British Dressage - Issue 8 2021

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 8 | 2021

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DESIGNED AND PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF BRITISH DRESSAGE BY: Fellows Media: www.fellowsmedia.com e: mark@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259241 Fellows Media, The Gallery, Manor Farm Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PB Managing Director: Mark Brown ADVERTISE WITH US: For enquiries, contact Jacob Holmes e: jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com t: 01242 259249 SUBSCRIBE NOW: If you aren’t a member and would like to receive the magazine contact 01442 820580, bd@webscribe.co.uk or www.mysubcare.com CONTACT US: British Dressage: www.britishdressage.co.uk Managing Editor: Winnie Murphy e: winnie.murphy@britishdressage.co.uk t: 024 7669 8842 Content Editor: Jane Carley e: janecarley5@gmail.com t: 01926 645981 For the full list of BD Office staff, visit www.britishdressage.co.uk British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG Main switchboard: 024 7669 8830 Fax: 024 7669 0390 Executive: 024 7669 8844 Training & Education: 024 7669 8833 BD Youth/u21 International: 024 7708 7801/024 7669 8834 Membership, Horse Registrations & Results: 024 7669 8832/836 Quest: 024 7669 8908 Sport Operations: 024 7669 8827 Judges: 024 7669 8831 Senior International: 024 7669 8835 Para & International: 024 7708 7803 Fixtures: 024 7708 7804 Championships: 024 7669 8846 BD Shop: 024 7669 8830 – press 1 Finance: 024 7669 8838/841 Marketing: 024 7669 8819 Communications: 024 7669 8842/839 Sponsorship & web ads: 01608 676180 The views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of British Dressage.

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IN THIS ISSUE...

57 – What’s in the bag?

Feed ingredients and nutrients explained

3 From the editor 4 News and Paramatters 6 Profile Emile Faurie on his team of future superstars 13 Petplan Equine Summer Area Festivals Championships New finals in pictures

WELCOME

W

hat a remarkable summer we’ve enjoyed. Covid is now part of our day to day lives and we have continue to be vigilant but these last few months have a feel of normal as the vaccination levels rise.

Internationally we’ve marvelled at the achievements our elite riders have managed while on home shores, you’ve all been out making the most of a jam-packed calendar with starter numbers and membership levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels. To see everyone enjoying their horses makes it so worthwhile.

The National Convention was a huge weekend – my role involves helping to ‘produce’ behind the scenes which is nerve wracking to say the least, but the worry was interspersed with the most incredible pearls of wisdom from our hosts, Katrina Wuest, Philipp Hess, Tom Hunt and Christoph Hess. It’s incredible how people at the top of their game never stop wanting to learn and develop and spending time in the company of our hosts was inspiring – and I don’t ride any longer!

We’ve got a snapshot of the two days inside but if you haven’t got a ticket to watch on demand, I’d certainly recommend it. Thanks to my colleagues in the BD team and Harrison Clark Rickerbys for making it happen.

It was also one of my favourite weekends of the year at the end of October, the Saracen Horse Feeds Quest Championships. The competition is intense – believe me – but the sprit and sense of camaraderie is clear throughout. It’s a reminder of why dressage is so powerful and inclusive.

It was great to see Lee Pearson recognised with an honorary patronage is career, influence and inspiration are unrivalled, …in his own words, ‘not bad for a lad from Stoke’. Lee, don’t ever stop being you.

Who’s heading to ExCel for the London International Horse Show?

It wouldn’t be Christmas without it – there may be a new home but the synonymous festive feel will certainly be present I’m sure. If you haven’t secured tickets yet, remember there’s a deal for BD members – contact the o ce for details THE OFFIC IAL

Winnie Murphy, Managing Editor, British Dressage

FOR BD M EMBERS

| £5.00 | ISSUE 8 | 2021

34 Saracen Horse Feeds Quest Championships Our celebration of grass roots dressage 41 Gifts galore Christmas shopping guide 47 Elite Equine Associated Championships Winners from Vale View 52 British Dressage National Convention Key pointers from our Convention, supported

by Harrison Clark Rickerbys 57 What’s in the bag?

A closer look at feed ingredients and nutrients 62 Changing times Jane Kidd’s series on maximising marks concludes with simple and flying changes 66 Bodyzone Combatting whole body tension 69 BD Action BDHQ updates and members benefits 70 Regional Activity Judge training 74 Dressage Days Eventer turned dressage rider Susie White

ON THE COVER: Julia Tharratt’s Dylasau Dai Harris, winner of the Petplan Equine Area Festival Novice Freestyle Bronze. Photograph: CAMILLE PETERS

MAGAZINE

28 Winter fashion Ways to wrap up warmer

Celebrating

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 3

BRITISH DRESSAGE

CAMILLE PETERS

NEWS NEW SPONSORS British Dressage is delighted to welcome three new sponsors for 2022.

Equitex is to support the Advanced Medium Winter Championship. The company manufactures a range of unique closed cell foam saddle pads.

HorseLight takes on the Winter Medium Championship. An equine blue light therapy system, for use in stables. HorseLight has been developed to enhance performance and breeding for all horses.

The Centre Line, a specialist retailer offering products selected with competition riders in mind, is to sponsor the Preliminary Championship at the Nationals.

TWICH

Sir Lee Pearson was presented with an Honorary Patronage at the British Dressage National Convention at Hartpury College.

Lee is only the second Honorary Patron of British Dressage, joining Carl Hester who was recognised with the honour in 2016.

Lee is a pioneer, a barrier breaker, a stereotype challenger, a role model and has over 40 championship medals, team gold at six consecutive Paralympics and a knighthood for services to sport.

After the presentation from BD

Chief Executive Jason Brautigam, Lee commented; “For the second ever honorary patronage to go to a para rider, it’s a great honour.

To be recognised by your own sport is lovely – sometimes it almost feels like we get more recognition outside, particularly as a ‘Paralympian’.

“But to be reminded how you’re appreciated in your sport is really nice and this isn’t just for me, its acknowledgement for para dressage, and those who’ve supported me along the way.”

The convention also saw the Medal of Honour, which recognises

JOANNA PRES

DRESSAGE HEROES HONOURED

4 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

individuals who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the sport or given distinguished and long service, awarded to four worthy recipients.

They are Waveney Luke, for her services as a judge, coach and selector for dressage and para dressage; chief para selector and judge Carolyn Gardiner; David Trott, who has served as Senior Selector Chairman, Performance Manager and International Teams Director amongst other roles; and Elizabeth Walters, scorer at national and international events for more than 25 years.

FAREWELL TO LAMBRUSCO The para dessage world has lost one its leading lights in Lambrusco III who has been put to sleep at the age of 28.

With Sophie Christiansen, who was just 20 at the time, Lambrusco (Uniform x Plesman) represented Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games winning team and freestyle gold medals and an individual silver. Sophie had already tasted Paralympic success with a bronze medal in Athens; however, it was Lambrusco who helped her achieve her gold medal goal for the very first time.

Together with helping launch the careers of both Sophie Christiansen and Clive Milkins, who for almost 21 years was Stable Manager and Head Coach at South Bucks RDA, Lambrusco was instrumental in the careers of numerous of the sport’s top riders.

“If a horse could define para dressage, it would be Lambrusco,” says Sophie. “Not only did he enable me to fulfil my lifelong dream, but he took Ricky Balshaw, Anne Dunham, Jo Pitt, Rory Williams and many others to Championship level.

“There will never be another horse like him, and thank you just doesn’t seem enough for Clive Milkins and myself – he made our careers. A true unicorn.”

PARA MATTERS Hello everyone, I have now been in post as your new Para Director for a few weeks. It has been a whirlwind of induction training, getting to know everyone on the Board and in the office and a flurry of emails.

I would like to say a big thank you to Julie Frizzell who has handed over the baton to me, she has been amazing over the last few years in raising the profile of the sport, steering the evolution of the bronze, silver and gold categories and getting everything up and running again since the pandemic. I look forward to seeing Julie in the competition arena and cheering her on.

Over the next couple of months the emphasis will be on getting competitions for everyone in the right place at the right time, so that you can achieve your goals in 2022.

For now I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and stay safe and well ready for a full calendar next year.

Regards, Tracy Ormrod Para Director

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26/10/2021 15:27

PROFILE.

EMBRACING NEW

challenges

PHOTOS © KEVIN SPARROW

NEWLY CROWNED LEMIEUX NATIONAL CHAMPION EMILE FAURIE IS DEVELOPING AN EXCITING STABLE OF YOUNG HORSES WHILE TRAINING TALENTED RIDERS OUT FOR SUCCESS IN THE SPORT. JANE CARLEY HEARS ABOUT HIS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

W

ith a CV that includes World and European Championship medals, representing Great Britain at two Olympic Games, three national Grand Prix championships including the 2021 LeMieux title, and coaching the Finland team for the 2016 Olympics, Emile Faurie still retains his passion and enthusiasm for the sport.

“We’ve got 34 horses in, and a number of riders from countries

LEFT: EMILE AT HOME - ‘THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN THE WORLD’ WITH THEODORA LIVANOS’S ROBINVALE AND NESSA ‘THE BOSS’.

PROFILE.

RIGHT: EMILE IS TRAINING A TEAM OF TALENTED YOUNG HORSES INCLUDING (RIGHT) FIVE-YEAR-OLD MARGOT WITH HEAD RIDER TOM GOODE AND (BELOW) ICELAND GIRL, DESCRIBED AS ‘THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY FOUR-YEAR-OLD’.

including Germany, Greece, the USA and Taiwan based here in Oxfordshire, so it’s as busy as ever,” he smiles. mile rides four or five horses a day before spending the afternoon teaching at home for most of the week, with two days dedicated to outside lessons.

“My focus this year has been the development of our stable horses with Tom (Goode, head rider since 2011). He’s been very lucky to have some wonderful horses to ride in the last five years, but they were all owned by dealers to be sold on. Now we’ve got a group of owners who have invested in some incredible horses. hey are younger four, five and six-year-olds, but they are not for sale, they’re not going to be pulled out from underneath him.”

“Richard Jackson owns Fürstenrausch, a six-year-old that we found for him, and he’ll be aimed for the seven-year-old classes at the World Breeding Championships if he’s ready.”

“There’s Iceland Girl, the most extraordinary four-year-old by the champion stallion Ierland out of a Londonderry mare and Total mpact, a five year old y op ear Second rider, Christian Lovell, described by Emile as ‘a really talented young guy’ will ride Total Impact through novice classes, part of his programme to help riders as well as horses to develop.

“As well as the horses that we are going to compete through their careers, we’ve also got a number of young horses for sale, all top quality, with really good breeding,” he comments.

The line-up for Emile includes Shilo (Sir Oldenburg), and another Grand Prix horse. Tom is campaigning Dior, who he has trained from a four-year-old to Grand Prix level. They will be restarting their international tour next year after being placed in the Le Mans CDI in October.

One challenge that he notes is the small pool of both competitors and udges compared to the amount of fi tures, which can result in horses

coming in front of the same judge week after week.

“It’s something we need to look at. I would prefer to go to a show and there be 20 in the class and that judges rotate so they are not getting to know riders and horses and looking for something before it has happened. It’s always good to have fresh eyes.”

As an example, Emile explains: “At the Covid-safe elite training sessions organised during lockdown, Stephen Clarke made a comment on one of my test sheets that made me change my half passes so that I’ve gone from consistently getting a seven to getting eight and 8.5, or even at the last international a nine.”

Most of the young horses are sourced from Germany, and Emile says that ‘a good horse is a good horse regardless of its breeding’. e points out that the fi rst thing he looks for is a good temperament ’ve spent so many years working with di cult horses, ecause that was all I had, so rideability and temperament is the most important thing for me, together with an athletic body.” e e pands on this he fi rst thing do is look to see how they use their body and if they’ve got a nice natural balance and natural uphill way of going. Even in a three-year-old that you watch loose, I still want to see that natural balance and way of moving. I like horses that have natural cadence, because I think it makes life so much easier when you are training them than when you have a horse with a tremendous amount of knee action that doesn’t necessarily follow through in the body. You then have to create cadence.

“We all want a beautiful front leg but with that natural cadence, they don’t have to work so hard to develop it and you don’t have to train them as much for the piaffe and the passage later on BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 7

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PROFILE.

LEFT: EMILE WITH FÜRSTENRAUSCH, BEING AIMED AT THE SEVEN-YEAR-OLD WORLD BREEDING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

ut he adds that looks and movement also have an influence t the end of the day when you come down the centre line with a really eautiful horse, it helps e also have to differentiate etween what is flashy and what is good movement flashy is good if it’s through the ody, with a certain amount of self carriage and alance that’s what we want he danger is if horses are consistently moving too ig when they are young, ut that’s less a out the horse and more a out the training and riding f a horse has naturally good paces like our four year old mare, we don’t ride her daily to the full e tent of her movement he works three days a week, and may e once every three weeks we’ll ask for a it more mile comments that the process of training a grand pri horse is actually a out making them strong he stronger they are the less in uries they will have o their asic training as a young horse has to e that asic training, rather than making them move like a grand pri horse e took the ride ack on ono i aggio, on which he won ron e at the orld uestrian ames, while owner heodora ivanos was recovering from surgery he reek young rider, who had achieved ualifying scores for the okyo lympics in her fi rst season at rand ri mile was su se uently shortlisted for the ritish team with ono’ is now ack in action and will take up the reins once again heo’s second rand ri ride o invale, also ased with mile, is now on the market as she is com ining competing with her university studies, while the goal with ono i aggio is the orld hampionships in enmark ne t ugust ith a num er of talented young riders under his wing, mile admits that in the past he has advised them to get a o outside horses to e a le to fund their passion lot of young riders have to rely on the support of parents or personal contacts ut the fi rst advice would give someone is to

ecome in control of your own destiny it’s something wish had done eople’s circumstances can also change and you can fi nd that you’ve poured everything into a couple of horses, and then they are gone y advice to anyone wanting a career in this industry is to put yourself in a position where you can e fi nancially independent, and to start with young horses here is a tendency of people wanting to uy trained horses instead, uy a young horse and get a good trainer mile represented several high profi le continental producers in recent years ut now looks to produce his own young horses for his loyal and of owners ’ve got a yard full of lovely horses and great people so want to concentrate on what we’ve got here fter such a long and successful career, he says that the love of the o is what keeps him motivated ith some e citing youngsters in the yard there’s clearly lots more to come BELOW: THE TOP TEAM: EMILE WITH TOM GOODE AND PA/YARD MANAGER KELLY LAINSBURY.

PROFILE.

“It was very nice to win the national title again and I suppose it proves my resilience, that I’m still doing it and getting so much pleasure out of it. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world, I live in the most beautiful place on earth as far as I’m concerned and I love riding and teaching, so that’s what keeps me motivated.”

SHARING THE LOVE OF HORSES

The Emile Faurie Foundation was set up in 2006 to show children how en oya le and fulfi lling e uine sport and careers can e, and to help them follow their dreams - developing personal and social skills along the way.

Schools can send groups of 10 or 12 children each week during term-time, for a course of lessons at selected BHS approved riding establishments. These courses cover the care of the animals, as well as riding instruction and an introduction to the variety of competitive sports involving horses.

Emile comments that like other charitable organisations, the Foundation has had a devastating year due to the pandemic.

“We’re totally reliant on donations and there is only Maryanne Horn and myself in charge of raising the funds. We were quite lucky that we had received a donation from Walkers Crisps the previous year, plus £5000 from the Dressage Supporters Club, so had built up a reserve.”

During lockdown, the closure of riding schools cut outgoings, but fundraising for the various projects remains a challenge.

“We could have helped 17,000 children to ride if we had the funds, but 12,000 have done the courses so far, we’re still there 15 years later and it’s a great leveller to see the effect it has on these children Emile says that while the slogan – ‘horses change lives’ may seem over-dramatic, they have changed his life.

“I went to a riding school where the proprietor taught me so much, to respect horses, look after them and nurture them, but more than anything the riding school environment was my outlet, as I’m a reserved person who has always been extremely shy.”

He expresses concern that riding schools in the UK are closing down one after the other, due to running costs.

“The government refuses to give leeway on business rates for riding schools, and with the pandemic it was devastating to see how many closed. When you think of the amount of top riders that started out in riding schools, I wish more would support them to get something done about business rates. We must get behind them or they will die out altogether.”

Emile says that the sport is even more important for the inner-city children that the foundation supports.

“We need to be so careful not to kill the culture of developing not just competition riders that have the fi nancial acking to set up their own yard, but people who learn the mechanics of how to look after a horse and become part of its life.”

Several former pupils are now working with horses, including one as a professional jockey and another as head girl at the equestrian centre where she started riding.

ABOVE: THE EMILE FAURIE FOUNDATION INTRODUCES CHILDREN - OFTEN FROM INNER-CITY AREAS - TO RIDING AND CARING FOR HORSES. LEFT: EMILE SAYS THAT BEING AROUND HORSES WAS AN OUTLET FOR HIM AS A SHY, RESERVED TEENAGER, SOMETHING HE WISHES TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.

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2021

SUMMER AREA FESTIVALS ROCK! AFTER A COVID-ENFORCED DELAY, THE INAUGURAL PETPLAN EQUINE SUMMER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TOOK PLACE AT ARENA UK IN LINCOLNSHIRE. THE ADDITION OF FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT EACH LEVEL PROVED POPULAR AND WERE WELL SUPPORTED. CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART – WHAT AN INSPIRATIONAL FEW DAYS IT WAS!

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN SPARROW

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL INTERMEDIATE I SILVER Sian Turner with Sheila Weston’s Loverboy II

69.86%

Sarah Fitton with Lesly Fitton’s Florenciana 4

69.03%

Julia Walker with her own Rodhea

67.89%

4

Lucy Swinden with her own Odwigs Echo

67.63%

5

Hannah Milner-Harding with her own Rhythm ‘n’ Blues

65.26%

6

Katherine Heslop with her own Ferdy

64.12%

7

Josephine Clewlow with her own Bon Jovi AKW

60.83%

8

Emma Bond with her own Dragos Felix

58.24%

9

Sammy Page with her own Ronaldo IV

57.76%

“HE’S REALLY GOOD, HE’S SUPER CHILLED AND HE LOVES HIS JUMPING AS WELL – HE’S A LOVELY SWEET THING.” – Sian Turner PETPLAN EQUINE AF INTERMEDIATE I FREESTYLE SILVER

4

LEFT/RIGHT: SIAN

Sian Turner with Sheila Weston’s Loverboy II

74.58%

TURNER DOMINATED

Katherine Heslop with Janette Mitchell’s Spudley

67.58%

RANKS WITH VICTORY

Emma Bond with her own Drago’s Felix

67.41%

IN BOTH CLASSES RIDING

Sammy Page with her own Ronaldo IV

64.00%

WESTON.

THE INTER I SILVER

LOVERBOY II FOR SHELIA

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 13

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL INTERMEDIATE I BRONZE

RIGHT: CELEBRATING SIX YEARS AS A PARTNERSHIP, SARAH HEATH AND FEUERTANZ TAKE THE INTER I TITLE WITH ONLY THEIR THIRD TEST AT THE LEVEL.

Sarah Heath with her own Feuertanz

68.20%

Jane Littlejohn with her own Urban Knight

68.02%

Georgina Tapner with her own Bugatti II

66.66%

4

Claire Allmett with her own Soloyst

64.86%

5

Samantha Bloor with her own Elason

64.64%

6

Anna Bostrand Daly with her own It’s Avo

63.50%

7

Jessica Sanders with her own Sheepcote’s Well to Do 62.54%

8

Lucy Goodman with her own Freya V

62.01%

9

Lorna Hurst with her own Westhills Monaco

61.36%

10 Vivion Gizzi with her own San Salvador II

61.00%

PETPLAN EQUINE AF INTERMEDIATE I FREESTYLE BRONZE Josie Kent with her own Serious Black

LEFT: AREA FESTIVAL WINNERS IN 2020, JOSIE KENT AND SERIOUS BLACK ADD A FREESTYLE TITLE TO THEIR MANTLEPIECE RIDING TO MUSIC SHE PUT TOGETHER HERSELF. RIGHT: JANE LITTLEJOHN FINISHED RUNNER UP IN THE INTER I BUT SHE AND URBAN KNIGHT PROVED UNBEATABLE AT PSG SILVER TO TAKE BOTH CLASSES.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRIX ST GEORGES SILVER Jane Littlejohn with her own Urban Knight

68.28%

Jenny Ainscough with her own Showstar

68.15%

Antonia Brown with Sara Lucas’s SJL Duuk

68.11%

4

Katherine Heslop with Janette Mitchell’s Spudley

66.88%

5

Sian Turner with Sheila Weston’s Loverboy II

66.84%

6

Amanda Towle-Shaw with her own Rockwood Virtue 66.79%

7

Claire Allmett with her own Soloyst

65.78%

8

Claire Knowles with her own Singing Skyjacker

65.43%

9

Katherine Heslop with her own Ferdy

64.95%

10 Julie Hyslop with her own Rubin Star Lioness

14 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

64.78%

68.20%

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships 70.45%

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRIX ST GEORGES FREESTYLE SILVER Jane Littlejohn with her own Urban Knight

Jessica Coltman with her own Hillgrounds Profile

66.87%

Emma Bond with her own Drago’s Felix

64.33%

4

Nancy Rollings with Melanie Rowley’s Wellbeloved

63.91%

5

Helena Charlesworth with Hannah Morgan’s Hennerwood Discovery

63.79%

Josephine Clewlow with her own Bon Jovi AKW

62.25%

6

RIGHT: THAT FEELING WHEN YOU’VE HAD THE BEST FEW DAYS OF YOUR LIFE...

JANE LITTLEJOHN CELEBRATES IN STYLE WITH URBAN KNIGHT AFTER DOING THE PSG PETPLAN DOUBLE.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRIX ST GEORGES FREESTYLE BRONZE

ABOVE: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

PARTNERSHIP TO CLAIM THE TITLE DESPITE A NERVY START. PETPLAN EQUINE’S SARA ORAM CONGRATULATES THEM.

Sara Malpass with her own Pitingo II

65.04%

4

Zara Griffiss with her own Allegro III

63.75%

5

Sarah Grindle with Heather Cumming’s Capote HCB 60.33%

Josie Kent with her own Serious Black

67.10%

Sian Nash with her own Woodcroft Dream Boy

65.39%

4

Claire Ackerman with her own Woodcroft Heinrich

65.08%

5

Victoria Johnson with Sarah Johnson’s Temujin

64.78%

6

Lisa Clarkson with her own Giannova

64.64%

7

Zoe Golding with her own Enzo SR

64.64%

8

Ellie Roberts with her own Zante

64.56%

9

Kate Moisson with her own Welthausen’s Onour

63.64%

10 Jo Curling with her own Keystone Renaissance

63.50%

DEVON B.

STRENGTH OF THEIR

66.75%

68.33%

HER OWN ‘LOVEABLE PEST’

HORATIO SHOWED THE

Josie Kent with her own Serious Black

Rhiannon Hinton with her own Quaikin Horatio

A WIN FOR SCOTLAND WITH

AND WELSH-BRED QUAIKIN

66.91%

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRIX ST GEORGES BRONZE

FIONA STRYJEWSKI SCORES

RIGHT: RHIANNON HINTON

Fiona Stryjewski with her own Devon B

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 15

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AF ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER Susie White with her own Seventh Heaven II

68.84%

Sara Malpass with her own Keystone Dicaprio

68.24%

Katie Lawrence with her own Donaulied

67.94%

4

Jo Weekes with her own Rossetti’s Destiny

67.52%

5

Jessica Sanders with her own Gershwin FH

67.35%

6

Deborah Randall with her own Sixtus II

67.35%

7

Lizzie Bulmer with her own Duke of Light

67.22%

8

Rosie Morgan with her own Cerice

66.96%

9

Susan Bullock with her own Lynwood Crofter

66.88%

10 Sophie Bennett with her own Vallon du Rock

66.79% ABOVE: A MEMORABLE WIN FOR THE HOMEBRED, HOME PRODUCED SEVENTH

BELOW: HANS ZIMMER’S GLADIATOR PROVED

HEAVEN II WITH SUSIE WHITE WHO WAS JUST TEN WHEN THE HORSE WAS

A WINNING SCORE FOR SOFIA JANKIEWICZ AND

BORN: “I DON’T HAVE MANY MEMORIES WITHOUT HIM,” SHE SAID.

BOULAROUZ. BOTTOM RIGHT: HEATHROW WORKER ZOE GOLDING PUT HER FAITH IN ENZO SR AND HE RESPONDED IN STUNNING STYLE TO

PETPLAN EQUINE AF ADVANCED MEDIUM FREESTYLE SILVER

TAKE THE TITLE.

Sofia Jankiewicz with her own Boularouz

68.50%

Toni Gormley with Stephanie Worton’s Serendipitous 67.88% Zoe Haigh with her own Ceejay

67.66%

4

Natalie Banks with Pamela Bushell’s Vinatero BCN

67.44%

5

Susie White with her own Seventh Heaven II

67.05%

6

Charlotte Neal with her own Walters Fable

66.61%

7

Helena Charlesworth with Hannah Morgan’s Hennerwood Discovery

66.50%

8

Susan Bullock with her own Lynwood Crofter

66.05%

9

Lesley Wheatley with her own Fürst Lazlo

65.88%

10 Felicity Iles with her own So Enamoured PETPLAN EQUINE AF ADVANCED MEDIUM BRONZE Zoe Golding with her own Enzo SR

70.29%

Gareth Bulley with Hannah Lebon’s Lorentina

69.10%

Fiona Newall with her own Fendy VCG

67.77%

4

Clare Ashley with her own Pintofields Regal Hit

67.30%

5

Zoe Kirkpatrick with her own Floriam TH

65.64%

6

Patricia Haskins with her own Crewezando

65.47%

7

Morgan Kent with Elizabeth Stares’ Kolstein’s Don Amigo 65.42%

8

Kelly Blow with her own Chelesto

65.34%

9

Karen Gray with her own Lexus Hof ter Zeedycke

65.17%

10 Helen Marsh with her own Disco Chick

16 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

64.95%

65.72%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 17

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AF ADVANCED MEDIUM FREESTYLE BRONZE Fiona Newall with her own Fendy VCG

74.11%

Elice Willett with her own Gerento

73.11%

Zara Griffiss with her own Allegro III

69.00%

Morgan Kent with Elizabeth Stares’ Kolstein’s Don Amigo

68.61%

5

Lucie Stokoe with her own Dolores II

67.44%

6

Clare Ashley with her own Pintofields Regal Hit

67.38%

7

Stephanie Gaunt with her own Horatio IV

66.50%

8

Lisa Allen with her own Cesar Romeo

66.27%

9

Kelly Blow with her own Chelesto

66.22%

4

10 Catherine Stott with her own Macklin Royal

ABOVE: IF YOU’RE GOING TO WIN, GETTING YOUR PRIZES FROM A KNIGHT OF THE REALM MAKES IT EXTRA SPECIAL. SIR LEE PEARSON CONGRATULATES FENDY VCG AND RIDER FIONA NEWALL. RIGHT: SARA ORAM SAYS A BIG WELL DONE TO BRENDAN TEGG AND FOXCOURT SOLAR ECLIPSE, WHO HE OWNS WITH SARAH DAVIES, AFTER THEIR DECISIVE WIN.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF MEDIUM SILVER Brendan Tegg with his own and Sarah Davies’ Foxcourt Solar Eclipse

70.34%

Judy Hancock with her own Gornoeth Silver Lining

67.94%

Jo Weekes with her own Rossetti’s Destiny

67.94%

4

George Martin with Aimee Lewis’s Keithhills Scotch Bonnet 66.96%

5

Krystyna Monks with her own Dubai

66.91%

6

Tracey Kibler with her own Pagani Fürst

66.27%

7

Julie Young with her own Bitsy

66.12%

8

Maisie Hodge with Robert Fearis’s Calcourt Romancier 66.02%

9

Nicola Naprstek with her own Don Cru

10 Rebecca McNair with her own Casanova LDS

18 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

66.02% 65.63%

65.77%

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL MEDIUM FREESTYLE SILVER Lucie Stokoe with her own Dolores II

70.29%

Erin Denney with her own Rafferty I

69.75%

Sarah Grindle with her own Saffron XII

69.06%

4

Sandie Gibbs with her own Gomez Gold

68.03%

5

Lucinda Bellis with her own Briarwood Firefly

67.99%

6

Lorna Davis with her own Furore

67.45%

7

Verity Franks with her own Daiquiris Jiggery Pokery

66.76%

8

Nerys Leer with Mandie Bradley’s Ponpeo

66.37%

9

Sheena Grierson with her own Rewarding Glance

66.17%

10 Rémy-Violet Farrant with Tracey Jacobs’ Denzel QOS 66.17% FAR LEFT: AFTER DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE MEDIUM, DOLORES II COMES OUT ON SONG FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S LUCIE STOKOE TO TAKE THE TITLE.

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL MEDIUM BRONZE Megan Field with her own Bright Time FST

70.29%

Helen Marsh with her own Disco Chick

69.75%

Sophia Marston with her own Solitaire II

69.06%

4

Alexzandra Houldcroft with her own Cavallina Herself 68.03%

5

Morgan Kent with Elizabeth Stares’ Kolstein’s Don Amigo

67.99%

6

Michaela Collins with her own Brachie Bronnie Doodles 67.45%

7

Kerrie Love with her own Penlove Aristocrat

66.76%

8

Anna Tomlinson with her own Moreorless

66.37%

9

Emma Rarity with Sarah Probin’s Benicios BiBi

66.17%

10 Hanna Stenvall with her own Cavicii

LEFT AND BELOW: MEGAN FIELD AND BRIGHT TIME FST, AKA HARLEY,

66.17%

PROVE UNASSAILABLE IN THE MEDIUM BRONZE RANKS TO TAKE HOME TWO COVETED PETPLAN EQUINE RUGS.

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL MEDIUM FREESTYLE BRONZE Megan Field with her own Bright Time FST

73.72%

Alexzandra Houldcroft with her own Cavallina Herself 73.11% Morgan Kent with Elizabeth Stares’ Kolstein’s Don Amigo 71.94% 4

Kathryn Oldfield with her own Lionheart Xanthius of Phthia

71.55%

5

Anna Tomlinson with her own Moreorless

71.27%

6

Heather Hopkinson with her own Brackenspa Houdini 71.00%

7

Helen Taylor with her own Boogie Knight

8

Laura Marshall with her own Cha Cha Herself 70.00% (321)

9

Sarah Jacklin with her own Good Speed

10 Wendy Hudson with her own Chanel

70.00% (325.50)

69.27% 68.55%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 19

Barley Free – Low Starch Molasses Free – Low Sugar Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals

Low energy Est. DE 8.0 MJ/kg At rest or light work

High energy Est. DE 12.8 MJ/kg At hard work

Feeds to suit all workloads The Allen & Page Barley & Molasses Free Range can be viewed as a stepping stone range, from low energy feeds to high energy without containing barley, molasses, alfalfa or whole cereal grains. These feeds also contain all the essential vitamins and minerals your horse or pony needs for a balanced diet.

Depending on the horse’s workload, condition and health throughout the year, moving up or down the Barley & Molasses Free Range can help to achieve an ideal body score and adequate energy levels.

Contact our award-winning helpline for nutritional advice 01362 822 902 | helpline@allenandpage.co.uk www.allenandpage.com

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL ELEMENTARY SILVER

“I HAD NO EXPECTATION, HE’S YOUNG AND CAN BE SILLY BUT HE WAS REALLY, REALLY GOOD.” – Jade Whitelaw on Late Night

Jade Whitelaw with her own Late Night

73.72%

Bryony Jones with her own Northcliff Fairoak NE

70.88%

Alexa Palmer with her own Global Super Nova

70.68%

4

Tasha Wakely with her own Elegido CXL VII

70.09%

5

Judy Hancock with her own Gornoeth Silver Lining

70.00%

6

Hilary Cowie with her own Shall We Dance II

69.46%

7

Megan Field with her own Bright Time FST

69.02%

8

Gill Peckham with her own Hero (Huroos)

68.87%

=9 Emma Rarity with her own Zummertimes

68.82%

=9 Michelle Pritchard with her own Touch of Frost IV

68.82%

LEFT: FIVE YEAR OLD LATE NIGHT PROVES ONE TO WATCH WITH CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION IN THE ELEMENTARY SILVER DIVISION UNDER RIDER JADE WHITELAW WITH TWO 73%+ SCORES.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE SILVER Emma Chinn with her own Bally Blackjack

75.06%

Jade Whitelaw with her own Late Night

74.93%

Hilary Cowie with her own Shall We Dance II

73.78%

4

Sue Grimes with her own For Vehlage

70.44%

5

Kate Sanderson with her own Hillgarth Rachelian

69.74%

6

Jaime Edwards with her own Woodcroft Schwarzdiamont 69.16%

7

Fiona Fletcher with her own Fillinsky

68.78%

8

Rachel Wall with her own Belissimo Bede

68.71%

9

Elizabeth Jenkins with her own Salsa d’Amour

68.71%

10 Gill Peckham with her own Hero (Huroos)

68.65%

RIGHT: EMMA CHINN AND BALLY BLACKJACK, AKA SNIP, FILLED THE INDOOR ARENA WITH CROWD FAVOURITE THE SOUND OF MUSIC TO TAKE THE FREESTYLE. THE DUO IS CONGRATULATED BY BD SPORT OPERATIONS MANAGER LOU JONES.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 21

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL ELEMENTARY BRONZE Hayley Ford with her own and James Ford’s Crimson Gold 69.80% Alicia Roberts with her own Godin Linda

68.62%

Abigail Gray with Samantha Brown’s Godrics Campeggio

68.52%

4

Bizzy Loffet with her own Dario Fo

68.38%

5

Jessica Finney with Madeleine Gardner’s FHS Whatalittlemiss

68.08%

6

Claire Giraudmaillet with her own Very Queen

67.54%

7

Emma Sears with her own Stanley IIII

67.01%

8

Iona Woods with her own Loughnatousa Joey

66.12%

9

Lisa Lintell with her own Murdock II

65.83%

10 Eilish Smith with her own Sheepcote Jamboree

65.53%

RIGHT: EX-RACER CRIMSON GOLD HAS MADE A GREAT TRANSITION FROM TRACK TO ARENA UNDER RIDER HAYLEY FORD, WHO OWNS HER WITH JAMES FORD, AND THEY TOPPED THE PODIUM FROM A FIELD OF 31.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE BRONZE Rebecca McNab with her own Bunteeichen Nivaro

73.52%

Helen Taylor with her own Boogie Knight

70.64%

Julie Wattie with her own Golden Boy II

70.12%

4

Jenny Pudge with her own Waterlily

69.87%

5

Helen Randell with her own Ffion d’Or

69.74%

6

Alice Gresswell with her own Kalahari Dorada

69.16%

7

Rebecca Darke with her own Nadisker

69.03%

8

Lucy Anne James with her own Forever Darco

68.91%

9

Lucy Larkman with her own Tricalord

68.71%

10 Isabel Gwizdala with her own Flaxcroft Jasper

68.59%

LEFT: YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH A BIT OF DISNEY AND REBECCA MCNAB PRODUCED A FLOORPLAN PERFECTLY MATCHED TO HER GERMAN RIDING PONY BUNTEEICHEN NIVARO WHICH THE JUDGES COULDN’T RESIST.

22 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 23

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL NOVICE SILVER Angela Westgarth with her own Re-Joyce

71.11%

Samantha Jimmison with her own Magnetiet

70.62%

Danielle Dickson with Lucy Hannington’s Uniquely Bee 70.27% 4

Molly-Rowan Sharples with David Pincus’s Sheepcote Jackson 70.06%

5

Victoria Semple with her own Cadance

70.06%

6

Julie Gillman with her own Mr Potato Head

68.75%

7

Laura Hill with her own Kensington I

68.26%

8

Katie Palmer with her own Headmore Braithwaite

67.98%

9

Sophia Longworth with Rachel Longworth’s Gwithian Percival 67.63%

10 Ben Smith with his own Joggle AH

67.43%

LEFT: SELF-EMPLOYED LETTING AGENT AND PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHER ANGELA WESTGARTH IS LEARNING TO GET THE BEST FROM TALENTED EVERDALE-SIRED RE-JOYCE AND HAS HIGH HOPES FOR WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.

“SHE IS SHARP BUT ALSO HAS AN AMAZING WORK ETHIC, SHE TRIES SO HARD, AND SHE’S GOT A REAL ENERGY TO HER. SO, I THINK SHE’S ONE FOR THE FUTURE, SHE’S JUST GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.” – Angela Westgarth on Re-Joyce PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL NOVICE FREESTYLE SILVER Craig Messenger with Neil Highams’ Treliver de la Crème 71.20% Clare Ashley with Rachel Philo’s Brynmelys Ranaldo 70.83% Victoria Bradford with Judith Loversidge’s Flash Dancer 70.64% 4

Sarah Hayter-Sharpe with her own Lucky Turn

70.18%

5

Stephanie Kelly with her own Barichello

69.63%

6

Bethan Comery with her own Chance in a Million II

69.44%

7

Samantha Wood with her own Champagne Showers 69.35%

8

Julie Smith with her own Sheepcote Fiorucci

69.35%

9

Emma Rarity with Sally Hudson-Lund’s Derriamo

69.25%

10 Jackie Aarons with her own Opposition Angel One

RIGHT: FORMER NH JOCKEY CRAIG MESSENGER REALLY WOWED WITH HIS ROS EMERY KAY PRODUCED MUSIC ABOARD NEIL HIGHAM’S TRELIVER DE LA CRÈME TO TAKE THE TITLE.

24 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

69.16%

RIGHT: SASHA GOOD DOMINATED THE STRONG FIELD WITH JADE DETER’S RISING

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL NOVICE BRONZE

STAR, L’SIERRA (GLOCKS DREAM BOY X FLEMMINGH). MIDDLE RIGHT: ONE FOR THE NATIVES: JULIA THARRATT AND DYLASAU DAI HARRIS, ELVIS TO HIS FRIENDS, DANCED TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND THE WEEKEND TO BE

Sasha Good with Jade Deter’s L’Sierra

72.08%

Alicia Roberts with her own Godin Linda

70.69%

Meghan Waring with Jacqui Lamming’s Sir Lancelot II 70.41%

CROWNED CHAMPIONS.

4

Georgie Hadaway with her own Cynheidrefawr Ceidrych 69.51%

5

Tilly Hankey with Francesca Walker’s BKS Galaxy

69.37%

6

Rachel O’Hagan with her own La Vida Loca

68.47%

7

Skye-Lucia Moore with her own Union Black SC

68.47%

8

Nicky Tyrrell with her own Petlin Jessica

68.33%

9

Sarah Rotheram w with her own Demi Minutus

67.98%

10 Thomas Eastwood with Paula Winfield’s Amitola Warrior 67.77%

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL NOVICE FREESTYLE BRONZE Julia Tharratt with her own Dylasau Dai Harris

74.35%

Jenny Pudge with her own Waterlily

73.42%

Rachael Hetherington with her own Reset Sir Lancelot 72.13% 4

Karen James with her own Ashby Alan Silver

70.64%

5

Rebecca Bridges with Philippa Bailey’s Rock Solid II

70.64%

6

Annastasia Cross with her own Kenndale

70.27%

7

Katherine Kirby with Elahna Gregory’s Newports Rebbel 70.00%

8

Claire McCarthy with her own The Big Guy

69.63%

9

Michelle Parish with her own Clohessys Sinbin

69.53%

10 Chris Wilcox with her own Miss Ellie IV

69.53%

PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL PRELIMINARY SILVER Jade Salisbury with Teresa Knapp’s Florence X

70.76%

Sandra MacDonald with her own Faside Je T’Aime

70.69%

Sara Brown with her own Sandrea

69.58%

4

Kelly Mewes with her own Kantje’s Kimana

69.37%

5

Susannah Mann with her own Dream-i-Dream

69.23%

6

Hollie Cannon with her own Zuvola

69.02%

7

Laura Greaves with her own Castlekelly Buzz

68.88%

8

Jessica Ainsworth with her own Deano

68.88%

9

Vikki Fowler with her own Icarus IV

68.54%

10 Dani Wills with her own Treliver Dream Machine

68.54%

LEFT: FOURTH TO GO JADE SALISBURY HAD A LONG WAIT AFTER POSTING 70.76% WITH TERESA KNAPP’S EYECATCHING GREY FLORENCE X BUT IT PROVED A WINNING SCORE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 25

High Quality Low in Starch & High in Fibre From Vitamin A to Zinc Fully Traceable Slow Release Energy

Ros Canter, World Champion.

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVAL PRELIMINARY BRONZE Justina Cook with her own Ideal El Divino

71.52%

Hannah Carrick with her own Kansas NS

69.72%

Hannah Iddeson with her own Mynach Party Fun

69.02%

4

Jane Matthews with her own Coral Malachy

68.88%

5

Amy Alexander with her own Lenz

68.54%

6

Sophie Taylor with her own Vision of Dreams

68.19%

7

Claire Tracey with her own Castle Carlo

68.12%

8

Flossie Miller with her own Machno Llewelyn

67.98%

9

Kate Turner with her own Contentment

67.98%

10 Hannah Reilly with her own Whalton Extravaganza

67.77%

LEFT: CHAMPIONS SARAH THOMAS AND SO WALTER (18HH) TOWER OVER HANNAH IDDESON AND MYNACH PARTY FUN (12.1HH) WHO WERE THIRD IN THE PRELIM BRONZE. DRESSAGE HORSES CERTAINLY COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES!

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRELIMINARY FREESTYLE SILVER Sarah Thomas with her own So Walter

70.74%

Liz Worrall with her own Jerry Superman

67.68%

Debbie Dean with her own Ballyowens Winston

67.68%

4

Rebecca Gilbert with Dylan

65.74%

5

Janice Winn with her own Prince Bishops Snowy Owl 65.55%

6

Suzanne Clark with her own Ballinamurra Billy

65.18%

7

Sharon Blake with her own Chyvounder Moonlight Seranade

64.63%

Janet Alderton with her own Cobson’s Choice

64.53%

8

RIGHT: PROUD OWNER, RIDER, BREEDER JUSTINE COOK IS ALL SMILES FOR HER PRIDE AND JOY, IDEAL EL DIVINO WHO HEADED THE 42-STRONG PRELIM BRONZE CLASS.

PETPLAN EQUINE AF PRELIMINARY FREESTYLE BRONZE Astrid Holcke with Emilie Holcke’s Guardian d’Anthemis 69.90%

BELLOW: YOUNG DUO ASTRID HOLCKE (13) AND HAFLINGER GUARDIAN D’ANTHEMIS (5) HAVE HAD A DEBUT BRITISH DRESSAGE SEASON TO REMEMBER – TAKING THE TITLE FOR MUM EMILIE.

Caroline Wall with her own Averla de Revel

68.70%

Pamela Hunt with her own Silverspring Jagger

67.96%

4

Holly McHugh with her own Bengad Christmas Cactus 67.50%

5

Lois Unitt with her own The Irish Cream

66.85%

6

Sarah Davis with her own Winston Classic Gold

66.01%

7

Violet Hawkins with Alex Hawkins’ Glenlichd Fair Un Square

65.92%

8

Joanna Lee with her own Il Marinaio

65.37%

9

Tilly Nutkins with her own Monkshorn Johnny

65.27%

10 Hilary Bentley with her own Ruby Tuesday XI

65.09%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 27

WINTER CLOTHNG.

WHEN THE

NorthWind BLOWS...

HELEN TRIGGS TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT HOW TO KEEP WARM AND DRY THIS WINTER AND COMES UP WITH SOME USEFUL TIPS ON THE LATEST TRENDS.

A

t some time this winter you are going to be wet and cold and probably both. Much as we love our horses, it’s no fun to be riding outside in the rain or even in the indoor school which turns into a refrigerator as soon as the temperature drops.

Sometimes just chucking another Jack Russell on your lap while sitting down and teaching isn’t the answer. It might be time to evaluate your wardrobe and add a few carefully chosen items to keep you toasty when the temperature drops.

The body loses heat through conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation. So if you sit on a cold surface you will get cold. Put a cushion on your seat if you are teaching in the cold!

Wind or water strips away the microclimate of warm air that’s next to your skin so choose wind-resistant clothing. Cover your skin so that the heat which radiates from your body is trapped by your clothes.

Wear an appropriate layer of clothing so that you keep warm without sweating profusely, so you don’t lose heat through evaporation.

Equestrian clothing manufacturers produce a wide range of different winter items which are designed specifically with riding or yard work in mind. While you have the option of popping into Primark or your local outdoor store for something cheap, their clothes don’t have the specific elements which make equestrian-designed garments more practical or comfortable – like extended linings on the cuff s to keep the hands warm, fl at seams to prevent chafi ng, elasticated foot stirrups on leggings etc.

It’s not true you lose half your body heat from your head. But this does not mean a head cover is a bad idea and noses and ears can be very sensitive to cold and even prone to chilblains.

You could try an Equetech hat liner which covers the ears and neck, and shoulder areas.

LEFT: A LONG WATERPROOF COAT CAN BE A GREAT BUY IF YOU ARE OUT AND ABOUT IN ALL WEATHERS. BUT CHECK THE WATERPROOFING OF A PROSPECTIVE PURCHASE. THIS LOIRE LONG RIDING COAT FROM LEMIEUX USES WATERPROOF MATERIAL WITH A HYDROSTATIC HEAD TEST RATING OF 8000MM AND A MOISTURE VAPOUR PERMEABILITY (MVP) RATING OF 3000MVPA, ALONG WITH THE TAPED SEAMS, DOUBLE FRONT CLOSURE AND WATERPROOF SEALED POCKET ZIPS .

Cold ears can be painful so a pair of fur-lined ear muff s, which can be worn with a riding hat, can be a good solution (though if wearing them out hacking, make sure you can still hear traffic).

For some equestrians the ubiquitous headband makes its appearance with the fi rst frost and seems to be welded to its owner’s head until the daffodils appear. LeMieux offers

RIGHT: THERMAL BASE LAYERS SUCH AS THIS WINTER REFLECTOR TECHNICAL BASE LAYER FROM TOGGI HAVE GROWN IN POPULARITY, ITS BRUSHED BACK STRETCH FABRIC ALLOWING RIDERS TO WEAR THINNER, MORE PRACTICAL COATS.

“WE HAVE TRIED TO PROVIDE THE CUSTOMER WITH LOTS OF DIFFERENT LAYERING OPTIONS.” an ear warmer headband which you don’t even need to take off under your riding hat.

Thermal body base layers have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. “We have tried to provide the customer with lots of different layering options,” says Sarah Gibbons, LeMieux product designer. “We offer a thermal underlayer and two weights of baselayers, Thermal baselayers and leggings are great options for very cold days as they give extra warmth without having the bulk of heavy outerwear.

Ours have body fresh anti-odour technology and are seamless. An elasticated foot stirrup ensures they stay in place under breeches.”

Roy Male of Wychanger Barton has seen a tremendous growth in base layers in the last few years. “They are one of our top-selling lines. Base layers mean you can wear a thinner outer coat,” he said.

While it’s tempting to pile on the layers to combat the cold, remember that if you are moving about you will warm up and could quickly get uncomfortable. Gilets are your friend! They are easy to slip on and off and riding gilets are shaped to keep your lower back warm. Many brands offer matching gilets, fleeces and base layers to feed any matchy-matchy addiction.

When it comes to coats, you’ll be pleased to know that the ‘Michelin Man’ bulky coats of old are going out of fashion. Michael Hudson of Hudson Equine says: “There’s defi nitely a trend for more elegant and

shapely fits and our latest Cavallo long coat has an elegant curved shape at the back.

There’s defi nitely a move towards longer coats which can also be worn on the horse.”

Waterproof trousers and breeches which are specially designed for riding are super lightweight, can be stretchy, made of breathable fabric and resistant to wind and rain. They can be ankle or calf length with elasticated leg bottoms to keep the weather out.

Brands to look out for include LeMieux, Stierna, Equetech, Toggi and Mountain Horse.

Toggi provides the clothing for the British team.

If you are looking for warmer legs, check out their winter flexi fleece-lined full seat breeches. They’re water repellant and have reflective markings.

For something a little different you could try a riding skirt – UHIP’s quilted thermal skirt has front and back zips so you can easily transition to riding mode and it will keep thighs toasty warm. The Eqco made-to-measure waterproof skirt goes one further and completely covers your saddle and is available in a hi-viz version.

The latest in luxury is a battery-heated jacket or gilet – dressage legend Pammy Hutton swears by hers. Surprisingly the cost for a heated jacket compares favourably with unheated products; brands such as Blaze Wear and WHIS are popular with riders.

LEFT: THERMALS NEVER GO OUT OF FASHION! THESE THERMAL LEGGINGS FROM LEMIEUX ARE DESIGNED TO BE WORN UNDER BREECHES AND FEATURE ELASTICATED FOOT STRAPS TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE. ABOVE: COLD EARS? EQUETECH’S HAT LINER COULD BE THE ANSWER.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 29

WINTER CLOTHNG.

There is no excuse for cold feet, given the plethora of wet weather footwear available. Wet feet make you colder and aren’t healthy. So while sticking your foot in a plastic bag inside a leaky boot is a short-term solution, long term it’s not a great idea. or everyday riding and yard work, a riding field oot is the est option and the etter rands offer a high degree of comfort for walking and resistance to water. Today’s designs are also as elegant as traditional dressage boots. For competitions, you could treat yourself to a lined pair of Ariat insulated boots or the modestly priced Shires oretta fleece lined oots Finally, remember that in winter visibility can be poor. So jackets and breeches with some reflective stripes will help keep you safe

ABOVE: ARIAT’S CONTOUR II INSULATED RIDING BOOTS ARE SMART ENOUGH FOR COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS EVERYDAY WEAR.

RIDERS’ TOP TIPS

“As we say in Scotland, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just incorrect clothing.”

Irish Paralympian Tamsin Addison makes sure that she buys long tee shirts and base layers which properly tuck in to keep the lower back warm.

Liz Diegutis and Alice Oppenheimer are both based in the warmer climes of Hampshire but that doesn’t stop a chilly wind blowing round the stable blocks. Alice uses the air-activated hand warmers in her gloves while Liz puts them in her boots to keep her toes warm. Liz also takes a tip from skiers and wears a pair of salopettes to stop her from freezing when teaching.

Top riders probably spend as much time teaching as they do riding so their clothing needs to accommodate the differing ody temperatures they face during the day.

Rider and trainer Jennifer Johnston-Harman has to brave the Scottish winter so is full of praise for her UHIP riding skirt. “It keeps my bum and knees warm and looks like it’s part of a jacket. I live in my insulated Ariat boots and buy knee warmers from Amazon. I have a suite of hats to choose from and always have a silk scarf round my neck. When I’m teaching in the indoor school, I have a heater by my feet.”

BELOW: WATERPROOF LEGGINGS SUCH AS THESE FROM MOUNTAIN HORSE NOW

LEFT: BULKY COATS ARE GOING OUT OF FASHION, WITH BRANDS SUCH AS CAVALLO

COME WITH ‘STICKY SEAT’ MATERIAL FOR MORE GRIP WHEN RIDING.

USING LIGHTER, WARM MATERIALS THAT ARE COMFORTABLE ON AND OFF THE HORSE.

WILL I STAY DRY? How waterproof a jacket is will depend on its resistance rating.

This is guidance provided by LeMieux: Waterproof ratings are determined using a hydrostatic head test and are used to ensure the product meets the British Standard (which must be more than 1,500mm). The higher a jacket’s waterproof rating, the longer the fabric will remain waterproof. PSI (pounds per square inch) is another way of rating waterproofness. To be classed as fully waterproof, the product has to have a minimum of 3 PSI by British Standard.

RATINGS

RESISTANCE

WEATHER

0-1500mm

Water resistant

Very light rain =

1500-5000mm

Waterproof

Light to average rain ==

500mm

Very waterproof

Moderate to heavy rain ===

10000mm

Highly waterproof

Heavy rain

====

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Active Shirt The Active Shirt is an attractive, warming long-sleeved shirt in a melange look, made from an elastic material with a close cut (skin fit) and the thumb loops help the sleeves to sit brilliantly. The fleecy, soft inner is breathable and lightweight perfect for layering up.

RRP £39 • Available in cappuccino, dark navy, khaki, aubergine and graphite

Winter Riding Leggings

This hybrid jacket is made from softshell and quilted material that has an ultra-sporty and super-light feel. The jacket features a feminine waisted cut along with a striking two-way metallic look zip fastener and two handwarmer pockets, a great jacket for on and off the yard.

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Quilted Jacket

Riding Socks Covallerio Riding Socks Thermopro feature an elasticated comfort cuff, wide mesh size for improved air circulation, a reinforced sole with ventilation channels, padded, wearresistant toe and heel area and heat regulating thanks to special fibres and natural wool.

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Combi Vest

These winter riding leggings for women are extremely elastic and made of microfiber material with softshell-like quality. For even more feel-good factor, the waistband is cut extra high and has no zipper and the full seat made of anti-slip silicone ensures a firm grip in the saddle. It also keeps its shape and is made of soft and lightweight material. On the side there is a pocket in which you can easily store your smartphone.

RRP £73 • Available in sizes 34-46

The combination of quilted fabric and softshell makes this hybrid vest particularly sporty and very lightweight. The front zipper has a two-way system, making it easy to take it on and off with a figure-hugging cut and two slide-in pockets with zippers. The Covalliero logo is sewn on the chest, which gives the combi vest a stylish look. It is washable at 30°C in the washing machine.

RRP £53 • Available in sizes xs-xl

Covalliero is distributed in the UK by

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32 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

PRODUCT WATCH.

PRODUC T

WATCH

WINTER FASHION LEMIEUX LOIRE SHORT COAT Designed with the rider in mind, this short coat brings together function and style. Tailored through the body with distinctive Loire quilted side fillets that give a subtle stretch, offering total freedom of movement whilst keeping the wearer comfortable. It is generously filled with eco-friendly DuPont synthetic filling, with the warmth of down and the bounce-back durability of cotton, retaining its fullness even after washing.

It is styled with a versatile double collar that can be worn up to protect against the wind or rolled down to suit. Finished with a durable easy-run wide tooth zip and signature LeMieux detailing, the Loire short coat is the ideal winter companion. Available in black and oak in sizes 6 to 16.

RRP: FROM £129.95 | lemieuxproducts.com

LEMIEUX THERMAL BASE LAYER is made from an ultrasoft, seamless fabric to ensure comfort is the top priority under clothing.

The innovative fabric is infused with Bio-Fresh which controls odour, while the microfibre yarn effectively wicks sweat away, making it perfect for the active rider. Available in grey, oak and rioja in sizes XS to XL. RRP: £29.95 | lemieuxproducts.com

LIN GRIP LEGGINGS from Cavallo are extremely comfortable riding tights, with many lovingly designed details. The seam is extremely flat due to the flatlock stitching to help with comfort, along with a wide waistband to create a perfect fit. There are two lateral mobile phone pockets and a high graded shiny Cavallo badge. An elaborate zip pocket on the waistband is made for important items. The Lin Grip leggings are available in graphite, rubin, black and dark blue.

RRP: £111 zebraproducts.co.uk

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 33

LEFT: JESSICA MCCONKEY AND LADY GAGA WERE THE WINNER OF SATURDAY NIGHT’S FREESTYLE CHALLENGE WITH A SCORE OF 73.79% FOR THEIR PSG ROUTINE. RIGHT: ABI TURNER FROM SARACEN HORSE FEEDS PRESENTS AMELIA DOVEY WITH HER BRONZE MEDAL FOR THIRD SPOT IN THE MY QUEST U21 INTRO TEST.

QUEST SUCCESS THE GRAND FINALE OF THE SARACEN HORSE FEEDS QUEST SEASON WAS AN AMAZING CELEBRATION OF DRESSAGE AND PROVED THAT OUR SPORT IS FOR EVERYONE. THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE THE JOURNEY TO BURY FARM – YOU WERE FABULOUS – AND TO OUR NEW SPONSORS WHO WERE AT THE HEART OF THE SHOW.

LEFT: JEMIMA BROWN AND LACY MILAN POSE WITH THEIR

RIGHT: RHIANEDD

CHAMPION SPOILS WITH SARACEN HORSE FEEDS’ ABI TURNER.

OXENHAM IS THRILLED WITH HER TEST

BELOW: AMELIE BLACK, ISLA MCMASTER AND HOLLY WYLLIE

ABOARD MAESEITHIN

MADE UP THE RED RIDING HOOVES – THEY FINISHED TENTH

CAI – THEIR SCORES

OVERALL IN U21 TEAM QUEST.

HELPED THEIR TEAM IT’S A BLING THING TO FOURTH PLACE IN THE U21 TEAM QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP.

QUEST 2021.

ABOVE: JODIE ASTON AND MILLI TAKE THEIR LAP OF HONOUR FOR CLAIMING THE OPEN PRELIM MY QUEST TITLE.

ABOVE: JOANNE STATE AND ROXLEY KAHLUA STAR – WHO JOANNE’S HAD SINCE A YEARLING - RECEIVE THEIR CHAMPION’S CUP FROM LUCY WOODS FROM SARACEN HORSE FEEDS. LEFT: LOOKING VERY SMART, SIDE SADDLE RIDER JACQUI KEDWARD AND GAFROS MINSTREL SCORED 68.04% FOR EIGHTH PLACE IN THE OPEN INTRO MY QUEST.

ABOVE: ISABEL CALLOW GIVES HER BEST SALUTE WITH WHITMORE JASPER – AS PART

RIGHT: LYNDA NICHOLS, JULIET MARSHALL, SARAH SUMMERSCALES AND KAREN WARD ARE THE DERBYSHIRE DOLLIES – THEY FINISHED EIGHTH IN THE OPEN TEAM QUEST.

ADAM FA NTH

ONE TO THIRD SPOT OVERALL.

ORPE

OF THE WMDG BLUEBIRD CHICKS SHE HELPED THE TEAM MOVE FROM FIFTH AFTER DAY

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 35

QUEST 2021.

RIGHT: SUE DAWSON WAS THE WINNER OF THE QUEST FREESTYLE CHALLENGE PROAM PAIRING. SHE SCORED 70.45% ON SATURDAY AND WAS DRAWN WITH JESSIE MCCONKEY. SHE WINS BD FULL MEMBERSHIP FOR HER AND HER HORSE FOR THE YEAR.

ROLL OF HONOUR MY QUEST U21

Open

Intro Prelim Novice Intro Prelim Novice

Lola Rega with Amy 13, 70.36% Jemima Brown with Lacy Milan, 70.45% Emily Devlin with Mexican Storm, 72.82% Joanne State with Roxely Kahlua Star, 71.81% Jodie Aston with Milli, 69.87% India Latter-Sears with Glebedale Desert Storm, 70.00%

TEAM QUEST ABOVE: COULD B ROUNDER’S ADELE BARLOW WAS PAIRED WITH LOUISE BELL IN THE FREESTYLE CHALLENGE AND TOOK HER ADVICE TO HEART – BOOSTING HER SCORE FROM 70% TO 74% ON SUNDAY AND HELPING THE TEAM TO VICTORY.

U21

Open BELOW: THE SARACEN TEAM BROUGHT THEIR WEIGHBRIDGE WHICH WAS BUSY THROUGHOUT AND THEY WERE ON HAND TO GIVE ADVICE ON OPTIMISING FEEDING FOR EVERYONE.

Gold Silver Bronze Gold Silver Bronze

WKD Rascals, 416.09 Alvechurch All Stars, 407.42 WMDG Bluebirds Chicks, 407.21 Could B Rounder, 418.12 Jenkinson’s Gems, 414.08 DDRC Divas, 412.61

ABOVE: THE WKD RASCALS HELD SECOND SPOT AFTER SATURDAY’S ACTION BUT STELLAR PERFORMANCES ON SUNDAY GAVE THEM THE WIN. CONGRATULATIONS LENNON HEALEY, JEMIMA BROWN, LUCINDA JENKINS-PRICE AND REBECCA ASTON.

36 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

“I wouldn’t feed anything else”

Hannah Esberger-Hancock International Dressage Rider & Trainer

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38 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE SEH Advert OPU 92.5x120mm.indd 1

09/12/2020 23:20

QUEST 2021.

BELOW: COULD B ROUNDER ARE CROWNED TEAM QUEST OPEN CHAMPIONS – A STERLING EFFORT BY HANNAH JOLLIFFE, ABIGAIL COLIER, ADELE BARLOW AND CHRISTINE NICHOLLS.

ABOVE: EMILY DEVLIN CLAIMED A DECISIVE 2% WIN IN THE MY QUEST U21 NOVICE SECTION WITH MEXICAN STORM. RIGHT: IT WAS A WIN IN THE MY QUEST OPEN NOVICE FOR INDIA LATTERSEARS WITH GLEBDALE DESERT STORM.

ABOVE: ABI TURNER FROM SARACEN HORSE FEEDS CONGRATULATES LOLA REGIS WHO WON THE MY QUEST U21 INTRO TITLE RIDING AMY 13 WITH 70.36%, THE ONLY COMBINATION TO BREAK THE 70% BARRIER.

RIGHT: WELSH QUARTET TOO COOL TO SCHOOL CELEBRATE FOURTH SPOT IN THE TEAM QUEST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. LONGYFARACHIADAU VICTORIA KENLOCK, EMMA THOMPSON-WARREN, AMY TOZER (WHO WON THE SELFIE COMPETITION) AND YVONNE TURRELL!

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 39

WATER TREADMILL With options to add incline, walk & trot speeds and chilled salt water

The FMBs Team have many years of experience in all aspects of equestrian life, meaning we can help point you in the right direction for the most suitable product for your horse and yard set up. From hand held Lasers, Camera Systems, Cold Therapy Wraps and Training Bands right up to Combined Therapy Rugs, Combi Floors, Dry & Water treadmills, Salt & Oxygen Systems and more.

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS STUCK FOR IDEAS? HERE'S OUR SEASONAL GUIDE TO GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND...YOU!

UVEX SUXXEED FLASH is made with innovative hardshell technology with a moulded outer shell and EPS inner shell. A highly effective combination to offer outstanding protection: impact-resistant on the outside, shock-absorbing on the inside.

RRP £499.95 • zebraproducts.co.uk

CAVALLO INSIGNIS DRESSAGE BOOT presents a modern design, fully customised in colour and style.

Constructed of hard wearing, high quality full grain leather, the Insignis dressage boot is a very slim and stylish boot with a very high dressage bow. RRP £611 • zebraproducts.co.uk

STORMX ORIGINAL SNOWY THE SNOWMAN 200 TURNOUT RUG features playful snowmen on an ice blue background, partnered with a berry red drip strip. The 600 denier waterproof and ripstop rug has a 200g filling to keep your horse snug. RRP £64.99 • battles.co.uk

DIAMANTE CLICK & CONNECT NECK STRAP can bling up your training and competition. Connection encourages confidence, partnership and performance while making this top quality, next generation neck strap even safer too. RRP £139.95 • saluteequestrian.com

MINI ALICE BAG in tan is a mini version of Grays' best selling Alice handbag, complete with zipped top, detachable handle and protective feet on the base. Made from thick, strong buffalo leaather.

RRP £120 • grays1022.com

CHRISTMAS BRIX are limited edition with a festive apple and cinnamon flavour – a healthy Christmas treat for your horse. Feed whole and dry from the ground to mimic grazing. Naturally low in sugar and starch, suitable for horses with ulcers and metabolic issues. RRP £3.50 • simplesystem.co.uk

ESKADRON GROOMING BAGS are great for organising things at competitions or at home.

Complete with a robust outer with lots of open, zipped and elasticated pockets and a drawstring top cover. RRP £44.95 • pikeur-eskadron.com

THE DICLASS BOOT SET helps you save £38 on the Zandona Prince merino wool brushing boot and matching royal bell boot. These boots feature a comfort gel lining, carbon fibre strike zones and air vents. Plus a free Zandona ear bonnet (choice of size and colour while stocks last). RRP £216.70 • diclass.co.uk

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 / 41

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

EQUETECH THERMIC HYBRID JACKET combines a stylish design with freedom of movement. Combining knit and quilted zones and a cruelty-free faux down lining, this jacket combines the warmth of a lightweight winter jacket without the bulk. Perfect for training and competition days. Available in sizes XSXXL. RRP £83.50 • equetech.com

GIA GRIP ATHLEISURE BREECHES have a wide elastic waistband with interwoven lurex stripes, large mobile phone pocket and a silicon grip-applied seat. Fabric is Pikeur’s new winter warm softshell: non-bulky, super elastic with warming fleece inside and robust outer.

Available in black, nightblue and dark shadow. RRP £142.95 • pikeur-eskadron.com

GSTORM CLOUD SHERPA FLEECE is cosy yet breathable, a great layering piece and a staple in a winter wardrobe. It features a three-quarter overhead zip, fitted cuffs and waist and a neck drawcord to keep the draught at bay. Zip side pockets keep your valuables safe and your hands warm whilst the garment is finished with a Toggi branded patch and zips. Available in sizes 8-18, in snow white and sage. RRP £75 • toggi.com

TWEED PURSE WITH SNAFFLE is a zip round, tweed purse in green with a snaffle bit fitment to the front. Inside there’s a zipped coin pocket, two note sleeves and eight card slots. Purse comes in a dust bag.

RRP £25 • grays1922.com

BLUEBERRY & BANANA TREATS are formulated using only the best quality ingredients, combining the delicious flavour of banana with natural blueberry to offer your horse a delicious treat.

RRP £3.99 • naf-equine.eu/uk

VALENCIA SOCKS SET is made from super soft bamboo, which is breathable and lightweight with a padded foot for extra comfort. The set contains three pairs, one in each of colour – oak, rioja and black, one size. RRP £19.95 • lemieuxproducts.com

THE ESSENTIAL NUMBER SET includes a personalised smart number bib, number inserts and a hang or pin up reusable info board with clip and pen. No more flappy or droopy shoulder straps and no stress needing to print numbers for your young horse classes, horsebox or stable.

Items also available separately.

RRP £45 • saluteequestrian.com

SIMPLY ARENA MIRRORS can help your loved ones to improve their training in 2022, with sets of arena markers from £15 and framed arena mirrors from £300 each.

Galvanised steel installation kits also available. RRP from £15 for markers and £300 for framed mirrors • simplyarenamirrors.co.uk

E.A. MATTES DRESSAGE PAD is particularly well suited to sensitive-skinned horses.The wool fibres allow air to circulate to help keep your horse’s back cool, provide superior cushioning, mould to your horse and distribute pressure while eliminating friction.

RRP £50 • zebraproducts.co.uk

A CHRISTMAS DECORATED WITH JOY this festive season at Country & Stable, with a vast range of products to fulfil all Christmas wishes! From the stocking stuffers to the big gift under the tree, make the magic of Christmas happen this year. RRP from £3.50 • countryandstable.co.uk

EQUINO CHAPS is the home of the original Equino full length leather riding chaps. All handmade to order in Britain with bespoke service available. We pride ourselves on our personal care with our customers. Equino now also supplies riders with reasonably priced yard and show clothing essentials. RRP from £265 • equinochaps.com

SIGNATURE KNEE HIGH SOCKS from Fairfax and Favor are great for tall boots or to accessorise an outfit.

Available in one size, and designed to match a range of items and colours, these can make a perfect gift or just simply as a treat to yourself! 100% of all profits from the sale of each set of socks will be donated to Breast Cancer Now. RRP £20 • fairfaxandfavor.com

FMBS LASER ELITE is a very easy to use and effective handheld cold laser therapy device. It contains both infrared and red light diodes, which are natural and non-invasive. Light therapy has many uses including pain relief, reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing and encouraging soft tissue repair. RRP from £495 • fmbs.co.uk

FLECK SILK TOUCH CRYSTAL DRESSAGE WHIP is made with a fiberglass core and has an innovative silk touch coating and a lash end. Colour coordinated crystalwrapped grip and mushroom whip cap are available in chrome (silver) or rose gold.

RRP £24 • zebraproducts.co.uk

LEMIEUX VALENCIA SCARF features a wide design to provide extra warmth and comfort and allows for flexible styling. A two-sided horse bit pattern and contrasting colours give it a smart look. Available in black, mocha and oak, one size.

RRP £29.95 • lemieuxproducts.com

MIRRORS FOR TRAINING arena mirrors reflect your performance.

Mirrors are an invaluable way of checking rider posture and alignment whilst helping you to earn more points for accuracy. Each mirror is 8ft x 4ft, backed and framed in galvanised steel with installation brackets, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. BD Christmas offer – get five arena mirrors delivered for £1,295. RRP £1,295 • arenamirrors.com

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 / 43

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE.

ABIGAIL LEATHER HANDBAG in brown is crafted from natural buffalo leather with a zipped top, detachable shoulder strap, zipped interior pocket, mobile phone pocket and protective feet on the bottom.

RRP £135 • grays1922.com

SHOWSHEEN POLISH & DETANGLER is clinically proven to reduce breakage by 40% for fuller, healthier looking tails. It conditions skin, strengthens hair and gives a healthy shine. It repels dust and has a vertical or horizontal spray pattern, even spraying upside down!

RRP £18.82 • absorbine.co.uk

GBR AIRY CHILDREN’S TECHNICAL POLO is made from a soft nylon and is equipped with UPF 50+ protection. It features a contrast concealed colour placket and branded buttons, clean unstitched cuffs and hem, reflective branding and curved side hem.

Available for children ages 3–11.

RRP £28 • toggi.com

CHILDREN'S EASY-ON ANKLE BOOTS are comfortable and flexible, featuring an elasticated design which makes them easy to slip on and off. Perfect for all kinds of puddles!

RRP £40 • aigle.com

RED AND WHITE SADDLE COVER provides protection and maintains saddle condition in a signature red colour with white embroidered Albion logo. Made from 100% polyester fleece with sewn-in elastic in one size.

RRP £41.26 • albionengland.co.uk

SAMSHIELD RIDING HELMETS are made for style and comfort, but most importantly safety. Available in black, navy and brown with a number of customisation options.

Conforming to British safety standards for competition. RRP from £213 royalequestrian.com

BRITISH DRESSAGE SUPPORTERS RANGE V-NECK SWEATER is available in navy with white logo embroidery, decorative tuck stitching and ribbed knit neckline, cuffs and hem. RRP £24.99 shop.britishdressage.co.uk

CAVALLERIA TOSCANA PHASES BASE LAYER is a casual horse riding top which combines elegance and functionality. Made from a stretch technical jersey fabric, it is breathable and quickdrying, so perfect for wearing during long days at the yard. RRP £170.50 • zebraproducts.co.uk

SOFT TOUCH GROOMING KIT SET contains a body brush, long bristled dandy brush, large dandy brush, face brush, mane and tail brush, rubber curry comb, hoof pick, sweat scraper and bucket brush. RRP from £50 premierequine.co.uk

44 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 45

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited, Northumberland

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46 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS.

ELITE EQUINE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS MEET SOME OF THE COMBINATIONS WHO TOOK TOP HONOURS AT THE ELITE EQUINE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS AT VALE VIEW EQUESTRIAN, WHERE SEVENTY-SEVEN TITLES WERE AWARDED IN THE CATEGORIES OF RETRAINING OF

PHOTOS © KEVIN SPARROW

RACEHORSES, THOROUGHBREDS, VETERAN RIDERS, VETERAN HORSES AND CHAPS.

LEFT: KAROLINA NICHOLS THANKS HER ROR NOVICE SILVER WINNER NODACHI I (RIP VAN WINKLE X ALHAARTH).

BELOW: FERN GARBUTT FROM NORTH YORKSHIRE AND EIGHT-YEAR-OLD COLINUNDRUM IMPRESSED TO WIN THE PRELIM SILVER FOR THOROUGHBREDS ON 71.55%, THE HIGHEST SCORE OF THE CATEGORY.

THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Elite Equine

Intro Bronze Jade Taylor with her own Some Kinda Lama, 66.41% Preliminary Bronze Pat Clayton with her own Budsson, 66.55% Silver Fern Garbutt with her own Colinundrum, 71.55% Gold Leonie Alldrick with her own Maghroom, 61.63% Novice Bronze Katie Spitzmaul with her own Lord Roflow, 68.71% Silver Karolina Nichols with her own Nodachi I, 68.79% Elementary Bronze Pippa Jones with her own Starskie, 68.60% Silver Karolina Nichols with her own Nodachi I, 66.25% Medium Bronze Katy Ferrari with her own Sirius Chesnut, 63.82% Silver Charlotte Wilson with her own Orwellian, 65.22% Advanced Bronze Tracy Thirlwall with her own Tapaidh Frankie, 66.21% Medium Silver Silver Leanne Jackson with her own Jazzwooderh, 63.52%

LEFT: THE LEADING SCORE ACROSS THE ROR CLASSES CAME COURTESY OF PRELIM GOLD WINNER LAURA WATSON WITH HER 18-YEAR-OLD SON OF DESERT PRINCE, SIR ARTHUR. II.

ROR CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Elite Equine

Intro Bronze Jade Taylor with her own Some Kinda Lama, 67.17% Preliminary Bronze Jade Taylor with her own Bennynthejets, 68.64% Silver Jo York with her own Darnathean, 69.68% Gold Laura Watson with her own Sir Arthur II, 71.56% Novice Bronze Kirstin Mellor with her own The Land Agent, 69.06% Silver Karolina Nichols with her own Nodachi I, 65.93% Elementary Bronze Jane Phillips with her own Fair Duchess, 67.84% Silver Gemma Lewis with George Dinsdale’s Looney Les, 67.84% Medium Bronze Natalie Pettitt with her own Riffelalp, 64.92% Silver Charlotte Wilson with her own Orwellian, 67.04% Advanced Bronze Patricia Haskins with her own Crewezando, 65.81% Medium Silver Charlotte Wilson with her own Orwellian, 63.91%

ABOVE: FIRST PAST THE POST IN THE ROR PRELIM SILVER WAS JO YORK WITH 12-YEAR-OLD DARNATHEAN (LIBRETTIST X DIKAT).

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 47

ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS.

PHOTOS © KEVIN SPARROW

BELOW: SAMANTHA MURRAY RODE

VETERAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 15-19 YEARS sponsored by Elite Equine

HER DAUGHTERIN-

LAW

NATALIE TANNER’S BIONICLE W TO VICTORY IN THE THE NOVICE SILVER FOR HORSES AGED 15-19.

Intro Bronze Patricia Ray with her own Brynithon Summers Magic, 66.19% Preliminary Bronze Louise Swindells with her own Teddy’s Diamond, 66.40% Silver Vicky Pepper with her own Tara IV, 68.60% Gold Kimberley Heginbotham with her own Machno Bond, 68.80% Novice Bronze Anna Godfrey with her own Charlie XXIV, 66.81% Silver Samantha Murray with Natalie Tanner’s Bionicle W, 71.63% Gold Fiona Fletcher with her own Fillinsky, 66.63% Elementary Bronze Alice Croft with her own Higglytown Hero, 66.98% Silver Zoe Golding with her own Ballingowan Stoneyman, 68.53% Medium Bronze Imogen Arrowsmith with her own Lussaltown Marry Me, 64.48% Silver John Bowers with his own Wiaronette, 64.22% Advanced Bronze Deborah Annesley-Williams with her own Darkie, 63.01% Medium Silver Amanda Dyson with her own Azzaro II, 65.66% Prix St Silver Josephine Clewlow with her own Bon Jovi AKW, 60.26% Georges Gold Nick Lawson with Gloria Price’s Iceblue Valentino, 65.65%

LEFT: SALLY-ANN TUCKER (60) WITH DR WHO ON HER WAY TO CLAIMING RIGHT:

THE VETERAN RIDER

KIMBERLEY

NOVICE SILVER

HEGINBOTHAM

CHAMPIONSHIP.

AND HER 15-YEAROLD WELSH COB, MACHNO BOND, IMPRESSED TO WIN THE PRELIM GOLD FOR HORSES AGED 15-19.

Above

VETERAN RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Elite Equine

Intro Bronze Patricia Ray with her own Brynithon Summers Magic, 65.97% Preliminary Bronze Pip Walker with her own Castle Pirate, 64.68% Silver Gaynor Vines with her own Hu-ray Henry, 67.29% Gold Philippa Hamilton with her own Hudson III, 67.60% Novice Bronze Sarah Leggat with her own Riverfields Bay Prince, 66.56% Silver Sally-Ann Tucker with her own Dr Who, 69.37% Elementary Bronze Caroline Elliss with her own Atlantic Royal Star, 66.03% Silver Denise Glanville with her own Gypsy Fortune, 70.17% Medium Bronze Denise Glanville with her own Gypsy Fortune, 70.15% Silver Sally Hall with her own Falira, 68.10% Advanced Bronze Carolyn Taylor with her own Curban B, 65.00% Medium Prix St Silver Julie Hyslop with her own Rubin Star Lioness, 63.88% Georges

ABOVE: VETERAN RIDER DENISE GLANVILLE (60), JUDGES REP FOR THE BD NORTH & WEST REGION, TWICE BROKE THROUGH THE 70% BARRIER TO ACHIEVE AN IMPRESSIVE DOUBLE WITH HER BRITISH-BRED MARE, GYPSY FORTUNE (BY GRAFENSTOLZ).

48 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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50 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS.

LEFT: FORMER INTERNATIONAL SMALL TOUR RIDE OF MICHAEL EILBERG, TORINO, OWNED BY ROB LICKLEY AND NOW AGED 21, LOOKED A PICTURE UNDER LIZZIE HUGHES TO CLAIM THE VETERAN HORSE 20+ ADVANCED MEDIUM GOLD.

VETERAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 20+ YEARS sponsored by Elite Equine

Intro Bronze Angie Driver with her own Arianna, 62.17% Preliminary Bronze Amanda Blaze-Smith with her own Mr Pots, 68.60% Silver Katie Hughes with her own Marble Arch VIII, 69.10% Novice Bronze Kim Turner with her own Blackie, 68.19% Silver Amelia Ward with her own Tireve What’s Wanted, 69.31% Elementary Bronze Amelia Ward with her own Tireve What’s Wanted, 68.53% Silver Natalie Anderson with her own Double Black Diamond, 68.62% Gold Nick Lawson with Ruth Webb’s Pasajes I, 67.32% Medium Bronze Jackie Crombie with her own Donniro, 66.20% Silver Catherine Ellis with her own Prince Maurice, 68.36% Gold Nick Lawson with Ruth Webb’s Pasajes I, 68.44% Advanced Bronze Sarah Halls with her own Pavarotti II, 68.82% Medium Silver Nicola Kirkham with her own Salvador S, 67.20% Gold Lizzie Hughes with Robert Lickley’s Torino, 70.66% BELOW: WINS AT NOVICE SILVER AND ELEMENTARY BRONZE SEALED A

CHAPS CHAMPIONSHIPS sponsored by Elite Equine

DOUBLE FOR AMELIA WARD (22) AND HER 26-YEAR-OLD WELSH GELDING, TIREVE WHAT’S WANTED. AMELIA HAS

Intro Bronze Joanne State with her own Roxley Kahlua Star, 68.37% Preliminary Bronze Jodie Aston with her own Milli, 68.71% Silver Rachel Ovens with Melody Smith’s Secretlodge, 69.91% Gold Emma Jablonski with her own Multivision, 72.06% Novice Bronze Lynden Barrow with her own Fleur C, 67.50% Silver Rowena Mottershead with her own Spirit XIV, 68.06% Gold Freya Metters with Raine Harthern’s Heathersedge Just a Vision, 71.77% Elementary Bronze Sarah Hayter-Sharpe with Lucky Turn, 67.50% Silver Freya Metters with Raine Harthern’s Heathersedge Just A Vision, 71.39% Gold Claire Randall with her own Floris VI, 64.19% Medium Bronze Corinne McNamara with her own Hot Toddy VII, 64.11% Silver Jaz Gualtieri with Samantha Gualtieri’s Shiraz II, 65.73%

OWNED AND RIDDEN ‘FREDDIE’ SINCE SHE WAS NINE!

LEFT: FREYA METTERS AND RAINE HARTHERN’S HEATHERSEDGE JUST A VISION CONTINUE A RUN OF GREAT FORM TO WIN THE CHAPS NOVICE GOLD AND ELEMENTARY SILVER. RIGHT: ROWENA MOTTERSHEAD AND SPIRIT XIV CELEBRATE THEIR PLUS-68% WINNING PERFORMANCE IN THE CHAPS NOVICE SILVER. ABOVE: EMMA JABLONSKI AND FOUR-YEAROLD MULTIVISION (DREAM BOY X NEGRO) ACHIEVED A WINNING 72.06% TO TAKE THE CHAMPS PRELIM GOLD.

PHOTOS © KEVIN SPARROW

NATIONAL CONVENTION.

MAKING

PHOTOS CAMILLE PETERS

Medallists

BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH HARRISON CLARK RICKERBYS. KEY POINTS SUMMED UP BY JOANNA BOWNS.

:

DAY ONE TESTS FOR TENS Day one focused on test riding in standard and freestyle competition. German FEI 5* Judge and President of the Ground Jury at Tokyo 2020, Katrina Wuest and German young horse specialist Philipp Hess were joined by Tom Hunt, the man behind many of Great Britain’s freestyle medals.

SUBTLE SHIFTS IN WEIGHT AND BALANCE Our fi rst rider, Rebecca Lock and her 12-year-old cob Brickell Mr Pickwick (left) rode Elementary 53. It was a precise test showing good range of movement. Katrina and Philipp liked the steadiness of the contact. They wanted more cadence in trot and more collection in canter, helping the horse with half halts to activate from behind.

A term used was ‘friendly flexion’, asking for flexion then allowing.

AN EASY HORSE TO JUDGE Sophie Taylor and seven-year-old Jerrydale (by Everdale, top right), rode the FEI PSG. “A super horse, well presented,” said Katrina. She gave high marks for the trot 52 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

work. There were mistakes in canter but also one pirouette was a highlight. Philipp commented that it was incredible a sevenyear-old performed like that in this arena.

“He’s an easy horse to judge,” added Katrina. “A complete, very functional, uphill horse.”

KEEPING THE HORSE IN FRONT OF THE LEG Lucinda Elliott and -year-old Hawtins Soave (by Sir Donnerhall, below) rode the FEI Inter I. It was a test of two halves with

NATIONAL CONVENTION.

convincing trot work, but mistakes crept in during sequence changes and pirouettes.

Mistakes happen when the horse is not completely in front of the leg, said Philipp.

He asked Lucinda to ride quarter pirouettes on a square, then half, then full. “Keep the rhythm and keep the horse always in front of you,” he said. “Keep the horse reacting.”

Katrina advised riding training pirouettes with a slight outside fle ion to prevent the horse leaning on the inside rein.

“There are three movements that don’t appear at other levels the piaffe pirouette, the passage half pass, and the canter pirouette more than 360deg but not more than dou le hese are regarded as di cult, the rest is combinations of movements and transitions. Everything assessed 7 or higher counts as di culty nly include di culties you can e ecute well, she advised

:

DAY TWO BACK TO BASICS TELLING A STORY Elice Willett and her nine-year-old gelding, Gerento (by Sorento, above), performed their Advanced Medium freestyle. Katrina likes to see a highlight at the beginning and a highlight at the end, she commented. She made suggestions to spice up the floorplan including repeating the fl ying changes and fi nishing in e tended trot one handed Tom enjoyed the dynamics of Elice’s orchestral fi lm music t’s easier to create a story with orchestral music. Many artists are fusing pop and orchestral, which can be very effective, says om

BE CREATIVE Craig Messenger and eight-year-old stallion Treliver de la Crème (by Treliver Decanter, above) rode their Novice freestyle. “If you show every movement only once it’s quite a simple way of doing things,” said Katrina. he made suggestions to make the floorplan more comple including showing circles twice and in une pected places Tom Hunt brought music samples, looking at different approaches to take for each horse. “It’s easy for music to drift into the background,” he said. “Have music that works dynamically with the horse and transitions”.

Stylistically it’s good to develop a theme, agreed Katrina.

“The walk is a chance to bring the music down a little,” said Tom. “The aim is to elevate what the horse is doing and e press the horse and rider combination.

Be creative.”

Katrina doesn’t mind vocals so long as they aren’t distracting or dominant.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY Louise Bell presented her freestyle with 15-year-old Into the Blue (by Ublesco, above). Louise commissioned Tom for this music when ‘Dynamo’ was new to GP. She’s now on the cusp of changing it to match his e perience out the degree of di culty, atrina said it counts as only one tenth of the mark.

Philipp Hess (above right) was joined by his father, leading coach and former FEI 4* Judge Christoph Hess (above left), to look at the relevance of the Scales of Training through the levels.

RHYTHM ophie ells presented five year old mare, LJT Egebjerggards Samoa (by Blue Hors St Schufro, above). uppleness, rela ation, rhythm and tempo are closely connected,” said Christoph. He commented on Sophie’s a ility to allow the horse to fi nd a good rhythm. Sophie used leg yielding and shoulder in to rela the horse BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 53

NATIONAL CONVENTION.

“With very active horses, ride with a forward tendency to maintain rhythm, allowing the horse to stretch.” Christoph advocates frequent giving and retaking of the rein, which ‘makes a happy horse’. The rhythm in walk is the result of good training in trot and canter. Sophie’s excellent position enables her to regulate the horse’s rhythm through her balance and seat.

Canter was amazing, both left and right.

In the pirouettes, they worked with Sarah to maintain the rhythm. “The mare is so talented that she’s almost sitting too much,” said Christoph. “The secret is to have her in front of you in collection.”

Using a light seat every so often gives the horse a little more freedom, which helps with connection. “Light seat is like a piece of sugar for the horse.”

STRAIGHTNESS

SUPPLENESS Jonathan Sutton’s nine-year-old mare Ferrera Torres (by Fernando Torres, above) started behind the vertical, so they suggested simple yet effective exercises to bring the horse into better self-carriage with a more correct suppleness.

Christoph asked Jonathan to hold both reins in the outside hand. The horse immediately opened her frame. When Jonathan retook both reins, the contact was very good with the mare seeking the bit.

Leg yielding and adjustments within the pace brought the horse beautifully between leg and hand.

Rebecca Edwards presented her nineyear-old mare Laerke Stensvang (by Blue Hors Zack, above), currently at Medium/ Advanced Medium.

“An amazing horse with a lot of cadence and motivation,” was Christoph’s impression.

Straightness through corners and on circle lines, along with lateral work, is the secret to making a horse straight, he suggested.

In canter always have flexion so you can just see the corner of the inside eye. Ride forward with a feeling of shoulder-fore.

Sometimes use a light seat and give and retake to allow the horse to fi nd her balance.

IMPULSION Lucinda Elliott rode the 10-year-old mare Hawtins Duchessa (by Decamerone, below left), currently at Small Tour.

“Impulsion is the spirit of good riding,” was Christoph’s opening line. “When a horse comes into the arena with a lovely swinging trot and a lovely swinging canter, it gives the judge a great fi rst impression.”

Lucinda’s horse is a good example of a ‘back mover’, he said, which is the secret of riding with impulsion. Maintaining energy through all movements, the mare is supple with good cadence. “Lucinda’s sensitive hands and excellent position gives the horse every opportunity to swing over the back and move with impulsion.”

COLLECTION Hayley Watson-Greaves and her 17-year-old gelding Rubins Nite (Rubin Royal x Limbo, below) showed the process of warm-up for the Grand Prix. The horse showed relaxation and seeking the contact as Hayley gradually developed impulsion, and later, collection.

“Energy from behind is the secret to collection,” said Christoph.

Hayley and ‘Squeaks’ brought the weekend to a conclusion with an impressive line of 21 one-time changes. “A well-trained horse who loves his work and a super partnership!”

THERE’S STILL TIME TO PURCHASE A DIGITAL PASS

CONNECTION Sarah Rogers presented the 10-year-old mare Viva Lotta (by Vivaldi, above right), currently at Small Tour.

Frequent giving and retaking was used to open the frame. “Always have a feeling that the horse is stretching, that the horse can fi nd their own balance.”

54 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

AND WATCH ALL SESSIONS PLUS INSIGHTS AND OVERVIEW FROM THE STUDIO TEAM OF JENNY RUDALL AND SPENCER WILTON, AND ‘MAKING MEDALLISTS’ PANEL DISCUSSIONS BOTH DAYS. BROUGHT TO YOU THROUGH HORSE & COUNTRY, WATCH FROM THE CONVENIENCE OF HOME UNTIL 5 FEBRUARY 2022! VISIT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 55

AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L I S S TA N DA R D.

S P E C I A L I S I N G I N 3 . 5 T 4 . 0 T 4 . 5 T 7. 5 T A L L H G V S

T E L 012 7 0 5 8 8 5 9 8 • C O O K E C O A C H B U I L D E R S . C O M •

56 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

FEEDING.

WHAT’S IN

the bag

CORRECT FEEDING IS BOTH A SCIENCE AND ART. WHILE SCIENCE KNOWS WHAT TO FEED TO SATISFY THE HORSE’S REQUIREMENT, THE ART IS IN KNOWING HOW TO FEED TO GET THE BEST RESULTS. SO WHAT DOES THE LABEL ON YOUR BAG REVEAL? BARBARA YOUNG INVESTIGATES.

R

eferencing the wealth of information found on packaging could mean the difference etween money well spent, or disappointment that a feed doesn’t deliver the required results. tatutory la elling re uirements for horse feed are designed to show what feed contains, as well as levels of certain nutrients. For those competing, it’s also important to make sure all feeds and supplements are BETA NOPS approved.

hese statutory re uirements include omposition ingredients , nalytical onstituents utrient nalysis and dditives and are collectively known as the tatutory Statement and is aligned with regulations in the , e plains aileys orse eeds director of nutrition i ul rook i points out that y law manufacturers only have to declare the levels of certain nutrients, namely rude rotein, rude i re, il, sh, odium and itamins A, D and E. Levels of other vitamins and minerals are mentioned at the manufacturer’s discretion, however, ust ecause some may

not e declared, it doesn’t mean that they’re not in the feed.

“Some products are often marketed as feeds’, ut do not contain su cient additional nutrients to achieve a fully alanced diet, when fed alongside forage hese include alfalfas, chaffs, eet pulps and other straight’ feeding stuffs, like linseed or flaked cereals, which re uire, at least, an additional source of vitamins and minerals in order to achieve a alanced diet

FOR THOSE COMPETING, MAKE SURE ALL FEEDS AND SUPPLEMENTS ARE BETA NOPS APPROVED.

FEEDING.

Whichever concentrated feed you choose, understanding the ingredients and value each offer helps in making an informed decision.

“Compound feeds (mixes and cubes), mashes and fibre feeds containing added vitamins and minerals offer a convenient way of providing a balanced diet,” explains Spillers nutritionist Sarah elson. “A quality feed starts with quality ingredients. In terms of the fi nished product; ‘quality’ includes being fit for purpose and delivering the level of nutrients promised on the bag, hygienic quality and physical product quality.”

While most nutrients and ingredients commonly found in feed are easily understood, others are less obvious, such as oatfeed and ash.

Sarah explains that reputable manufacturers formulate feeds to ensure an appropriate supply of nutrients for the horse or pony in question.

“Ash might sound like something that belongs in your fi replace, but it represents the

total mineral content of your feed. Cereal co-products such as wheatfeed and oatfeed are valuable sources of slowly fermentable fibre. This makes them particularly useful in low energy feeds - slowly fermentable fibre yields lower levels of digestible energy (vs. highly digestible rapidly fermentable fibres) making them a useful fibre source for good doers.

“For the majority of horses, it’s nutrients rather than ingredients per se that are important. Focusing too heavily on ingredients alone can cause unnecessary concern.

For example, when looking for a fibre-based feed, seeing oatfeed on the ingredients may set alarm bells ringing because it’s derived from oats. However, the fi nished feed could be very low in starch – oatfeed is significantly higher in fibre and lower in starch than whole oats!

“Also for a feed low in sugar, it is the total sugar content and the feeding rate that is important and not the inclusion or exclusion of molasses.

ABOVE RIGHT: ALL FEED BAGS SHOULD INCLUDE CLEAR INFORMATION ON THE FEED INGREDIENTS AND THEIR QUANTITIES. ABOVE INSET: KNOW YOUR CEREALS – THIS IS MICRONISED SOYA, A SOURCE OF PROTEIN. BELOW: COMPOUND FEEDS SUCH AS CUBES OFFER A CONVENIENT WAY OF PROVIDING A BALANCED DIET.

Feeds may still be low in sugar, despite the inclusion of molasses or molasses derivatives.”

Liz Bulbrook explains that there has been little change to the range of ingredients in feeds, but there has been a shift towards the increased use of digestible fibre sources and oil, away from starch-rich cereals.

“This has been in response to the recognition of the prevalence and causes of gastric ulcers and other digestive problems, and the development of processing techniques which allows their use in a convenient and palatable form. “ itamins, minerals and quality protein, as well as calories energy, are all essential for optimum health and wellbeing, while fibre is essential for gut health and digestive efficiency on which the equine’s overall health is dependent.

“Oil is useful as a concentrated source of ‘slow release’ calories – supplying . times as many calories as the same weight of cereals – and helps to promote soft supple skin and a shiny coat. Most feeds contain natural levels of oil, and many contain additional oil to meet their stated digestible energy contents.

When fed at recommended levels, these feeds will provide a fully balanced diet and should not require supplementing with additional nutrients.”

Sarah elson agrees: “If fed the recommended amount of an appropriate feed, most horses will maintain condition well without need for additional oil. Owners thinking about adding larger amounts of oil (more than ml – as a guide for most horses) should speak to a nutritionist to ensure their horse’s diet will provide suitable amounts of vitamin E. Although oil from a bottle can be a useful way of providing additional calories without increasing meal size, switching to a higher oil feed may be a more convenient (and sometimes more palatable) way of providing a balanced diet.

FEEDING.

“IT’S IMPORTANT THAT A FEED IS SUITABLE FOR THE HORSE’S LEVEL OF WORK...”

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF BALANCERS

he difference in the cost of switching to a higher oil feed may also e negligi le i e plains that it is the overall alance of nutrients which is important rying to avoid a specific ingredient should never e at the e pense of the overall alance of the diet, while looking at individual levels of nutrients must always e put in the conte t of recommended feeding rates

CASE STUDY rand ri rider and trainer elissa hapman comments ith horses on the yard, if need a different feed for a particular horse, talk to my local aileys eed dvisor, ngie ohnson s an a liated competitor, it’s important that all feeds and supplements are safe and free from any prohi ited su stances, so always check for the logo

t’s important that a feed is suita le for the horse’s level of work to e sure that their vitamin, mineral and protein re uirements are eing met and you also need to know where the calories are coming from use fi re and oil ased feeds for calm energy’ and the cereal ased mi for a it more oomph’ or sparkle and always follow the feeding guidelines, or ask ngie, to make sure the horses are getting the correct amounts

ABOVE: OIL CAN HELP GIVE YOUR HORSE A GLEAMING COAT, BUT MAY BE BETTER PROVIDED IN A COMPOUND FEED THAN ADMINISTERED SEPARATELY. BELOW: CHECK THE BACK OF THE BAG FOR INGREDIENTS, NUTRIENT SPECIFICATION AND FEEDING RATES. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER DIRECT.

Nicola Tyler, TopSpec’s nutrition director, explains: “Horses’ digestive systems have evolved for little and often feeding of a foragebased diet. Therefore, by maximising forage intake, while keeping hard feeds small, you can feed in sympathy with their digestive system.

Feeding balancers that are also low in sugar and starch will help to optimise digestive health and function.

A good quality feed balancer should contain a concentrated amount of nutrients in a small amount of low sugar and starch feed, she points out.

“A 500kg horse would usually need just 500g per day, compared to significantly larger amounts of compound feed, which still might not provide a similar range or level of micronutrients.

“Conditioning feed balancers improve the utilisation of the rest of the diet, which reduces the need for additional blends, straights, or compounds. This keeps meal sizes small and economic.

“Top specification feed balancers supply both general purpose and specialised supplements, which should include those to aid muscle, bone, hooves, blood, joints, coat, skin, bone, the immune and digestive systems.

Feeding one can eliminate the need for additional supplements and avoid unbalanced or over-supplementation.”

BEN CLARK

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 59

PRODUCT WATCH.

PRODUC T

WATCH

FEEDS & SUPPLEMENTS SARACEN HORSE FEEDS RELEVE is a cerealfree, low starch mix specifically formulated to replace all cereal-based hard feed for horses in work, that react adversely to high starch feeds or are prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. The use of alternative energy sources optimises power generation and recovery, providing controlled energy from highly digestible ‘Super-fibres’ and oils.

Re-Leve is fully fortified with an extensive range of vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants such as vitamin E to support normal muscle function and recovery.

RRP: FROM £18.50 | saracenhorsefeeds.com

EASE & EXCEL CUBES supply elevated levels of slow release energy, for condition or performance, from a low starch, high fibre formula. They are ideal for sensitive horses, for whom starch intake should be minimised, and are designed to support healthy gastric and digestive environments and muscle function.

RRP: FROM £15 | baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

SPILLERS DIGEST+ CONDITIONING CUBES are high calorie conditioning cubes designed to build condition whilst maintaining a healthy digestive system. With quality protein to support good muscle tone and topline development.

RYEGRASS HORSEHAGE is a high-quality, dust-free, bagged forage containing no additives, made from a selection of ryegrasses cut at an earlier stage of growth to provide optimum protein and energy levels. This product can help horses that require more from their forage and can also be fed to help horses gain weight and improve condition.

RRP: £8 | horsehage. co.uk

RRP: £14.59 | spillers-feeds.com

MOLLICHAFF CONDITION COMPLETE is a

CALM & CONDITION is a high calorie/ energy feed for horses and ponies that need to put on or maintain weight and condition, or harder working horses at higher levels of competition.

Whole cereal grain-and molasses-free, it is high in fibre and low in starch and sugar, with a high oil content as a source of slow release energy.

RRP: FROM £12.39 | allenandpage.com

MOLLICHAFF LIGHT MOLASSES FREE is a low-cost option for adding essential fibre to your horse’s diet, made from a blend of dried grass, straw and flavouring, with added fibre pellets. It is ideal for a diet low in sugar and starch, those prone to laminitis, overweight, those needing a calorie-controlled diet and those showing signs of gastric discomfort.

RRP: FROM £7.99 | horsehage.co.uk

NUPAFEED FLEX GLM

is an advanced mussel joint formula, ideal for hard working, older or stabled horses. The green lipped mussel is the highest quality and Flex GLM is nature's most potent Omega-3, combined with a phosphorylated glycogen compound, to support against inflammation.

Flex GLM also has vitamin E and selenium, which support against free radical tissue damage.

RRP: FROM £49.50 | nupafeed.co.uk

60 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

highly digestible, complete fibre-based conditioning feed that is high in oil and low in starch. It contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, plus Yeasacc and a prebiotic.

RRP: FROM £11.20 | horsehage. co.uk

READY MASH EXTRA

is a highly palatable soft textured mash, designed to encourage controlled weight gain and condition through the inclusion of essential oils and milk powders. The digestible fibre helps provide slow release energy for improved stamina, with glucose powders added to help aid recovery from strenuous work. Fully balanced in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

RRP: FROM £15.48 | rowenbarbary.co.uk

THE ORIGINAL DUST-FREE FORAGE As chosen by Emily King

Photo by Jayphotos.co.uk

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

EARNING THE MARKS.

CHANGINGTIMES In this series Jane Kidd will look at points that could earn, or at least not lose, marks for competitors. Fundamental to all the points are the basics. The majority of the marks are given for the rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and at the more advanced levels, collection (the training scales).

T

he changes of leg through walk (simple change and canter flying change are where many marks disappear t the highest level of our sport, medals have een lost ecause of a little slip in the one time changes In the one-times a minor mistake results in a mark of no more than and if at a ma or event where there are five udges that is marks, which has to e dou led to as there is a coe cient of two for this movement his is a whopping drop in the fi nal score t is not so dramatic for simple changes ut still a ig contri utor to that fi nal score he simple flying change is also a movement that is a ig influencer on the uality and development of the training LEFT: A WONDERFULLY EXPRESSIVE FLYING CHANGE WITH THE HORSE REMAINING IN CLEAR SELFCARRIAGE.

“THE BASIC PRINCIPLES MUST ALWAYS PREVAIL AND THESE ARE TO FULFIL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TRAINING SCALE” 62 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

EARNING THE MARKS.

SIMPLE CHANGES WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR The FEI states the aim is: “To demonstrate the horse’s throughness and willingness to obey the rider’s aids at this movement, particularly in both the downward and upward transitions.”

The requirements to achieve accuracy in the movement are: • A direct transition from the canter to the walk. hree to five steps of a regular rela ed clearly defined walk • A direct transition to the canter on the other lead.

It is relatively straightforward with a disciplined horse to fulfill the re uirements for accuracy but the judges also look for:

TIPS Only ask for what the horse is capable of giving, depending on its muscle power, obedience and level of training. A key aspect of the latter is that the horse can step under and carry its weight su ciently to engage in the in transition and push off in the out transition Any hollowing means the quality is lost.

Strong use of reins will make this vital engagement di cult, and lead to losses of balance and tension. The classic aids into the downward transition are a series of half halts and not a continuous rein contact, especially one that is strong and lacking in that all important forward tendency.

It is best to only ask for the transition into the canter when the horse has

•

•

•

•

hat the canter into the first transition is su ciently collected with springy steps rather than flat ones lacking in impulsion.

The transitions are well enough developed that the movement into the walk can e fluent, alanced and engaged.

The walk steps are so balanced and rela ed that they can show a clear four time marching pace.

The horse is responding without tension to the rider’s aids so it can accept the preparations to make that direct quality transition onto the opposite leading leg.

All of this to be achieved with the horse in self carriage and remaining through

esta lished a clearly defined walk specially in the early stages it is more important to wait until those steps are defined and relatively rela ed rather than to take e actly three to five steps which may include trot, irregularities and tension. he influential time is when approaching that transition to walk. If this is made in a canter that is collected, balanced, straight and in self carriage then the horse will be in a position that will make it easy to carry out the movement. aults in the rider’s position are reflected in the horse’s way of going. An uneven contact in the reins, the weight falling to one side, the position lacking poise and the seat bones not being secure in the saddle will all make it di cult for the horse to stay balanced.

BELOW: A GOOD CANTER WITH IMPULSION AND SELF-CARRIAGE AND THIS PUTS THE HORSE IN A POSITION WHERE IT WILL BE EASY TO DO THE MOVEMENT REMAINING IN CLEAR SELF-CARRIAGE.

ABOVE: THIS SERIES SHOWS A WELL PERFORMED SIMPLE CHANGE WITH AN ENGAGED TRANSITION INTO THE WALK, FOLLOWED BY CLEAR WALK STEPS AND THEN A WELL PREPARED, BALANCED AND ENGAGED TRANSITION INTO THE CANTER ON THE OPPOSITE LEAD.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 63

EARNING THE MARKS.

EXERCISES It is vital to make the training of the simple change progressive and whenever hitting problems to return to an easier way of approaching the movement by making the transitions progressive, and/or walking for as long as it takes to establish a relaxed regular pace where the horse is listening to the aids for canter without tension. You can even go so far in the training as to make a progressive transition to walk and not to ask for the second transition before the walk has been established.

If there is tension in the walk or the horse is resisting the new positioning it can help to take a few steps of leg yield to establish the new fle ion for the canter and to soften the back muscles. f it is di cult to esta lish a canter that is collected and avoids tension in a straight line, then approach the transition after a volte.

THE FLYING CHANGE WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR The basic requirement for accuracy is that in one stride the horse changes legs both behind and in front during the moment of suspension and that this change is not late behind or a hind dragged and not jumping ‘through’.

In assessing the quality the following are important: • The quality of the canter and the maintenance of the same tempo both before and after the change. he e pression and the fluency of the change.

• The forward tendency and ground cover.

• The straightness, upward tendency and sensitivity to the aids.

EXERCISES

ABOVE: A CANTER THAT IS STRAIGHT MAKES IT MUCH EASIER TO EXECUTE A FLYING CHANGE.

64 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

When the horse is not straight, not stepping forward with the same sized steps behind, and taking a light elastic similar contact in both reins, then think of - or even ride – some steps of the appropriate shoulder-in before the change, or ride more forward in the steps before the change. If the horse lets the hindquarters drift to the left, ask for the change when riding down the long side on the right rein.

If the horse is getting very tense, revert to doing quality simple changes leading up to as

ABOVE: A GOOD FLYING CHANGE HAPPENS IN THE MOMENT OF SUSPENSION AND THAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN IN THIS PICTURE.

TIPS It is best to only start teaching fl ying changes when the horse can perform competent simple changes.

As always, the rider needs a poised, supple correct position and along with this to be able to give clear well timed aids. Schoolmasters are a wonderful help towards this end.

As in the simple change put the horse in a position that makes it easy to do the movement well. Therefore, ensure the horse is straight, in a collected canter that is full of impulsion and out of which it can be ridden forward into the change.

few as one step of walk.

Develop a good canter out of which to make the change by working on the classic exercise of frequent transitions between medium and collected canter and occasional stretching for a few strides.

If the horse makes changes that are late or not through then fi rstly check that the rider is not blocking that hind jumping forward by using too strong a rein contact. Work on energising the hindquarters by riding more forward in a straight impulsive canter (wellengaged), and/or using stronger leg and seat aids for the lazy hind.

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BODYZONE.

TACKLING

tension

WE’VE EXAMINED VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY IN OUR WHIRLWIND TOUR, PINPOINTING ISSUES AND IDENTIFYING HOW EACH OF THESE AREAS INTERCONNECTS FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE OVERALL POSITION. THERE’S ONE COMMON PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THAT HAS THE POWER TO AFFECT THE WAY WE RIDE: THE LOWLEVEL, WHOLE-BODY TENSION THAT MANY OF US HARBOUR WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING, SAYS ANDREA OAKES.

“Y INSET: TENSION CAN DETRACT FROM WHAT RIDERS ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE, POINTS OUT GRAND PRIX RIDER AND COACH HANNAH BIGGS.

ou can see how anxious some riders are,” says Alison Short, a British Dressage UKCC level three coach who teaches across a range of levels. “If you have a horse, a house, a family and a job to juggle, it’s understandable that your mind may be running at 90mph. You may ride well, but, if your heart rate is at warp speed, your emotions will affect your horse.

“Dressage is all about building a union of understanding,” adds Alison, who has started a non-ridden group to help riders develop a way to connect with their bodies to address tension issues. “We can change the reaction of the horse by getting our mind in the right place before we even walk on the yard. The more we can learn to control our emotions on the ground, and in the saddle, the better that union will be.”

According to grand prix dressage rider and coach Hannah Biggs, a certain level of stress or tension is only natural.

“It comes down to us being human,” she explains. “We all have fear; it’s essential for survival. What’s important

66 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

is not to be dismissive of this or feel that it’s wrong, but to fi nd ways of dealing with it In modern life, our minds are incredibly busy, explains Hannah. And in dressage, a sport that’s judged, our emotions can flare up ecause of perfectionism or self-criticism.

“Horses are incredibly intuitive animals and can read our body language and physical energy,” ny mental issues will affect she e plains us physically. This can result in muscle tension, even if we’re not aware of it, which horses can feel and pick up on.

“Tension can also cost us attention and focus, detracting from what we’re doing and trying to achieve,” adds Hannah. “To attain the mental freedom we need, we need to be aware of where tension comes from and learn how to manage it.”

Hannah is a fan of psychology books and podcasts, doubling up her time on a long drive to an airport or a clinic to listen to motivational material.

“I use that time to work on my mental strategy, or I’ll even listen while I’m riding as it helps me to focus,” she says. “I also use mindfulness apps and make time for a weekly check-in with myself. I’ll use an hour or two on a

BODYZONE.

Sunday afternoon for mindfulness, to think about how I’m doing and what I’m feeling. any people go to the gym to work on their physical fitness and conditioning, ut few fi nd the time to sit down and check in with themselves mentally, adds annah t may seem selfi sh or too di cult to put that time aside, ut one of the est things we can do for others is to look after ourselves.” annah is seeing tangi le enefits from paying greater attention to her mindset and creating a little more me time’ ny physical activity that’s not horse related helps, she says ’ll also try to build in a session in the sauna and steamroom. then fi nd that ’m more a le to process things, e plains annah, referring to the inevita le ups and downs in life iding wise, ’m more aware if I’m not in the right frame of mind and I’m better at recognising if my body is out of line. If I work out in the morning, know that my riding will improve ecause my muscles are fi ring correctly and my head is in the right place.

“As a coach, I’m interested in the language people use,” she adds.

“It’s all about having those conversations and asking questions, digging a bit deeper. If a rider is struggling with a half pass, why can’t they put their inside leg on? Is it down to asymmetry? If so, why are they not doing something

MAKING ME-TIME A self-confessed bookworm, Hannah sets time aside to read for mindfulness and motivation. These are a few of her favourite titles...

Fear Less: How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself - Dr Pippa Grange Beyond Possible - Nimsdai Purja The Long Win - Cath Bishop Head Start - Ian Price The Fear Bubble - Ant Middleton Daring Greatly - Brené Brown and podcasts…

The High Performance Podcast, with Jake Humphrey and Professor Damien Hughes; Life Lessons from Sport and Beyond, with Simon Mundie.

“WE CAN CHANGE THE REACTION OF THE HORSE BY GETTING OUR MIND IN THE RIGHT PLACE BEFORE WE EVEN WALK ON THE YARD.” a out this here’s a reason ehind everything, so the trick is to fi nd out what’s physically or mentally stopping someone.”

Everybody has stressful days, agrees Hannah. If we are able to leave those problems behind when we deal with our horses, we can e pect a more positive reaction orses can cheer us up, of course, if we’re an ious, she says “But if we can make sure we’re OK before going to the yard, they won’t pick up that bad vibe and we’re likely to get a better response. t’s worth stopping now and then to reflect and think a out possible causes of tension, rather than just rushing through life and not dealing with it.”

THE WINNING FORMULA? “I’ve seen people sell horses they think are wrong for them, only to have the same problem with the next one,” says Alison, who believes that the relentless drive for success can exacerbate a rider’s residual tension and anxiety. “Only by learning how to control our body and emotions, and giving ourselves the time to visualise and feel what we are trying to achieve, can we build the foundations of success.

“People want to win, but with a more holistic approach, working in partnership with a horse, better percentages will come anyway,” she adds. “That’s the value of good training.”

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 67

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The British Dressage

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Buy from britishdressage.co.uk 68 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BD ACTION.

BD ACTION KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST NOTICES, NEWS AND VIEWS FROM BRITISH DRESSAGE AT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK

2021 AGM Following our annual general meeting on Tuesday 12 October the minutes and a copy of the presentations are now available in pdf format (see the BD website news item dated 27 October).

This year’s meeting was streamed live so members can ‘watch again’ via a link from the news item to YouTube.

VOTING RESULTS FIRST ORDINARY RESOLUTION To receive the Financial Statements of British Dressage for the year ended 31 December 2020 and the Directors’ and Auditor’s Reports thereon.

The Chief Executive (CEO) proposed that the Financial Statements, together with the Directors Report and the Auditors Report for the period ended 31 December 2020 be approved. This Ordinary Resolution was carried unanimously with 29 proxy votes and all present in favour of the resolution.

SECOND ORDINARY RESOLUTION The CEO proposed that Mazars are re-appointed as auditors of British Dressage and authorised the Board to fix their remuneration.

This Ordinary Resolution was carried unanimously, with 29 proxy votes and all present confirmed in favour of the resolution, and no votes against.

SPECIAL BUSINESS The following resolution was proposed as a Special Resolution.

The CEO addressed the one item of special business, a Special

Resolution, which is the approval and adoption of new Articles of Association of British Dressage. A copy of the proposed new Articles of Association has been on the British Dressage website since Thursday 9 September. He provided some further background to the proposed changes for clarity.

The Special Resolution was carried by a majority, with 26 proxy and all present in favour of the resolution, and three proxy votes recorded against.

DIRECTOR ELECTIONS The final section of formal business was to announce the result of the Training Director and Para Director elections. After review by the Nominations Committee, one candidate was put forward to the membership vote for Training Director, with the electronic ballot carried out independently

by Mi-Voice. In total, 1,560 votes were cast, with 96.3% in favour of the appointment, so the CEO announced Harry Payne is duly elected as Training Director, with immediate effect from the date of AGM. The CEO stated that the Nominations Committee also interviewed all applicants for the Para Director role, with two candidates put forward for election by the membership. Again, the electronic ballot was carried out independently by Mi-Voice.

A total of 1,405 votes were cast, with Tracy Ormrod receiving a 56.8% share and Ursula Treadgold a 43.2% share.

The CEO formally declared that Tracy Ormrod is duly elected as Para Director with immediate effect.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FEI TESTS

ARMBAND AWARENESS

From 01 January 2022 BD will no longer be using the national versions of the FEI tests (currently available from the BD shop) for all competitions and championships.

These will be replaced by the FEI versions from the FEI website and are to be downloaded direct.

JUDGE RETIREMENTS Caroline Weston (List 5) and Joy West (List 3), both of South & West region, have retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Caroline and Joy for all their hard work and support over the years and we wish them all the best for the future.

REMINDER ENTRIES In order for results to be recorded accurately, it’s essential that the correct membership number, correct horse registration number and the full and correct name of both horse and rider are given when making an entry.

For safety at competitions, armbands are worn by riders who have difficulty with their sight or hearing. All visually impaired riders must wear a white armband – please see rule 20 (page 65) in the BD Members’ Handbook, whilst riders with hearing difficulties may wear a royal blue armband (rule 21, page 66). We ask all competitors to be mindful of this both during the warm-up and around the showground in general.

FREE LEGAL HELPLINE: 0845 0178 601 30 minutes of free legal advice from fully-qualified solicitors with specialist expertise in equine matters. The helpline operates seven days per week, with an answerphone message out of hours. You’ll receive a call back within 24 hours Monday to Friday.

KEY DATES

Keysoe High Profile Show, Bedfordshire Ideal Saddles Combined Training Championships, Onley Grounds, Warwickshire 16-17 Dec Olympia London CDIW, ExCel London 03-06 Feb Winter Regionals, Vale View, Leicestershire 10-12 Feb Winter Regionals, Morris EC, East Ayrshire 12-17 Feb Winter Regionals, Myerscough College, Leicestershire 15-19 Feb Winter Regionals, Easton College, Norfolk 19-24 Feb Winter Regionals, Merrist Wood, Surrey 22-26 Feb Winter Regionals, Bishop Burton, Yorkshire 26 Feb-02 Mar Winter Regionals, Wellington Riding, Hampshire 03-05 Mar Winter Regionals, Prestige Equestrian LLP, Gloucestershire 02-05 Dec 11-12 Dec

A comprehensive list of major dates including the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festivals can be found online at britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/ international-and-major-dates

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 8 2021 // 69

REGIONAL ACTIVITY. SOUTH & EAST DO: Katharine Perry and Sharon Walker (job share) M: 07872 603871 (Katharine) M: 07894 232358 (Sharon) E: southandeast@britishdressage.co.uk

NORTH WEST DO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: northandwest@britishdressage.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Chairman: Tim Downes 07775 797484 Coaching (South): Jane Critchley 07966 865604 Coaching (North): Alison Calvert 07980 886004 Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594 BD Youth: Kate Tomlinson 07770 803115 Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633 Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766 Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Alison Ramseir 07809 456296 Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176

Chairman: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248 Judges: Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Johanne Picken 07507 270508 Marketing: Jade Struthers 07852 411979 Sam Turpitt 07801 428333

Chairman: Coaching:

Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Nicola Preston 07984 642291 Samantha Williams 07974 225005 BD Youth: Phillippa Coles 07860 215895 Jessica Brown 07852 282983 Eve Fifer 07879 643047 Judges: Jane Howard 07831 406406 Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566 Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497 Caroline Gibson 07795 035581 SOUTH & WEST DO: Amanda Rodgers M: 07894 232355 E: southandwest@britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677 977 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955 Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07398 130955 BD Youth: Jo Lees 07709 376470 Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499 Para: Mark Cunliffe 07717 727147 Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794

NORTH & EAST DO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northandeast@britishdressage.co.uk

JUDGE TRAINING Important information: Anyone NOT attending training in the preceding 18 months (March 2020 – September 2021) MUST complete two Zoom sessions OR an online seminar by January if they wish to judge in 2022.

Anyone not able to complete this is advised to refer to the reinstatement of judges policy on the website and if you are unable to fulfil this requirement must write to officials@ britishdressage.co.uk. Judges are reminded that they should be up to date with CPD before they judge.

We have launched online seminars with the eDressage platform Black Horse One. These online seminars offer the opportunity to judge a set of level-specific tests using the online platform, to then focus on areas for development regarding specific technical movements. These are available for all judges, including trainees. Please ensure that you register for the relevant seminar either at your current level or the level you are looking to upgrade to.

Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148 Rachel Longworth 07863 970192 BD Youth: Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Charlotte Clark 07786 344617 Judges: Helen Copeland 07877 306864 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360

DO: Emma Devoy M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@britishdressage.co.uk

WALES DO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414 E: wales@britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315 Coaching: Amanda Leaker 07980 309398 Rider training (North Wales): Helen Hopewell 07971 490038 Rider Training (South Wales): Bethan Powell 07545 082247 BD Youth (North Wales): Anna Roberts 07786 674893 BD Youth (South Wales): Briony Cutler 07889 817609 Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953 Para: Donna Rooney 07969 747817 Marketing: Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941

ONLINE SEMINARS These seminars are available to book through the Horse Monkey website where upcoming dates will be published in due course. Please filter your search to ‘British Dressage Judges’ to find the booking page.

To apply to become a Trainee judge, visit britishdressage.co.uk/judging/how_to_become_ a_judge For judge training dates and further information on upcoming seminars and induction days, please see the BD website.

Please visit the Judge Horse Monkey page at: horsemonkey.com/search_events/org/90935 where you will find all judge-related booking links including trainee judge registration, system registration, music paper booking, the judge listing form and Zoom judge training sessions.

PART 3 EXAM DATES All judge examinations for previous system candidates are now rescheduled. A communication has been sent directly to candidates with information about the exams and booking links.

REGIONAL TRAINING Visit Horse Monkey and search for your region. Alternatively, those with a Horse Monkey account can use the links below using a web browser.

South & West: horsemonkey. com/search_events/ org/90941 South & East: horsemonkey. com/search_events/ org/90939 North & West: horsemonkey. com/search_events/ org/90942 North & East: horsemonkey. com/search_events/ org/90940 Wales: horsemonkey.com/ search_events/org/90937 Scotland: horsemonkey.com/ search_events/org/90938

All dates are subject to the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please keep an eye on the British Dressage website and social media channels for the latest updates and arrangements.

70 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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DRESSAGE DAYS.

DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET SUSIE WHITE The ‘Petplans’ are close to the hearts of many, providing participants with a year-round competition pathway and experience on the big stage. Susie White (23) and Seventh Heaven II (Dids) won the Advanced Medium Silver at this year’s inaugural Petplan Equine Summer Area Festival Championships. Susie has a background in eventing, competing up to CCIL2*, but has now caught the dressage bug. We caught up with Susie, a building surveyor, who lives near Hexham in Northumberland with her partner, Matthew.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EQUESTRIAN BACKGROUND

HOW AND WHEN DID SEVENTH HEAVEN II COME INTO YOUR LIFE?

I was fortunate to come from a horsey family. I was plonked onto my Shetland mare who would follow my older siblings’ ponies and we’d set off round my parents’ farm. Growing up on the farm offered me a childhood immersed in horses.

Dids is homebred out of our ‘supermare’ Heaven Eyes.

We imported ‘Heaven’ from Ireland 20 years ago and she’s been amazing, eventing with my sister and me, doing tetrathlon with my brother and even the Wobbleberry Challenge with Mum. When my sister Louise went to university and I was still too small to take over the reins, we decided to breed from her. Dids couldn’t have come out more perfect for us. His British-bred sire, Catherston Dance in the Dark, added a lot of quality to him. I was 10 when he was born, so it was an amazing education for me to learn to handle a young horse.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOCUS ON DRESSAGE? I enjoyed eventing and came up through the U18 programme on Dids’ dam, and then Dids. I had amazing experiences, such as competing at Millstreet in the Young Horse 2* class and at Weston Park for the U18 Championships.

However, if I wanted to progress, I needed to move up to Intermediate/3*. I simply didn’t have the bravery and Dids wasn’t the bravest either. So I spent a summer feeling a bit lost and then by chance got a place on my Pony Club’s dressage team. At the Championships I decided to have a go at the dressage to music so needed a BD membership for the music licence. I got bitten by the dressage bug and have never looked back.

confidence and elief in my system.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE

ambitious goal, I’d now like to focus on moving up to PSG and, longer-term, see if we can perhaps get selected for a CDI.

Horses are my passion, but while in sixth form, I decided to go into Building Surveying.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a fantastic apprenticeship with a local fi rm and ’m currently in my last year of a Chartered Degree apprenticeship.

Hopefully in 18 months’ time I’ll be fully Chartered.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A LESSON ON ANY FAMOUS DRESSAGE HORSE, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETITION PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

SIX FAMOUS GUESTS AT YOUR DREAM DINNER PARTY!

I’d love to canter up the centre line of a Grand Prix with my best friend, Dids. Aside from that rather

Hozier, Simone Biles, Jonny Wilkinson, David Attenborough, Serena Williams and Isobel Wessels.

It would have to be Cathrine Dufour’s Cassidy. I’m a huge fan of Cathrine’s riding and Cassidy looks such a bundle of power and fun; and with a huge personality.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WIN THIS TITLE? It’s meant a great deal to me in self-

74 // Issue 8 2021 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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NATASHA BAKER MBE, 6-time Paralympic Champion JULIA KRAJEWSKI, Eventing Olympic Champion ALEXANDRA FRANCART, International Show Jumping Rider CATHRINE DUFOUR, Olympic Dressage Rider

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