British Dressage - Issue 7 2020

British

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BD MEMBERS | £5.00 | ISSUE 7 | 2020

DRESSAGE Back on the podium

# H A N D S F A C E S PA C E

CONTENTS & WELCOME.

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

39 – Latest surgical advances offer hope to owners of horses with Kissing Spine

IN THIS ISSUE...

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.

Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not constitute endorsement of the products and services by British Dressage.

From the editor

5

News

7

NAF Five Star Winter Championships Winners celebrated

26 Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships All the action from Hartpury

WELCOME

T

hank you. Two small words but delivered here with a great deal of feeling and real gratitude. The challenges we’ve all faced in recent months have tested us all in so many ways but I wanted to just say how much the support of members, volunteers and colleagues has meant to all at British Dressage.

We know what it meant to everyone to get out and about again training, competing and officiating, even if the re-start date was spread over time due to differences between the home nations, which caused further frustration for a number of you. The hard work put into preparing COVID protocols means that training and sport can largely continue even with local restrictions.

You’ve been amazing at complying with the guidance and while we know it’s not easy, it is vital to keep the sport going.

Some relatives may have missed watching a key test in person, less socialising and extra work for organisers and judges, you’ve answered every request. And the restrictions have to remain in place for the foreseeable future, so we ask for your continued support.

It was liberating to be able to spend seven long but very satisfying days at the NAF Five Star Winters in August. It was an event which only worked due to everyone pulling together as a team, ably co-ordinated by elvin Bywater and how irect, and everyone played their part. Everyone I spoke to was just grateful to be given the chance to realise their championship goals – and we were delighted to make it happen.

There’s little doubt we still have a long road ahead. The fi nancial losses for this year will be significant, but certainly not as bleak as it looked early in the crisis. Again thanks for supporting us by maintaining your membership or renewing when the time was right. We’re also seeing growth in new members which is really encouraging, hopefully the -safe conditions offered by our competitions and training have helped in the decision making.

So gracias, danke, merci, grazie, shukriya, arigatou, obrigato, takk or just thanks – however you choose to say it, we’re happy and grateful to have your support.

British

DRESSAGE THE OFFIC IAL

Winnie Murphy, Editor, British Dressage

3

MAGAZINE

FOR BD M EMBERS

| £5.00 | ISSUE 7 | 2020

Back on the podium

36 Hickstead remembered Highlights from this iconic dressage venue 39 Back on form Treatments and therapies for Kissing Spine 45 Young talent showcased Brits highlight their potential at the European Under-25 championships 47 Equissage Pulse summer Para festival New partnerships shine 50 Expert opinion TopSpec offers advice on preparing for winter 52 Upgrading your ride What to consider when moving up to a 7.5t horsebox 58 The horse’s outline through the grades Jane Kidd explains the progression 62 Feeling festive Get ahead with our early Christmas gift guide 64 Riding requisites How martial arts can help with focus 67 Regional activity Contacts and Judges’ diary 68 BD Action BDHQ updates and members’ benefits 66 Dressage Days Veterinary surgeon Gemma Zaremba

ON THE COVER:

Dannie Morgan and Knoxx’s Figaro, Superflex Inter 1 Gold Winter Champions # H A N D S FA

C E S PA C E

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 3

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NEWS.

BRITISH DRESSAGE

NEWS A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FOR US ALL We’re finalising plans to give members the chance to see our top riders go head to head in the LeMieux Grand Prix National Championship in a great preChristmas treat.

We’ve worked hard to keep a number of championships in

the calendar and in conjunction with our Honorary Patron Carl Hester, we’ve secured Hartpury College over 21-22 December to host the championships. With Olympia cancelled, we all need our end of year dressage celebration!

Monday’s LeMieux Grand Prix will feature around 25-30 of the country’stop Grand Prix combinations – a rare occurrence normally with the international calendar – pitted against one another. The top 15 then qualify for the Horse Health Grand Prix Freestyle.

The combination with the highest combined score will be crowned the LeMieux National Champion.

Robert Lemieux commented: “This will hopefully be a great way to end a terrible year and being able to crown a true British National Champion will be a unique experience. LeMieux are delighted to sponsor this top class competition and continue our support of British Dressage”.

The show will be held behind closed doors but we’re working with Horse & Country to bring it free to air for all members to thank you for your support this year. Put 21-22 December in your diary and we’ll be releasing full details very soon.

UNDER 21S TITLE

FIVE STAR STATUS FOR JOHN

A new Under 21 National Championships will be held as part of the Vale View High Profile Show from 29-31 October.

All U21 riders will be eligible to enter the Championship class and compete to be the U21 National Champion for their current FEI age group.

Vale View will be hosting two FEI PYO classes, also offering the additional opportunity for all Under 21 combinations to gain valuable international qualification to compete in future CDI competitions.

The action will be livestreamed on Horse & Country via a subscription.

British FEI Para Dressage judge John Robinson has been promoted to 5* Para Dressage Judging status as of 1 January 2021.

John joins Sarah Leitch and Sarah Rodger as the third of Britain’s para dressage judges at this level and is now eligible to judge at any FEI Para Dressage Championship across the globe.

Just 17 elite para dressage judges worldwide hold this rank at present.

PARA MATTERS OFFICIALS’ PATHWAYS We’re currently reviewing the coach, judge and steward pathways and hope to be able to get them back underway next year, this includes virtual options for content delivery and evaluation.

WINTER QUALIFICATION A reminder to you all that the season ends on 31 December 2020 – you need five points for the Bronze section, 10 points for the Silver section and 12 points for the Gold section – see page 63 of the Member’s Handbook 2020 for details.

2021 MAJOR DATES

JOIN US AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK

Have you spotted that the major dates list for next year is live on the website? Head to the competitions area and get them in your diary.

Take note: next year’s Winter Championships date is on a different weekend, 25-28 March 2021.

We’re recruiting for volunteers across our eight regions in a number of key areas of expertise.

Volunteering with British Dressage can be extremely rewarding and it gives you the chance to be a part of the team who shape our sport – the perfect opportunity to make a difference while giving something back. All our vacancies will start on 1 January 2021. A full description of the roles available and application forms are on the website and applications are required by Thursday 29 October.

FOR ALL THE UP TO DATE COVID-19 INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT BRITISHDRESSAGE.CO.UK/ BD-INFO/CORONAVIRUS -COVID-19

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 5

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6 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Photo by Justine Sole Photography

- Fussy types who pick at mixes or large volumes

PHOTOS: KEVIN SPARROW

NAF FIVE STAR WINTER DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2020

WE’D LIKE TO THANK OUR SUPPORTING STAR CAST: Show Direct – for making everything run safely and smoothly Our sponsors – for your valued and loyal support Our officials and volunteers – for carrying out your duties so diligently Our competitors and their crew – for following the guidance and being so positive.

uper e

ntermediate

old SUPERFLEX INTERMEDIATE I GOLD Dannie Morgan with Lisa Morgan’s Knoxx’s Figaro

72.50%

Nathalie Kayal with her own DHI Cleverboy

70.61%

Emily Harris with Fay Thomas’s Freya FST

69.96%

4. Kate Cowell with Helen Illes’ Sirocco

69.74%

5. Jayne Turney with Charlotte Dujardin’s Cruz III

68.73%

6. Lara Edwards with her own and Laura Milner’s Jazzed Up 68.33% 7. Sarah Higgins with Emma Blundell’s Mount St John de la Beaute

68.20%

8. Darren Hicks with Vanessa Chinn’s Hemisphere II

68.03%

9. Daisy Coakley with Judy Firmston-Williams’ Cleopatra II 67.94% 10. Cornelia O’Mahony with Adam Signy’s Formidable

67.37%

WINNER Dannie Morgan with

Knoxx’s Figaro

TOP LEFT: EMILY HARRIS PILOTS FAY THOMAS’S BRITISH BRED FREYA FST, BY FIDERTANZ, TO THIRD. ABOVE: BEING CAUGHT IN A DOWNPOUR DIDN’T IMPEDE NATHALIE KAYAL AND DHI CLEVERBOY, JUST OVER 70% GAVE THEM SECOND. LEFT: FIG COMES OF AGE – AT THE 2019 WINTERS LISA MORGAN’S KNOXX’S FIGARO DID THE ADVANCED MEDIUM DOUBLE WITH DANNIE MORGAN. THIS YEAR, THEY TOOK THE TOP CLASS WITH OVER 72%.

8 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Magic Prix St Georges

WINNER Jayne Turney with

Cruz III RIGHT: HE MAY BE JUST 14.2HH, BUT CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN’S CRUZ III CERTAINLY PACKS A PUNCH AND TAKES ON THE HORSES, AND WINS, WITH JAYNE TURNEY IN THE SADDLE.

MAGIC PRIX ST GEORGES GOLD Jayne Turney with Charlotte Dujardin’s Cruz III

70.79%

Kate Cowell with her own Ray-Ban

70.31%

Jess Bennett with her own JB Dukaat

69.12%

4.

Rowan Bryson with her own Lazulith

68.90%

5.

Matt Frost with his own Summerhouse Delano

68.68%

6.

Darren Hicks with Vanessa Chinn’s Hemisphere II

68.29%

7.

Emily Harris with Fay Thomas’s Freya FST

68.20%

8.

Lucy Amy with her own Rudy

67.50%

9.

Molly Key with Veronica Chomse’s Absinth W

66.89%

10. Sarah Higgins with Sarah Rao’s Davidoff

66.67%

BELOW: ROWAN BRYSON AND HER OWN LAZULITH PUT IN A CAREER HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCE TO FINISH FOURTH – THE DUO HAVE BEEN TOGETHER SINCE 2015 WHEN THEY STARTED IN ELEMENTARY.

BELOW: WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP ‘REGULARS’ JESS BENNETT AND JB DUKAAT LOVE HARTPURY AND ADDED A THIRD PLACED ROSETTE TO THEIR COLLECTION.

“HE’S SO SPECIAL TO ME. I’VE ALWAYS WANTED THIS SASH AND TO WIN IT ON HIM [CRUZ] IS INCREDIBLE, IT’S THE ICING ON THE CAKE.” JAYNE TURNEY

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 9

Charles Owen Advanced Medium Gold CHARLES OWEN ADVANCED MEDIUM GOLD Kate Cowell with her own Ray-Ban

74.74%

Calum Whitworth with Judith Davis’s Hawtins Barolo 73.90% Matt Frost with his own and Nicola Keenan’s Helga

WINNER

4. Sarah Higgins with Ellie Barlow’s Elixer

Kate Cowell

72.94% 72.28%

5. Emma Jablonski with her own Higgens Van De Uilenhoek 71.49%

with

Ray-Ban

6. Calum Whitworth with Val Jones and Robert Lickley’s Hennessy T

71.14%

7. Alice Oppenheimer with Sarah Oppenheimer’s Headmore Bella Ruby 70.26% 8. Darcas Lever with Nicola Keenan’s Flying Dream II 9. Clare Hole with her own Chuchaqui LAT

68.82% 67.94%

10. Sam Rahmatalla with Claire Self’s Becky W 66.80%

LEFT: KATE COWELL AND RAY-BAN, WHOM SHE CALLS HER ‘POCKET ROCKET’, POWERED TO OVER 74% TO TAKE THEIR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE TOGETHER. INSET: THIRD PLACED MATT FROST HAS STRUCK QUITE A BOND WITH THE CHAGALL D&R-SIRED HELGA, WHOM HE JOINTLY OWNS WITH NICOLA KEENAN, IN THEIR FIRST 18 MONTHS TOGETHER.

Charles Owen Advanced Medium Silver CHARLES OWEN ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER Georgia Davis with her own Keystone Diego

69.34%

Sarah Heath with her own Feuertanz

68.99%

Katharine Lewis with Diana Hayes’ Albertho B

68.95%

4.

Tyler Bradshaw with her own Gijsbert

68.90%

5.

Mandy Brown with her own Keystone Rumour

68.77%

6.

Roberto Scalisi with Debbie Stibbe’s Coco Chanel II

68.29%

7.

Joanne Price with her own Casino Scandal

68.07%

8.

Nicky Heale with Verity Jenner’s Furstinclaire

67.89%

9.

Lucie Dunkeld with Sandra Tinker’s Barchetta

67.28%

10. Jennifer Martell with Jade Guyton’s Fiderstan

66.80%

WINNER

Georgia Davis with

Keystone Diego

LEFT: U25 RIDER GEORGIA DAVIS SPOTTED KEYSTONE DIEGO’S STAR QUALITY WHEN SHE BOUGHT HIM AS A FOAL FROM BREEDER SUZANNE LAVANDERA AND SHE’S PRODUCED HIM EVERY STEP OF THE WAY TO THE CHAMPION HE NOW IS. RIGHT TOP: DEVON RIDER TYLER BRADSHAW HAD A GREAT WINTERS WITH FIVE TOP TEN PLACINGS WITH HER TWO HORSES. RIGHT: SUFFOLK RIDER SARAH HEATH HAS PRODUCED THE BRITISH BRED FEUERTANZ FROM PRELIM AND THEY HAVE FEATURED IN AREA FESTIVALS, REGIONALS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS THROUGH THE GRADES.

10 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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Working with

FEED THE DIFFERENCE

Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold WINNER

RIGHT: HEADMORE STUD ALWAYS PUT UP A GOOD SHOWING AT HARTPURY

Alice Oppenheimer

AND ALICE DIDN’T LET THE SIDE DOWN. RIDING HER MUM SARAH’S HOME

with

BRED HEADMORE BELLA RUBY, SHE TOOK THE FREESTYLE TITLE TO ADD TO THE ADVANCED MEDIUM STRAIGHT ONE SHE WON AT LAST YEAR’S NATIONALS.

Headmore Bella Ruby

NUPAFEED ADVANCED MEDIUM FREESTYLE GOLD Alice Oppenheimer with Sarah Oppenheimer’s Headmore Bella Ruby

76.28%

Laura Wollen with Julie Steed’s Woodcroft Francisco

73.33%

Matt Frost with his own and Nicola Keenan’s Helga

73.11%

4.

Kim Seaby with Helena Thomas’s G

70.78%

5.

Zoe Sopp with Al Shira’aa Farms’ Borella

70.56%

6.

Christine Cockerton with her own Evaldo

70.00%

7.

Melanie Phillips with her own Ruxton Shogun

69.94%

8.

Jane Morris with her own Quinet Du Buisson Z

69.28%

9.

Louise Davison with her own Freddie Mercury

68.56%

10. Darcas Lever with Nicola Keenan’s Flying Dream II

68.44%

Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver NUPAFEED ADVANCED MEDIUM FREESTYLE SILVER Katharine Lewis with Diana Hayes’ Albertho B

WINNER Tyler Bradshaw with her own Gijsbert Katharine Lewis

WINNER Katharine Lewis with

Albertho B

71.44% 70.61%

with Georgia Davis with her own Keystone Diego

70.44%

4.

Sarah Ansty with her own Woodhams Dorissimo

68.61%

5.

Anna Brown with Karen Vere-Hodge’s Bocelli V

68.61%

6.

Lynn Perry with her own My Samber Rose

68.28%

7.

Jane Littlejohn with her own Urban Knight

68.22%

8.

Jessica Coltman with her own Profile

67.78% (309)

9.

Nicola Naylor with her own Del Piero V

67.78% (306)

Albertho B

10. Lucie Dunkeld with Sandra Tinker’s Barchetta

67.72%

LEFT: KATHARINE LEWIS RODE THROUGH THE PAIN BARRIER TO WIN ON DIANA HAYES’ DUTCH BRED DRIVING HORSE ALBERTHO B WITH HER ‘BOLD MUSIC FOR A BOLD HORSE’.

INSET: SARAH ANSTY AND THE HANOVERIAN WOODHAMS DORISSIMO FOLLOW UP THEIR REGIONAL WIN WITH FOURTH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. NEXT STOP, THEIR PRIX ST GEORGES DEBUT.

12 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 13

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TheraPlate UK Medium Gold THERAPLATE UK MEDIUM GOLD

WINNER

Calum Whitworth with Judith Davis’s Hawtins Barolo 72.88%

Calum Whitworth

Judy Harvey with her own SP Bento

72.57%

Hannah Biggs with Sarah Johnson’s Freeman

72.52%

4.

Greg Sims with his own Waverley Dante

68.69%

5.

Carmen Gammie with her own Champagne Bubbles

67.88%

6.

Jacky Stolper with her own Virtuoso G

67.88%

7.

Kim Seaby with Helena Thomas’s G

67.84%

8.

Sharon Edwards with her own El Greco

67.61%

with

Hawtins Barolo

9. Ryan Todd with Julie Todd’s Quasar TD 10. Elder Klatzko with her own Dior VIII

66.85% 66.35%

LEFT: BRITISH BREEDING AT ITS MOST HANDSOME: JUDITH DAVIS’S ELEGANT BELISSIMO M-SIRED HAWTINS BAROLO POWERS TO VICTORY WITH CALUM WHITWORTH IN A CLOSE FOUGHT CONTEST WHERE 0.36% SEPARATED THE PODIUM. INSET: HANNAH BIGGS AND THE SEVEN YEAR OLD FREEMAN, OWNED BY SARAH JOHNSON, CONTINUE THEIR RISE UP THE RANKS IN THIRD.

TheraPlate UK Medium Silver RIGHT: BD YOUTH RIDER AND HARTPURY DISE STUDENT FLORENCE HUMAN PUT

WINNER Florence Human

HER LOCKDOWN WORK TO GOOD USE AND PULLED OFF THE WIN WITH HER OWN

with

Fulgencio

FULGENCIO, BY FURSTENBALL.

THERAPLATE UK MEDIUM SILVER Florence Human with her own Fulgencio

68.78%

Chelsea Tolhurst with he own Hermitage de Jeu

68.15%

Fiona Newall with her own Fendy VCG

68.11%

4.

Bertie Collyer with Carolyn Collyer’s Fiasco II

67.88%

5.

Amy Jack with her own Graf Hit VH Bloemenhof

67.57%

6.

Jenny Ainscough with her own Showstar

67.52%

7.

Theresa Smyth with Karen Goulding’s Brownscombe Francisco

67.30%

8.

Alex Ingoe-Topham with her own TCE Daleron

67.03%

9.

Joanne Price with her own Casino Scandal

66.94%

10. Rebecca Lee-Woolf with Y Kovalevska’s Fire

66.53%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 15

Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold INSET: PARAMEDIC NICKY HEALE HAD A SUCCESSFUL TRIP DOWN FROM ABERDEENSHIRE WITH HER TWO HORSES OVER SEVEN TESTS, THE HIGHLIGHT BEING SECOND WITH VERITY JENNER’S FURSTINCLAIRE.

SPILLERS MEDIUM FREESTYLE GOLD Claire Knowles with Louise Darlington’s Corona S

73.83%

Nicky Heale with Verity Jenner’s Furstinclaire

72.39%

Sara-Jane Lanning with Trina-Marie Nethercliffe’s Dreamcatcher III

71.56%

4.

Natalie Allen with her own Diamond Cut II

69.94%

5.

Elder Klatzko with her own Scarlett III

69.50%

6.

Imogen Chant with her own Enchanted Hit

69.39%

7.

Jacky Stolper with her own Virtuoso G

69.11%

8.

Melanie Phillips with her own Ruxton Shogun

69.39%

9.

Louise Davison with her own SP Street Dancer

68.17%

10. Sarah Williams with her own San Remo Hitt

67.67%

WINNER

RIGHT: IN A TOUCH OF FATE, WE HAD A WINNER CALLED CORONA! CLAIRE KNOWLES,

Claire Knowles

WHO RUNS JACKPOTS STUD, RODE A STUNNER OF A TEST ON LOUISE DARLINGTON’S

with

TUSCHINSKI-SIRED MARE CORONA S.

Corona S

Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver WINNER

Camille Peters

SPILLERS MEDIUM FREESTYLE SILVER

with

Camille Peters with Phoebe Peters’ SL Lucci

76.44%

Samantha Dawn Turpitt with her own Bali Dancer

73.89%

Elice Willett with her own Gerento

71.33%

4.

Rebecca Lee-Woolf with Y Kovalevska’s Fire

71.11%

5.

Fiona Newall with her own Fendy VCG

70.11%

6.

Lily Laughton with Alicia Laughton’s Armada Danubio 69.39%

7.

Tracy Fall with her own Mount Pleasant San Lorenzo

69.22%

8.

Patsy Bartram with Sarah Gibson’s Donisbroc

69.00%

9.

Tracy Fall with her own Mount Pleasant Herman

68.94%

SL Lucci

10. Alisa Hunter Gordon with her own Eurythmics

68.28%

LEFT: WITH PHOEBE PETERS HE WAS A RECORD BREAKING FEI PONY AND 18 YEARS YOUNG, SL LUCCI MIGHT BE INCLINED TO TAKE LIFE EASY BUT HE JUST LOVES COMPETING. WITH THE REINS HANDED OVER TO SISTER CAMILLE PETERS, BD’S MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP OFFICER, SHE AND LUCCI CLEARLY SHOWED HE STILL HAS WHAT IT TAKES IN SCORING 76.44% FOR THE TITLE.

16 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BOMBERS SPONSORED DRESSAGE RIDER

KIRSTEN WING CONTESTS FEI INTERMEDIATE LEVEL II DRESSAGE. HER TOP RIDE IS RAVEL 322.

WHY DO LEADING DRESSAGE RIDERS CHOOSE BOMBERS BITS? “Every horse has the potential to go well in a Bombers bit, if ridden well. Too many people buy off-theshelf, mass-produced bits, and put them in their horses’ velvet mouths. The bit choice is paramount.

I wouldn’t use any other brand of bits, it isn’t just about the pioneering product design and handmade innovation from Bombers Bits – it’s also the amazing customer support. You can contact Claire Lund at Bombers with questions on a bit.”

“I have an arsenal of Bombers bits now, so can help other riders out too! I do like all of the Bombers bits, but the Happy Tongue is a real favourite. I also love the Bomber Blue mouthpieces – the material helps the horse ‘mouth’ better. You can feel when a horse is in the Bomber Blue, without even looking.”

TWO POPULAR MOUTHPIECES FOR HORSES WITH TONGUE SENSITIVITY

All standard cheekpieces available plus bespoke combinations. Examples of tongue sensitivity include: shaking head when bit pressure applied, putting tongue out of side of mouth, getting tongue over bit.

HAPPY TONGUE

BOMBER BLUE

The Happy Tongue mouthpiece - medium port to create tongue space & relieve tongue pressure.

Often suits horses with sensitive or large tongues.

The Bomber Blue mouthpiece medium port for tongue relief, very lightweight. The material encourages salivation. Particularly suited to horses that object to metal.

Ask your local retailer for details, or call 01825 840002 for UK stockists.

www.bombers.co.za

Email Claire for advice: claire@bombers.co.za

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 17

18 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Equi-Trek Elementary Gold WINNER

EQUI-TREK ELEMENTARY GOLD Judy Harvey with her own SP Bento

Judy Harvey with

72.24%

Tahley Reeve-Smith with her own Woodcroft Valentino 71.67%

SP Bento

Alejandro Farina with Elena Baturina’s Walwin

70.42%

4.

Darcas Lever with Nicola Keenan’s French Noir MFS

70.42%

5.

Victoria Maw with her own Benito Dorato

69.90%

6.

Anna Miller with Sophie Christiansen’s Die Furstin

69.01%

7.

Jacky Stolper with her own Virtuoso G

68.91%

8.

Jayne Turney with Lindsey Roberts’ Fred Astaire WD

68.23%

9.

Laura Wollen with Fiona Wallbank’s Woodlander Booker T

67.86%

10. Debra Fews with her own Fabizio

67.81%

LEFT: BD INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR JUDY HARVEY SOURCED SP BENTO FROM THE BRIGHTWELLS SALES WHEN HE WAS JUST THREE, FOUR YEARS ON, THEY’RE THE PROUD WINNERS OF A CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND FINISHED RUNNERS UP IN THE MEDIUM GOLD. INSET: A NEW STAR FOR TAHLEY REEVE-SMITH: SEVEN YEAR OLD WOODCROFT VALENTINO NOTCHES UP TWO PODIUM PERFORMANCES, SECOND HERE AND THIRD IN THE ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE.

Equi-Trek Elementary Silver WINNER

EQUI-TREK ELEMENTARY SILVER = =

Maeve Morris

Maeve Morris with her own Headmore Footloose

71.61% (173)

Chelsea Tolhurst with her own Hermitage du Jeu

71.61% (173)

with

Jennifer Harkness with her own Inouk

70.99%

WINNER

4.

Katie Roberts with her own Nemo VI I

69.43%

with

5.

Georgia Atkin with her own Gilles-S

69.38%

6.

Lauren Russell with her own Fantastic Khan

68.91%

Chelsea Tolhurst Hermitage du Jeu

7. Gemma Moss with her own Honoured XL

68.80%

8. Sara Malpass with her own Keystone Dicaprio

68.13%

9. Abby Austin with Adrienne Lanigan’s Santorini III

67.97%

10. Emma Castle with her own Quatermass

Headmore Footloose

67.86%

LEFT: A WELL-DESERVED SMOOCH FOR ‘ERIC’, AKA HEADMORE FOOTLOOSE FROM OWNER/RIDER MAEVE MORRIS FOR ADDING THE ELEMENTARY WINTERS’ CROWN TO HIS NOVICE DOUBLE OF LAST YEAR. RIGHT: CHELSEA TOLHURST AND HER CHAGALL-SIRED HERMITAGE DE JEU GO THREE PLACES BETTER FROM LAST YEAR’S RESULT TO JOINTLY TAKE THE EQUI-TREK TITLE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 19

Suregrow Elementary Freestyle Gold LEFT: YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME GRADUATE VICTORIA MAW AND HER OWN BENITO DORATO, BENNY FOR SHORT, ADD A SECOND TITLE TO THEIR CAREER HAUL HAVING WON THE NOVICE GOLD AT LAST YEAR’S NATIONALS.

SUREGROW ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE GOLD Victoria Maw with her own Benito Dorato

75.90%

Dannie Morgan with Sara-Jane Lanning’s Breit Fantastic 75.32% Tahley Reeve-Smith with her own Woodcroft Valentino 74.94% 4.

Jayne Turney with Lindsey Roberts’ Fred Astaire WD

72.95%

5.

Laura Wollen with Fiona Wallbank’s Woodlander Booker T

71.99%

6.

Jezz Palmer with Astrid Redshaw’s Blousey Brown

70.58%

7.

Angus Corrie-Deane with his own Jack Johnson

70.32%

8.

Laura Wollen with KA Carter’s Fidel V Singing

69.87%

9.

Tyler Bradshaw with her own Igor VIII

69.17%

10. Nicky Heale with Verity Jenner’s Furstinclaire

69.04%

WINNER

Victoria Maw

“HE’S THE DREAM HORSE – AT HOME, IN THE ARENA AND AT A COMPETITION. I HOPE I CAN FIND ANOTHER LIKE HIM.” – VICTORIA MAW

with

Benito Dorato

Suregrow Elementary Freestyle Silver WINNER

SUREGROW ELEMENTARY FREESTYLE SILVER

Lynn Wickes with

Lynn Wickes with Samantha Mirehouse’s Pauldarys Tiger Two Sox

73.53%

Elizabeth Killick with her own Galante’s VIP 18

72.37%

Maeve Morris with her own Headmore Footloose

72.31%

4.

Myles Graham with Caron Roberts’ Dresscode Cocktail 71.92%

5.

Ali Dane with Lissa Lowrie’s Stantaii Ashbank

71.86%

6.

Anna Tomlinson with her own More or Less

71.28%

7.

Laura Green with her own Ireldo L

70.77%

8.

Emma Hobbs with her own Graciah

69.23%

9.

Abigail Doherty with her own Brohedydd Miss Moli Mia

68.78%

10. Chloe Milne with her own Cremmdalla Crem

68.01%

RIGHT: HAMPSHIRE COACH LYNN WICKES TOOK THE REINS FOR OWNER SAMANTHA MIREHOUSE TO RIDE THE BRITISH BRED PAULDARYS TIGER TWO SOCKS TO TAKE THE TITLE. SAMANTHA WENT ON TO FINISH SECOND IN THE AREA FESTIVAL ELEMENTARY BRONZE CHAMPIONSHIP.

20 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 21

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22 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Prestige Italia Novice Gold PRESTIGE ITALIA NOVICE GOLD Greg Sims with Stena Hoerner’s Waverley Fellini

72.96%

Jade Struthers with her own Suarez

71.79%

Jezz Palmer with Richard Burge’s King IV

71.30%

Darren Hicks with Samantha Britton’s Woodcroft Django Mon Ami

70.74%

5.

Claire Abel with her own GF Sezuki

70.43%

6.

Lynn Wickes with Samantha Mirehouse’s Pauldarys Tiger Two Sox

70.37%

7.

Sara Gallop with her own Jovano

70.06%

8.

Jade Clark with her own Jemimah HH

70.00%

4.

WINNER Greg Sims with

Waverley Fellini

=9. Owen Cooper with Traci Griffith’s Just Magic BH 69.75% (167) =9. Ruth Edge with her own Jolene

69.75% (167)

LEFT TOP: ANOTHER TITLE FOR THE SMALL BUT SUCCESSFUL WAVERLEY STUD IN WARWICKSHIRE IN WAVERELY FELLINI (FURSTENBALL X SANDRO HIT) WHO WAS BOUGHT AND PRODUCED BY GREG SIMS AND STENA HOERNER. AT JUST FIVE, THIS LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER TALENT FROM GSH DRESSAGE. LEFT: GOOD BOY SHEZ! JADE STRUTHERS WAS FIRST TO GO WITH HER OWN SUAREZ AND GIVES HIM A HUGE HUG AFTER A GREAT PERFORMANCE. THEY FIRMLY THREW THE GAUNTLET DOWN IN SCORING 71.79 ONLY TO BE PIPPED AT THE POST.

Prestige Italia Novice Silver RIGHT: MULTI-DISCIPLINE RIDER GARETH BULLEY SCORES ANOTHER WIN FOR THE SOUTHERN REGION IN THE ULTRACOMPETITIVE CLASS WITH HANNAH LEBON’S LORENTINA.

PRESTIGE ITALIA NOVICE SILVER Gareth Bulley with Hannah Lebon’s Lorentina

71.05%

Lee Pearson with his own Breezer III

69.81%

Kirstie Clarke with Rachel Wolfenden’s Powered by Fürst Impression

69.57%

Gareth Bulley

4.

Sophia Marston with her own Solitaire II

69.44%

Lorentina

5.

Angela Fenn with her own Dun-lin

68.95%

6.

Louisa Brend with Alison Ainsworth’s Cynheidrefawr Gerwyn

68.58%

Sam Roberts with Helen Skirton’s Moelview Prince Consort

68.02%

8.

Chloe Arnold with Caroline Bell’s Full House

67.90%

9.

Amanda Bowie with her own and Jodie Reay’s Wilhelm I 67.84%

7.

10. Heather Hopkinson with her own Brackenspa Houdini 67.35%

WINNER with

RIGHT: SIR LEE PEARSON’S PARTNERSHIP WITH HIS HOMEBRED BREEZER III CONTINUES TO BLOSSOM BUT HAD TO SETTLE FOR A VERY CLOSE SECOND.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 23

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www.equestrianrefIections.co.uk 24 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

CLASS 1 FIRE RETARDANT CWG House Gallamore Lane Market Rason Lincolnshire LN8 3HA

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Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold “HE NEVER LETS ME DOWN THAT HORSE, HE JUST GOES IN AND HE GIVES YOU ALL HE’S GOT. NEVER LOOKS, NEVER SPOOKS, YOU CAN TRUST HIM.” – JEZZ PALMER

WINNER Jezz Palmer

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS NOVICE FREESTYLE GOLD

with

King IV

Jezz Palmer with Richard Burge’s King IV Lucy Amy with her own Jaliva W

76.85% (213) 76.85% (209.5)

Dannie Morgan with Sara-Jane Lanning’s Breit Fantastic 75.74% 4.

Jezz Palmer with Astrid Redshaw’s Blousey Brown

5.

Dannie Morgan with Nicky Callam’s High Hoes Estelle 74.44%

6.

Laura Wollen with Fiona Wallbank’s Woodlander Booker T 73.43%

7.

Laura Green with her own Ireldo L

72.69%

8.

Tahley Reeve-Smith with Alison Jones’ Jilleke

72.50%

9.

Hannah Esberger-Hancock with her own Iggy Pop Bek 72.04%

10. Jane Morris with her own Silverstar Z

75.56%

71.39%

ABOVE: RICHARD BURGE’S STRIKING YOUNG STALLION KING IV (S.GOVERNOR) TURNED HEADS ALL WEEK UNDER JEZZ PALMER AND THEIR LION KING FREESTYLE WON THE JUDGES OVER WITH A HIGHER ARTISTIC MARK TO TAKE THE TITLE. FEW WOULD DOUBT THIS WILL BE THE DUO’S ONLY TITLE WITH SO MUCH MORE TO COME.

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver INSET: HEADMORE STRIKES AGAIN: VET KATE OPPENHEIMER TOPS A BUSY

WINNER

WEEK WITH A PODIUM FINISH WITH HER MULTITALENTED SOS SEALPOINT.

Lauren Williamson

RIGHT: IT WAS TIGHT, BUT MUM OF TWO LAUREN WILLIAMSON AND THE FORMER BREEDING STALLION VANCOUVER LG. BY DUTCH CONNAISSEUR WELL AND TRULY DANCED TO VICTORY TO THE LION KING FREESTYLE.

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS NOVICE FREESTYLE SILVER Lauren Williamson with her own Vancouver LG

74.44%

Kate Oppenheimer with her own SOS Sealpoint

73.24%

Ali Dane with Lissa Lowrie’s Stantaii Ashbank

72.13%

4.

Heather Hopkinson with her own Brackenspa Houdini 71.76%

5.

Lauren Geraghty with her own WS Jackson

71.02%

6.

Grace Lynch with her own Jara-H

70.93%

7.

Tasha Wakely with her own Elegido CXL VII

70.83%

8.

Debbie Squires with Susan Lanz’s Mystic Spirit

70.74%

9.

Angela Fenn with her own Dun-lin

70.19% (194.50)

10. Bethan Young with her own Jackpots Forsetti 70.19% (193.50)

with

Vancouver LG

KBIS Preliminary Silver KBIS PRELIMINARY SILVER Owen Davies with his own Bali SD

76.44%

Emily Dove with Peter Dove’s Epetry

72.70%

Amanda Troniseck with her own Sunshine’s Dream

71.90%

4.

Corinne Roberts with her own Fourstar Struck

71.84%

5.

Jo Dutton with her own Noble Top Hat

70.80%

6.

Laura Wright with her own Chilternview Elite Star

70.34%

7.

Kate Joyce with her own Tomriland Billy

70.00%

8.

Fiona Boddy with her own Krafty Saratoga

69.94%

9. Laura Robinson with her own GF Dupuis 10. Katie Stephens-Grandy with her own Mr Music

69.31% 69.25%

LEFT: IT WAS A DECISIVE WIN FOR 21 YEAR OLD OWEN DAVIES WITH HIS OWN BALI SD, WHOM HE BOUGHT FROM DANNIE MORGAN LAST YEAR. HE HAS HIGH HOPES FOR THE BELISSIMO M MARE AS HIS FIRST EVER HORSE TO PRODUCE THROUGH THE LEVELS.

WINNER

Owen Davies with

Bali SD

“SHE’S THE FIRST MARE THAT I’VE HAD AS I NORMALLY GO FOR GELDINGS AS I JUST LOVE HORSES WITH A GOOD TEMPERAMENT, BUT I’VE BEEN REALLY LUCKY AS SHE’S SO CHILLED AND RELAXED.” – OWEN DAVIES

LEFT: HARTPURY COLLEGE STUDENT EMILY DOVE IMPRESSED ON ‘HOME SOIL’ WITH PETER DOVE’S EPETRY (TUSCHINSKI X JETSET D).

RIGHT: AMANDA TRONISECK NEARLY DIDN’T MAKE HER TEST WITH SUNRISE DREAM WHEN SHE WAS STUNG BY A WASP JUST BEFORE HER TEST BUT AFTER A CHECK BY THE MEDICS, SHE CONTINUED DESPITE A VERY SWOLLEN FACE.

26 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships “THIS IS A HOBBY FOR ME, SO TO DO THIS AND ACHIEVE THIS...I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER. I’M SO EXCITED!” – NICKY JENNINGS RIGHT: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT FOR MCTIMMONEY PRACTIONER NICKY JENNINGS WHO PROUDLY NAILED 11 ONE TIME CHANGES TO TAKE THE TITLE WITH HER OWN ROUSSEAUSIRED BODELICOUS. BELOW: BD YOUTH RIDER REBECCA BAYBUTT, WHO’S BASED WITH TRACY AND AMY WOODHEAD, MADE BEST USE OF BEING DRAWN LAST TO GO WITH HEY MAMBO, WHO SHE JOINTLY OWNS WITH MICHELLE SWIRE, TO SWOOP TO VICTORY. INSET: GLOUCESTERSHIRE RIDER JANE MORRIS HAD A GREAT SHOW WITH HER QUINET DU BUISSON Z WITH THREE TOP EIGHT FINISHES FROM THREE STARTS, SECOND HERE BEING HER BEST PLACING.

PETPLAN EQUINE INTERMEDIATE II SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Nicky Jennings with Nicola Jennings’ Bodelicious

69.25%

Susan Dunlop with her own Dancer RV

66.10%

Jane Morris with her own Quinet Du Buisson Z

65.04%

4.

Roxanne Shipley with her own Headmore Dream On

65.04%

5.

Jenny Folman with her own Favory Gazdag

61.01%

6.

Sara Garvie with her own Ri Alto

59.74%

7.

Sarah Stewart with Kate Vince’s LJT Streisand

56.32%

8.

Linda Prescott-Clements with her own Menelaos

53.82%

PETPLAN EQUINE INTERMEDIATE I SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Rebecca Baybutt with Michelle Swire’s Hey Mambo

68.64%

Jane Morris with her own Quinet Du Buisson Z

66.80%

Diana Barley with her own Nirvana Celestial

65.92%

4.

Angela Denning with her own Di-Conti

65.48%

5.

Emily Watts with her own Rascalini

65.18%

6.

Stephanie Taylor with her own WGS Perugia

64.04%

7.

Dominique Mills with her own Diego Valesquez

63.64%

8.

Kathryn Marsh with her own Ramall Sirus

62.98%

9.

Tori Peter with her own I-Jewel’s Indigo

61.75%

10. Hannah Milner-Harding with her own Rhythm ‘n’ Blues 60.92%

28 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

PETPLAN EQUINE INTERMEDIATE I BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Caitlin Burgess with her own Chocotof

73.28%

Elijah Lovell with David Pincus’s Donna of Sheepcote

66.22%

Katherine Heslop with Janette Mitchell’s Spudley

65.13%

4.

Nicky Heale with her own Retanach Request

64.91%

5.

Laura Parkes with her own Sam the Man Veldhoek

64.91%

6.

Ella-Louise Mayhead with her own Tirclyn Sportsman

64.29%

7.

Linda Prescott-Clements with her own Menelaos

62.80%

8.

Clare Heap with her own Fabio V

62.63%

9.

Miranda Hughes with her own Don Oro

62.23%

10. Lauren Darby with her own Mister Samson

62.19%

ABOVE: BRITISH YOUNG RIDER TEAM HOPEFULS CAITLIN BURGESS AND CHOCOTOF (LORD LEATHERDALE X NEGRO) CERTAINLY CAUGHT THE EYE WITH A SIX PERCENT VICTORY. RIGHT: FIRST TO GO ELIJAH LOVELL SET THE EARLY PACE WITH DAVID PINCUS’S HOMEBRED DONNA OF SHEEPCOTE, BY DON SCHUFRO.

PETPLAN EQUINE PRIX ST GEORGES SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Shelley Reeve-Smith with her own Sinderella

67.85%

Gemma Moss with her own and Charlie Hutton’s Don Dino

67.46%

Charlotte Blain with Jan Palmer’s Donatella IV

66.58%

4.

Ben Smith with his own Faran

65.53%

5.

Jane Howard with her own Bjornsun

64.43%

6.

Diana Barley with her own Nirvana Celestial

64.43%

7.

Sharon Lindop with her own Spielbanker

64.25%

8.

Helena Charlesworth with Hilary Gardner’s Jukebox-Jury

64.12%

Louise Evans with her own Don Sinclair

64.04%

SINDERELLA TO THE TITLE HAVING SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNED THE MARE’S GRAND

10. Tori Peter with her own I-Jewel’s Indigo

62.98%

FAMILY’S SUCCESSFUL BREEDING PROGRAMME.

9.

LEFT: HEARTBREAK, BY HERZENSDIEB, IS MATURING FROM OPINIONATED YOUNGSTER TO

ABOVE: KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: SHELLEY REEVE-SMITH RODE HER HOMEBRED SIRE, SHAROLA RAINMAKER. IT’S HOPED SHE WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME PART OF THE

PETPLAN EQUINE PRIX ST GEORGES BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

ADVANCED DRESSAGE STAR FOR RIDER LAUREN

Lauren Noble with her own Heartbreak

68.95%

Chloe Naylor with her own Karisma

67.68%

Jane Littlejohn with her own Urban Knight

67.24%

4.

Emma Bird with her own Soliman

67.06%

5.

Tyler Bradshaw with her own Gijsbert

6.

Nicky Heale with her own Retanach Request

66.40%

7.

Elijah Lovell with David Pincus’s Donna of Sheepcote

66.01%

8.

Georgina Tapner with her own Bugatti II

65.39%

9.

Harriet Brick with her own World Dancer

64.39%

NOBLE, WHO BOUGHT HER AGED FOUR AS HER FIRST DRESSAGE HORSE.

10. Maria Pook with Felicity Iles’ So Enamoured

667.71%

64.21%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 29

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE ADVANCED MEDIUM SILVER Josie Kent with her own Serious Black

68.50% (169)

Carmen Gammie with her own Champagne Bubbles 68.50% (167)

4.

Madeleine Gardner with her own Whatapallaver

67.74%

Nikki Clarke with her own Belicia Arion

66.67%

=5. Patsy Bartram with Sarah Gibson’s Donisbroc

65.43%

=5. Jessica Sanders with her own Sheepcote’s Well to Do

65.43%

7.

65.34%

Pauline Parker with her own Delius I

8. Georgina Tapner with her own Bugatti II 9.

Madeleine Gardner with her own FHS Diamond in the Rough

64.32%

10. Amanda Towle with her own Virtue V

64.02%

RIGHT: ABERDEENSHIRE PONY POWERHOUSE CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES HAS PROBABLY MORE CHAMPIONSHIP MILES ON HIS PASSPORT THAN MOST BUT THIS TIME NARROWLY MISSED OUT ON THE TITLE WITH RIDER CARMEN GAMMIE. IN 11 YEARS OF COMPETITION, HE’S NOTCHED UP 17 CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES!

ABOVE: MULTI-TASKING YOUTH RIDER JOSIE KENT,

PETPLAN EQUINE ADVANCED MEDIUM BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

WHO JUGGLES TWO JOBS

Samantha Turpitt with her own Bali Dancer

69.96%

Kathy Babb with her own Oculto’s Hope

68.85%

Chelsea Tolhurst with her own Hermitage De Jeu

68.59%

4.

Lucie Dunkeld with Sandra Tinker’s Barchetta

68.08%

5.

Charlotte Neal with her own Walter’s Fable

67.56%

6.

Zoe Golding with her own Enzo SR

67.48%

7.

Tyler Bradshaw with her own Igor VIII

67.39%

IN PROPERTY, TEACHING PIANO AND TWO HORSES, TOOK THE TITLE ON COLLECTIVES WITH HER OWN HERCOROSE SON SERIOUS BLACK.

8. Susie White with her own Seventh Heaven II

66.75%

9. Fiona Newall with her own Fendy VCG

66.32%

10. Ruth Almond with her own Igor Du Banny

66.07%

LEFT: RUNNER UP KATHY BABB GIVES A CELEBRATORY PAT TO OCULTO’S HOPE AFTER A GREAT TEST. RIGHT: A DREAM REALISED FOR IT PROJECT MANAGER SAMANTHA TURPITT. HER OWN BALI DANCER HAS BEEN LESS THAN EASY TO PRODUCE BUT THE BARCLAY DAUGHTER SHONE AT HARTPURY FOR A FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

30 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

64.96%

LEFT: BY VIRTUE OF COLLECTIVES, IT WAS A FURTHER CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR THE DENISE KERSLEY OWNED STRIKING

PETPLAN EQUINE MEDIUM SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

TRADITIONAL GYPSY COB STALLION

Danielle Rhodes with Denise Kersley’s Tiger Tim

68.24%

Hannah Jones with Caroline Jones’ Replica II

68.24%

Katie Lawrence with her own Donaulied

67.99%

4.

Janine Jansen with January Roberts’ Spitfire III

67.89%

5.

Anna Bostrand Daly with her own Its Avo

67.65%

6.

Rebecca Brennand with her own Lacayo I Rey

67.21%

7.

Lisa Pilbeam with Katherine O’Mara’s Popstar II

67.01%

8.

Jessica Sanders with her own Gershwin FH

66.76%

9.

Sue Lanz with her own Wellshead Foxtrot

66.67%

TIGER TIM RIDDEN BY SOMERSET’S DANIELLE RHODES. BELOW: SO CLOSE: HANNAH JONES RIDING REPLICA II FOR CAROLINE JONES – JUST THREE MARKS SEPARATED THEM FROM THE TITLE.

10. Natasha Gibbons with Lesley Armitage’s Godington Trinidad

66.52%

LEFT: SUSAN CHANT AND HER ‘HORSE OF A

PETPLAN EQUINE MEDIUM BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

LIFETIME’ PASCAL MCCOY COPE WITH THE WORST CONDITIONS TO POST THE ONLY 70%+ SCORE TO

Susan Chant with her own Pascal McCoy

70.39%

Jade Whitelaw with her own Dauphin III

68.03%

Annabel Abell with her own Sheepcote Let’s Go

THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF BEING UNABLE TO CONTEST LAST YEAR’S

66.96%

4.

Emma Woolliscroft with her own Carmen of Westoak 66.91%

5.

Kathy Small with her own Stepol Black Diamond

66.56%

6.

Chloe Milne with her own Cremmdalla Crem

66.27%

7.

Gemma Dainty with her own Balance

66.02%

8.

Annabel Hunter Blair with her own Ballynoe Hallo

65.88%

9.

Helen Marsh with her own Disco Chick

65.78%

10. Krystyna Monks with her own Dubai

SECURE THE COVETED TITLE. BELOW: JADE WHITELAW AND DAUPHIN PUT

CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN QUALIFIED BEHIND THEM TO TAKE SECOND.

65.73%

BELOW: BD YOUTH NATIONAL ACADEMY RIDER CHARLOTTE NEAL FOLLOWED UP SOME GREAT GCSE RESULTS THE DAY BEFORE WITH THE ULTIMATE RESULT RIDING THE CHEEKY WALTER’S FABLE, OR JEFF, TO VICTORY.

PETPLAN EQUINE MEDIUM UNDER 21 AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Charlotte Neal with her own Walter’s Fable

68.48%

Rose Foley with Shona Leckie’s Cordici K

68.38%

Isabel Platts with her own Whalton Gladrags

66.37%

4.

Libby Johnson with her own Red Ebony

65.88%

5.

Rebecca Parsonage with her own Wacton Billy

65.29%

6.

Daisy Mansfield with Alice Beauchamp’s Rayid Heart Breaker

64.95%

Poppy Burner with Alison Luscombe’s Rosewater Chamonix

64.70%

8.

Florence Human with her own Briljant

64.46%

9.

Izzy Sanderson with her own Ballinagore Black

63.97%

7.

10. Myles Graham with Caron Roberts’ Dresscode Cocktail 63.23%

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 31

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships RIGHT: MUM OF TWO RHIANNON

PETPLAN EQUINE ELEMENTARY SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

HINTON BALANCES HER JOB AS A REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Rhiannon Hinton with her own Quaikin Horatio

70.93%

MANAGER FOR BT ALONGSIDE

Annabel Abell with her own Sheepcote Let’s Go

69.95%

THE SENSITIVE BRITISH BRED

Suzanne Ashwell with her own Rhomantic

68.38%

Melissa O’Brien Shawcross with Denise Clayton’s Rubatino ML

67.84%

5.

Amy Peters with her own Glanhayl Rendition

67.79%

6.

Helen Millichamp with her own Jalado’s Star

67.21%

7.

Karen Gray with her own Lexus Hof Ter Zeedycke

66.67%

8.

Jo Weekes with her own Rossetti’s Destiny

66.67%

9.

Samantha Britton with her own N’Ice Lad Mon Ami

66.62%

4.

10. Corrie Fautley with her own Caliboy V Bareelhof Z

SOME COACHING AND RIDING HOTLINE X DIMAGGIO QUAIKIN HORATIO. INSET: A JOB WELL DONE: ANNABEL ABELL TAKES TIME TO SAY THANKS TO SHEEPCOTE LET’S GO.

PETPLAN EQUINE ELEMENTARY BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

66.57%

Sam Whyley with Joanna Wilkins’ Tremadoc

71.52%

Sam Mirehouse with her own Pauldarys Tiger Two Sox 71.12% Lucy Cole with her own Sunny Bill

LEFT: A VICTORY FOR WALES WHEN FREELANCE INSTRUCTOR SAM WHYLEY REPAID THE FAITH OF OWNER JOANNA WILKINS BY RIDING A WELL PRESENTED TEST FOR TOP HONOURS IN AN ULTRACOMPETITIVE CLASS.

4.

Alexzandra Houldcroft with her own Cavallina Herself 70.98%

5.

Laura Scott with her own Koko Pop

70.73%

6.

Jane Aspin with her own Wescoe Showman

69.70%

7.

Anna Tomlinson with her own More or Less

69.60%

8.

Sam Roberts with Helen Skirton’s Moelview Prince Consort

69.36%

Kate Oppenheimer with her own SOS Sealpoint

69.16%

INSET: LUCY COLE SETTLES FOR THIRD BY JUST A SINGLE MARK

9.

10. Danielle Marshall with her own Galant IV

WITH HER OWN SUNNY BILL.

PETPLAN EQUINE ELEMENTARY U21 AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Rose Foley with Shona Leckie’s Cordici K

71.42%

Alanna Clarke with her own Van Halen II

69.11%

Emma Mounfield with her own Colin II

68.13%

4.

Abigail Taylor with her own Wind Dance

68.03%

5.

Poppy Burner with Alison Luscombe’s Rosewater Chamonix 67.99%

6.

Amy Wray with her own Sara

67.74%

7.

Olivia Rimmer with Nicola Rimmer’s Lago Enigma

67.64%

8.

Bethan Young with her own Jackpots Forsetti

67.25%

9.

Molly Northmore with her own Winston XXVI

67.01%

10. Chloe Ansell with her own Mister Ned

66.66%

RIGHT: SCOTTISH RIDER ROSE FOLEY ACHIEVED A DREAM WHEN SHE QUALIFIED FOR HARTPURY BUT TO TAKE THE ELEMENTARY TITLE AND RUNNER UP IN THE MEDIUM WAS THE ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SHONA LECKIE’S EYECATCHING CHESTNUT, CORDICI K.

32 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

71.12%

68.87%

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships RIGHT: DONCASTER YOUNG HORSE PRODUCER

PETPLAN EQUINE NOVICE SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SAMANTHA JIMMISON MAKES GOOD USE OF THE AREA FESTIVAL SERIES TO BRING ON HER CHARGES

Samantha Jimmison with Sally Iggulden’s Daria-I-Noor 71.53% Stacey Escrig with her own Goldfrapp R

71.39%

Samantha York with her own Oakring Santino

70.42%

4. Danielle Whitlock with her own Gralyns Darcey

69.51%

5. Victoria Gregg with her own Langson Governor

69.10%

6. Sam Whyley with Joanna Wilkins’ Tremadoc

68.75%

7. Amy Pickard with her own Hokey Catoki

68.33%

8. Moira Bonner with Jacqueline Warren-George’s Llanidan Survivor

68.13%

9. Debbie Squires with Susan Lanz’s Mystic Spirit

67.57%

10. Amanda Hansen with her own False Alibi

67.50%

AND SALLY IGGULDEN’S DARIA-I-NOOR, BY DIAMOND HIT CLEARLY RELISHES IN THE CHALLENGE. BELOW: STACEY ESCRIG WAS THRILLED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF GOLDFRAPP R.

RIGHT: CATRIN JOHN AND HER ‘SUPERSTAR’ NATIVE SECTION D PUT A SPOOKY START BEHIND THEM TO CLAIM A VICTORY FOR WALES.

PETPLAN EQUINE NOVICE BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

BELOW: STEPH WOOLLEY AND HER BRITISH BRED FRECKLETON MATADOR NARROWLY MISS OUT ON ADDING THE AREA FESTIVAL TITLE TO THE BD BRONZE CHAMPIONSHIP HONOUR THEY CLAIMED LAST YEAR.

PETPLAN EQUINE NOVICE U21 AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP Louise Gallavan with Karen Gallavan’s Sandro’s Fire

Catrin John with her own Llancayo Danny Boy

69.86%

Steph Woolley with her own Freckleton Matador

68.75%

Andrea Kirby with her own Headmore Dramatica

68.61%

4.

Penelope Graepel with her own Amour Just Cruising

68.54%

5.

Bethany Hodges with her own Franklyn’s Firecracker

68.54%

6.

Anita Smith with her own Douglas VI

68.40%

7.

Julie Middleton-Reid with her own Lady Jessicka

68.26%

8.

Donna Fitzgerald with her own Castlelawn Diva

68.06%

9.

Amy Hamilton with her own Zico II

67.85%

10. Jodie Goodchild with her own Passoa VT Beekhof Z

67.64%

70.55%

Erin George with Georgia Wilson and Rachel Gregory’s Diamond Rombeartino 70.27% Madelaine Hinchliff with her own Fiorendo

69.86%

4.

Jaz Armistead with Sue-Zi Armistead’s Shiraz 11

69.16%

5.

Anya Hitt with her own Cnoc an Noinin Clover

68.75%

6.

Owen Davies with his own Churchtown Holly Boy

68.68%

LOUISE GALLAVAN

7.

Imogen Collinson with her own Bunny Girl III

68.61%

YEAR OLD SANDROS

8.

Amelia Hendy with her own Coedfryn Secret Surprise 68.19%

9.

Victoria Hopkinson with Simon Hopkinson’s Hallowberry Hi Fi

10. Flora Hayes with her own Haybells Cinderella

LEFT: GRAND PRIX IS THE FIRM LONG TERM GOAL FOR AND THE QUALITY SIX FIRE, BY SAROTTI MOKKA SAHNE, AND THE DUO LOOK

67.91%

EVERY INCH LIKE

67.84%

OWNER KAREN

ACHIEVING IT FOR GALLAVAN.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 33

Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships PETPLAN EQUINE PRELIMINARY SILVER AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

LEFT: A SPOT ON FACEBOOK BROUGHT PENNY GRAEPEL TOGETHER WITH THE STRIKING AMOUR JUST CRUISING AND WHAT BETTER 60TH BIRTHDAY PRESENT COULD SHE HAVE WANTED AT HARTPURY THAN THIS. ABOVE: LAURA WRIGHT AND CHILTERNVIEW ELITE STAR ENSURE A COLOURFUL AND BRITISH BRED TOP TWO.

Penelope Graepel with her own Amour Just Cruising

71.60%

Laura Wright with her own Chilternview Elite Star

71.25%

Alison Smith with her own Billy (Blaze)

70.21%

4.

Bryony Cutler with Sue Paton’s Hebog Amy

69.31%

5.

Caroline Stagg with her own Dycott Classy Rose

69.03%

6.

Nicky Mundy with her own Gerdinen Arian

68.96%

7.

David Molloy with Patrick Blackburn’s Paddy’s Flight

68.82%

8.

Elizabeth Cahill with Alison Cahill’s Egano

68.82%

9.

Jane Clark with her own Hugo X

68.75%

10. Alexandria Saunders with her own Clonea Harry

68.54%

LEFT: SHARON SCARLETT NEARLY GAVE

PETPLAN EQUINE PRELIMINARY BRONZE AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

UP ON QUIRKY LOUIS VIII BUT HER DETERMINATION GOT THE BETTER OF HER,

Sharon Scarlett with her own Louis VIII

70.97%

MAKING HER WIN WELL DESERVED.

Rebecca Lock with her own Brickell Mr Pickwick

69.58%

BELOW: BRICKELL MR PICKWICK CUTS

Eloise Jenkins with her own Life of Riley V

69.44%

OWNER/RIDER REBECCA LOCK.

4.

Sophy Herridge with her own CVS Timepiece

69.16%

5.

Kate Pearsall with her own Big Easy (GER)

69.02%

6.

Beckie Hubbard with her own It’s all Gucci

68.33%

7.

Deborah Diment with her own Ambush

68.33%

8.

Sarah-Ann Pearce Jacomb with her own My Leading Light 67.98%

9.

Lauren Crowe with her own Scout

67.98%

10. Holly Lemke with her own Last Apache

67.91%

LEFT: CHAMPIONS IMOGEN THOMPSON-BLAND AND FÜRSTIN FIREFLY OOZED PRESENCE AND POTENTIAL TO TAKE THE WIN.

A DASH TO SECURE SECOND WITH

PETPLAN EQUINE PRELIMINARY UNDER 21 AREA FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP

BELOW: LEXIE BRENNAN AND THE IRISH BRED CLONTUMPHER

Imogen Thompson-Bland with her own Fürstin Firefly 71.59%

DREAM HAD WON ALL SIX STARTS POST LOCKDOWN IN PREPARATION FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP, ONLY NARROWLY MISSING OUT ON NUMBER SEVEN.

Lexie Brennan with her own Clontumpher Dream

70.90%

Flora Hayes with her own Haybells Cinderella

70.27%

4.

Rachael Hetherington with her own Reset Sir Lancelot 70.06%

5.

Georgia Carpenter with her own Eden Maybe

69.86%

6.

Eleanor Jackson-Wall with Penny Bartlett’s Knabbhall Symphony

69.44%

7.

Fi Grabham with her own Waxwing Pocket Money

69.44%

8.

Darcey Blaze Marcus with Hiedi Marcus’s Heavenly High Jinks

69.16%

Fleur Pocock with Nicola Lickley’s Mighty Max II

68.88%

9.

10. Millie Easton with her own Annagh Girl

34 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 35

HICKSTEAD.

KEVIN SPARROW

Thank you DRESSAGE AT HICKSTEAD CARL HESTER AND ESCAPADO AT THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN

DRESSAGE IMPRESARIO DANE RAWLINS ANNOUNCED THIS SUMMER

2003 WHERE THEY BLAZED THE TRAIL AS TEST RIDERS FOR THE GRAND

THAT HE WOULD NO LONGER BE RUNNING DRESSAGE AT HICKSTEAD

PRIX SPECIAL.

HAVING FACED FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. SO DOWN CAME THE CURTAIN ON A 27-YEAR-LONG, GLORIOUS AND

LAURA TOMLINSON AND

F

MISTRAL HOJRIS AT THE EXQUIS WORLD DRESSAGE MASTERS.

UNFORGETTABLE ERA OF DRESSAGE.

VIN KE

ounded in 1993 by Dane, on a site at the late Douglas Bunn’s All England Jumping Course in West Sussex, Dressage at Hickstead became a premier venue for both national and international dressage competitions. Together with his wife Maureen, Dane led the Hickstead team to stage highly regarded, welcoming shows, and it wasn’t long before Hickstead became a world class venue and a real favourite amongst riders.

In 1998, Hickstead hosted the FEI Junior and Young Rider European Championships where the British uniors took team bron e, and five years later staged the enormously successful 2003 FEI European Championships where the home team earned bronze behind Germany and Spain.

The glory days continued with the Exquis World Dressage Masters in 2009 when Edward Gal and PA RR oorlands otilas, competing for the fi rst time abroad at OW Grand Prix level, scored a Freestyle world record. Further highlights include CDIO Nations Cups and CDIs, the British Para Dressage Championships, and being a much-loved local venue for riders in the South East.

Hickstead created unique memories for the world of dressage, some of which we celebrate here. However, hopes are high for a new chapter at the iconic West Sussex site, watch this space.

KEVIN SPARROW

S

JON STROUD

GARETH HUGHES, MICHAEL EILBERG AND CARL HESTER WITH CHEF D’EQUIPE RICHARD WAYGOOD.

36 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2003: ULLA SALZGEBER, HEIKE KEMMER, KLAUS HUSENBETH AND ISABELL WERTH.

KEVIN SPARROW

THE BRITISH WINNING NATIONS CUP TEAM IN 2013: NIKKI BARKER,

ABOVE INSET: EDWARD GAL SALUTES THE CROWD. BELOW: THE VICTORIOUS GERMAN TEAM AT THE FEI EUROPEAN

HICKSTEAD.

THE HICKSTEAD 1994 ORGANISING TEAM. LEFT TO RIGHT: JACKIE BICKLEY, DAVID CROCKFORD, CLAIRE HILTON, DANE RAWLINS, MAUREEN RAWLINS AND KAREN RYECART.

N KEVI

AR SP

RO

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ABOVE LEFT: EMMA HINDLE AND WIE WELTMEYER AT THE FEI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. LEFT: LEE PEARSON AND ZION AT THE BRITISH KEVIN SPARROW

PARA DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2015.

DUTCH STARS EDWARD GAL AND TOTILAS

INDIVIDUAL GOLD MEDALLISTS FOR GERMANY AT

SETTING A NEW

THE FEI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2003:

GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE

ULLA SALZGEBER AND RUSTY.

WORLD RECORD.

KEVIN

RR

OW

ROW

SPAR SPA RROW KE

VIN

KEV

IN

SPA

KEVIN SPARROW

RIGHT: CELEBRATING TEAM BRONZE AT THE FEI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. LEFT TO RIGHT: THE THEN BD CHAIRMAN DESI DILLINGHAM, EMMA HINDLE, RICHARD DAVISON, CHEF D’EQUIPE DAVID THE NETHERLANDS’ ADELINDE CORNELISSEN AND PARZIVAL

TROTT, PERFORMANCE MANAGER FERDI EILBERG,

AT THE EXQUIS WORLD DRESSAGE MASTERS.

NICOLA MCGIVERN AND EMILE FAURIE. BELOW: SHOW DIRECTOR DANE RAWLINS REPRESENTING IRELAND AT THE 2013 FEI NATIONS CUP.

HICKSTEAD HOSTED THE JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDER EUROPEANS IN 1998. THE JUNIOR TEAM BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS FOR BRITAIN: SARAH MILLIS, JODIE LISTER, BECKY MOODY AND CHARLOTTE EDMONDS WITH CHEF D’EQUIPE JON STROUD

DAVID HOLMES AND TRAINER JENNIE LORISTON-CLARKE.

THE EMERGENCE OF AN ICON: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND VALEGRO AT THE 2011 WORLD DRESSAGE MASTERS.

JO

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ST

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UD

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W W W. E Q U E T E C H . C O M 38 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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KISSING SPINE.

ABOVE: KISSING SPINE CAN BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE ACCURATELY, WITH SOME HORSES APPEARING TO HAVE NO BACK PAIN.

BACK ON FORM A DIAGNOSIS OF KISSING SPINE CAN PROVOKE A FEELING OF DOOM AND GLOOM IN ANY OWNER BUT IN MANY CASES THERE IS TREATMENT AVAILABLE WHICH MEANS THE HORSE CAN RETURN TO FULL MOBILITY, HELEN TRIGGS REPORTS.

K

begins and many horses with the condition issing spine is a serious will be asymptomatic. Conformation condition and can may be the cause, or incorrect cause pain and posture under saddle, discomfort IT’S repeated trauma, a fall for the BELIEVED THAT or arthritis. It’s believed horse. It occurs when that many horses suffer the regular spaces MANY HORSES from kissing spine yet between the 18 dorsal SUFFER FROM go undiagnosed vertebrae, which run and are apparently along the back from KISSING SPINE YET GO pain-free. the withers to the hip, UNDIAGNOSED AND Some horses will show begin to close and the reactions to the saddle, bones impinge on each ARE APPARENTLY or weight of the rider or be other. Sometimes the PAIN-FREE called ‘cold-backed’, so the impingement is so bad that back will be investigated. In other the vertebrae will fuse together. cases, a multi-source lameness will need It is not known why this process

to be investigated in full as well as checking the back. If a horse has kissing spine, even though they seem to have no pain in the back, it can lead to an over-use injury elsewhere.

DIAGNOSIS Bucking, discomfort on girthing and mounting, napping and refusing to jump can be signs of kissing spine. It’s important to rule out other conditions by getting your vet to carry out a full examination to try and identify any other sources of lameness.

“Cold-backed is not a diagnosis, it’s a description,” says Gil Riley MRCVS of Pool House Vets. “I will usually see the horse ridden, then nerve block and 20 minutes later check to see if there is any improvement.”

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 39

COTTS EQUINE

COTTS EQUINE

KISSING SPINE.

ABOVE LEFT: KISSING SPINE OCCURS WHEN THE REGULAR SPACES BETWEEN THE 18 DORSAL VERTEBRAE BEGIN TO CLOSE AND THE BONES IMPINGE ON EACH OTHER. ABOVE RIGHT: INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENT DESMOTOMY (ISLD) RELEASES OR DECOMPRESSES THE INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENTS WHICH LINK ADJACENT SPINES, SO PAIN IS REMOVED AND BACK FUNCTION APPEARS TO BE RESTORED.

It can be hard to initially determine whether the horse is suffering from primary or secondary back pain n the latter case, there may be limb issues which needed to be resolved

first Back pain and lameness go hand in hand, comments ichard oomer , of otts quine ospital t is rare to get a horse with back pain and no lameness issues

INSURANCE COVER With recent advancements in veterinary science, the effectiveness of diagnosis and subsequent treatment for horses has improved greatly, so it is important to check the cover provided by your policy for all aspects of veterinary care. The cost for a full veterinary examination plus radiography, nerve blocking and any other diagnostic procedures can be quite substantial and an operation can cost between £2-3000.

Horse insurance varies greatly and not all policies offer the same level of cover.

Petplan Equine, for example, provides cover for treatment recommended by your vet up to the full veterinary fee limit you choose with no additional hidden limits for each condition. Some policies with other

40 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

insurers will have additional limits within the veterinary fee benefits for diagnostic procedures and MRI scans.

There are also sometimes additional limits for complementary treatment such as physiotherapy, acupuncture and specialist farriery.

For any condition such as kissing spine, you have 12 months from the onset of the condition to claim for any treatment under your Veterinary Fees benefit.

Petplan Equine policies have a fixed excess so you will always know how much you need to contribute towards the cost of a claim.

Some insurance companies have policies with percentage excesses so the amount you need to pay increases with the cost of the claim.

he main diagnostic tool is a back -ray he images may show impingement but the horse may not e hibit pain Further investigation may require scintigraphy where a very small amount of nuclear isotope is injected into a vein hen scanned, areas with significant bone-remodelling or in ammation will show concentrations of the nuclear isotope and highlight areas of concern ny diagnosis or treatment plan has to take into account that kissing spine is often part of a multi-factorial condition here may be lots of concurrent problems and no evidence that they are linked, says ichard oomer he prognosis is dictated by the worst of the conditions

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS here are a number of treatments available based on the severity of the condition ome people prefer a more conservative approach or cannot afford e tensive medical intervention physio-led treatment programme, consisting of initial rest, then groundwork and lunging, can be followed owever, it s important that an e ercise plan is put in place which is

KISSING SPINE..

STEPPING UP TO PRIX ST GEORGES Carolyn Smith’s nine-year-old gelding Gerardo (Storm) was diagnosed with kissing spine as a five-year-old. “He was cold-backed and spooky which didn’t fit with his personality,“ says his rider and trainer, Samantha Thurman-Pickett. “He was treated for ulcers and was better but not right. An x-ray confirmed kissing spine.”

Following an ILSD operation, Storm followed an intense rehab and restricted turnout programme. The emphasis was on in-hand work and encouraging him to stretch over his back on the lunge. “We took it really slowly and he didn’t wear a saddle for six months. He’s a horse who finds it easy to work without using his back so when I ride I always make sure he stretches until I feel his back loosen up.“ Storm has made a good recovery and in August this year contested his first Prix St Georges, scoring over 70%. ligaments which link adjacent spines, pain is removed and back function appears to be restored.

This is performed standing via keyhole surgery, so wound healing is much quicker.

It is less costly than the previous operation and most relatively fit horses return to work in six weeks. This is now the most commonly performed procedure, with a high success rate.

Post-operatively, correct rehab is essential. This should include stretching on the lunge with the head and neck low and forward, encouraging the horse to step through from behind. Inhand work which consists of lateral movements and rein back, encourages the horse to engage its hind legs and take more weight behind.

“It can take up to 12 weeks before I recommend the saddle goes back on – walking out in hand and long-reining is very beneficial along with training aids such as the Pessoa which encourage the horse to engage its hindquarters,” comments Gil Riley.

RIGHT: AFTER SURGERY FOR KISSING SPINE, GERARDO HAS RETURNED SUCCESSFULLY TO COMPETITION WITH SAMANTHA THURMAN-PICKETT.

KEVIN SPARROW

focused on developing the muscles required to strengthen the back and lift up the core.

Medication can also play a part in aiding recovery teroids or other anti-in ammatory medications can be injected into the back to reduce any pain. Shockwave treatment can also be useful in resolving pain issues. “Shockwave is a good technique for resolving pain, giving a pain-free window for working the horse in a more correct way to build up its back muscles and core strength,” says Richard Coomer.

Rest, followed by a therapeutic exercise plan, can return the horse to normal working in some cases.

If, on the advice of your vet, surgery is the recommended route there are two operations available. Traditionally, vertebrae were reshaped or removed but there was a high risk of bone fragments causing infection and because of the positioning of the incisions on the top of the back, it was difficult for the wounds to drain. It also requires a long period of rehabilitation.

In 2009 Richard Coomer pioneered a minimally invasive surgical treatment called interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD), By releasing or decompressing the interspinous

42 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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44 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE Solarium Advert_92.5x54mm_OCT2018.indd 1

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PHOTOS: ŁUKASZ KOWALSKI

FEI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YOUTH.

YOUTH SHOWS BRIGHT FUTURE IN EUROPE RIDERS WHO REPRESENTED GREAT BRITAIN AT THE FEI DRESSAGE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YOUTH (U25, YOUNG RIDERS, JUNIORS, CHILDREN AND PONIES) IN PILISJÁSZFALU, NEAR BUDAPEST FROM 11-27 AUGUST, GAINED BOTH

INVALUABLE CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE AND SOME PROMISING INDIVIDUAL RESULTS.

IN THE U25 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS THE HARMONIOUS PARTNERSHIP OF LEWIS CARRIER (23)

ALICIA LEE (21) MADE A GREAT IMPRESSION ON HER

AND DIEGO V, HIS 12-YEAR-OLD SPIELBERG-SIRED

CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT WITH THE SUPER-TALENTED

GELDING EARNED 12TH PLACE WITH 68.74% IN THE

11-YEAR-OLD MARE BONITA 466 (BENETTON

INTER II. TRAINED BY LEWIS SINCE A YOUNGSTER,

DREAM X PRINCE THATCH) IN THE FEI YOUNG RIDER

DIEGO HAS DEVELOPED INTO A COMPETITIVE HORSE AT

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE LEVEL, AS SHOWN BY 67.46% IN THE GRAND PRIX

THE PAIR RODE A TEAM TEST FULL OF ENERGY

TO SECURE THEMSELVES 18TH PLACE AND A SPOT IN

AND CONFIDENCE FROM THE START TO THE FINAL

THE FREESTYLE FINAL. THE PAIR’S WILD WEST-INSPIRED

CENTRE LINE FOR A SCORE OF 69.67% AND 17TH

FREESTYLE WAS AWARDED PLUS-69% FOR 16TH PLACE.

PLACE; WHILE ANOTHER GOOD PERFORMANCE FOR 69.50% AND 17TH IN THE INDIVIDUAL EARNED THEM A PLACE IN THE FREESTYLE FINAL. THE HEREFORDSHIRE RIDER FACED DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN BONITA OVERREACHED BEFORE THE SECOND HORSE INSPECTION. THIS UNFORTUNATE KNOCK BROUGHT HER 2020 CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN TO AN ABRUPT CONCLUSION, BUT BEING OUT OF YOUNG RIDERS THIS YEAR, HER EYES ARE NOW FIRMLY SET ON GRAND PRIX.

ELLEN MCCARTHY (23) AND SIR LANCELOT M (LORDANOS X GINSBERG 4) WERE ON THEIR COMPATRIOT’S COAT TAILS IN THE INTER II, IN 14TH PLACE ON A PB SCORE OF 68.73%. THE STUNNING GREY STALLION, OWNED BY BRIDGET MCCARTHY, SHOWED A LOT OF QUALITY. SOME HESITATION IN THE PIAFFEPASSAGE WAS EXPENSIVE BUT THEY MADE UP SOME LOST GROUND WITH SUPER HIGHLIGHTS IN THE CANTER. THEIR GRAND PRIX WAS MARRED BY COSTLY ERRORS IN BOTH SETS OF TEMPI CHANGES KEEPING THEIR SCORE IN CHECK AT 66.69% FOR 22ND PLACE.

EMILY BRADSHAW (21) AND SUSAN BRADSHAW’S ENJOY AMARIS V (APACHE X CLINT EASTWOOD) - ALSO CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST-TIMERS - POSTED A CREDITABLE 68.05% IN THE YOUNG RIDER TEAM TEST FOR 26TH PLACE. IN THE INDIVIDUAL, A COUPLE OF MISTAKES IN THE CANTER BROUGHT THE SCORE DOWN TO 65.94% AFTER A STRONG START FOR THIS TALENTED PARTNERSHIP. THIS WAS COSTLY, RELEGATING THEM TO 40TH PLACE BUT THE QUALITY OF THE TROT WORK WAS UNDENIABLE.

GREAT BRITAIN’S SOLE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE PONY EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS DURING WEEK TWO WAS ANNABELLA PIDGLEY (15) WITH HER 2019 FEI PONY EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM PARTNER, COGNAC IX (FS CHAMBERTIN X WALDEMAR) OWNED BY SARAH PIDGLEY. ANNABELLA HAD A CHALLENGING RIDE IN THE TEAM TEST BUT DID A GREAT JOB TO SCORE 64.88% FOR 43RD PLACE. IN THE INDIVIDUAL TEST, THE PALOMINO GELDING WAS MORE SETTLED AND PRODUCED SOME HIGH QUALITY WORK BUT A MISTAKE IN ONE OF THE SIMPLE CHANGES WAS EXPENSIVE AND KEPT THEIR SCORE IN CHECK AT 67.83% FOR 29TH PLACE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 45

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01352 780229 46 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Like No Other!!

ACTION PHOTOS: WWW.TOPHSHOTS.ORG.UK

PARA SUMMER FESTIVAL.

FAR LEFT: A NEW PARA STAR FOR GRADE V RIDER SOPHIE WELLS IN ROWLAND KINCH’S DON CARA M. MIDDLE: FOUR TESTS, FOUR WINS FOR SOMERSET RIDER JEMIMA GREEN AND ELRITE IN THE GRADE II. ABOVE: GRADE I GABRIELLA BLAKE AND STRONG BEAU PUT THEIR LOCKDOWN WORK INTO PRACTICE.

Summer

CELEBRATION OUR PARA COMMUNITY REUNITED FOR TWO GREAT DAYS OF COMPETITION UNDER THE BANNER OF THE EQUISSAGE PULSE PARA SUMMER FESTIVAL AT SOLIHULL RIDING CLUB AT THE END OF AUGUST. AFTER MONTHS OF NO COMPETITIONS, A NUMBER OF RIDERS ENDURING TOUGH SHIELDING AND NO CONTACT, IT WAS FABULOUS TO SEE

EQUISSAGE PULSE GOLD Grade I Individual Test Gabriella Blake and Strong Beau

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Grade II Individual Test Jemima Green with Elrite

72.79%

Grade III Individual Test Erin Orford with LJT Diamond Crusador

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Grade IV Individual Test Laura Gulliver and Woodcroft Garuda K

68.78%

Grade V Individual Test Sophie Wells with Don Cara M

69.04%

EVERYONE IN GREAT FORM WITH SOME TOP QUALITY ACTION.

ABOVE: ERIN ORFORD CONTINUES TO IMPRESS IN THE GRADE III RANKS WITH HER EXCITING SEVEN YEAR OLD LJT DIAMOND CRUSADOR. LEFT: SHIELDING SACRIFICES FOR LAURA GULLIVER PAY OFF WITH A GRADE IV WIN WITH TIM HARRIS’S WOODCROFT GARUDA K WITH PRIZES PRESENTED BY SALLY PRICHARD FROM EQUISSAGE PULSE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 47

PARA SUMMER FESTIVAL.

EQUISSAGE PULSE SILVER

RIGHT: GRADE II SILVER VICTOR JASON INCHLEY

Grade I Novice A Claire Tregaskis and Stefania II

66.50%

Grade II Novice A Jason Inchley with Rubin Ryella

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HAD THE WIDEST SMILE WHEN HE HEARD

Grade III Novice A Isabel Slack with Mallmore Ardrahan Lad 69.00% Grade IV Novice A Laura Scott with Koko Pop

68.27%

Grade V Novice A Julie Frizzell with Namibian

67.50%

HIS SCORE OF 73.26% WITH RUBIN RYELLA.

ABOVE: ISABEL SLACK AND CONNEMARA MALLMORE

ABOVE: DR CLAIRE

ARDRAHAN LAD SHONE FOR 69% TO TAKE THE GRADE

TREGASKIS WON THE

III HONOURS. LEFT: EX-RACER NAMIBIAN LEAD THE

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WAY WITH JULIE FRIZZELL IN THE GRADE IV SILVER

THE ROMAINIAN-

WITH 67.5%. RIGHT: LAURA SCOTT AND KOKO POP

BRED STEFANIA

CONTINUE THEIR RISE UP THE RANKS WITH 68.27%

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BD SHOW TOGETHER.

LEFT: A SECOND WIN FOR STEFANIA II, THIS TIME WITH PARA NEWCOMER NEVE MCLENNAN IN THE GRADE IV WITH 72.5%.

RIGHT: LILY HUGHES TOOK THE GRADE II WITH LORNA HIGGINS’ NIKITA (ANNIE) ON 67.65%.

BELOW: CRAIG HARRISON WAS BACK WITH A WIN IN THE GRADE III RIDING THOMAS X, ALMOST SIX MONTHS TO THE DAY AFTER STARTING CANCER TREATMENT. ABOVE: TEAL ANTHONEY IS MAKING HER MARK IN PARA AND ABLE-BODIED WITH SUMMER NIGHT CITY WITH A GRADE V WIN AHEAD OF MAKING THEIR PSG DEBUT SOON.

EQUISSAGE PULSE BRONZE Grade II Test 10 Lily Hughes with Nikita (Annie)

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Grade III Test 21 Craig Harrison with Thomas X

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Grade IV Test 31 Neve Mclennan with Stefania II

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Grace V Intro Teal Anthoney with Summer Night City 68.33%

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 49

EXPERT OPINION.

READY FOR WINTER MAINTAINING CONDITION AND TOPLINE THROUGHOUT THE WINTER MONTHS CAN BE A CHALLENGE, SAYS ANNA WELCH, VETERINARY NUTRITION DIRECTOR AT TOPSPEC, BUT GENERAL GOOD HORSEMANSHIP AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NUTRIENTS NEEDED CAN HELP.

I

t is often more challenging to maintain a horse’s EXERCISE condition over winter, largely due to the decrease Although protein provides the building blocks for muscle in temperature and reduction in grass quality and topline, increasing the quality and amount of protein and availability. Shorter daylight hours and your horse receives will not completely solve the problem deteriorating weather conditions may also limit on its own. Working in a correct outline, using the muscles time for training, which has a significant impact on over his topline, is also vital. muscle development.

In order to maintain your dressage horse’s condition and WHAT TO FEED? topline as the winter progresses, it is important to consider Forage both his diet and exercise regime.

A diet based on forage with small, low-starch hard feeds nnual dental checks by a qualified equine dental will be the best approach for your horse throughout the technician or vet and an effective worming programme will year. Feeding in this way can reduce the risk of a number help to ensure that he gains the most from his diet. of problems, such as fi y behaviour, gastric Suitable rugging is also important to reduce ulcers, loose droppings, colic, laminitis, the loss of condition that occurs in trying ‘tying-up’ and stereotypical behaviour. to keep warm. If your horse struggles Now that grass is limited, and the AS THE WINTER to build topline, it is also worth quality is poor, your horse will be monitoring for signs of pain or injury relying on conserved forage (e.g. hay PROGRESSES, IT IS which could affect how he moves or haylage). To help maintain his IMPORTANT TO condition, forage should be offered ad-lib. This will provide him with THE IMPORTANCE CONSIDER BOTH a continual supply of fibre, which OF PROTEIN DIET AND EXERCISE is fermented by the micro ora in Most body condition should come the hindgut. This process not only from muscle and only a little from REGIME supplies him with calories but also fat. Muscle consists largely of protein, produces heat, which will help to keep which itself is made up of chains of him warm as the temperature drops. amino acids. To improve your horse’s It makes sense to feed the best quality forage muscle development and topline, he will require available as this will help condition and reduce hard feed all of the ten essential amino acids in his diet. These amino requirements. Early-cut ryegrass hay or haylage would be acids are termed essential because horses are not able to the preferred forage type if you aim to keep your horse or produce them themselves. pony in hard work over winter. This will provide a higher The most limiting of these amino acids is lysine, followed level of protein and calories compared to less nutritious by threonine and methionine f there are insufficient alternatives. essential amino acids in his diet, particularly lysine, protein owever, if your horse is prone to fi y behaviour, synthesis will be limited and the development of optimal which can be common during the winter months as muscle and topline will be compromised. turnout time reduces, late-cut meadow hay would be more The use of high-quality protein, which is rich in appropriate as it is generally lower in sugar. This would essential amino acids, will help to produce the best results. also be more suitable if he needs a low-sugar diet for other The highest quality vegetable protein source for horses reasons e.g. ‘tying-up,’ ulcers or laminitis. available in Europe is soya, followed by linseed.

50 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

EXPERT OPINION.

Hard feeds Hard feeds should be used to balance your horse’s forage diet and supply the additional protein, calories and micronutrients needed to maintain his condition.

An excellent solution is to base his hard feeds on a top specification conditioning feed balancer, which will supply high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and yeast products (pre and probiotics). These can all improve the utilisation of the rest of the diet (including hay and haylage , helping to promote condition whilst keeping meal sizes small.

WHY WORRY ABOUT MEAL SIZE? espite an increase in requirements over winter, it is important that your horse’s feeds do not become too large For e ample, a kg horse should have no more than kg dry weight in any one meal ceeding this is counter-productive, as feed will be forced through his digestive system too quickly, reducing digestive efficiency his means that he will struggle to keep weight on despite receiving a considerable amount of feed.

Using nutrient-dense products, such as a conditioning feed balancer, will help to avoid this problem eals may also need to be given up to three times per day his will improve the efficiency of his digestive system thus avoiding wasting money

cubes can be added to an appropriate feed balancer.

Linseed or soya oil can be added gradually to supply further ‘NonHeating’ calories. If oil is added, it is also important to ensure your horse receives adequate levels of the anti-oxidants vitamin and selenium ertain top specification feed balancers are rich in these anti-oxidants.

Cereal-containing options For horses that can tolerate higher starch levels, or perhaps need a bit of ‘fast-releasing’ energy, then an exceptionally nutrient-dense, high calorie, aked blend will help to promote excellent condition.

For specific advice tailored to your own horse, it is always worth speaking to an e perienced nutritionist ontact the TopSpec helpline on: 01845 565030.

ABOVE: NUTRIENT-DENSE FEEDS SUCH AS BALANCERS AVOID FEEDING LARGE MEALS WHICH REDUCE DIGESTIVE EFFICIENCY.

Chop Adding an alfalfa or grass chop to your horse’s feed balancer will make a very limited contribution to his condition or topline, due to the small quantity fed.

Blends nlike chops, blends are often fed in larger amounts and have a significant impact on overall muscle tone, as evidenced by topline, and condition.

Condition without ‘fi zz’ If your horse is highly strung, or needs minimal sugar/starch in his diet for other reasons, a cereal-grain-free, low sugar and starch, blend e.g. conditioning

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 51

HORSEBOXES.

ON THE MOVE TRAVELLING MORE AND FANCY SOME EXTRA SPACE FOR YOUR HORSES AND A BIT OF LUXURY FOR YOURSELF? A 7.5T LORRY COULD BE THE ANSWER, BUT PURCHASE AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE

S

NEED CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, AS BARBARA YOUNG DISCOVERS.

hopping for your dream 7.5T horsebo for the fi rst time can be daunting, however time spent researching designs to suit individual needs ensures a stressfree e perience Before investing in equine transport, consider key points, including budget, specific licence legislation, how often, how many and where you plan to travel, as well as living requirements.

Experts agree that one of the most important factors is payload to work this out, take your box (without horse or equipment on board) to a weighbridge, where a print-out of the unladen weight will be issued ubtract unladen weight from the bo s gross weight (ie which gives you the payload so you know how many horses ponies you can legally travel

qui- rek managing director om anion explains: “Payload is very important as just because you are upgrading, it doesn t necessarily mean you ll be able to carry an extra horse or extra equipment.

“The vast majority of 7.5T horseboxes don’t have the payload for two, let alone three horses. The absolute minimum payload of kg (but ideally closer to kg will be required for two horses. Other important considerations include a tilt cab, aluminium oors and a ramp that isn t too steep om e plains that a tilt cab allows maintenance and repairs to be carried out more easily: “Otherwise, you would need to fi nd someone with the facilities to lift the lorry on ramps over a pit, which will be very costly and more difficult to arrange

ou will also need a tachograph and speed limiter fitted he qui- rek volution is e clusively available with the eisure ehicle ack which benefits the private owner as there is no speed limiter, no tachograph and no for the fi rst three years, although horseboxes should always be driven at an appropriate speed when transporting horses When moving up to a 7.5T, Tom underlines the importance of choosing a new or low mileage chassis f something goes wrong, you can be looking at thousands of pounds to get a larger horsebo back on the road hen it comes to buying second-hand, Andrew Saywell from First Horseboxes, a family-run dealership in Newark, recommends always taking someone with you to inspect the horsebo

HORSEBOXES.

“Most customers are conscious of the payload and always ask about the oor and ramp. The box needs to be well built and tidy; the chassis is as important and should be in good condition and well maintained.”

Tom agrees and cautions buyers about being blinded by shiny bodywork.

“Don’t get tricked into buying a new body on an old chassis as this will be an expensive mistake when the bills start coming in. Make sure the box is weighed, check previous MOTs and service history and confi rm that it comes with a plating certificate as you will need this for your annual test.”

Plating is the annual HGV equivalent to a car’s MOT and required by law. The lorry should also be serviced regularly and have the bodywork and oor checked at least twice a year.

Tom explains that while most customers are more concerned about their horses travelling in safety and comfort, it’s also important to consider humans’ needs.

“If you are going to travel a maximum of two horses, you can afford more space for the living area, however, with an Equi-Trek, you don’t need to compromise on horse space or living area as we have options to suit individual needs.”

CASE STUDY Laura Matthews upgraded to an Equi-Trek Evolution horsebox two years ago as she began travelling further afield and staying overnight at shows.

“Driving a bigger horsebox was surprisingly easy – I was a bit worried the first time I drove it, but found it was so straightforward, like driving a car.

“My horses travel so much better with the extra space and I can keep an eye on them via the cameras. I also chose to have captain seats in front as I suffer from back problems and this make driving more comfortable for me.

“I also like that the horsebox is very safe and never moves, no matter what size horse you have in the back.

Competing in the winter isn’t a problem now as you have somewhere warm and comfortable to sit.”

OPPOSITE: A 7.5T LORRY OFFERS CREATURE COMFORTS FOR BOTH HORSE AND RIDER BUT THERE IS MUCH TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING. ABOVE: IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRAVEL A MAXIMUM OF TWO HORSES, THERE IS MORE SPACE FOR LIVING AREA. LEFT: A POP OUT, SUCH AS THIS ONE FEATURED ON EQUITREK ENDEAVOUR GIVES MORE SCOPE FOR LUXURY LIVING.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 53

HORSEBOXES.

Other important considerations in the horse area are ventilation and sharp edges or loose fittings that could potentially cause damage ndrew also advises buyers to check that the partition between the driver and horse is strong and ensure that it s possible to get the horse out quickly and easily in the event of an emergency om adds ake sure you purchase a vehicle that has ype pproval as this is the only way to know it is properly certified by the authorities e points out that storage in the horse area may also reduce space to manoeuvre around horses in the lorry f lockers are not designed correctly, there is a risk that a horse could climb on top qui- rek s slimline half lockers feature sloping tops so if horses climb on them, they slide down and don t get stuck

RESCUE REMEDIES

ABOVE: TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF PUNCTURES OR BLOWOUTS, CHECK TYRE CONDITION REGULARLY, ESPECIALLY IF THE LORRY HAS BEEN STANDING FOR A WHILE.

WINTER CARE ADVICE FROM PRP HORSEBOX RESCUE • Keep a particular eye on tyres as rubber deteriorates when not moved.

• Leaving the fuel tank full can help to avoid contamination.

• If storing, leave the handbrake off and chock the wheels.

• Keep the vehicle clean inside and out with locks/hinges lubricated to avoid corrosion.

• Empty the fridge and switch off unnecessary electrics in the living area.

54 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

lthough many buyers of previously owned horsebo es are concerned about high mileage, ndrew says that when it comes to horsebo es this is not a major issue, however one feature which is often overlooked is the si e and strength of the chassis any will have covered hundreds of thousands of miles and modern trucks can do around , miles before needing major work t s more important to thoroughly check the chassis of the vehicle ome horsebo es have been converted from other vehicles which is normal in the industry he chassis number, which we all check prior to sale, will tell you what the vehicle was previously, and if the horsebo has been built on a vehicle that was accident damaged

laire Barker from orsebo escue says they attend thousands of incidents per year, both for members of he rganisation of orsebo and railer wners ( and on behalf of insurers for whom they provide livestock support services ack of maintenance not only leads to breakdowns, but causes safety issues for horses, passengers and other road users t s the driver s legal responsibility to ensure the vehicle they are driving is safe to be on the road if you are found to be operating an unsafe vehicle you can be fi ned, receive penalty points or in the worst cases, a prison sentence n enormous number of the incidents that we attend are avoidable if a regular maintenance schedule was adhered to all year round, especially during winter when the vehicle might not be used as much laire also says horsebo drivers should be aware that standard car breakdown cover providers will not provide assistance to vehicles carrying livestock n many cases the rescue process begins with a service van to check if the vehicle can be repaired f this is not possible, recovery will be necessary, as well as replacement transport for horses t s important to give your breakdown company as much information as possible about your horses for the replacement vehicle for e ample if you know your horse travels

HORSEBOXES.

well herringbone, but kicks when travelling forward facing.”

As well as servicing, Claire also advises regular home checks, including tyres, uid levels, lights and electrics, as well as structures and fittings in the horse area “Take the vehicle for a quick drive every so often, especially in the winter, and maintain regular checks to avoid issues that arise through lack of use. “ According to Claire, together with nonstarts and gearbox issues, the most common cause of breakdown is a puncture/blowout, particularly when vehicles have been stationary for a long period of time.

Edward Kusznierski from the Ski Tyres Group points out that a puncture can happen at any time, and that a blowout may occur when the tyre is low on pressure and gets hot.

“Condition and pressures are the most important checks to be made on a regular basis,” he says. “Tyres do not like to stand for a long period of time, so if your box has been standing for a while, then checking pressures

FIRST HORSEBOXES’ ESSENTIAL CHECKS FOR BUYERS • Check ramp hinges and springs and make sure you can lift the ramp yourself – most horseboxes can be adjusted to make this easier.

• Carry out checks to the engine; look for oil leaks and damage to tyres, as well as the lights, indicators etc.

• Check living accommodation; ensure internal lights, shower and appliances are working before purchasing as these are expensive to replace.

will indicate if the tyres are going at lso check the wheel nuts before every outing to make sure they are tight enough; the last thing anyone wants is for a wheel to fall off !

Claire emphasises the importance of carrying a valid passport for all horses, as well as additional hay and water which can be

• Look out for any damp patches or rotting.

Check the floor from inside and underneath to make sure that it’s strong and not damaged/cracked and carry out the same checks on the ramp.

• Ensure you have the correct licence. A standard driving licence issued before 1997 means you can drive up to 7.5T, however licences issued after that will only allow you to drive up to 3.5T, while anything over 7.5T will require an HGV licence.

easily accessed in the event of a breakdown.

“Also remember that due to Covid-19 it may not be possible for you to travel home with your horses if we have to arrange transport for them following a breakdown. All our transporters are experienced and will take great care of your horses.”

BELOW: A NEW OR LOW MILEAGE CHASSIS CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF COSTLY BREAKDOWNS, SUGGESTS EQUI-TREK.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 55

PRODUCT WATCH.

FOXY PREMIER “We use the FOXY boxes daily, it is therefore imperative for me that the boxes we use ensure safety and durability. The layout, design and materials used have meant that all our horses have positive experiences from an early age and are confident and calm travellers. As a company, FOXY continually evolves to make sure that horses are the priority.” Andrew Gould – international dressage rider.

RRP: FROM £26,500 foxyhorseboxes.co.uk

HORSEBOXES TROPHY TWIN is a compact side load, forward facing horse box suitable for two big horses. It comes with fully fitted integral day living, with a generous external side tack locker on the short wheelbase model, and large rear tack locker on the long wheelbase model. Each horsebox is fully coachbuilt to a very high standard. The Trophy Twin is particularly suited to those who require day living, good payload for two horses and a horse box that is easy to drive and manage.

Various chassis options available, along with bespoke finishes.

RRP: FROM £20,995 phhb.co.uk

BOSS HORSEBOXES offers a variety of different makes and models to suit individual needs. Charlotte Dujardin says, "I was first attracted to Boss because of the style. Then I found all my boxes were ticked – safety, payload, build quality and so on. Boss is a family-run firm, that takes pride in its product, and is great to deal with.”

RRP: FROM £19,999 | bosshorseboxes.co.uk

PRODUCT

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SUPER SONIC FIVE is designed for those who require a greater weight-carrying capacity. Five people can travel in safety and comfort with five fully EU type approved seat belts in the cab. The new unregistered Peugeot chassis has an impressive payload of 1950kg. You can safely carry two large horses plus benefit from a tack and changing room, totally separate from the horse area.

RRP: FROM £29,499 +VAT (available for short or long term hire) | www.equi-trek.com

56 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 6 2020 // 57

HORSE’S OUTLINE.

THE RIGHT SHAPE FOR THE RIGHT LEVEL

THE HORSE’S OUTLINE IS A HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS. POLL AT THE HIGHEST POINT, BEHIND THE VERTICAL, NOSE POKING, OVER BENT, TIGHT IN THE NECK – ALL TERMS WE’VE HEARD USED BUT JUST WHAT IS CORRECT AS WE PROGRESS UP THE LEVELS? JANE KIDD TAKES US THROUGH THE EXPECTATIONS THAT REFLECT THE HORSE’S LEVEL OF TRAINING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

T

he F defi nes outline as rofi le or silhouette showing the horse s carriage or posture t is a term that is hardly used on a judge s test sheet for as dressage knowledge grew in this country it was reali ed that it is not so much a particular outline that is needed to receive high marks but the ability to do the movements with ease he marks are earned by the horse maintaining the scales of training appropriate to its level, whether in a working trot or piaffe hat static image does have value when describing in images of how the balance changes as the horse advances from novice to grand pri he weak novice horse at the beginning of its training will find it easiest to carry

a rider in a hori ontal outline if it is to maintain a good rhythm, show some suppleness and work forwards towards the bit he medium level horse in order to do the movements with rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion and some collection will have to be able to compress its outline by engaging the hindquarters, lightening and lifting the forehand he advanced horse will need more of this and the grand pri horse works with even greater shortening of that outline through engagement that supports the lightening of the forehand s shown in the diagram photo from the F andbook (right , these images of outlines are a great summary of what is entailed in the progressive development of collection and balance

58 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

THE EXCEPTIONS e have heard some say the outline of that horse is too advanced for the level it is working t is only too advanced if the way of going lacks quality, usually because the engagement is not sufficient relative to the height of the neck and the horse has tightened and hollowed its back to stay there ny lifting of the neck without sufficient engagement to support it leads to tightening of the muscles and loss of scales of training ome novice horses can go in that higher outline without forfeiting the scales of training ith generations of horses having been bred specifically for dressage, more have great natural talent as well as the muscle power to go in a more advanced outline, even when novices

ABOVE: DIAGRAMS THAT ILLUSTRATE THE TYPICAL FRAME OF THE HORSE AS IT ADVANCES FROM NOVICE TO GRAND PRIX LEVELS.

HORSE’S OUTLINE.

LEFT: THIS HORSE SHOWS NEAR EXEMPLARY OUTLINE IN THE PIAFFE, WITH THE CLASSIC ENGAGEMENT OF THE HINDQUARTERS, A LIGHTENED FOREHAND AND AN ARCHED NECK. THERE IS SO MUCH TO LIKE THAT A SLIGHT LOWERING OF THE POLL, ESPECIALLY IF ONLY MOMENTARY, NEED HAVE MINIMAL EFFECT ON THE MARKS. RIGHT: THE JOINTS IN THESE HIND LEGS ARE NOT FLEXING, THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF ENGAGEMENT AND THESE ARE LINKED TO A HORIZONTAL OUTLINE. THEY WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO DEVELOP MUCH ACTIVITY.

At the other end of the spectrum there have been some advanced horses that have been able to do the advanced work in an unusually horizontal outline.

What we emphasise is not a particular outline but the quality of the way of going.

VALUE OF THE OUTLINE The concept of outline is useful in discussions but when judging, my preference is to use ‘frame’ or ‘carriage’. They convey a better understanding of the movement and athleticism that is integral to good dressage. They make it less likely for anyone to look for a certain outline at each stage of dressage and for this being the main mark earner rather than the scales of training.

Using outline in articles like this one can be helpful as it simplifies and clarifies

THE REASONS FOR THE CHANGES TO OUTLINE We are asking a creature to carry a human when for its first years it has no weight on its back. The muscles to carry the weight are not there and they have to be developed, otherwise the horse hollows and stiffens against this weight. It takes time and the way is for the horse to learn to react more and more sensitively to the rider’s aids, and to stretch forward and down without falling on its forehand. Gradually as the muscles develop, the hindquarters lower, the hind legs step further under the body, producing more activity and so support the forehand that can then lighten.

As the frame shortens with an increase or at least maintenance

of the impulsion, the mobility can increase and cadence, that highlight of dressage becomes more possible.

To retain the willingness of the horse and to take care of its wellbeing, this is a gradual process, quicker for talented horses that are partnered by able, knowledgeable riders, and few progress through those outlines in less than four years.

THE STAGES The Novice horse The horse fresh to carrying a rider in most cases works best in that horizontal outline. The important factor is that it is developing those muscles that will help it to work in a more balanced outline. This means that it generates energy, that the hinds are active, the joints e ing and straightening, with no dragging out behind. Activity is the important thing, clear stepping forwards can come later.

It is important that the back does not hollow, as then it will be difficult for the propulsion to go through to the bit. The aim is a swinging back, the muscles contracting and rela ing to help build up their strength.

The head and neck are key, as it is with them we can see or feel whether the horse is drawing forward towards the bit and so developing the right muscles. It is important that the muscles in front of the withers start to bulge, any hollowing there will make it difficult for the propulsion to go through.

A higher set neck by nature

helps throughness. The neck, even when tending towards the horizontal, should give an impression of a slight arch so the topside muscles are operating and not those on the underside of the neck.

LEFT: A HORSE GOING IN THE CLASSIC NOVICE OUTLINE.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 59

HORSE’S OUTLINE.

• To have hands that do not pull back but have a defi nite forward feel to the contact. Transitions and giving and retaking of the reins are common ways to help this develop.

Grand Prix This is the ultimate and is simply a progressive development of the goals at medium and advanced levels.

ABOVE: THIS IS THE TYPE OF OUTLINE EXPECTED FOR A HORSE AT MEDIUM/ADVANCED LEVEL. BELOW INSET: A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE HORSE WORKING CLEARLY FORWARD TO THE BIT. RIGHT: FOR MUCH OF THE GRAND PRIX A HIGH DEGREE OF COLLECTION IS NEEDED, AS ILLUSTRATED

BY THE PASSAGE.

The poll controversy According to FEI guidance the poll should be the highest point, but some horses’ conformation makes this an impossibility, particularly stallions, so modern judges no longer make this an absolute requirement for the outline. What is looked for is that the jowl is open for if the horse tucks its head in, this is another restriction on the propulsion getting through.

The outline described should lead to the horse working actively forwards towards the bit and avoiding a common defect for novice horses of a atter outline and falling on the forehand.

Rider’s role: • To be able to use the driving

aids with precision to encourage active hinds.

• To have a seat that allows the muscles in the horse’s back to move, that can follow the movement (use rising trot) and avoid the horse hollowing or tightening.

• To have hands that can keep a consistent elastic forward feeling through the reins to the bit.

Medium to Advanced Rider’s role: • To ensure the hindquarters are sufficiently engaged to support the higher carriage.

• To have a seat that is balanced, poised and supple enough to allow the momentum to go through the back.

60 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

ABOVE: WHEN THE NECK SHORTENS, A GIVE AND RETAKE OF THE INSIDE REIN IS ONE OF THE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE CARRIAGE.

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62 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

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BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 63

RIDING REQUISITES.

A CLEAR FOCUS COULD MASTERING A MARTIAL ART GIVE YOU A FIGHTING CHANCE IN THE DRESSAGE ARENA? THERE ARE SOME SURPRISING CORRELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO ACTIVITIES, FROM DISCIPLINE AND PRECISION TO CALMNESS AND CONTROL, AS ANDREA OAKES DISCOVERS.

Y

ou may be fully on board with the idea that ‘out of saddle’ exercise can enhance your riding performance, both mentally and physically. That doesn’t make those gym sessions any easier, however, especially during the winter months when motivation levels can plummet.

A martial arts class might be the answer. These traditional disciplines, such as karate and judo, originated in the Far East as philosophies for combat or self-defence. et the spin-offs range from suppleness and stamina to an all-important awareness of the mindbody connection, as dressage professional Danielle Hardwick explains.

“Martial arts are based upon core stability, strength and co-ordination, which are the same traits needed for effective riding, says anielle, who trained in mi ed martial arts as a teenager. “Those early years were where fi rst learned about the importance of core e ercises, something I’ve kept with me. You need to be quite supple and agile to kick and punch, so martial arts students don’t have massive muscles. It’s more about developing balance and body control, which really helped my riding

MARTIAL ARTS ARE BASED UPON CORE STABILITY, STRENGTH AND CO-ORDINATION, WHICH ARE THE SAME TRAITS NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE RIDING 64 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

After becoming the UK’s youngest mixed martial arts black belt, with expertise in areas such as weapon work and kick boxing, Danielle put her training on hold at 17 to concentrate on her dressage career. here are so many cross-overs between the two, she adds. “You need dedication and focus to climb the levels in martial arts, as in dressage, and must learn complex movement sequences to be ready to take the next grading.

I did mixed martial arts exhibitions on stage at the NEC in Birmingham, which also gave me the confidence to perform in front of people Danielle now has a yard of 10 horses, with top ride Edendawn William Wombat ready to step up to Prix St Georges. Would she recommend martial arts as a dressage-friendly activity?

“I would encourage riders of any age to consider joining a club, especially if they’re struggling with motivation to go to the gym, she says artial arts offer structure and a more focused form of fitness As a further bonus, adds Danielle, you’re taught to fall properly. Gary Spence, a brown belt in jujitsu, agrees that riders tend to underrate this skill. ost stunt riders have a martial arts background, he e plains For your very fi rst belt in a sport such as judo or jujitsu you learn how to fall safely, by dissipating energy, so that you can continue on your path without injuring yourself. In martial arts you train so consistently that this becomes a ‘non-thought’, a sequence carried out through muscle memory Gary teamed up with orthopaedic surgeon Michael ames to offer instruction for riders in these valuable techniques (www.safefalls.com) to reduce the risk of

RIDING REQUISITES.

A PROPER WARM-UP SHARPENS YOUR REACTIONS IN THE SADDLE, MAKING A FALL LESS LIKELY, BUT IT WILL ALSO HAVE POSITIVE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS injury ne of their fi rst guinea pigs was eventer Fiona Fit gibbon, who now co-ordinates the courses online and throughout the d broken both collarbones falling from horses the wrong way, by sticking out a hand to save myself, e plains Fiona s a coach, can t afford to be off work But it s not just the eventers who come to learn riding club and hobby riders are also keen, since most accidents happen at home when we re not wearing air jackets and where there are no paramedics f you re properly prepared, you ll be more confident and less likely to fall in the fi rst place, she adds he techniques are so simple ary e plains that students learn tuck and roll skills low and slow, through repetition from a crouch position, before they progress to standing upright and then on a high bo ther methods can also help if you fall sideways or backwards ne of the most positive things to come out of the courses is that many riders now appreciate the importance of a warm-up, says ary n the martial arts we spend

minutes working on our neck, shoulders and hips, to loosen the body and focus the mind on what we re about to do ot only will a proper warm-up sharpen your reactions in the saddle, making a fall less likely, but it will have positive mental and physical benefits as you work with the horse

TRY SOMETHING NEW When Sharon Wood joined a Shotokan karate class, six years ago, she had a vague hope of gaining some extra fitness and core strength that might help her when training her young dressage horse, Floris.

“I was really there to make up the numbers, as my partner was setting up the club,” she admits. “But I quickly became addicted to my weekly hit of this traditional martial art, which may focus on fighting and self-defence techniques but is steeped in calmness, respect and control.”

Now a karate black belt, training twice a week at Kokoro Karate Dojo in Leicestershire, Sharon is reaping the benefits when she rides her Dutch warmblood gelding.

“Physically, karate has made me more aware of

what my body is doing,” she says. “The Japanese stances are typically low to the ground, focusing on weight distribution and a stillness. As a result, my riding position has improved; it is controlled but not rigid, so that I can go with the flow.”

Sharon is now working on more advanced katas, the combinations of karate positions and movements.

“No matter how far you get up the karate ladder, you never stop working on the basics,” she explains, likening this continuous emphasis on revisiting the correct foundations to dressage. “Any stresses of life are left at the door of the dojo [the karate training area]; once you enter, you achieve an almost Zen-like feeling.

“I try to treat the manege like a dojo, she adds. “I often have my best rides on a Sunday, after karate training.”

LEFT: SHARON WOOD, PICTURED WITH FLORIS, FEELS THAT KARATE HAS IMPROVED HER RIDING POSITION.

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 65

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REGIONAL ACTIVITY. CENTRAL

SCOTLAND

NORTHERN RDO: Alex Phillips M: 07495 013192 E: central@ britishdressage.co.uk

SOUTH WEST RDO: Emma Devoy M: 07584 147258 E: scotland@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Jo Byrne M: 07783 791191 E: northern@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Amanda Rodgers M: 07894 232355 E: southwest@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Jane Imbush 07739 644064 Coaching: Amy Blount 07773 228562 Rider training: Gemma Dainty 07780 705788 BD Youth: Dawn Fleming 07742 082723 Judges: Richard Baldwin 07903 942498 Para: Caroline Unwin 07842 219043 Marketing: Contact RDO

Chairman: Vikki Hayton 07860 276578 Coaching: Charlotte Wilson 07949 076141 Rider training: Sarah Farrand 07941 640148 BD Youth: Jess Griffiths 07590 732896 Judges: Gwyneth Lewis 07710 021279 Para: Gillian Brown 07872 923456 Marketing: Sarah McClarron 07557 281360

Chairman: Sharon Lindop 07793 129245 Coaching: Jean Stephen 07718 315834 Rider training: Linda Thompson 07919 441039 BD Youth: Kerry Sutherland 07720 085248 Judges: Caroline Paterson 07554 086211 Gillian Peters 07501 444132 Para: Clare Molyneux 07789 262898 Marketing: Amelia Ratcliffe-Smith 07837 533506

Chairman: Susie Cumine 07860 677977 Coaching: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 Rider training: Nicky Du Plessis 07427 674610 BD Youth: Joanna Lees 07709 376470 Judges: Alicia Anderson 07778 898499 Para: Nick Rodgers 07791 935095 Marketing: Sharon Stuart 07912 225700 Paula Holland 07748 666794

EASTERN

NORTH WEST

SOUTHERN

WALES

RDO: Katharine Perry M: 07872 603871 E: eastern@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Lotte Olsen 01277 822525 Coaching: Tracy Wright 07951 570315 Rider training: Hayley Liddiard 07769 692670 BD Youth: Phillippa Coles 07860 215895 BD Youth (U12s): Jessica Brown 07852 282983 Judges: Jane Howard 07831 406406 Para: Joanne Dagley-Cleworth 07967 605566 Marketing: Katie Tysome 07772 571497

RDO: Nadine Murray M: 07557 233219 E: northwest@ britishdressage.co.uk Chairman: Tim Downes 07775 797484 Coaching: Jane Critchley 07966 865604 (South) Alison Calvert 07980 886004 (North) Rider training: Jackie Crombie 07816 216594 BD Youth: Sue Blackshaw 07528 570681 Judges: Denise Glanville 07966 303633 Brenda Pamplin 07415 203766 Para: Alison Ramseir 07809 456296 Marketing: Anna Tomlinson 07773 428176

RDO: Sharon Walker M: 07894 232358 E: southern@ britishdressage.co.uk

RDO: Vanessa Archer M: 07398 763414 E: wales@ britishdressage.co.uk

Chairman: Samantha Osborn 01428 656188 Coaching: Emma Butler 07843 585504 Rider training: Contact RDO BD Youth: Eve Fifer 07879 643047 Judges: Yvonne Huber 07933 133132 Para: Contact RDO Marketing: Caroline Gibson 07795 035581 Sam Mabb 07971 871888

Chairman: Mike Mullis 07706 940315 Coaching: Amanda Leaker 07980 309398 Rider training: Bethan Powell 07545 082247 Helen Hopewell 07971 490038 BD Youth: Kelly Bergheim 07792 735909 Megan Roberts 07807 053246 Judges: Dianne Breeze 07491 531953 Para: Tracy Ormrod 07973 616497 Marketing: Jen Smithson 07900 993223 Cethin Ravenhill 07974 900941 Quest: Lorry Davies 07940 449002

JUDGES’ DIARY Important information: The Principles of Judging Seminar 2020 has unfortunately had to be cancelled as due to the event format, it’s not possible to observe social distancing measures. We hope to run the same format at some stage in 2021 once the government has given the go-ahead for spectator events. In the meantime, we’re aiming to hold an alternative judge training event later this year should social distancing measures allow. Further information will become available in the coming months. Dispensation has been granted for fulfilling your CPD requirements as a judge, this means you now have until Spring 2021 to attend CPD. We recognise the challenges around face-to-face CPD as a number of the regional seminars were cancelled earlier this year, along with the cancellation of the Principles of Judging Seminar, which will not be rescheduled in this calendar year. As an alternative, you will be able to fulfil your CPD requirements by attending two online Zoom judge training sessions at your current level. These will be bookable via your regional Bookwhen 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 note that the new exam policy is now in place, so any judges wishing to upgrade must have been at their current list for a minimum of one year before coming forward.

CONVENTION WEEKEND Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire Incorporating training and judges’ days. Details and format will be released as soon as available.

REGIONAL TRAINING Please visit each region’s Bookwhen page for the latest dates and to book your place.

Central Region bookwhen.com/bdcentral

Eastern Region bookwhen.com/bdeast Southern Region bookwhen.com/bdsouthern South West Region bookwhen.com/british-dressagesouth-west Wales Region bookwhen.com/bd-wales North West bookwhen.com/bdnorthwest Northern Region bookwhen.com/bdnorthern Scotland Region bookwhen.com/bdscotland

Reminder: It’s a compulsory requirement for all judges to attend a minimum of one seminar at the relevant list per year.

PART 3 EXAM DATES All judge examinations that have been cancelled will be rescheduled where possible and this may fall into 2021 to accommodate candidates.

Where possible, those booked onto cancelled dates will be offered priority booking for any rescheduled

dates at their previously chosen venue. We’re reviewing remaining part 3 examinations scheduled for the rest of the year on a rolling basis and will ensure that candidates receive a minimum of four weeks’ notice of cancellation.

For more information visit britishdressage.co.uk/ judging/judge_training and to book: bookwhen.com/ britishdressage

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. For the most current dates, please refer to the regional Bookwhen pages which can be found on each regional web page: britishdressage.co.uk/regions/

BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 7 2020 // 67

BD ACTION.

BRITISH DRESSAGE

ACTION

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

WE’RE GOING GREEN! Some of you may have spotted that something’s missing from this magazine mailing – the 2021 Members’ Handbook.

We believe that going digital on this is in the best interests of the environment.

ARE YOU LISTED AS THE OWNER OF YOUR HORSE? To receive recognition in competition reports, it is imperative that a horse’s owner/s are registered as such with British Dressage. Visit britishdressage. co.uk/membership/manage-yourmembership/ where you will find a change of ownership form, or email membership@britishdressage.co.uk

Cutting down on paper use, transport miles and reducing waste will help with our green credentials, not to mention offer substantial cost savings as we rebuild the organisation’s finances in the wake of the pandemic.

to add an owner. All owners of fully registered horses must be a Premier Club member as a minimum.

JUDGE RETIREMENT Trish Gardiner (List 1) from Gloucestershire has retired from the Judges Panel. British Dressage would like to thank Trish for all her hard work and support over the years and wishes her all the best for the future.

YOUTH FOUNDATION ACADEMY DATES For those on the 2020 BD Youth Foundation Academies, remember to make sure you have the camp dates in your diaries.

Venue Camp 1 Camp 2 Sparsholt College, Hampshire 24-25 Oct 5-6 Dec Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire 3-4 Oct 7-8 Nov Team Hayler, Stockton-on-Tees 14-15 Nov 12-13 Dec The aim of the Foundation Academies is to develop the training and education of BD Youth riders. The programme is run by top BDCC Coaches and riders who will work with you to support you and your horse to become the best you can be. The Academies include: test riding sessions with feedback, individual and group training sessions, individual workshops and performance planning sessions.

The programme is well underway for this year however if this is something you’d be interested in applying for in 2021, visit britishdressage.co.uk/get-involved/bd-youth/youth-academies to find out more including eligibility guidelines.

Foundation Academy athletes are automatically eligible for selection for the National Academy for the following year.

68 // Issue 7 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE

Members will have free access to an online version, which will be fully searchable, from early December which will give you plenty of time to take in the rule changes and new features ahead of the effective date of 1 January.

New rules will be in bold as normal and a synopsis of changes will

accompany the handbook.

We will be printing a vastly reduced number for our judges, stewards, officials and staff, and members will be able to request a copy free of charge if required.

We’ll be releasing how to apply very soon, so keep an eye on our social media and digital channels.

U21 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

into the championship class will be required to compete in both classes on consecutive days. Scores are combined and the combination with the highest percentage will be crowned the champion of their age category.

A new British Dressage U21 National Championship will be held alongside this year’s Vale View High Profile and in subsequent years at the National Championships.

Riders who have achieved international qualification between 1 November 2019 and 17 October 2020 are able to enter the championship class and contest the U21 National Championship for their age group.

Riders who are not eligible will still be able to attend the show and enter their respective Team and Individual tests to achieve important qualification to be considered for international competition as per the selection policy and selection criteria documents.

Friday 30 October – FEI PYO COH/P/J/YR – FEI Team Test Saturday 31 October FEI PYO COH/P/J/YR – FEI Individual Test Combinations wishing to enter

CONVENTION WEEKEND INCORPORATING TRAINING AND JUDGES’ DAYS 21-22 November at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire.

Details and format will be released as soon as available.

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 29-31 Oct Vale View High Profile Show, Leicestershire 3-6 Dec Keysoe High Profile Show, Bedfordshire 9-13 Dec FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, Verden, GER 21-22 Dec LeMieux Grand Prix National Championship, Hartpury, Gloucestershire

FEEDING

ACCESSORIES

The

It’s a great way to allow the horses to eat with their heads down but without making a mess by dragging all the loose hay around their boxes!

a stylish neck strap that improves training and performance Enter code bling kerching for a discount on all sizes of The Diamanté Ultimate Set www.saluteequestrian.com

Laura Collett Top International Event Rider

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DRESSAGE DAYS.

DRESSAGE DAYS Q&A MEET GEMMA ZAREMBA As an equine veterinary surgeon and active British Dressage member, horses play a huge role in the life of Dr Gemma Zaremba MRCVS. Alongside her work as Clinical Director at Severn Edge Equine Vets in Shropshire, Gemma competes her talented gelding, Ekko Falkenfürst, by Fabergé 50, successfully at Medium level. During their six years together, Gemma and ‘Mylo’ have been on Home International teams and have competed three times at the LeMieux National Championships. We caught up with Gemma, who lives with her husband Dan on the edge of the Shropshire Hills, to find out how these two aspects of her life unite.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS RIDDEN? My mum used to run a riding school so I have been around horses all of my life. I started with a very docile Shetland called Benji, and won my fi rst rosette when I was two years old. The ponies quickly became less ‘easy’, as I was always volunteered to ride the naughty ones. I certainly have those years to thank for my ‘stickability’!

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO STUDY VETERINARY MEDICINE? As a teenager I couldn’t picture myself in any career other than one which involved horses. I was also a bit of a science geek, so Veterinary Medicine seemed the perfect choice.

HOW DOES UNDERSTANDING THE HORSE’S PHYSIOLOGY FROM A VET’S PERSPECTIVE HELP YOU AS A RIDER? I am incredibly conscious (paranoid!) about the physical effects that repetitive training has on competition horses, and this underpins the work that my horses do. This means they do a variety of training, including plenty of hacking, fun rides, polework and jumping. I also believe this helps to look after the horse’s mental wellbeing – which is vital for a happy athlete.

WHEN TREATING PERFORMANCE HORSES, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A COMPETITOR YOURSELF? The biggest factor is being aware of how important the big competitions are to the riders and owners; as competitors we often work towards a certain goal for months, and sometimes years. This means that issues along the way need to be dealt with promptly and carefully to try to ensure the training

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schedule can resume as soon as is sensible. I also can empathise with clients when a serious illness or injury to their horse means they cannot achieve their aims.

WORKING IN A PROFESSION THAT INVOLVES A VARIABLE ROUTINE AND BEING ON CALL, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO COMBINE WORK WITH TRAINING AND COMPETING? To try and achieve the right balance, I don’t tend to compete all year round, but instead have more intense months when I’m building up to a big competition.

In between, I keep the training up but with less pressure on myself and the horses. I am also incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support crew, most notably in the form of my mum Michele and my husband Dan who both provide unlimited moral and practical back-up.

TELL US ABOUT MYLO? In 2014, mum and I started looking for our next horse, just to have fun with and compete at low level Riding Club activities.

As I am only 5ft1in, 17hh fouryear-old Mylo ticked none of the boxes, but we fell in love with him nonetheless. He proved to be pretty difficult as a five-yearold (defi nitely challenging the

stickability factor!), but we found that the solution was to keep him mentally stimulated, with a range of different disciplines. He is now 10, and we have had the most incredible journey together, with the aim of reaching PSG over the next couple of years.

DO YOU COMPETE IN ANY OTHER DISCIPLINES? Mylo loves to jump, so we regularly hire cross country courses and fi nd logs and fences to pop over whilst out hacking. I showjump my mum’s horse Elton when I get the chance, although she usually can’t watch as we’re speed demons in a jump off !

IF YOU COULD HOLIDAY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY? There honestly aren’t many places in the world I would rather spend a week off work than at home with the horses and Dan… although I may answer this question differently in February when I’m fed up with being cold, wet and covered in mud!

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS Dedicated, focused and I’d probably have to admit, stubborn!

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Katie Anne Roberts and NEMO VII competing in the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver class at the Winter Championships.

From £30,499.00 + VAT & RFL Or £346.55 per month*

0114 288 4411 • sales@equi-trek.com • www.equi-trek.com Equinox *Quotation based on a cash price of £37,198.80 OTR, less a deposit of £7,439.76 leaving a balance to finance of £29,759.04 over 120 months at £346.55 per month, with an Option to Purchase Fee of £10.00

collected with the final payment. APR 7.3%. All figures are subject to credit approval with the rates being quoted being subject to revision should there be any change in prevailing interest rates or existing monetary 71 // Issue 6 2020 // BRITISH DRESSAGE conditions. Financial information may be required for credit assessment. This is an indication of terms provided for discussion purposes only. It shall have no contractual effect and is not binding upon you or us. E&OE. Equi-Trek Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Please see our website for full terms and conditions. Vehicle shown may have optional extras not included at advertised price.