LeMieux National Championships Show Programme

Congratulations to the British Dressage Team

Welcome from

Robert and Lisa Lemieux

Welcome to this year’s LeMieux National Dressage Championships.

It's indeed a rare treat - a ‘real event’! I cannot say what a pleasure it will be to see everyone. After eight years of sponsorship, we’ve certainly missed the personal contact during these Covid times. However, we have plenty to celebrate in British Dressage with some amazing performances in Tokyo and then an even more impressive showing at the Europeans in Hagen.

Congratulations to our quartet and we’re looking forward to seeing Carl, Charlotte and Gareth here on their young horses.

The Nationals are always a great showcase for future talent and with more horses than ever qualified we can expect some serious competition and worthy winners.

Let the action begin!

Best wishes,

Robert & Lisa

Welcome

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Welcome from Jason Brautigam, CEO

Welcome to our new look LeMieux National Championships! After two decades at Stoneleigh Park, the time was right for a move to a new site and we’re delighted with the first class facilities on offer here at Somerford Park – so huge thanks to the King family for being such gracious hosts.

It’s been a spectacular summer for dressage and we look forward to celebrating with you this week.

Expanding the Nationals to three competition arenas, including seven new classes and more space will give spectators, competitors and visitors a better experience than ever before.

As part of our revitalised championships, we’re making the most of the digital technology available, which is more user friendly – as well as kinder to the environment. Hopefully you’ll have found the online booking and check in on arrival with your e-ticket simple and straightforward. Your mobile is key to accessing other features too, including the complimentary online programme, which is full of essential information, and listening to Radio Nationals, where Kim Ratcliife, John Bowen and guests will bring your experience to life.

You will also be able to see all of the start times and results online and by downloading the Spectator Judging App. We’ve introduced live scoring for the first time, for all of the classes in the main LeMieux arena, which you can follow on your mobile. Plus, you can also use the interactive App to mark the test yourself and see how your scores compare with the judges in the arena.

Another new initiative this year is the BD Fanzone – where some of the sport’s best-known personalities and knowledgeable experts will be interviewed by Jenny Rudall and Bobby Hayler. This should be a great new addition where you can learn and be entertained – have a look at the daily timetable on page 52 and the list of guests will also be available on the website.

We’re exceptionally grateful to Robert and Lisa Lemieux for their continued title sponsorship. They have been a driving force in the improvements you see here at Somerford – and perfect partners in turning these plans into reality, sharing our desire to make the Nationals the best dressage experience for competitors and spectators alike.

I’d also like to thank our sporting partners, class sponsors and official suppliers – we simply couldn’t put this occasion together without your loyal support. The riders, owners and their connections all value the contribution you make to the development of our sport.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the huge role undertaken by Kelvin Bywater and his team at Show Direct. Moving to a new site is always ambitious, but the expansion of these championships, combined with the added complications and uncertainty of COVID, has been an enormous challenge. Putting the new timetable, site layout and show infrastructure together – all in a much shorter timeframe than usual – has really put the pressure on, but they have certainly delivered.

Please come and visit the BD team on trade stand 27 – we’re here to help with any questions or feedback you may have. In the meantime, good luck to everyone – riders, trainers, owners, breeders, grooms, judges, writers, scorers and stewards – whatever part you play, I hope these championships are a successful one!

CEO welcome

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Championship

Officials Show Organiser Kelvin Bywater BD Technical Delegate Sara Green Management Team Kevin Millman Georgina Creamer Marine Delanoe Chris Radley Show Secretary Sara Green Show Office Sara Green Charlene Bryant Judges Coordinator Mandy Keen Scorers Lizzie Oegle Gloria Harrison Diane Miller Anne Dingley Helen Rothery Martin Hopkins David Fawcus Cliff Parry Neil Booth 6

Ticket Gate Glen Mac Robert Smith Samantha Street Abi Howell Declan Perry Trade Stand Manager Caroline Arnold Score collectors / Officials Reaseheath College Senior Arena Steward Dan Chapman Arena Stewards Dan Chapman Tessa Clarke Rita Young-Jones Lynne Campbell Mel Bailey Mikhaela Windrum Louise McCarthy Pat Layton Displays Kevin Millman Commentators Nick Wood Gareth Jenkins Dino Maddern Radio Nationals Co-ordinators Kim Ratcliffe John Bowen

Officials

Sponsor Liaison Maggie Jackman Lorrie Sisson Nationals Pavilion Entrance Lynda Mckeegan Harry Taylor Xenia Contreras Sponsors Marquee Hosts Harry Taylor Marketing & Press Office Winnie Murphy Becca Tuttle Camille Peters Joanna Bowns Alice Daish Stable Manager Piers Warmoth Stable Administration Nathan Farrel Stable Services Imogen Albrock Horsebox Entrance Manager Mark Foote Parking Control Mark Neudeck

Horsebox Parking Cary Mai Jess Sallen Tobias Sallen Beth Parker Hollie Scott Medical Services Choice Response Veterinary Practise (on call) Wright and Morten Equine Clinic - 01260 280800 wmvets.co.uk/equine Horse Ambulance Horse Ambulance Service Ltd Hon. Farrier Kris Parkin (on call) – 07903 790500

Official Photographer Hoof Prints Photos Purchase your show photos online, visit: www.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk Speak to the Hoof Prints team: 01933 418884

Officials 6

Officials 7

W W W. C O O L E Q U E S T R I A N. C O. U K

Celebrating our

Partners We are delighted to be associated with the following companies as commercial partners. At BD we pride ourselves in forming strong relationships with all the companies we work with, many of which have supported our sport for over 20 years.

Official Insurance Partner

Official Legal Partner

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01905 612002 hcrlaw.co.uk

National Championship Title Sponsors

Winter Championship Title Sponsors

Official Surface Supplier

02380 814360 lemieuxproducts.co.uk

0800 373 106 naf-equine.eu

01995 672102 andrewsbowen.co.uk

Visit www.britishdressage.co.uk to find out more about our partners, or find the British Dressage trade stand to talk about how they can benefit you.

Partners

9

Friday 17 September

Thursday 16 September

Timetable

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Arena and class LeMieux Arena

Equissage Pulse Para Gold Championship Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold Championship Masterclass with Anna Ross

Times Prize giving 07.52 – 10.54 11.04 – 18.04 15:00 - 15:30

12.40 18.14

07.50 – 13.30 14.00 – 17.13

14.50 18.04

Mobiliser Preliminary Silver Championship

08.00 - 15.41

16.50

Arena and class

Times Prize giving

Arika Arena

Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium Silver Champs.

Haygain Intermediate II Gold Championship

Vector Arena

LeMieux Arena

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Gold Champs.

07.57 – 14.20 Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold Champs.14.30 – 18.00 Masterclass with Anna Ross 15:20 - 15:50

Arika Arena

BETTALIFE Novice Gold Championship Shearwater Young Horse 6YO (assessment/pre-judging)

Vector Arena

Equitop Elementary Silver Championship Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Silver Championship

16.30 18.10

08.00 – 13.40 14.10 – 16.12

14.20

07.50 – 13.50 14.20 – 17.10

15.10 18.00

Timetable

Sunday 19 September

Saturday 18 September

Arena and class

Times Prize giving

LeMieux Arena

British Dressage 7YO Young Horse Championship 07.50 – 10.02 LeMieux Grand Prix Gold Championship 10.24 – 13.10 Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Freestyle Gold 13.50 – 17.35 Masterclass with Spencer Wilton 15:30 - 16:00 Saracen Horse Feeds Inter I Supreme Champion award 17.45

Arika Arena

TopSpec Medium Gold Championship 07.50 – 13.08 Shearwater 4YO Young Horse (assessment/pre-judging) 13.18 – 15.20 Shearwater 5YO Young Horse (assessment & pre-judging) 15.30 – 17.32

11.14 14.22 17.45

15.20

Vector Arena

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Silver Champs.

BETTALIFE Novice Silver Championship

08.00 – 10.40 10.50 – 16.30

Arena and class

Times Prize giving

LeMieux Arena

Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium Gold Championship 07.50 – 12.15 Shearwater Young Horse 4YO Final 12.25 – 13.10 Shearwater Young Horse 5YO Final 14.00 – 14.45 Shearwater Young Horse 6YO Final 14.45 – 15.30 Masterclass with Spencer Wilton 15:30 - 16:00 Arika Grand Prix Freestyle Gold Championship 16.00 – 17.40 Presentation: LeMieux National Dressage Champion 17.50

Arika Arena

British Dressage Under 21 Championship Equitop Elementary Gold Championship

Vector Arena

Mobiliser Preliminary Gold Championship TopSpec Medium Silver Championship

6 Timetable

LeMieux National Championships

12.12 17.35

13.10 13.00 14.35 15.20 17.50

07.50 – 11.10 11.20 – 17.00

12.15 17.40

07.50 – 10.20 10.30 – 16.04

11.05 16.54

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Visitor info LeMieux National Championships online The LeMieux National Championships website is your one stop shop for everything you need throughout the event. Visit the website for: • • • • •

Competitor lists and start times Competition timetable Radio Nationals Visitor info Plus much more!

Visit us online here.

Nationals radio Nationals radio is back with Kim Ratcliffe and John Bowen for all of the live commentary and interviews every day at the Championships.

This year we’ll be broadcasting online only, where you’ll be able to listen through your mobile device. Have a question for the team? You can email them on askkim_and_john@outlook. com or send a message via the BD Facebook page and we’ll pass it on.

To listen, visit Radio Nationals.

Starter lists View the full start lists, times and results as they happen on the LeMieux Nationals website.

Spectator Judging and live scoring See the live scores as the judges give them, PLUS download the Spectator Judging app to judge along with the competition in the LeMieux Arena.

Download the app to try your hand at judging and take part in the audience scores and rankings during the competition.

Winner interviews Catch up with our winners’ interviews on the British Dressage podcast hub – listen direct or download via Apple, Spotify or Google platforms. Join Laura Cook from Cre8 Media as she finds out all the info behind the victory, always an inspiring listen!

6Visitor info

LeMieux Nationals on social For all of the latest results, previews & event info, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Tag us in your event photos for your chance to feature across the four days. Find us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

LeMieux National Championships

Officials13

Championship

Sponsors Title sponsors

LeMieux

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2020 Champion

What are your reflections on the last nine months?

Winnie Murphy takes the 2020 LeMieux National Champion on a whilstlestop tour of nine months to remember.

The last nine months since I won the title back in December 2020 can only be described as busy! Preparing for Tokyo and then the Europeans has obviously been the priority but I had a really good spring building up to those championships.

Charlotte Dujardin

Charlotte Dujardin took her second National Champion crown last December in the rescheduled LeMieux Grand Prix Championships at Hartpury. It was a fantastic celebration to end a troubled year on a high…but it wasn’t a full National Championships, and it wasn’t Stoneleigh. We caught up with Charlotte to see what the last nine months have been like for her, what new stars are in the pipeline and what we can expect at his year’s Nationals.

2020 6 crown

I did a few Premier Leagues and it’s great to support them, qualified a few for the NAF Five Star Winter Championships and did some shows with my young horses which I really enjoy. It’s great to have been able to get them out as they didn’t have much competition experience with the disruptions last year.

Tokyo was just amazing – I was so proud of Pumpkin (Gio)! To represent your country, particularly at the Olympics, is so special. We had

LeMieux National Championships

Officials17

a great team with such a positive atmosphere and to bring two medals home was incredible.

“

For me, that individual bronze was just like a gold knowing what that horse gave me.

To then follow with the results we had in Hagen last week was such a high.

Pumpkin just continues to get better and better. You can still count the number of Grand Prixs he’s done on one hand so he’s still so inexperienced. He’s still green, but definitely feels more established and it makes my job a little easier. He’s just a cheeky little pony who goes in there with all the pressure in the world, but he delivers it. I’m absolutely over the moon and so happy for Gareth getting a medal.

The Europeans in 2019 didn’t quite go to plan and then Tokyo as travelling reserve, but now he has one.

What other stars to you have in the stables at home?

I have A LOT at home! Some really lovely young ones – next year is going to be really exciting! Now competing it getting back to more normal and we can get some of the young ones out that people haven’t really seen and I can’t wait to get them competing. Producing and training the young horses gives me every bit as much as a thrill as going to a big championship.

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I’m really excited by Kismet who did well at the Winter Championships.

I just couldn’t get her qualified for the Nationals because all the Regionals clashed with Tokyo which was very unfortunate as I really wanted to try for the Medium and Advanced Medium titles. So she’ll miss out this time but next year should be exciting with her and bringing her out at the next level.

What horses are you bringing to this year’s Nationals?

I’m bringing two horses to the LeMieux Nationals this year. I have a four year old for the Shearwater Insurance Young Horse Championships who’s never been to a show this big before. He’s called Mon Amore – hoping to survive on that one! He’s really exciting for the future.

Then I have Imhoteph, or ‘Pete’, who I ride for Carl and Coral Ingham. He’s eight and has qualified for the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges and Saracen Horse Feeds Inter I. He’s another I’m excited by and he’s really enjoying stepping up to small tour.

What do the Nationals mean to you? And what do you think of the change of venue?

I’m really excited about Somerford as a new home for our National Championships.

2020 crown

Charlotte’s famous faces We explore some famous partners of Charlotte in the last decade.

Gio Intermediate II Champion Elementary Champion

2019 2017

Florentina Inter I Champion Prix St Georges Champion Medium Champion

2018 2018 2016

Mount St John Freestyle Inter I Champion Prix St Georges Champion Advanced Medium Champion Medium Champion

2017 2017 2016 2015

“

I really look forward to the National Championships each year – it’s a great end to the summer season and for me, it’s great to do a big show like this at home.

The stables are fantastic, the arenas and surfaces are fantastic, there’s lots of space – lots to look forward to. It will be very different. For me over the last few years going to Stoneleigh was special – there is no other place like it. But I am looking forward to the move – the people are friendly and it’s a great facility.

2020 crown 6

LeMieux National Championships

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Outstanding Results #FedonTopSpec

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Roll call Since 1955, the National Champion title has given the very best of British dressage the opportunity to etch their name into the history books.

Here are the greats, from Lorna Johnstone to Charlotte Dujardin.

1955 Brenda Williams and Pilgrim 1956 Lorna Johnstone and Rosie Dream 1957 Lorna Johnstone 1958 Lorna Johnstone 1959 Brenda Williams 1960 Lorna Johnstone 1961 Brenda Williams and Little Model 1962 Johanna Hall and Conversano Caprice 1963 Brenda Williams 1964 Lorna Johnstone 1965 Lorna Johnstone 1966 A Stubbings 1967 Lorna Johnstone and El Guapo 1968 Johanna Hall and Conversano Caprice 1969 Lorna Johnstone 1970 Lorna Johnstone 1971 Lorna Johnstone 1972 Lorna Johnstone and El Farruco 1973 Lorna Johnstone 1974 Lorna Johnstone 1975 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Kadett 1976 Sarah Whitmore and Junker 1977 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1978 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1979 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1980 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1981 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1982 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Courage 1983 Jane Bartle-Wilson and Pinocchio 1984 Christopher Bartle and Wily Trout 1985 Christopher Bartle and Wily Trout 1986 Jane Bartle-Wilson and Pinocchio 1987 Tricia Gardiner and Wily Imp

Behind the scenes 6

1988 David Hunt and Maple Zenith 1989 Diana Mason and Prince Consort 1990 Annie McDonald-Hall and Florioano 1991 Laura Fry and Quarryman 1992 Carl Hester and Giorgione 1993 Emile Faurie and Virtu 1994 Emile Faurie and Virtu 1995 Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Catherston Dazzler 1996 Joanna Jackson and Mester Mouse 1997 Carl Hester and Legal Democrat 1998 Carl Hester and Legal Democrat 1999 Carl Hester and Legal Democrat 2000 Peter Storr and Gambrinus 2001 Peter Storr and Gambrinus 2002 Nicky Barrett and Giorgio S 2003 Richard Davison and Ballaseyr Royale 2004 Carl Hester and Escapado 2005 Laura Bechtolsheimer and Douglas Dorsey 2006 Sandy Phillips and Lara 106 2007 Spencer Wilton and Dolendo 2008 Maria Eilberg and Two Sox 2009 Carl Hester and Liebling II 2010 Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H 2011 Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H 2012 Carl Hester and Uthopia 2013 Carl Hester and Fine Time 13 2014 Michael Eilberg and Marakov 2015 Charlotte Dujardin and Barolo 2016 Carl Hester and Wanadoo 2017 Hayley Watson-Greaves and WG Rubins Nite 2018 Lara Butler and Rubin Al Asad 2019 Carl Hester and Nip Tuck 2020 Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle

LeMieux National Championships

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Charlotte Dujardin

Charlotte Dujardin World and European Gold medallist, six-times Olympic medallist

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regularly came to teach their daughter Alice. And it was through watching these lessons that an interested in dressage was sparked.

Spencer then moved to Carl’s yard in the mid-90s to help with the number of horses and his career in dressage began.

At Carl’s he was given the opportunity to bring on some of the young horses and he found a real partnership with Dolendo and took him from Novice to Grand Prix, including being crowned National Champion in 2007.

Masterclass man Spencer Wilton

We catch up with the Olympic silver medalist and former National Champion.

Born and raised in Suffolk, Spencer was a keen member of the Essex and Suffolk Pony Club where eventing was his love. He went on to represent Britain as an individual at the Pony European Championships.

He took the decision to leave school at 16 to pursue a career in horses and served as a working pupil under Ruth McMullen, Lucinda Green and Mark Todd. However, Spencer came to realise that he wasn’t going to be ‘good enough or brave enough’ to make it in top flight eventing.

While working for Lord and Lady Bamford, he met Carl Hester who

6Spencer Wilton

He then had a break from competing but in 2010, he was back with a new string of horses and in 2012 introduced new ride purchased for him by Jen Goodman from Carl, the British-bred Goodmans Supernova. ‘Neville’ made his Grand Prix debut in 2014 and in 2016 got a first Senior team call up to make their Olympic debut in Rio. Stellar performances earned a team silver medal alongside Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Fiona Bigwood.

They were then part of the team at the 2017 European Championships in Gothenburg which finished fourth which was followed by a first World Championship in Tryon where the team took bronze. They also scored numerous CDI big tour victories including Barcelona, Lier, Doha, Compiègne, Hickstead and Keysoe.

This year, the decision was made to retire Neville, aged 18, to enjoy a life of hacking and eating grass, his two

LeMieux National Championships

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favourite things with long term groom Claire Hinton.

In 2018 he married long-term partner Daren Hicks and they share a base in the Cotswolds where Spencer has a few horses to bring on and compete.

Spencer is increasingly in demand as a sympathetic trainer and delivers clinics and lessons all over the world.

His approach with any pupil is to try and understand their situation fully – what’s their background story, what are their expectations from training and competition and what do they find easy, and not so easy.

“

I like to spend time talking to my clients – really get to know them and their horse. My opinion is irrelevant to them unless I make it relevant to their training.

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So, what can we expect from his LeMieux Masterclass over the weekend?

“When I was deciding what to focus on, I thought it was best to cover two areas which come up in 99% of my lessons as they link to so many other elements of dressage – half pass and flying changes – with tips and explanation that riders of all levels can relate to. So on Saturday we’ll look at riding half pass, from beginnings in leg yield to building up to what judges are looking for as the levels progress. Sunday I’ll be presenting everything about flying changes. I’ll start with simple changes and build up through the levels,” Spencer explained.

“Many of my clients have lessons once a month or so, so I like to give them ‘homework’ – plenty of exercises to help improve, and I’ll be doing the same here – plenty of take home advice and things to work on!” he added.

Darren will join Spencer as our demo rider on a seven year old who’s only been lightly competed but is training at Advanced Medium level and has qualified for the Nexgen Championships.

Watch and learn from Spencer in the LeMieux Arena on Saturday and Sunday at 15.30.

Spencer Wilton

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Future stars

Shearwater success Discover the class that prepares British horses for success on the world stage.

Our young stars of the future will be lining up to showcase their talent in the exciting Shearwater Insurance Four, Five and Six year old Young Horse Championships and this year we welcome David Hunt and Erik Theilgaard as judges and Tom Goode will act as ride judge.

On the first day (Saturday), combinations perform the same individual age-specific tests (four, five and six year olds) in the Arika Arena as they did at the semi-finals at which they qualified. The top four combinations are then selected from each age group to go through to

Shearwater success 6

the final judging the following day (Sunday), where they will be ridden together in the LeMieux Arena and commanded through changes of rein and paces in front of three judges before being assessed by Tom who will feedback to the rest of the judges.

So what are the judges looking for when selecting their finalists and winners? List One judge Andrea Smith, gives us an insight into what she looks for in our future talent; “As a judge, you’re looking for the ability of a horse to stay in rhythm and balance, plus the start of gear changes (lengthening and shortening),” says Andrea.

“I like horses to move through their whole body. A young horse also needs to show presence and have the ‘look-at-me’ factor, but also still needs to be working in the correct way. Also without trainability, the horse won’t be able to be guided by

LeMieux National Championships

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Watch the Shearwater Young Dressage Horse Championships , pre-judging starts on Friday 17 September in the LeMieux arena. rider. Submission brings relaxation, not the other way around!”

Andrea points out that good training should enhance the young horses’ natural paces, with rhythm the first point of call together with suppleness and contact.

“A supple and balanced rider can help the horse stay in balance and in rhythm and help present a good picture. However, an unbalanced rider may affect the fluency and contact and balance in the ring, particularly if they are using their reins to balance themselves.”

Andrea explains that when judging potential Grand Prix greats of the future, a few high spirits in the ring are acceptable. “We're not looking for a clockwork mouse, but an athlete who is happy in its work. Young horses are unpredictable so a few high spirits are acceptable and a cheeky mishap would be forgiven if it was brief and then settled.”

Andrea also notes that while too much energy out of control can make a young horse flatten its stride, those with more "whoa than go" are unlikely

28

to be hot and sensitive enough at the higher levels. “A horse that shows an ability to 'sit ' and compress a bit, then open up in the medium strides is preferable to one with a small gearbox,” she explains. “Four year olds can be unworldly, but I take that into account when judging. If they have done too much at that age, they often run out of steam a few years down the line.

“

For me, star quality is the look-at-me swagger, still maintaining correct basics with an ability to lengthen and shorten while keeping the same tempo and tick-tock rhythm.

“One of the reasons these championships are so popular is that spectators like to see horses shown together in the arena so they can compare them and choose their own favourites. Spectators enjoy the chance to be their own judge, listen to the feedback from the experts and pick up some helpful tips. For me, it’s a pleasure to see future stars and be part of the start of their journey!”

Shearwater success

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It’s often said that judging freestyle is more challenging than a standard test as not only do judges mark the movements, which are not in a set order, but they also have to assess the artistic nature of the test.

International rider, trainer and 5* judge Isobel Wessels says she likes to see “music that enhances the performance, combined with correct work and rhythm, both in the artistic and technical parts”.

Freestyle guide How it works

The highlight for many in the National roster, we look into how freestyle dressage works.

Dressage to music has long proved a highlight with spectators at the Nationals and this year is set to be another crowd-pleaser with a top line up of talent in the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Freestyle Gold, Arika Grand Prix Freestyle Gold Championships and the welcome addition of the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold.

Freestyles require combinations to perform a sequence of compulsory movements ordered by the competitor, showing off paces in perfect synchronisation with music which complements the horse’s performance.

Freestyle guide 6

“As a judge I’m looking for really fitting music, combined with lots of harmony, fluency and something a bit different choreography-wise, although not a circus performance,” she explains. “I’ve always loved riding to music and when you have a special horse it’s even better. I love to improvise and ride what I feel the music is saying to me.”

Marks awarded in freestyles tend to be slightly higher than those in standard tests, as riders have the opportunity to emphasise their horse’s strong points and can perform a movement again if this went wrong at their first attempt. The choreography and music marks, which are not as closely linked to the technical marks, also often warrant higher marks.

When it comes to riders’ choice of music, judges’ personal preferences don’t come into it. Instead they are assessing how well the music flows and harmonises with the paces,

LeMieux National Championships

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interpretation, movements, and if it enhances the overall picture and theme of the performance.

“Judges aren’t influenced by the choice of music, as long as it fits the horse and tells a story anything goes,” Isobel explains. “However, many riders choose very well known clips that one hears every other test so sometimes new, different, or unusual makes a better impression.”

Isobel points out common mistakes also include “having the music too loud, making the choreography too complicated for the horse’s level of training, or including too many chopped up small bits that destroy the harmony and fluency”.

“

What impresses me most when judging freestyle is music and atmosphere that has me on the edge of my seat.

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Understanding Freestyle marks Judge scoring in freestyles is split into two parts -- technical (specified movements you must complete) and artistic marks, which is split into five headings with 10 marks and coefficient of four (total out of 40 marks) each.

1: Rhythm, energy and elasticity 2: Harmony between horse and rider 3: Choreography, use of arena and inventiveness 4: Degree of difficulty, calculated risks 5: Music and interpretation of music

Freestyle guide

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What’s in the test?

These are the elements the riders must include in their floorplans and the marks available – put your dressage knowledge to the test and see if you can spot them in all the tests.

Grand Prix

Intermediate I

Technical

Technical

Collected walk (minimum 20m) 10 Extended walk (minimum 20m) 10 Half-pass right (collected trot) 10 Half-pass left (collected trot) 10 Extended trot 10 Half-pass right (collected canter) 10 Half-pass left (collected canter) 10 Extended canter 10 Flying change every second stride 10 Flying change every stride 10 x 2 Canter pirouette right 10 x 2 Canter pirouette left 10 x 2 Passage (minimum 20m on one track) 10 x 2 Piaffe (minimum 10 steps straight) 10 x 2 Transitions from passage to piaffe and from piaffe to passage 10 Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test 10

Artistic

Rhythm, energy and elasticity Harmony between rider and horse Choreography/use of arena Degree of difficulty/calculated risks Music and interpretation

10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4

Collected walk (minimum 20m) Extended walk (minimum 20m) Shoulder-in right (minimum 12m) Shoulder-in left (minimum 12 m) Half-pass right (collected trot) Half-pass left (collected trot) Extended trot Half-pass right (collected canter) Half-pass left (collected canter) Extended canter Flying change every third stride Flying change every second stride Single canter pirouette right Single canter pirouette left Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test

Artistic

Rhythm, energy and elasticity Harmony between rider and horse Choreography/use of arena Degree of difficulty/calculated risks Music and interpretation

10 10 x 2 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10

10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4

Judge the LeMieux Grand Prix Freestyle and Saracen Horse Feeds Inter I Freestyle on the Spectator Judging App, download from the App store!

Freestyle guide 6

LeMieux National Championships

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Prix St Georges Technical

Collected walk (minimum 20m) Extended walk (minimum 20m) Shoulder-in right Shoulder-in left 10 Half-pass right (collected trot) Half-pass left (collected trot) Extended trot Half-pass right (collected canter) Half-pass left (collected canter) Extended canter Flying change every fourth stride Flying change every third stride Half canter pirouette right Half canter pirouette left Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test

Artistic

Rhythm, energy and elasticity Harmony between rider and horse Choreography/use of arena Degree of difficulty/calculated risks Music and interpretation

10 10 x 2 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 x 2 10 x 2 10

10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4 10 x 4

Enhance your experience Spectator Judging

Download the Spectator Judging App from your mobile device’s relevant app store to be able to judge along with the action in the LeMieux Arena. See how your scores rank and take part in the audience average.

Live scoring

Follow the live scores via the big screen in the LeMieux arena or visit the LeMieux National Championships hub to find live times and results.

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Freestyle guide

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Masterclass host We meet Anna Ross ahead of her return to the LeMieux arena

Anna Ross is a well know character in the dressage community. With her effervescent personality, unique wit and prowess as both as a rider and trainer. She started working with horses like many – helping at a local riding school, going on to do her AI at the London Equestrian Centre.

Sue Payne FBHS trained her

48

and encouraged a trip to Talland School of Equitation where lessons with Adam Kemp sparked her dressage interest and she did her first affiliated competition aged 23 and by 2006 was a winner at Grand Prix.

She spent five years training with the inspirational Ulla Salzgeber in Germany to broaden her knowledge and in 2007 got her first call up for Britain at the European Championships in Turin. She partnered Leibling II and finished best of the Brits in tenth. She’s been a regular Nations Cup competitor ever since.

Anna Ross

Anna heads up Elite Dressage, a sales enterprise in Devon where they breed and produce horses up the levels, in her words, “we sell everything from embryos to Grand Prix horses!”. She works with her ‘dream team’ with Beth Bainbridge, Alex Baker and Vicky Campbell in the yard that’s she’s building into a world class facility, brick by brick.

Anna is fresh home from Tokyo and Verden for the FEI World Breeding Championships. She journeyed to Tokyo to help her partner Marcelo Tosi in the eventing. Marcelo was riding the ex-racehorse Glenfly and they posted a career best 31.5 at the level so Anna’s influence is clearly working!

In Verden, she supported Alex and Tiger, bred by Newton Stud (Blue Hors First Choice x Sandro Hit) and they finished fourth in the five year old small final for the Anglo European Studbook. Tiger will be in the BETTALIFE Novice and Equitop Elementary championships at Somerford – certainly one to watch.

Anna and the team have an amazing nine horses qualified from the yard and she thinks there’s around 20 combinations in total who she trains so its going to be a busy four days for the team!

“I’m genuinely excited about the championships being at Somerford and am thrilled to be coming – both

6Anna Ross

to compete and present the LeMieux masterclass once again.

“

For me, that individual bronze was just like a gold knowing what that horse gave me.

My plan for Thursday is to showcase the straight levels using the Scales of Training and on Friday we’ll look at freestyle to music.

This isn’t anything new on paper but I hope I can bring some different thinking and methods to help riders of all abilities and appeal to everyone watching,” explained Anna.

“We’re going to bring two Grand Prix horses, one established, one very new to the level to make it true to life and show the progression – there will be plenty of mistakes! I’ll be riding Delgado, owned by Beverly Brown, who’s back after some time out and Beth will have Quarter Magic, or Harry as we know him. Really looking forward to sharing knowledge in an engaging way and giving some real-life practical tips that will help any rider.”

Catch Anna, Beth, Delgado and Harry in the LeMieux Arena on Thursday at 15.00 and Friday 15.20. Elite Dressage has a hospitality tent at the weekend and the team would be happy to talk to anyone about finding your next equine partner.

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Your para dressage guide One of the highlights on Thursday is the culmination of the summer season for our leading para equestrians, the Equissage Pulse Gold Championships. Britain’s leading riders will compete across five grades for top honours. If you’re not familiar with the fastest growing segment in our sport, here’s a little bit of help.

What is para dressage?

Para dressage covers all the same requirements as the dressage we all know and love. Athletes perform a series of movements in an arena in front of a judges panel. ‘Para’ comes from parallel, as the Paralympics run in parallel to the Olympics.

What are the ‘grades’?

Riders are classified into a ‘grade’ so that they compete on equal terms with other athletes with relatable disabilities. Classification assesses mobility, strength and co-ordinaiton.

There are five grades with one being those with the greatest physical impairment, up to five where it’s least.

Sections in each grade mirror the BD competition levels, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Somerford hosts the Gold championships for all five grades.

What do the tests include?

Competitors here will ride the FEI Individual test – the same tests used in Tokyo for the Paralympics. Grade 1 tests are solely in walk, grades II and

50

III feature walk and trot and grades IV and V comprise of walk, trot, canter and lateral work.

Can the riders use additional aids?

Yes. Which additional aids are permitted depends on physical impairment. Once approved, riders carry a dispensation card which lists what they can use.

Can para riders compete in able-bodied dressage?

Certainly – many competing at Somerford have been really successful, including Erin Orford, Nicola Naylor and Charlotte Cundall.

How do you get started in para dressage?

Many start riding as therapy to help with balance, co-ordination, strength, suppleness, plus amazing mental health benefits being with horses brings. The Riding for the Disabled Association is the perfect start point, or for those with competitive ambitions, join the BD community!

Para Dressage

EquissageUK

@equissagepulse

Fan zone A new attraction for visitors to the LeMieux National Championships! Join us in the heart of the tradestand village where we’ll be bringing four or five live sessions each day to entertain, educate and inform with guests from all areas of the sport across a range of subjects.

Presentation duo Jenny Rudall and Bobby Hayler will bring the sessions to life….and ask all the questions you’ve always wanted to yourself!

They’ll interview guests to get their views, advice and insight – and where time allows, get the audience involved.

The Fanzone is adjacent to the food court so take time out from the dressage action, grab yourself some refreshments, a seat and enjoy!

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Daily timetable Thursday & Friday 11.30 13.00 14.30 16.00 Saturday & Sunday 10.00 11.30 13.00 14.30 16.00

Fan Zone

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