herefordshire, was well represented at the championships. 20-year-old Elijah Lovell took the honours in the BackinAction preliminary riding consistent partner Sheepcote Lets Go to earn a great score of 73.40% from the judges. Sheepcote Lets Go is five-year-old gelding by Lord Loxley and owned by David Pincus who, with his wife Serena, founded Sheepcote in 1980.

Serena and David’s daughter, Lucy, was once again on top of the podium with Sheepcote Doncalisto, her father’s nine-year-old Don Schufro son. They won the Fairfax Saddles prix st georges on a score of 70.92%. The pair already has national titles to their name as they’ve confidently progressed through the levels, and could be ones to watch at Stoneleigh.

Results

BackinAction Preliminary
Section a: Amy Pett with Chance T, 70.71%
Section b: Elijah Lovell with Sheepcote Lets Go, 73.40%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Restricted
Stephanie Sweet with Dolle Jung, 75.63%

Dodson & Horrell Novice Open
Section a: Brendan Tegg with Polos Pikasso, 72.13%
Section b: Jezz Palmer with Frumma, 72.59%

Nettex Elementary Restricted
Section a: Glenys Tucker with Woodlander Revolution, 68.80%
Section b: Sophie Quarterman with Knightswood Diamond Geezer, 71.35%

Nettex Elementary Open
Laura Wollen with Woodlander Buddy Holly, 75.21%

TopSpec Medium Restricted
Lewis Carrier with Diego, 68.92%

TopSpec Medium Open
Amy Woodhead with Delicato, 73.69%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Restricted
Mark Cunliffe with Rastafari, 65.61%
Helen Askey with Boston HS, 65.61%

Equine Construction Advanced Medium Open
Kate Cowell with Dahling, 72.54%

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
Lucy Pincus with Sheepcote Doncalisto, 70.92%

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
Maya Goldberg with Torino, 70.18%

For full results click here

Sheepgate Under-25s Championships

Sheepgate Equestrian Centre in Lincolnshire will be staging the 15th running of the British Dressage Under-25s Dressage Championships next week, 24-29 August 2015. The show, which is a calendar highlight for young dressage riders in UK, grows in popularity each year and this time is no exception with a record 368 combinations ready to take part.

A total of 68 listed judges have been deployed to judge a total of 1,350 dressage tests over six days of competition featuring intro through to grand prix plus talent-spotting young horse tests. There is also a regional team competition, run in conjunction with BYRDS and the popular derbies where riders’ skills are put to the test riding each other’s mounts as well as their own. This show is traditionally a hotbed of future talent and many of our top riders, including European, World and Olympic Champion Charlotte Dujardin, have cut their teeth at this show.

Spectators are welcome at Sheepgate and the excellent facilities make it a wonderful day out – there’s plenty of seating, refreshments from the ‘Sheepgate Savoy’ café, the well-stocked ‘Tack and Togs’ shop for retail therapy and free wi-fi over the entire 25 acre site. As always, organiser Bruce Grant and his team will be putting on an array of entertainment to make it a show to remember for the whole family. Included in the mix will be a disco and karaoke, a hog roast, a dog show, bingo and more!

For those who cannot make it the east coast venue, every test in arenas one and two will be live streamed, thanks to sponsorship from Pikeur/Eskadron. The tests will be automatically recorded and available to view for 14 days after the show.

For live results and live steam please visit the show website www.sheepgate.co.uk

Bigwood withdraws from Euro Freestyle

Sad news coming from the stables this morning via Chef d'Equipe Richard Waygood; "Unfortunately due to a slight skin reaction causing sensitivity, the decision has been made to withdraw Tillie [Atterupgaards Orthilia], ridden by Fiona Bigwood, from today’s competition. We are obviously all disappointed but it’s nothing serious and we’ll always put the mare’s welfare first. We’re looking forward to seeing them out again in the not too distant future."

LeMieux National Dressage Championships - WILD CARDS

Following the seven summer regional championships, we are pleased to announce the horse and rider combinations who have been awarded wild card entries for the LeMieux National Dressage Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (17 – 20 September 2015).

Please note: The close of entries for wildcards is Tuesday 25 August 2015 – NO late entries will be accepted.

All wildcard packs were sent by first class post on 14 August 2015.

Please do NOT send your entry to the show secretary by email. To guarantee your entry, please consider next day delivery.

Find below the wild card combinations for prelim to inter I. Please do not call the office regarding inter II and grand prix as these will follow later today,

Preliminary
Millie McBride, Bounty, 72.05%
Steph Crowther, In for the Kill, 71.09%
Alice Pearse, Irish Millennium, 70.83%
Jo Parkes, Hamlets Harmony, 70.83%
Rachel Peel, Pauldary's Dark and Stormy, 70.71%
David Froggatt, Royal Pearl II, 70.64%

Novice Restricted
Amy Pett, Barbarian T, 71.78%
Maisie Waller, Moonshine Marcus, 71.67%
Sophie Parkinson, Here Be Dragons, 71.38%
Amy Foster, Pikador, 70.40%
Lucy Pye, Can Can Herself, 70.00%
Jacob Denham, Woodcroft Don Diego, 69.89%

Novice Open
Jodie Atkin, Bear, 71.38%
Lindsay Poxon, Believe in Me, 71.21%
Charlotte Fill, Action Hall Horse Transports Vegas, 70.98%
Katie Bailey, Sirenka, 70.69%
Martin Schleicher, Tom Cruz, 70.69%
Laura Wollen, Woodcroft Francisco, 70.52%
Maddy Whelan, Ode to Shannon, 70.46%
Antonia Brown, Woodcroft Krack De, 70.46%
Toby Blake, Easter Bunny II, 70.40%
Jezz Palmer, Crackerjack Himself, 70.40%
Stephanie Jane Kelly, Inca Gold, 70.34%

Elementary Restricted
Daniel Bremner , Newton Domino, 70.68%
Rebecca Clack, Polos Discovery, 70.63%
John Cooper, Daan, 70.42%
Hannah Bailey, Westcroft Don Paccini, 70%
Holly Lucas, Abby, 69.84%
Charlotte Mc Dowall, BKS Grand Design, 69.84%
Rowan Bryson, Lazulith, 69.43%
Ashley Jenkins, Salsa Hit, 69.32%

Elementary Open
Jodie Phillips, Enjoy II, 72.34%
Natasha Leak, Pierre, 71.72%
Jessica Thompson, San Diego V, 71.56%
Sara Squires, Clara M, 71.25%
Sharon Lindop, Speilbanker, 71.09%
Amy Maris, Mastermind, 71.04%
Mark Forrest, Moviworld, 70.99%
Elizabeth Allen, Fidelio, 70.94%
Elizabeth Gammie, Champagne Bubbles, 70.83%

Medium Restricted
Nicky Heale, Retanagh Request, 68.92%
Ruth Bamford, Pauldarys Lord Liberty, 68.65%
Caroline Szewczyk, Zandokan, 68.38%
Jemma Harding, Adamus, 68.20%
Laura Wetherall, Doetelaar, 68.20%
Abbie Newbury, Comet II, 68.20%
Hannah Grummett, Quivantos, 68.20%
Antonia Brown, SJL Duuk, 68.20%
Laura Clothier, Calva La Cornilliere, 67.93%
Tam Miall, Kilnwood Drago, 67.88%

Medium Open
Jill Grant, Dizzy Heights, 72.12%
Jodie Phillips, Enjoy II, 71.22%
Lucy Pincus, Sheepcote Suncrest, 70.86%
Sam Rahmatalla, Seagry Sanay, 70.77%
Paul Friday, Roman Noir Himself, 70.36%
Becky Moody, Eureko, 70.18%
Alice Oppenheimer, Headmore Wimoweh, 70.14%
Laura Newton, Zebrano, 70.14%

Advanced Medium Restricted
Molly Key, Absinth W, 69.25%
Chris Hammond, Ruban D'or, 69.17%
Julia Walker, Rhodea, 69.12%
Emma Barnes, Korenbloem Uptimes, 68.99%
Debbie Poynter, Keystone for Real, 68.68%

Advanced Medium Open
Victoria Jones, Wiepke II, 71.36%
Emile Faurie, Mount St John De La Beaute, 70.70%
Alice Oppenheimer, Headmore Wimoweh, 70.48%
Ami McLean, Premier Royal Mint, 70.26%
Hannah Guild, Corienta, 70.13%
Fiona Brennan, Lou Wega, 70.13%
Henrietta Cheetham, Silhouette, 70.00%
Becky Moody, Darina O, 69.96%
Sam Rahmatalla, Seagry Rohsan, 69.69%
Elspeth Day, My Delilah, 69.65%
Charlotte Dicker, Sabatini, 69.43%
Terri Graham, Rubin's Charm, 69.30%
Sarah-Jane Cox, Comanche Passoa, 69.04%

The initial allocation of wild cards for the PSG and inter I is done to make up approximately 30% of the nationals places from the regionals and approximately 70% from premier leagues as per rule 116.

Prix St Georges
Regional combinations:
Emile Faurie, Don Jon, 70.13%
Kate Cowell, Dahling, 69.47%
Amy Schiessl, Mr Mercury, 69.43%
Tahley Reeve-Smith , Special, 68.90%

Premier league combinations:
Michael Eilberg , Woodlander Farouche, 76.57%
Nathalie Kayal, DHI Homerun, 75.09%
Laura Tomlinson, Unique, 73.31%

Intermediate I
Regional combinations:
Alex Hardwick, Royal Chester, 69.30%
Bryony Goodwin, Hawtins Floriana, 69.30%
Pammy Hutton, Belmondo III, 68.99% (col 126)

Premier league combinations:
Becky Moody, Tirsa, 71.02%
Vicky Thompson - Winfield, Zidane VIII, 70.57%
Gary Hoult, Di Marco II, 70.31%
Michael Eilberg, Der Designer, 70.18%
Nathalie Kayal, DHI Homerun, 69.82%
Tom Goode, Zadelisk, 69.82%
Spencer Wilton, Zamboucca, 69.52%

Gold number two for Charlotte

It was a typically British day in terms of the weather but the action at the final day of the FEI European Championships had all the drama of an early evening soap opera. Heroes, villains, damsels in distress and a participating audience all ensured the finish here at Aachen would be a memorable one. In the end, the sport was the victor and we had three worthy medallists in Charlotte Dujardin, Kristina Broring-Sprehe and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat.

For Britain the day started with the news that Fiona Bigwood had made the difficult decision to withdraw Atterupgaards Orthilia when it was discovered she had a slight skin irritation from yesterday’s deluge of rain. Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood said; "Unfortunately due to a slight skin reaction causing sensitivity, the decision has been made to withdraw Tillie [Atterupgaards Orthilia], ridden by Fiona Bigwood, from today’s competition. We are obviously all disappointed but it’s nothing serious and we’ll always put the mare’s welfare first. We’re looking forward to seeing them out again in the not too distant future."
So that left us with two British representatives. A further withdrawal by Anna Kasprazak and Donnperignon brought the field down to 13. Anna has been suffering all week following being kicked by her horse after Tuesday’s vet inspection so today’s final effort was just a step too far.

The first session was tinged with a slight air of sadness as we waved goodbye to one of the sport’s troopers, Painted Black who danced his final tango with rider Morgan Barbancon Mestre. Their mission this week was a simple one; get Spain qualified for Rio. With that box ticked, the duo could enjoy the rest of the competition and they did. A score of 73.375% left them in 12th and the 18 year old can resume his stud duties.

In the middle session, it was Isabell Werth who lit the crowd up with her ever-loyal partner Don Johnson FRH, owned by Medeleine Winter-Schulze. Isabell has been in great form all week and has relished the home support and magic afforded by Aachen and today she wanted a medal to say thank you. She rode with great determination to the music of Queen; including some words from Bohemian Rhapsody which had the stands chattering. The judges must have liked it as they awarded and average of 9.07 for music to give a final total of 82.482% and the lead.

It was then Carl’s turn and there was an air of expectation after yesterday that he and Jane de la Mare’s ‘ugly duckling turned swan’ might just pull off something special. They broke that 80% barrier for the first time last month but the Don Ruto gelding would have to better that by some 2.5% to overtake Isabell; but the mood the maestro was in, anything could happen. He elected to ride to his London 2012 score which many love and includes a wide variety of music including the G F Handel piece, Zadok the Priest and bites from Trevor Jones’s soundtrack from The Last of the Mohicans film. It wasn’t foot perfect but it was a typical Hester test; not just ridden but presented like a fine production with no marks wasted. It was a performance which split the judges with the French judge Jean Michel Roudier placing him third but one down in tenth. 79.571% was the final verdict – an amazing score on this stage for a horse still at the beginning of his grand prix career (this was only his seventh grand prix freestyle).

Carl jumped off and sped to help Charlotte in her final preparations while the Aachen main stadium cauldron began to heat up.

Yesterday’s bronze medallists Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Johnson were next. The horse has been seriously impressive but today he looked like the exertions of the two previous tests caught up with him. HP has also been suffering with a tummy bug so was not at full strength. It was a clean test but just lacked that certain something to be medal worthy. A score of 82.441% tucked him behind Isabell.

Third last in was Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Delgado for Spain. They’ve been quietly spectacular this week and have been almost under the radar with two great performances to finish fifth and fourth. Their routine was to music specially composed by a friend of Beatriz’s from Barcelona; “I heard it an loved it’” she said. It was ideally suited to the leggy De Niro chestnut, who has been plagued by injuries through his career and they once again conjured a correct, mistake free routine to score 82.714% much to the disappointment of the partisan crowd as it knocked Isabell off top spot.

However, their grief was short lived as in cantered Kristina Broring-Sprehe and Desperados FRH. Surely after yesterday’s performance this duo could be the ones topple Charlotte and steal her freestyle crown; it was clear that they were hoping so! Again the duo were crisp and sharp in their execution to slightly melancholy music with no major blips. The crowd loved it and erupted as the black stallion planted his four hooves at the end. It was nail biting as we waited patiently for the score…88.875% flashed up on the massive score board as the final competitor, Charlotte, entered. And the crowd again whooped and cheered but that once again didn’t put our superstar duo off.

With Carl Hester, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott’s Valegro, she entered to an atmosphere fuelled by tension, expectation and nerves. But the pair have been in this situation before, albeit perhaps with a less hostile crowd, but it’s what they train for every day and Aachen was never going to be easy. Everything started to plan as they glided pixie-like to the music of ‘How to train your dragon’, used at the FEI Reem Acra World Cup Finals. The test is high in difficulty but uses Blueberry’s strengths so well; piaffe pirouettes, passage half pass, instantaneous tempi changes but then it was time for those pesky canter flying changes. The first set of ones didn’t work so Charlotte tried a second line which were better but not perfect. The two times were much better to help the marks stay at a medal worthy rate.

They finished to mixed crowd reactions; there wasn’t quite the beaming smile of yesterday but a relieved Charlotte waved and saluted the crowd as she exited. Kristina’s confirmed score of 88.804% was announced and the crowd went wild; sensing that the champion had made mistakes big enough to be in danger of losing her title. For the crowd, which ever rider they were behind, it felt like an eternity until the provisional score of 88.982% was read out. That gave victory to Charlotte by just 0.107%. But there was an odd reaction; no joy, muted cheers, no celebration…it wasn’t confirmed. Hope was alive on both sides. Again, another eternity of waiting for confirmation…until 89.054% was announced; gold was hers! There still were no enormous cheers, cries of joy; only polite, congratulatory applause.

The home crowd was clearly disappointed. Their star had shone and come close to toppling the sport’s champion but the test isn’t about one movement and across the entire performance, Valegro had surpassed Desperados, albeit by a small margin – just 0.25%. In the artistic marks, the balance was with the German but technically the judges ruled in favour of the Brit which was enough for the victory and Charlotte to retain her individual freestyle European title.

Carl told the media after the test: “It’s nerve wracking watching him go. I could almost see it; I said 'he is a little bit tired today, a little bit empty’ and he needs to get that bounce off the floor for those one-time changes and I did think it was going to be difficult to get those one-times today.

“Nothing is a given in sport and the Germans have come within a minute percentage to beat him (Valegro) and I should think thy find that exciting for their country. Kirstina is, like Charlotte, a young girl and Desperados isn’t an old horse either so it looks as though Valegro has a new rival. It’s going to be hard; they’ll keep improving. Valegro set this standard of high percentages a while ago and people are creeping closer. It’s five years he’s been winning gold medals; it’s a lot being at the top of the sport.

“It’s been a great week for the sport. A new team member in Fiona and a solid performance as usual from Michael just shows that we have depth behind the senior riders so if anything happens to us, we’ve got great back up and there’s reliable people behind to keep bringing the medals back. Seven years we’ve been winning as a team and we don’t want that to change now.”

The medal ceremony was a mixed affair with several whistles from the crowd which could be interpreted a number of ways (mainly directed at the judges) but the final story is that our golden duo continue their winning ways and while others are catching, the girl from Enfield and her failed warmblood will continue to up their game and set the standard for others to aspire to.

After the medals, Charlotte said; “I was happy enough; you never know with mistakes what will happen. Apart from the ones, I was really happy with him. It’s been a really long week and it’s tough for them. It’s a great feeling to come home with medals.
“It was only the ones that let the performance down. I tried them once and there was a mistake so had to decide should I try them again. So I did and he just has a ‘thing’ about them now; he’s done it all week. It’s only one movement that’s cost me and I was really happy with the rest of it. He’s older and wiser and knows his job a bit better now; he just goes in there and nothing fazes him.

“Following Kristina, I could really feel it. You could see and hear how much they were behind her. It’s one of the hardest things being here, the crowd are really rooting for their riders and when I walked in there was a huge atmosphere. There was a laugh from the crowd as I started; there was a lot to deal with at the beginning. I think I handled it quite well and overall I’m thrilled. It's always a pleasure to ride here as it’s such a fantastic venue.

“I knew it would be hard coming here. I experienced how tough it can be last year so I was prepared to compete here against the Germans. I’m not going to moan, I’ve come away with two golds and a silver.

“He’ll go home and have a holiday in the field for a few weeks and then I’ll aim him at Olympia.”

So the dressage Europeans come to an end and with week one done, Britain tops the medal table. The team competition set the prospect of next year’s showdown in Rio alight while the individual classes gave plenty of food for thought. Amazing work Carl, Michael, Fiona and Charlotte plus grooms Alan, Steph, Helen and Catherine who’ve kept the horses looking stunning all week, enormous thanks to the owners, whose support is so essential and also to the support staff who keep the show on the road.

Good luck to our colleagues in showjumping next week as they battle for a Rio place!

Equestrian Team GBR is supported by the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme; the British teams are very grateful to the support they receive from official Team GBR suppliers Dodson & Horrell, Equi-Trek, Land Rover, NAF, NuuMed, Point Two Equine, Tagg Equestrian and Toggi.

Grand prix freestyle

Gold Charlotte Dujardin/Valegro 89.054%
Silver Kristina Broring-Sprehe 88.804%
Bronze Beatriz Ferrer-Salat 82.714%

8th Carl Hester/Nip Tuck 79.571%

Full results - click here

Aachen silver for the Brits

Day two at the FEI European Dressage Championships at Aachen dawned bright and sunny with a feeling of something epic was about to arrive…at around 7:30pm local time…it did. It was a three way duel right until the final rider but it was the Dutch who proved victorious with Britain taking silver and the home team bronze. Spain, Sweden and France all claim Rio places after finishing fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Tension built after a fairly quiet morning’s action after lunch when Hans Peter Minderhoud kicked off a raid on the leader board with a sensational test full of quality with Glock’s Johnson TN to score 77.586%, giving the Dutch team a massive boost.

Carl Hester then took to the massive stage with an equally massive Nip Tuck (he’s 18.2hh), owned by him and Jane de la Mare. ‘Barney’ had a fright yesterday when he was startled by a waiter who dropped a tray of glasses in hospitality and span round, depositing Carl on the ground; not the Aachen start they were hoping for. They suffered only a small dent in their pride and were none the worse for wear. The Don Ruto sired 11 year old is still relatively in experienced and very sensitive and this would have been the biggest arena he’s seen and so began with an air of nervousness. Carl guided him very conservatively, clearly aiming for a clean test but being the maestro and showman he is, every mark was worked for…and earned. Barney clearly felt there was a bogey man at the ‘A’ end of the arena so Carl had to ride with caution in that direction. Sadly, extended canter headed in that direction and the flying change at the end suffered. But Carl’s skill (and Barney’s talent) continued to shine through and the marks continued to build. 75.486% was then amended for a final tally of 75.4%....the grip on a medal was tightening but what colour?

To start, Carl was clearly disappointed talking to the media; “It was great going towards C but not so the other way; I’m not sure what he spotted at A but it made him back off so that may have affected the change at the end of the extended canter and I couldn’t push in the extended trots.”

But a deep breath and quick reflection on a +75% score at the European Championships brought out the Carl we’re more familiar with, quick to put things into context; “He’s so consistent; we have to remember it’s only his second championships aged 11 and he’s never scored under 70%. I’m delighted; his impression is so just so great, with his size and his look he has great presence in the arena.”

He continued; “There’s not a rider who comes out and doesn’t think ‘if only…’ and yes I could have pushed for more. But I ride for rhythm so I’d rather keep the rhythm with less power than push and break. The judges are rewarding clear rounds so it was important and I’m pretty happy.”

It was then time for a nation to hold its breath as Germany’s Matthias Rath entered the arena with Ann-Katrin Linsenhoff and Paul Schockemohle’s Totilas for their first Championship appearance since the Europeans in 2011. There’s been a tremendous build up by the continental media about the show down between Valegro and Totilas and the pressure on both combinations is overwhelming so it was an all-important performance both personally and for the team, indeed the whole country. It was a fair test with no major mistakes; but it certainly split the judges with scores ranging from 80% to 71%. 75.971% was the score which was met by an equally mixed reaction from the crowd.

After three riders, Germany held a narrow lead over the Netherlands with Britain around four percent adrift. What would the all-important final round of riders bring?

Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover NOP were brimming with confidence and sensed a gold was there for the taking. The elegant black Ferro gelding put up his best performance to date; showing more harmony and relaxation to score 82.229%, giving the Netherlands a slightly firmer grasp on gold. But a certain young lady from Hatfield had to have her say first…

Pressure has been steeped on Charlotte this week; fans, media, supporters, rivals all built up the duel between her and Matthew and also her ability to defend her titles…plus there were those Aachen demons.

The crowds were cheering and clapping loudly as the tannoy announced Edward’s score but Carl Hester, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott’s Valegro marched in and simply felt it was all for him. The test started brightly with tens coming thick and fast but then a mis-count in the tricky counter zig-zag put Charlotte off her stride and with the one time canter changes across the diagonal following immediately, she never had chance to get back in the zone and missed the start of the flying changes. These two vital movements count for double so fives and sixes brought the percentage down. But the Charlotte we know was quickly back on stride and back up scoring eights and nines, with a few tens to boot. The maths had been worked and she needed 84.43% to take gold…agony as 83.029% flashed up. But silver was a real possibility and it was all down to the final rider of the day.

A clearly disappointed Charlotte said; “I’m annoyed with myself as the beginning felt great at the start but then I missed in the zig zag and it put me off for the one time changes; completely my fault. We’re at a Championship and the one times count double so it’s an expensive mistake. There’s not many horses been in and not made mistakes.” But this girl’s not one to be dragged down and was quick to turn it around, saying; “I’m going to put it behind me and not dwell; there’s still two more tests to go.”

Again the calculators were out and Germany’s final rider, Kristina Broring-Sprehe with Desperados FRH needing 82.27% to snatch silver away from the Brits. The duo have been impressing behind the scenes this week with many riders tipping them for the top so the tension was nigh on unbearable as she cantered up the centre line in front of the 17,500 strong crowd. She also ran into problems with the canter zig zag and just couldn’t coax the required marks from the De Niro sired stallion so a final score of 79.743%...and silver was ours and bronze to Germany.

In the press conference, Carl Hester said; “We always remember where we came from…the bottom! We used to aspire to the levels of the Dutch and German teams and here we are, right amongst them. We’ve won a medal for seven years straight and that’s exiting. We’re extremely happy and next year, anyone could win gold.”

Britain’s strike rate at recent senior championships is impressive with two golds, four silvers and a bronze so our four riders have given us another result to be truly proud of. The Dutch won one of dressage’s most epic battles ever witnessed with two top-notch final day performances but Britain, just 1.4% adrift, and Germany ran them all the way. To take a silver on Aachen’s hallowed turf is extra special but the home nation’s Isabell Werth left everyone with a final thought; “Third was fair for us here today but be careful, we want to be back on top!” Few would doubt that in 12 months’ time, it will be even closer in the battle for gold.

Friday is a rest day but the battle resumes on Saturday with the grand prix special.

Team results:

Gold – Netherlands 235.629
Silver – Great Britain 243.229
Bronze – Germany 230.914
4th Spain 222.486
5th Sweden 221.557
6th France 212.757

For full team and individual results – click here.

Images copyright www.kevinsparrow.co.uk

Euros: Britain in bronze after day one

After a hot and sticky first day at Aachen for the FEI European Championships, Great Britain have kept themselves right up in the medal hunt with two riders gone. It was a day of anticipation for Team GBR with two debutante horses but both performed brilliantly under their experienced riders to lie in bronze position with the home German team leading and the Netherlands in silver.

Worcestershire’s Michael Eilberg got the British team off to a solid start riding his father Ferdi’s Marakov (pictured right) with 69.943%.

Aachen is to dressage as Wimbledon is to tennis and the arena is a daunting one. Part of the Eilberg family as a youngster, Latvian bred Marakov was originally destined for a career in show jumping, as was Michael, but as the rider’s discipline changed, so did the horse’s and their focus was dressage. The horse was the first to take Michael to grand prix level so competing at a senior championships is all the more special.

‘Marco’, as Marakov is known, entered the impressive arena tentatively but a pat from Michael reassured him and they started on their biggest performance to date. The test was very regular with impressive piaffe and passage earning good scores from the seven-strong judges panel. Michael really let the horse fly in the extended canter before a smooth transition back. The duo came turned on to the centre line for the tricky canter zig-zag and a mis-communication put them off their stride to lose vital marks. A well-presented final centre line pulled up some marks and 70.314% was provisionally the score.

The score was revised to 69.943% on the final count, just missing out on a plus 70% score, but a great start for the team nonetheless.

After his test, Michael commented: “I’m really pleased with him; it was a daunting atmosphere. Perhaps I could have let go of him a bit more but that can go either way so overall, I’m happy. I still feel like I have to go in and hold his hand but it’s pleasing that even having to help him out we can still score plus 70. My score will free Fiona up so she can relax and ride to her best; her horse looked amazing this morning working. It’s a real championship atmosphere here and little mistakes can prove costly. It’s a lovely thing; when he was new to grand prix, he could be nervous and spooky and we’d get 59% but now he copes with the nerves and can score 70%.”

Listen to Michael’s FEI interview.

Fiona Bigwood, from Horsham, announced her arrival on the European scene with a large boom with her stunning mare, Atterupgaards Orthilia – our secret weapon. The crowds on the continent aren’t familiar with ten year old ‘Tillie’ but they are now after a light, harmonious performance which won many new plaudits. In just her sixth international grand prix, it was hard to know just what to expect; as Fiona said; “It’s only her sixth international so isn’t that experienced but obviously the talent is there; it’s a question of how much you ask.”

Understandably, she started cautiously after a nervous trip up the tunnel but they soon grew in confidence. They showed great reach in the first trot half passes and some strong piaffe and passage for marks around eight. With the line of canter pirouettes behind them, Fiona went for the final extended trot and Tillie floated effortlessly – but spectacularly – across the diagonal. A firm plant of four feet brought the test to an end and 75.8% was the final score – a fraction off first place and a huge boost for the team.

Mum of three Fiona commented; “She was nervous outside and let out a little whinny in the tunnel on the way up to the arena but we got in there and she just said ‘I trust you mum’. I knew there was pressure on us to pull out a mark to be in with a chance of a medal. My goal was for a mistake free test and that was what I got. Once my canter pirouettes were done, I could breathe, relax and enjoy it so I let fly on the last extended trot. I thought to myself ‘come on girl, let’s go!’.

“Aachen is just magical; there’s nothing bigger in dressage so I’m on cloud nine – she was amazing to ride in there. I’ve done my job today; minimal mistakes, pretty clean and a good score for the team.”

Fiona rides with an eye patch over her left eye following a fall from a horse which left her with limited vision. It’s really raised attention and the waiting press were curious. She told the media; “I don’t see in 3D so it’s hard to get a feeling of where her neck is. Also, it’s really difficult for me to judge the angle of the right bend which makes it harder but I’m learning.”

Listen to Fiona’s FEI interview.

Germany finished on 150.1 with the Netherlands a fraction behind and it’s their rider Diederick van Silfhout who leads overall on 75.814%. Britain are just 4.357 behind Germany so it’s all to play for tomorrow – and of course, the long awaited show down between Totilas and Valegro which the talk of the show ground.

Team scores:
1st Germany 150.100
2nd Netherlands 148.214
3rd Great Britain 145.743
4th Sweden 140.543
5th Belgium 140.286
6th Spain 140.114

Full results and start times: click here

British times tomorrow: Carl Hester & Nip Tuck 14.00 and Charlottte Dujardin & Valegro 18.00 (BST).

Photos: Top ©BEF/Jon Stroud Media and bottom © www.kevinsparrow.co.uk

Brits travel to World Breeding Championships

Two British riders made the trek across the continent to Verden, Germany with their six-year-old equine counterparts for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships (7 – 12 August 2015).

Together, the FEI and WBFSH have organised the World Breeding Championships for sport horses in dressage, jumping and eventing since 1992, with this year marking the last time the championships will be held in Verden as the competition moves to Ermelo, Netherlands for the next three years.

The tournament office registered a record number of participants this year with 48 entries from 20 different nations in the five-year-olds and 37 young horses from 15 different countries entered into the six-year-old class.

28-year-old Emma Woolley piloted her mother, Jane Woolley’s Eldorado in the six-year-old championship. Their first time away from British soil, Emma and the Dutch-bred stallion scored well in the qualifying round with 7.30, although their 29^th placing meant they missed the top 15 and qualified through to the consolation class known as the ‘small final’. Experienced international rider and fellow Brit, Vicky Thompson Winfield also contested in the six-year-old class. Riding Kym Merritt’s son of Biasini, Botero, she scored 7.02 for 34^th.

Upping their game in the small final, Emma and Eldorado improved on their earlier score, claiming 13^th with 7.42 – a fantastic achievement for the pair, who have also qualified for the LeMieux National Dressage Championships at elementary and medium – their future is looking very bright. Vicky and Botero also moved up the placings to 20^th with their mark of 7.00.

The six-year-old championship was taken by Danish warmblood stallion, Sezuan who was ridden by German Dorothee Schneider and scored a jaw-dropping 9.72, claiming full marks for his canter and final impression.

More information on the World Breeding Championships can be found here.

Photo courtesy of WSC Dressage.

Results

Class 4: Qualifying competition – six-year-olds
29^th – Emma Woolley with Eldorado, 7.30
34^th – Vicky Thompson Winfield with Botero, 7.02

Class 5: Small final
13^th – Emma Woolley with Eldorado, 7.42
20^th – Vicky Thompson Winfield with Botero, 7.00

Triple gold for Pony Team

British quartet Phoebe Peters, Isobel Berrington, Clare Hole and Rebecca Bell have made history at this year’s FEI European Pony Dressage Championships (5-9 August) by taking our first ever team gold medal in a close fought battle with Germany and Denmark. Held in Malmö, Sweden, the Championships also proved a very happy hunting ground for Phoebe (16) who took two further golds in the individual and freestyle sections riding her mum Tracy’s SL Lucci, giving Great Britain a clean golden sweep of medals.

The competition got underway with the team round on Thursday with debutante Isobel Berrington (15) acting as pathfinder with her pony, DHI Langar, owned by her mum Penny. A score of 70.615% gave the team just the start they wanted by breaking the magic 70% barrier. Second for Britain was Clare Hole (13), also making her team debut, with Rembrandt, who was in the team in 2011 and ’12 with owner Maisie Scruton. They kept Britain in the medal hunt with an excellent 71.718% to leave us in bronze position overnight.

Day two was over to the ‘veterans’ of the team; headed by Rebecca Bell (15) with mum Caroline’s Valido’s Sunshine who made their third, and final, team appearance. Rebecca put in a polished performance to score 71.077%, bringing a medal a step closer. Then it was down to our anchor-duo, Phoebe and Lucci. With two individual gold medals from 2013, a freestyle silver from 2014 and a bronze and silver team medal, the pairing has a great amount of experience but had set high goals for this, their final pony championships together. With amazing skill and ability, the duo simply blew the competition away with a score of 79.974% to promote Britain to gold, overtaking the Danish team. It was down to the final competitor of the class from Germany to know our fate. The calculators were out and they needed a score over 76.4% to snatch victory. 75.769% was the score and gold was Britain’s.

Overnight, Phoebe’s score was amended to 80.077% which made the final winning team margin 0.641% and took the first step to achieving her championship aim of posting three plus 80% scores.

All four riders qualified for the individual test and again scored well to finish top 15; Rebecca was 13^th, Clare 14^th and Isobel 15^th. But the top honours went to Phoebe with a stunning performance to add a fourth gold to her medal collection. The five judges were unanimous in their scoring to end on 81.39%, a new personal best for this test, and the only rider to break the 80% barrier. Another tick off Phoebe’s championship target.

On to the final test, the freestyle. All four British riders qualified but the rules only allow three to compete so sadly, Isobel had to sit it out with Langar. Clare scored 70.278% to finish 14^th overall with Rembrandt, a real credit to post three 70% plus scores on a team debut. Riding in her final ever pony championship test, Rebecca threw caution into the wind and scored a fabulous 73.925% with ‘Sunny’, which held the lead for much of the class, to finish eighth. Then the focus turned to Phoebe and Lucci; could they end their three year pony career on a high? Of course they could! Another test, another 80% plus score, another personal best and therefore another record score, and another gold medal. 85.825% was their final score.

The team performed beyond all expectations and the three golds were a great send off for team chef d’equipe Liz Mills, trainer Peter Storr and selector Sarah Pidgely, who are standing down from their roles. British Dressage Chief Executive Jason Brautigam commented; “The team and individual performances were nothing short of spectacular. These four riders met the challenge head on and rode with exceptional skill and flair, all while keeping a cool head and we could not be more proud of them all. Of course behind every performance is a great support team and while the riders have to perform in the arena, a great deal goes on behind the scenes to get them there. I’d like to thank the riders, their families, the grooms, the officials, sponsors and supporters who made this team possible. We’ll be very sad to see Liz and Peter go; their input over the years has helped the pony team to this status and it’s testament to their hard work that the team is now reaping the rewards. They’ll be hard to replace and I’m sure the pony squad will join me in wishing them well in the future.”

Phoebe told British Dressage; “I just can stop smiling! Lucci was absolutely foot perfect all week; any mistakes we had in our three tests were completely mine - he was with me every step of the way. The team atmosphere was the best ever which made such a difference to our confidence. The support team was amazing; the grooms worked so hard and Peter and Liz just kept us focused. It was simply the best week I’ve ever had!”

Equestrian Team GBR is supported by the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme; the British teams are very grateful to the support they receive from official Team GBR suppliers Dodson & Horrell, Equi-Trek, Land Rover, NAF, NuuMed, Point Two Equine, Tagg Equestrian and Toggi.

Pictures - c Helen Revington

Results:

Rebecca Bell (15) from Faringdon, Oxfordshire with Caroline Bell’s Valido’s Sunshine (bay, mare, 14.1hh, 12yrs, s. Valido)
Team test: 71.718%
Individual test: 70.829% (13^th)
Freestyle: 73.925% (8^th)

Isobel Berrington (15) from Welwyn, Hertfordshire with Penelope Berrington’s DHI Langar (dark brown, gelding, 14.2hh, 19yrs. s. Lukas)
Team test: 70.615%
Individual test: 69.683% 15^th)
Freestyle: -

Clare Hole (13) from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk with Maisie Scruton’s Rembrandt DDH (black, stallion, 14.1hh, 14yrs, s. Renoir)
Team test: 71.718%
Individual test: 70.439% (14^th)
Freestyle: 70.278% (14^th)

Phoebe Peters (16) from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire with Tracy Peters’ SL Lucci (brown, gelding, 14.2hh, s. Lukas)
Team test: 80.077%
Individual test: 81.390% (Gold)
Freestyle: 85.825% (Gold)

Teams:

Gold GBR 222.872
Silver GER 222.231
Bronze DEN 221.359

For full results: click here

New Chairman for BD’s Eastern Region

British Dressage is delighted to announce the Board of Directors ratified Lotte Olsen as the new Chairman of the Eastern Region last Monday (03 August 2015). Based in Blackmore, Essex, Lotte has been involved with dressage for over two decades as a judge, committee member and rider and will be well known to many in the region.

Lotte takes over Chairmanship from Rachel Hillier, who decided to stand down after five years at the helm of the Eastern Region. A career in finance and governance, coupled with her diverse dressage knowledge and experience, impressed BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam and BD Chairman Penny Pollard during her interview. “Lotte brings many strong attributes to the role. To have a great grounding in finance and business will be a great asset to our Eastern RDO, Katherine Perry, and I’m sure that Lotte’s enthusiasm and leadership skills will help to develop BD in the region,” commented Jason.

Lotte was BD’s Finance Director for seven years, finishing her term in 2005. Her guidance was invaluable during the transitional period when we separated from the British Horse Society in 1998 and helped the fledgling company turn a surplus during her time in position.

Lotte describes her riding career as ‘enthusiastic amateur’ having ridden up to medium level. She currently campaigns ‘Eddie’, an Irish Sports Horse, owned by friends, and they’ve enjoyed great success having qualified for regionals in both winter and summer seasons this year. Being 17, Eddie, or Danewood Clover, is eligible for this year’s new series with the Veteran Horse Society which they’re looking forward to heading to the championships for at elementary and medium. Lotte is a list 4 BD judge and is a regular on the centre line across the region. She was also a Games Maker in 2012 for the Paralympics as a writer as well as involvement at Olympia CDI. As well as Eddie, Lotte shares her home life with partner Simon, two children Sophie (16) and James (13), five month old Poppy, a fox-red Labrador and Ben (the cat).

The role starts with immediate effect and Lotte is relishing the challenge ahead; “My aim will be to make sure that every BD member, current or potential, is kept fully informed about what’s going on in the region. Also that everyone has a fair and equal chance to participate in BD activities, and at a level that is comfortable for them as individuals. I’ll seek to provide my committee with effective leadership and, with BD’s strategic objectives at heart, build on the strengths of the Eastern Region,” said Lotte.

She summed up by saying; “I’m an open, honest and transparent person. Integrity and fairness are very important to me, so I hope the members will find me approachable with a listening ear. It’s my sincere wish that every member in the region should find their engagement with BD rewarding and fulfilling.”

Laura Tomlinson joins the party

1095 days (exactly three years) ago today, history was made by three outstanding individuals. After three days of close fought competition, Laura Tomlinson (then Bechtolsheimer), Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester climbed on top of a podium to receive Britain’s first ever dressage Olympic medal, and a gold one at that. Therefore, it’s with a great amount of excitement that British Dressage proudly announces that the golden trio will be reunited for this year’s ‘Best of British’ National Dressage Convention, held at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, 21 – 22 November.

Joining Carl and Charlotte who were announced a couple of weeks ago, Laura is the latest high-profile name to be added to the presenting panel and she’ll be focusing on small tour with ridden and coaching sessions. With her exciting string of young horses featuring Duvals Capri Sonne Jr, Unique VII, Polar Bear and Dolcevendy, Laura has built up a great reputation of producing rides as she searches for her next Olympic partner to fill the gap left by the retirement of her 2012 team gold and individual bronze medallist, Mistral Hojris.

Our legal helpline providers Harrison Clark Rickerbys have also confirmed their support of this year’s top drawer event. With some 350 employees at seven locations across the Midlands and London, Harrison Clark Rickerbys is one of the UK’s most respected law firms and with a dedicated equine department, is ideally placed to help BD members with their legal issues. “We’re delighted to be supporting such a prestigious event which this year will be show casing the wonderful British talent that we have within the sport,” commented Senior Associate and equine law specialist Alison Goodwin.

A show is only as good as its presenters and we’ve put together a great duo. Your main host will be BBC presenter and dressage fan Lee McKenzie while BD’s Training Director Paul Hayler will provide his vast expertise. Lee is a presenter and pitlane reporter on BBC’s coverage of Formula 1. She was also a presenter at last year’s Commonwealth Games and is a reporter and interviewer at Wimbledon too. She’s been earmarked to front BBC’s Olympia coverage this year and will be a part of the equestrian team for Rio 2016. As an international rider, leading trainer and list 1 judge, Paul will support Lee to give the audience a great experience, ask those burning questions and get the thinking process underway.

Tickets are on sale now and excellent value at £50 for BD paid members and £55 for non-members for a daily ticket or why not make a weekend of it for £80 for members and £90 for non-members.

There’s still a number of names to be announced to represent para-dressage and riders at other levels so the two days are really shaping up as a not-to-be-missed occasion whatever your level of involvement in the sport. Tickets are already selling fast so book now through the BD website – via the shop or over the phone with Claire Carter 02476 698833.

Are you interested in Dutch Harness Horses

If you were ever thinking of buying or breedingb to a dutch harness horse for dressage....you have the right idea. They are a unique breed that has a lot to offer. This article explains everything you need to know.

Are Dutch Harness Horses More Than Just Driving Horses?

I was first introduced to the Dutch Harness Horse in 2005. I became a fan right away. Their conformation makes it easy for them to sit high in the bridle and their movement is elastic with a lot of animation. My first thought was wow what great dressage horses they would make. Why haven’t we seen them in the Dressage ring? So I did a little research and this is what I found.

First let me give you some information on their history. They were first developed in the Netherlands since the end of World War II. You can find them in the KWPN studbook which was founded in 1969. They were bred based on the native Groningen and Gelderland horses and they were mainly used to farm land or as transportation. With their strict selection procedures and a clear breeding aim enabled breeders to produce a refined, high-stepping horse which makes them stand out among other breeds. Their forelegs are typically longer than the hind legs which enables them to sit on their hind quarters and lift in the front. This is why they are so powerful, they have a active hind end and spectacular freedom in the forehand. These attributes are what made me become interested in the breed.

You can read the rest of this article here

Things to look for when selecting a horse and key questions to ask!

I found this article to be interesting!

Horse ownership is an exciting prospect! You are now at the point where you know that you have the means to support your horse, you have the knowledge on how to care for the horse, and you are able to ride. Now you want to own your own horse that will meet your riding goals and needs. When purchasing young dressage horses for sale you should always try to have a veterinarian do an exam or be with you especially if you are a novice owner. The veterinarian will be there working for you – not for the seller. Consider additional tests like x-rays to be performed by the veterinarian. Even if you trust and love the person selling you a horse – a pre-purchase veterinarian exam is still a smart idea. When purchasing a horse, there are two types of considerations regarding the horse: behavioral traits and conformation. Behavioral traits have to do with the overall attitude of the horse while conformation concerns the way he is put together. Ideas for “screening” your new horse are below, listed under these categories. Some aspects to consider: Behavioral Traits Look for signs of behavioral problems in the horse’s stall such as chewing, cracked/broken walls, “tracks” worn in the floor, paint scraped off the bars, grain or half chewed hay in bedding, and/or diarrhea. 1. Does this horse have a cribbing or wind sucking problem? If so, how is it currently managed? 2. Does this horse kick in the stall, and if so when and why? 3. Does this horse stall walk, paw or weave? 4. Does this horse grind his teeth on the bars? 5. Can the horse easily be haltered in the stall?

Here you can read the rest of the article http://animalscience.uconn.edu/extension/publications/factsheetpdfs/thingstolookfor.pdf

BYRDS Home International: North West on flying form

The North West Rumba team returned home triumphant from the BYRDS Home International held at Richmond EC, N Yorkshire, where 27 teams came together for two days of hot competition.

The North West region sent four teams and finished with three of them in the top 10, with the winning Rumba’s talented foursome - Maddy Whelan, Emily Watts, Holly Watson and Holly Needham - pulling out all the stops to sail ahead and finish with a clear lead.

Twelve-year-old Maddy Whelan and her elegant British-bred seven-year-old 14.2hh Connemara/Thoroughbred pony mare Ode To Shannon, who train with Jackie Beaven and are aiming to contest their first FEI pony test at Sheepgate’s BYRDS Under 25 Championships in August, were also winners of the elementary pony section.

“We’ve only had ‘Lissey’ 18 months, but Maddy has already formed a special relationship with her -- they’ve qualified for the elementary open at this year’s nationals and we’re hoping for a wild card in the novice open too,” said her mother Lorna.

“Lissey’s got huge, spectacular paces, so we’ve taken it slowly, but she scored three 9s for her medium trot and canter work at the HI, so we were thrilled.

“Before we got her she’d only hunted and done a bit of Pony Club, so dressage was very new to her, but she’s taken to it like she was born to do it!”

Fellow Rumba team member, 18-year-old Holly Watson from Bolton, Lancs, who also won the novice young rider individual test with her five-year-old gelding Fürst Oskar, is enjoying her first taste of BYRDS teams this year and praised the team spirit and friendliness of this competition,

“We’ve all supported each other and I’ve made lots of new friends,” said Holly, who trains with Gareth Hughes and Clive Halsall. I also really enjoyed our team building session with the North West squad earlier this summer when we all went to Janet Horswill’s house and took part in an afternoon of team games with sack races and water fights, it was a great way to get to know each other!”

Fifteen-year-old Holly Needham, a member of the West Midlands Dressage Group, who has been involved with BYRDS since she was just five-years-old, also took the junior novice individual honours for NW Rumba, with her eight-year-old gelding Cruz.

The smart 16hh by Florencio , who also events at 2* level with Rosie Thomas, was found by Holly’s trainer Islay Auty three years ago and has successfully completed a handful of BE100s with Holly, who is hoping to go on to do junior trials next year.

“’Hamish’ is my first horse since coming off ponies, but although he’s got big movement, he’s very rideable, plus he’s got a lovely personality to match,” said Holly, who has also enjoyed a successful career in working hunter ponies, coming second at HOYS in 2012.

”Although we bought Hamish primarily to event, I love doing dressage with him as well and it’s helped improve our marks for eventing too.

“This was the second time I’ve taken part in the BYRDS Home Internationals, and I’ve loved every minute of it – the atmosphere is amazing and the people are all so friendly, I’d love to do it all again next year!”

North West’s RDO Lou Jones was delighted with all the region’s riders: “I’m extremely proud of all our BYRDS riders; their commitment and dedication to the region, the sport and to each other is outstanding. Their professionalism and team spirit throughout the competition was wonderful to see.

“I’d also like to personally thank all the NW trainers, parents and volunteers for all their help and support within the region, with a special mention too for our BYRDS rep Moira Lafferty, who works tirelessly to make this region and our young riders in it so special.

“This year’s win was very special for our region as we came second last year, so it made it even sweeter to get over the line and bring the trophy home.”

• BYRDS is the British Young Riders Dressage scheme, and is open to every young person under the age of 25 who would like to be involved in Regional training, competitions and camps. It is also a great way to meet new friends learn more about the sport.
To find out more visit our BYRDS pages

RESULTS

1. North West Rumba
Maddy Whelan (Ode to Shannon)
Emily Watts (Rascalini)
Holly Watson (Fürst Oskar)
Holly Needham (Cruz)

2. Irish Emerald
Rachel Coulter (Gorsehill Maya)
Tara Hayes (Bantiss Holy Joe)
Megan McGrath (Romano Frerejacques)
Roisin Winters (Rhos Royal Velvet)

3. Southern Lamborghini
Jersey Garrett (Penrherber Chaconne)
Freya Elliott (Combe Magna)
Merylyn Latimer Smith (Valentino XV III)
Izzy Chaplin (Taijdora)

4. Wales Tom Jones
Laura Fisher (Sam The Man Veldhoek)
Megan Roberts (Dreamgirl SC)
Sophie Williams (Ferrari)
Cerys Richards (Bryndefaid)

5. Southern Porsche
Lydia Rowe (Ellington)
Lilly Latimer Smith (Vazire)
George Williams (Benjamins Son)
Imogen Furness (Chinto MZ)

6. Wales Shirley Bassey
Fran Bradley (Baldovino)
Georgina Webb (Arcas)
Mia Ketcher (Colanau High Flyer)
Lucy Williams (Daedalus)

Individual results:

Novice
Fledgling: Cerys Richards (Bryndefaid) - Wales Tom Jones
Junior: Holly Needham (Cruz) - North West Rumba
Pony rider: Tara Hayes (Bantiss Holy Joe)- Irish Emerald
Young rider: Holly Watson (Fürst Oskar) - North West Rumba

Elementary
Junior: Melissa Dawes (Keystone Royal Chrystal) - Central Red Carnation
Pony rider: Maddy Whelan (Ode To Shannon) - North West Rumba
Young rider: Laura Fisher (Sam The Man Veldhoek) -- Wales Tom Jones

Medium
Junior: Lilly Latimer Smith (Vazire) – Southern Porsche
Pony rider: India Sheridan (DHI Smart Move) - Eastern Navy Blue
Young rider: Hannah Grummett (Quantos) - North West Salsa

FEI
1, Anna Jesty (Aquiro)- South West Individual
2, Lilly Latimer Smith (Vazire) – Southern Porsche
3, Pippa Kearns (Hesselteichs Dessert Rose) - Eastern Individual

For full results click here