Tag

british equestrian federation

Change to the British Equestrian Showjumping Team for Herning

written by Hugh

Ben Maher, in consultation with owners Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, have made the difficult decision to withdraw their Olympic gold medallist Explosion W from the ECCO FEI World Championships due to competition fitness.

Ben explained; “We’re incredibly disappointed to have to take this decision but Explosion W just isn’t quite at his peak fitness to take on the demands of this championship. He’s well in himself but jumping championship tracks over consecutive days takes a great deal of stamina. He’s simply too special a horse to risk so, with his welfare at the forefront of my mind I felt this was the best action.”

Ben Maher will now partner his direct replacement horse, Oakingham Stud’s Faltic HB at the upcoming ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

“Oakingham Stud’s Faltic HB has jumped fantastically this season, I’m really looking forward to being part of a very exciting British team in Herning,” added Ben.

The Agria FEI World Jumping Championships get underway on Monday 8 August with the horse inspection and the first jumping action is on Wednesday 10 August.

Faltic HB details: bay, stallion, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Baltic VDL x Concorde, Owner: Oakingham Stud, Breeder: H. A. Brinkman NED.

4th August 2022 0 comment

Equestrian

British Equestrian and its member bodies pledge to improve equality, diversity and inclusion

written by Hugh

British Equestrian and its 18 member bodies have today signed a unity pledge which outlines a commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.

The pledge includes the following commitments:

to make equestrianism representative of the diverse communities around us
to grow a welcoming community for all who are united by a passion and respect for the horse
to promote the benefits of equestrianism on mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The full pledge is available to view online.

Chief Executive of British Equestrian Jim Eyre said; “Equestrianism and the passion for horses is by its nature hugely diverse and open to all, regardless of age, gender, religion, ability or background. However, we know ethnically diverse communities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are under-represented across equestrianism and may not feel it is for them. If we are to thrive as an industry and open up participation for everyoneto experience the unique joy horses bring, we have to do more to embrace our differences and recognise what can be possible when equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into our culture.

“While this is a strategic imperative for the Federation, it’s more about working to break down those barriers and creating a community where everyone truly feels they belong. Today marks the start of our commitment to doing just that. We look forward to working with partners and stakeholders on a number of research projects which will bring a strategy and an action plan, which will help us collectively deliver on our pledges.”

Within the organisations, work has already commenced around equality standards, culture, and workforce to lay the foundations for the larger projects around perception and participation. British Equestrian will focus on two major research projects in the coming months, outlined below, with more to come in the future once the objectives of these have been met.

Firstly, a project being launched by British Equestrian today is an extensive research project to understand Barriers to Participate in Equestrianism, which aims to discover the perceptions of people from ethnically diverse communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds towards equestrian sports and activities, and what the barriers are to taking part. After an extensive tender process, British Equestrian is excited to announce that international learning and development consultancy AKD Solutions have been contracted to complete the research.

Having worked with the home nations’ sports councils on their #TellYourStory campaign, sharing the experiences of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people across the sporting landscape, AKD Solutions are ideally placed to conduct the research, as well as working with British Equestrian on long-lasting and effective solutions for implementation to help make an impact.

The team at AKD has outlined a thorough research plan so that as many who wish to participate in the project can do so in a convenient and accessible way. The following will be available;

hour-long online forums
face-to-face sessions within communities
face-to-face sessions at equestrian facilities for specific groups, including those who are advocates, interested, apathetic, cynics and unaware
one-to-one interviews to explore lived experiences, perceptions, barriers and motivation in detail
online questionnaires, which will give quantitative data to support the qualitative processes.

The survey will launch next week and British Equestrian would like everyone – from those who are currently involved in equestrianism to those who have been previously or wish to start – to engage. If you would like to sign up to receive updates or be part of this ground-breaking research, you can do so here: https://bit.ly/38BccEH.

Akin Thomas, CEO of AKD Solutions commented; “We’re excited to be working with British Equestrian on this initiative. We’re going to bring some creative ideas to how we design and deliver this project. We intend not just to deliver a great research project, but also to build long-standing relationships between communities and equestrian sport, providing greater awareness, breaking down barriers and bringing genuine opportunities for people.”

The secondary research project that will also be commencing soon is around urban riding centres throughout the United Kingdom. Working in collaboration with the Sport and Recreational Alliance, we’ll undertake a consultation with our urban riding centres to learn about their business models and the challenges they face, with a view to learning how to increase their reach and launching similar initiatives in other urban environments. Further details of this project and other elements of the British Equestrian’s equality, diversity and inclusivity project will be communicated in due course, including the launch of a wide-reaching strategy and related action plan.

15th June 2022 0 comment

Equestrian

Experienced names join British Equestrian showjumping team support staff

written by Hugh

British Equestrian and British Showjumping are delighted to announce three appointments in the key roles of Technical Expert and Nations Cup Chef d’Equipe, both new roles, and Team Veterinarian. The new roles have been developed following a full programme review and feedback from stakeholders to enhance the support team headed by Performance Manager Di Lampard to take showjumping through to Paris in 2024 and beyond.

Stanny Van Paesschen, who represented Belgium at Olympic level and has managed medal-winning showjumping teams internationally, will take on the Technical Expert role. Stanny brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as a leading contributor to showjumping for over five decades. This new role will see him provide support for the Performance Manager around selection and preparation, as well as helping riders work toward key performances. The Nations Cup Chef d’Equipe, whose primary responsibility will be for teams contesting the European Equestrian Federation Nations Cup series with Di Lampard overseeing the FEI Nations Cup teams, has been named as Tony Newbery, an Olympic rider who has worked with Britain’s prolific youth championship teams. The Team Veterinarian position was made vacant when Robrecht Cnockaert stepped down after 19 years and it’s his assistant of six years, Dr Simon Woods BVSc CertAVP(ESO) MRCVS, who takes over.

Performance Director Richard Waygood explained; “The spectacular individual gold medal winning performance of Ben Maher riding Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s Explosion W captivated many at Tokyo last year and kept Britain amongst the world’s leading showjumping nations. However, our showjumping teams haven’t featured on the top of the podium in recent championships, and we want to redress this. Within the World Class Programme, we took time to reflect on the Tokyo cycle, considering input from a wide range of stakeholders. These new appointments reflect our philosophy of continuous improvement, always seeking to evolve.

“We have a great deal of talent in our showjumping ranks and are committed to developing a support network and structure which nurtures and develops those combinations. Di Lampard has done a sterling job managing a complex showjumping programme and calendar, and now with the support of Stanny as Technical Expert and Tony’s role as Nations Cup Chef d’Equipe, alongside Simon’s expertise, she can lead the teams much more effectively.

“For our showjumping team, this year is about securing Olympic qualification at the World Championships in August, earning a place at the FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona and keeping our place in Europe Division 1 of the FEI Nations Cup. I firmly believe that this new structure, with these key appointments in place, gives us a real chance of achieving those aims to put us on a positive pathway to Paris.”

More about our new showjumping support team members

Stanny Van Paesschen is based near Brussels at Hof ten Bos, which he’s called home with his wife Béatrice for over twenty years and where they run a successful training and breeding establishment. His son Constant is the fifth generation of the Van Paesschen dynasty to ride at the top level as a regular rider in the Global Champions League. Stanny’s CV as a rider is remarkable, having ridden at the top level from 1975 before retiring in 2005, having amassed 300 international victories and represented Belgium in three Olympics, including a bronze medal in Montreal.

His attention then turned to training and he has had medal success with teams at Olympic Games, World and European Championships, Asian Games and South American Games. He helped the Belgian senior squad to eight championship medals, before then supporting the Saudi Arabian teams, including a historic team bronze at London 2012. More recently, he’s worked with the riders from Mexico to claim two team gold medals and a number Nations Cup victories.

Stanny’s initial focus will be around building relationships with the riders and team support staff, while being introduced to their owners and grooms. May will be his first opportunity to be at competitions, and he’ll attend Windsor CSI5* and be on duty in Rome CSIO5*.

As a rider, Tony Newbery was competing in the elite ranks from the age of 19, going on to be a member of many victorious Nations Cup teams and earning a place on the Olympic squad for Montreal in 1976.He was also non-travelling reserve for Los Angeles in 1984. Through the mid-1980s, Tony’s focus turned to training and he has made a name as an internationally renowned coach and manager. Time in the Middle East and Asia saw him help a number of riders develop to compete on the world stage, before focusing closer to home in his current role of Chef d’Equipe for the British Showjumping Junior and Young Rider squads, which he’ll continue with alongside this new role, as well as coaching the riders on the World Class Programme Showjumping Performance Pathway.

Tony’s role focuses mainly on the European Equestrian Federation Nations Cup series (previously the FEI Europe Division 2) while Performance Manager Di Lampard will continue to have oversight of the teams in the FEI Nations Cup series. The EEF Series is an ideal opportunity for combinations to gain the experience needed to bridge the gap from the youth ranks into senior competition at three- and four-star level, then to five-star and championship teams. He’ll oversee the teams at Lisbon in May, then on to Madrid.

Having supported Robrecht Cnockaert for six years, Simon Woods is ideally placed to be his successor. In his professional life, Simon owns a five-vet equine practice with his wife in Llanymynech in Shropshire and holds an Advanced Veterinary Practice certificate in Equine Surgery (Orthopaedics). He’s an Official FEI Veterinarian, FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian and an Official Veterinarian on behalf of the Animal & Plant Health Agency, which helps with his detailed knowledge of FEI rules. Simon has previously worked with many of the riders and horses on the World Class Programme, and will build on these relationships in conjunction with the riders’ home teams in preparation for the season’s main fixtures in the build-up to the World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Leadership comment

Showjumping Performance Manager Di Lampard is looking forward to the prospects the appointments bring; “I’m absolutely delighted to have secured the trio for our support team to take us through the Paris cycle. I’ve known Stanny for years and he brings a wealth of experience and credibility in the sport, while operating with high moral standards. I’ve always had lots of admiration for him – as a fellow competitor and latterly as a team manager in producing results and getting the best performances out of the talent he had. He’s a true gentleman who sticks by his word and I’m grateful he accepted the role.

“We’ll miss Robrecht greatly and Simon has big shoes to fill, but he’s certainly the right person for the role. He has demonstrated his ability to handle difficult situations in the team already whilst supporting Robrecht. I’m sure Simon will build on these relationships he has made in the team and wider group of riders. There’s few as dedicated – he’s usually the first one on the showground and last to leave with the grooms. He keeps up to date with the latest developments, which means our horses will have the greatest care.

“I’m certainly reassured our riders and owners are in safe hands with Tony as Chef d’Equipe for those key Nations Cup teams – he gives me peace of mind. He’s one of the sport’s great characters and brings so much expertise, trustworthiness and support for these riders at a vital time in their career development. He’s perfectly placed to contribute to building the overall squad, which will give the strength in depth for our discipline.

“I’m looking forward to working with the enhanced new team – they’ll bring motivation and inspiration backed up with the expertise to make it happen. I’m truly excited by what the next few months will bring and to see the impact on our talented combinations as we build toward Herning and then Paris.”

British Showjumping Chief Executive Iain Graham shares Di’s optimism for the future; “The review process which got us to this point has been very productive and I’m grateful to those who took part for their openness and vision. With these three leading names and their wealth of experience now appointed, we have a strong support network in place to facilitate riders, owners and grooms to maximise their potential and give them the leadership and inspiration they need to prosper. I’m sure many are looking forward to working with Stanny, Tony and Simon and we’re fortunate to have them join the British team effort at this key time in the Paris cycle.”

5th April 2022 0 comment

Equestrian

Britain’s eventers top the team rankings with two individuals on the podium after dressage

written by Hugh

Britain’s eventers top the team rankings with two individuals on the podium after dressage

Uninterrupted sunshine greeted everyone in Avenches for day two of dressage at the FEI European Championships in Switzerland. As competition got underway, Britain had the advantage in both the team and individual contests, but what could today bring?

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats

Our first rider in front of the Ground Jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL), Christian Steiner (AUT) and Christian Landolt (SUI) was Kitty King with her Tokyo first-reserve horse Vendredi Biats. The eye-catching grey, owned by Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd- Baker, was reportedly very fresh during his early morning leg stretch, but looked focused as he entered the main arena. The duo showed excellent suppleness and relaxation, with the half-passes, extended walk and flying changes all scoring well as a result. A great final centreline crowned a strong test and the judges rewarded their performance with 24.1

“I was really chuffed with him,” she said after her test. “He tried really hard and I think it was pretty mistake-free. We got his halt and changes, which can be a bit spicy sometimes with him – he got everything and tried really hard. If I could have kept him a little more in front of me, maybe I could have squeezed a few more marks, but overall I chuffed with him and no mistakes, and we didn’t let the team down.

“You want to do as good a job as you can so you don’t let anyone down and be the one that’s being held above water by your team mates. You want to be there for them and get as good a score as possible to support one another. It’s great to be a part of such a great band of girls.”

On her preparation to get to the Championships, she said: “It has been tricky to keep him up this year. First we were prepping for Badminton, then Luhmühlen, which we didn’t go to and then for Tokyo. He travelled to Liege with the others for Tokyo [in case he was needed as a reserve], then when he came home we gave him ten days in the field just to try and let him down a bit. Then we had to prepare for another strong run prior to selection, so we’ve always had to perform under pressure each time out this year, which has been hard work, but it’s been good for us both. He came out nicely at Hartpury and did a nice solid performance, and then just one slow run across country, which was my plan to prepare for here. It’s a relief to finally get here!”

With the cross-country as the next opportunity to build on their score, Kitty is already thinking ahead to the challenges of the course. “It’s a very different track to what we get in the UK. Lots of twists and turns and I think that’s going to slow us down a lot – your average cruising speed is going to be a lot slower than a normal gallopy track. You’re always on a turn here, so you’re going to have be on your A-game and keep your focus. There’s plenty of places where you could have a silly mistake – but there’s also making sure you’re on the right side of the string. We’ll have to stay on the ball and focused from fence one to the last fence. It’s going to be quite intense for the horses the whole way round, there aren’t many areas for let-ups. They’ve done a great job with the facilities and space they’ve got.”

Sarah Bullimore and Corouet

It was then the turn of our second individual combination, Sarah Bullimore and her homebred Corouet whom she owns with the Kew Jumping Syndicate and husband Brett Bullimore. This is a special combination because Sarah rode ‘Elfie’s’ mother, Lilly Corinne, the last time she rode for Britain – the 2015 European Championships at Blair Castle. The pocket-sized chestnut – who barely tops 15.2hh – is by the renowned jumping sire Balou de Rouet and what he may lack in size, he makes up for in character and talent.

He buzzed about the arena with great presence and purred through test with great flow – marks were lost in the walk due to a bit of tension, but Elfie’s focus returned in the canter work. A final centreline, which earned 26 out of 30, brought a super end to their round. The score was 22.8, which would certainly leave them amongst the leaders once the day was done.

“He was fabulous!” a delighted Sarah exclaimed. “He went in and got a little bit tight and excited, but he kept in all together. I’m a little frustrated – there are still bits which could be so much better. His changes are normally a highlight, but both today weren’t quite right. Normally with him, even when they’re bad, they’re good, though. He’s still a work in progress and there’s so much more to come from him.”

Sarah was quizzed on what it means to compete on a homebred. “That makes it all the more special,” she said. “I’ve known him all his life and he is a big attitude in a very small package. It’s fabulous to have ridden his mother at my last Europeans and then have him here is really special.”

And her thoughts on the course? “Hopefully the course won’t feel so twisty for me! It should feel easier for him than the others on the big horses. He does still have a huge stride, so there’s that, but he’s so well balanced so will cope with it really well,” she explained.

As the afternoon progressed, Britain’s stranglehold on the leaderboard was eased as reigning European champions Ingrid Klimke and 17-year-old star, SAP Hale Bob, out-scored yesterday’s leaders Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin by just 0.7 penalties to take top spot.

Ros Canter and Allstar B

And so to our final team combination, and what better duo to have than the reigning world champions, Ros Canter and Allstar B, who she owns alongside Caroline Moore. Having travelled to Tokyo as reserves but never going in the area as competitors, Ros and ‘Alby’ may feel they have a point to prove in Avanches. As the diminutive rider cantered the tall gelding around the arena in preparation to enter, it was certainly ‘game faces on’. The score to better was 20.2 and the British duo can go sub-20, so would today be one of those occasions?

They started brightly with three scores of 8.5 from the judges, and the sevens, eights and nines flowed from there. There was lovely energy in the trot half-passes and the activity throughout the test was excellent. They finished with a flourish, with an impressive final extended trot across the diagonal followed by a straight centreline. With two nines for the harmony mark, the score continued to improve until it settled on a final 20.6. Excellent for the team, but not quite enough for the lead individually – just 0.4 behind Ingrid and ‘Bobby’.

“He was his usual lazy self!” Ros admitted afterwards, where she was joined in the mixed zone by her 18-month-old daughter, Ziggy. “I asked everyone [in the British camp] to clap and cheer as we came in – he pricked his ears for about half a second!”

However, she had nothing but praise for her equine partner: “He’s just the most ridable horse I’ve ever had in a dressage test, he doesn’t change regardless of the atmosphere or anything else, which means I can ride for every mark. That’s where his heart shines – it’s how he always has been. Time and time again, he does a mistake-free test. It’s a lot of pressure on him, but I want to enjoy every minute as I know I haven’t got many left with him.”

“He always makes me work for it, but we know each other inside and out. I know that when we get in there, he’s pretty solid so that I can really attack it – it’s what makes him such a special horse, really.”

Final results

At the end of the dressage phase, Britain holds a 4.9 penalty lead over the defending champions Germany as our all-female team press on in their bid to win back the title, which would make Britain champions across European, World and Olympic level concurrently. France’s Maxim Livio pulled out a striking test to score 21.3 and leave him fourth, boosting the nation’s medal chances to complete the podium places heading into tomorrow’s cross-country.

Individually, Britain’s six riders all occupy places in the top 20. Ros Canter and Nicola Wilson are on the podium with Ingrid Klimke and just 0.7 of a penalty separates the three. Sarah Bullimore is fifth, Piggy March sixth and Kitty King eight. Izzy Taylor is in 20^th, but only 3.5 penalties adrift of the top ten.

Mike Etherington-Smith has prepared a true championship cross country test – you can see the course and fences via Cross Country App ahead of the tomorrow’s action.

You can watch the cross country on the BBC via iPlayer, IPTV and the BBC Sport website from 09.50am or with a subscription to FEI.TV, powered by ClipMyHorse. Remember, all British Equestrian members are eligible for a 10% discount on new subscriptions – it’s free to join!

For times and results, head to rechenstelle.de

25th September 2021 0 comment

Equestrian Para Sports

Change in the Paralympic dressage squad

written by Hugh

The British Paralympic Association, in conjunction with the British Dressage Para Selectors and Performance Manager Georgina Sharples, has made a change to the quartet who will represent ParalympicsGB in the forthcoming Tokyo Paralympic Games. Due to a minor veterinary issue, Innuendo III, owned and ridden by Sophie Christiansen, has been withdrawn from selection.

This brings in FEI 2109 European Gold Medallist, Georgia Wilson riding Sakura, owned by her parents Geoff and Julie Wilson and herself, to make their Paralympic debut in the Grade II division. They join Natasha Baker (Keystone Dawn Chorus), Sir Lee Pearson (Breezer) and Sophie Wells (C Fatal Attraction).

British Equestrian Performance Director Richard Waygood commented; “This will be a personal disappointment to Sophie Christiansen, who has worked so hard for a chance to represent her country at her fifth consecutive Games. However, with the experience of Natasha, Lee and Sophie Wells now joined by Georgia, who, having tasted medal success in 2019, is ready for more, the British quartet will pose a strong challenge on the Paralympic stage.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission at Tokyo 2020 said: “This is clearly desperately disappointing news for Sophie who is an incredible athlete, ambassador and advocate for the Paralympic movement. She has set the standard at recent Games and we were looking forward to seeing her compete in Tokyo.

“An injury to either rider or horse so close to the Games is very unfortunate and we will work with the British Equestrian to ensure Sophie has the support she needs.

“Georgia’s selection clearly demonstrates the strength in depth in British Para Dressage and we are excited to see her make her Paralympics debut in Tokyo.”

The para dressage horses are currently in quarantine ahead of flying to Tokyo on 18 August.

Full combination details:

Georgia Wilson (25) based in Abergele, Conwy, with Geoff & Julie Wilson and her own Sakura (chestnut, mare, 7yrs, 16hh, Breeder: G Eilberg GBR)

12th August 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

A new brand identity for British Dressage

written by Hugh

Today heralds the return of dressage competition in the UK, with the belated start of our summer season, but it also marks the beginning of a new era for British Dressage with the introduction of a new logo and brand identity.

In 1998, British Dressage was launched with its now familiar logo featuring a rider sporting a top hat and horse silhouette set amongst the letters ‘B’ and ‘D’ in blue and red, which has served the organisation well over the last 22 years. However, after two decades of evolution, progression and modernisation, the time is now right for a change.

It is therefore with much excitement on this landmark day that we reveal our new look to take the sport forward as we start a new chapter:

This vibrant logo encompasses the artistry of dressage, with the horse and rider in perfect harmony. The sense of movement embodies the poise and grace of a dressage partnership, while celebrating the bond that brings people and horses together.

This contemporary design projects a more modern and accessible image that is befitting a professional sport National Governing Body, as part of the broader Olympic and Paralympic family that represents Team GB. We’ve retained the traditional feel of the blue and red colours that feature in the Union flag to reflect our heritage, while bringing the overall look and feel firmly into the 21^st century.

Most importantly, we want the new brand identity to convey the accessibility and inclusivity of our sport, where the rider could be anyone, regardless of gender, age, disability or race. This will be a central theme of our new strategy, due to be launched next month, which will take the sport on the next phase of its journey from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024.

Work on the re-brand project was completed pre-COVID in the first quarter of 2019, ready for launch at the Winter Championships in April 2020, but we were forced to shelve these plans when the pandemic struck. However, with society now finally beginning to open back up and a sense of renewed optimism returning, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to have a new look to match this fresh start.

Apart from some professional expertise to develop the initial stylistic templates for the different logo variations, most of the design work has been completed in house to keep costs to a minimum. No expensive agencies or consultants have been involved, this has been a combined effort between our marketing team and designers to refresh BD’s identity.

All of our marketing and promotional material was due for renewal post-COVID regardless, so no additional investment has been required. With the regional restructure implemented from today onwards and a new clothing and merchandise range due to be launched in early summer, it was ideal timing to reinvigorate the BD brand.

Jason Brautigam, CEO of British Dressage commented; “Our new identity captures all that makes dressage special, but equally presents a fresh and modern image that reflects the positive evolution the sport has enjoyed over the last two decades. We are proud of our sport’s values, which form the essence of our brand; respect, inclusivity, welfare, teamwork and integrity – and we believe this new logo encapsulates them all perfectly. It provides us with the perfect platform to launch our new strategy next month, as we mark the start of the next phase in the sport’s development post-COVID.

“All our digital collateral will feature the new identity from today, while we’ll be rolling it out in physical form, in terms of our print, clothing, event signage and other commercial initiatives over coming months. As the sport finally gets back underway, we look forward to sharing a number of exciting projects that are due for release throughout 2021, as we aim to build back stronger and better.”

29th March 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

BEF update: Moving horses to the EU – what’s the situation?

written by Hugh

BEF update: 17.02.21

Moving horses to the EU – what’s the situation?

It’s been six weeks since the new regulations for moving horses to and from the EU came into effect and the team at British Equestrian felt it would be helpful to provide an update on how the new processes are working in practice, some of the difficulties being experienced by those on the ground and what we’re doing to improve the situation.

Background

The UK has left the EU single market and customs union and, as of 1 January 2021, operates under a free trade agreement for the import and export of goods, including horses for any purpose. We have been given ‘third country’ status, which brings with it a series of rules and requirements which we now have to work with when travelling horses abroad.

What’s new?

In order to meet the regulatory requirements of moving horses from a third country such as the UK to the EU, even if only on a temporary basis, we now need to make sure that horses have:

Pre-travel residency or isolation
Blood tests and export health certificates
Customs declarations or carnets

The British Equestrian pre-travel checklist is a helpful starting point for making your first journey under the new requirements. It lists all the steps you’ll need to take in the build-up to departure, with tick boxes so you can mark off each completed step.

For those travelling horses as an economic activity – for example, professional riders travelling to a competition – it’s now necessary to have legal status in the EU, which includes an inspection certificate for your vehicle carried out in the EU, transporter and handler authorisations, and certificates of professional competency issued in the EU, in addition to the UK equivalents that were in place pre-Brexit.

All of these changes mean that:

there is a greater paperwork burden involved in preparing for your journey
trips need to be planned much further in advance
the use of an approved shipper is strongly recommended
the overall journey time has increased due to more checks required on paperwork, the vehicle and horses being carried out.

As a result, it’s estimated that overall travel costs have increased by between 220% and 320%, depending on if you use a ferry or the Eurotunnel. A breakdown of the costs and how these have changed since before Brexit is available for download.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has also reported that there have been issues for those carrying their own feed and bedding on the crossing to Europe, either on the lorry with horses or in a separate shipment. They recommend carrying a commercial invoice to show that the goods have been purchased in the UK and have warned that you could be liable for VAT changes on arrival. If you’re taking items into Europe which will be returned, use a carnet or duplicate list with the relevant forms to avoid VAT or duty on return.

From a trade perspective, BETA members are reporting an uneasy transition for the import and export of goods, too. They have experienced similar issues to those moving horses in relation to paperwork, increased complexity, time and cost. VAT and duty charges are a concern for goods moving in both directions and will influence future trade with the EU and consumers could see price changes in the future.

Iain Graham, British Equestrian CEO, commented; “We’re acutely aware of how the new requirements are effecting the equestrian community since they came into force on 1 January. Everyone did what was possible to prepare for the transition based on the information available but, until it’s put into practice, you don’t have a full picture. We’re now getting first-hand accounts of the issues and what barriers are in place, and we can bring about a greater focus in our activity.

“The equine industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, over £4 billion, and we will do what’s possible to safeguard the livelihoods of those who contribute. Competitors, breeders, producers, show organisers and trade companies are all feeling the impact, and we will make our representation to government to help find a way forward. We have to accept the legislation in place at present but, working with our stakeholders, we can find ways to improve, streamline and digitalise the processes involved,” he continued.

Areas for review

Areas we have identified as needing immediate review are:

the export health certificates, which contain pages that are not needed
the manual process for sending these to Border Control Posts in order to book a slot and obtain permission to board a ferry or a tunnel crossing, which is neither efficient nor environmentally acceptable at the moment.

In April, new EU equine health regulations come into effect and we must work hard to ensure and changes to the paperwork make it much easier to use.

Those who’ve already used Border Control Posts (BCPs) to enter the EU have had mixed experiences. Some have passed through within an hour of arrival, while others have had to wait for several hours with horses already tired from travelling, which is not in the best interests of equine welfare. The processes here can be improved and we’ll be driving this forward.

We would also like to get a telephone ‘hotline’ established, with DEFRA’s assistance, to ensure that anyone having issues, particularly with horses in transit, can seek instant help. We’re aware that this is in place for other areas of industry, so will be campaigning for a similar service to be implemented for the equine sector.

What are governing bodies doing to help?

Work is constantly going on behind the scenes on your behalf. We’re working closely with the British Horse Council at national government level, and lobbying strongly on the areas of the process where there are difficulties and suggesting more workable compromises.

We’re also using our strong links to the International Horse Sport Confederation, which pools the resources and expertise of high level negotiators in racing and global sport, to look at changes that need to be assessed to minimise the friction and the delays created by the changes.

A new independent Equine Sport & Business Working Group has also been established to represent riders, operators, producers, breeders and show organisers. Getting first-hand experience from those involved at the sharp end is vital, and it’s hoped that this group will provide a high-profile standpoint. The group has had a preliminary meeting and will be reaching out to the equestrian business community for their views and experiences very soon.

Share your experiences

We need your help and input, too. The more facts, feedback and case studies we can collate, the better informed case we can present to make a positive change. Evidence-based submissions that signify a clear need for review will help to improve the situation, shortening unnecessary time spent on vehicles for horses and saving everyone time and money.

So, if you’ve travelled a lorry of horses to the EU since 1 January 2021, please complete a submission form. How did you find the planning? Did you locate an OV easily? What was the paperwork like?

Your experiences at Border Control Posts are valuable. Although these inspections are a new process for French officials, and delays are much worse on busy days, we are hoping that feedback from your own journeys will enable us to help streamline these ways of working. More importantly, Border Control Posts will be introduced on UK soil for horse entry (or re-entry) from July, so your feedback can help us to ensure that we don’t see a repeat in the delays currently being experienced in France. We need to make sure that the ‘teething problems’ being reported do not become permanent barriers to our sport.

One key area we need you to let us know about is the opening hours of BCPs in France. At the moment, Calais is open 0830 to 1800. We think that this will create issues in the summer when competitors prefer to take night ferries, especially when there are large volumes of movement after shows finish, and clearly it is not acceptable to have long waits on arrival in France before BCPs open. Let us know your views on this, especially where they are backed up by your own experiences. If you can provide dates, times and video footage as well, all the better.

Everyone is invited to make submissions to the upcoming Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee inquiry into moving horses across borders, which is now open to receive evidence. You can do this directly or use our form and we’ll submit on your behalf.

This inquiry scrutinises the impact of the free trade agreement and relationship with the EU on how animals can be moved across borders, focusing on live animal exports, including equines (horses, ponies and donkeys) and other domestic animals. The scope of the inquiry covers impacts on animal health including disease outbreak, economic interests, and the capacity of the UK to adapt to new regulations.

If you’d like to share your experiences, either just to help with British Equestrian’s lobbying activity and/or to the EFRA Committee inquiry, download our submission form and complete with your case study, upload via Dropbox by following the instructions on the form. The deadline for evidence submission to EFRA is 17 March 2021.

17th February 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

British Equestrian launches fund to help riding centres tackling inequality in their communities

written by Hugh

British Equestrian, the national governing body for equestrian sport in the UK, has been awarded £150,000 of National Lottery funding by Sport England to enable it to support riding centres that are struggling during this difficult time.

The fund aims to provide immediate funding to those most in need. It’s specifically targeted at riding centres and groups delivering activity for disabled participants who have been affected by COVID-19, but have been unable to secure funding or financial support from other sources during this difficult time. Applicants will also be judged on the work they do with participants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligible organisations include equestrian centres experiencing short-term financial hardship or the imminent threat of closure due to the impact of COVID-19. The fund can be used to meet obligations such as fixed costs, including maintenance and utility bills, and core staffing costs.

“We know the immense benefits that being around horses can have for disabled people, so we are very grateful to Sport England for helping us to support centres in this way,” commented British Equestrian’s Head of Participation, David Butler. “We look forward to receiving applications and being able to help equestrian centres in financial need to continue the great work they do in providing riding activity for disabled participants in their community.”

The funding has been awarded as part of Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund, which aims to address inequalities in sport and activity levels by working with its partners to reach those most in need. The funding and support offered by Sport England and British Equestrian will enable community groups working with target audiences – lower socio-economic groups, Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions (LTC) – to continue to exist and engage with their communities with a view to keeping them active during both the lockdown and early recovery stages.

“We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to British Equestrian in this difficult period,” commented Sport England’s Chief Executive, Tim Hollingsworth. “The Tackling Inequalities Fund is supporting the valuable community infrastructure that is so important in keeping the nation active, and will also provide important connections and reconnections for people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 and for whom remaining active is so important for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. We know from our research and data that there are existing inequalities between groups when it comes to activity levels, and COVID-19 has re-enforced these.”

Applications for the fund are open from the 21 August 2020 and will close at 9am on Monday 7 September 2020. The online application form can be accessed here, and full guidance and the list of questions is available here. Further information or queries can be addressed to participation@bef.co.uk.

23rd August 2020 0 comment

Equestrian

Striving for equestrian equality

written by Hugh

My name is Reece McCook. I’m 18 and my passion is equestrianism. Picture me riding and jumping my beloved bay mare Rose, helping the younger riders on the yard with their horsemanship skills and volunteering with a local equestrian charity.

Now I’ll tell you I’m black and from inner-city Coventry. Did the picture you have in your mind match my reality? Probably not but that’s not your fault as I’m not your stereotypical equestrian participant. But I’m making it my mission to facilitate change, tackle discrimination, encourage acceptance and breakdown barriers in my equestrian community.

I’ve recently launched a campaign to ‘Ride out racism’ and have been overwhelmed with the response already. I’ve experienced and been subjected to racism in my equine education and employment but I’ve also had a great deal of support and encouragement and I want to use what I’ve experienced to bring riding to more young people like me.

Horses are amazing animals – they don’t judge who’s riding them, they’re incredibly tolerant and if you treat them with respect, they’ll love you back. And that should reflect equestrianism as a whole but sadly, at present, it’s not the case. There is work going on at the top to make improvements, British Equestrian and equestrian bodies are driving for their equality standard for sport but it’s on the ground where we need to work harder.

Young people from urban environments, particularly those from minority ethnic groups, simply just don’t feel riding is a sport that’s for them. Cost, access to facilities and stereotypes are barriers. I was ashamed to tell my non-equestrian friends that I rode for fear of what they’d think about me but in reality, they were pretty cool about it and really intrigued. I want to make sure that none of these are barriers to taking part in future.

As part of my campaign, there are ‘Ride out racism’ rosettes and pin badges for all riders to proudly display, post pictures of them riding with on social media and show that they believe in an equal and diverse equestrian world. They’re available on www.etsy.com – just search on ride out racism. There’s a small profit from each sale which will be donated to organisations that are already doing some amazing work with young people from ethnic minorities and underprivileged backgrounds.

‘Ride our racism’ is just the first step for me, an initiative to raise awareness of inequality in the equestrian world, but I’d like to develop it into something where we can actually make a difference and help anyone experience riding and horses. Getting new riders involved regardless of race, religion or background can only be beneficial for everyone. I need help to spread my message and challenge perceptions so we can effect change. If the campaign means all those in the equestrian world take a look at their own actions and behaviours and think how we can be more accepting and encouraging to all.

On a horse, we’re all equal. There is no race, there is no gender, there is no class. But having the opportunity to get on a horse is beyond the reach of so many and it needn’t be. So, I’m asking everyone to support ‘Ride out racism’ as a start toward building a more diverse equestrian world where black faces are the normal, riding in hijab is standard and acceptance is automatic.

19th June 2020 0 comment