HORSE OF THE YEAR
SUPPORTING THE NEXT WAVE OF RIDERS AIMING FOR GRAND PRIX A delighted Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir are presented with the Prestige Dressage Saddle by Stephanie Liefting of Prestige Equestrian Photo: Libby Law
When the Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures series was initiated by the late Laurence O’Toole of Prestige Equestrian in 2013, it was open to all levels of riders on horses working their way to Grand Prix. As the sport has evolved, so has the series and the encouragement for riders finding their way to Grand Prix for the first time.
40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | APRIL 2020
T
he sponsor recognised in the early years of the series that once riders reached Grand Prix, there was a lot more opportunity for them to secure personal sponsors from within the industry given their higher profile in the sport. This led to series conditions also evolving to target competitors who had no Level 8 points at the beginning of the season. The Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures prize is not just about young horses and their journey to Grand Prix. It is about giving a “leg up” and additional support to developing riders.