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british equestrian

British Equestrian seeks views to help drive positive change in the equine community

written by Hugh

Earlier in June, British Equestrian and its 18 member bodies released their pledge to make equestrian activity more accessible and welcoming to all, with a primary focus on promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Today, we’ve launched a major research project which aims to discover the barriers to participate in equestrian sport and activity from the perspective of ethnically diverse communities and or those from a low socio-economic background – look out for the hashtag #HorsesForAll.

British Equestrian knows these groups are under-represented across equestrian sport and we’re encouraging anyone in the target profiles to give their views and experiences to help us make the industry more diverse, inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Working with selected partner AKD Solutions, the qualitative and quantitative data collection phase of our research piece, ‘Barriers to Participate in Equestrianism’, is now underway. A target response rate of 1000 participants has been set across a number of mediums including interviews both in person and online as well as an online questionnaire. The national campaign is looking for anyone in our target groups to take part – including those who ride, those who’ve had some interaction in equine activity and those who’ve never thought of horse or riding as something to try. The online survey explores respondents’ interest in physical/leisure activities in general, familiarity and experience of equestrianism, accessibility to participate and knowledge of work and opportunities in the equine sector.

Mandana Mehran Pour, British Equestrian’s Head of Participation commented; “This piece of research will go a long way to helping us and our member bodies to make equestrianism more accessible and inclusive. We’re excited to conduct this important piece of research and look forward to learning how we can adapt and improve the experiences of those who do not feel equestrian activity is for them, as well as hearing from those who are involved in equestrian and would like to share their experiences. Everyone deserves to experience the magic of the equine/human bond and the benefits interacting with horses brings, help us to make that possible by getting involved and insuring we deliver on our pledge.”

The ten-minute-long online survey is now live and the face-to-face sessions will take place in a number of targeted urban and rural locations – if you’re interested in taking part, you can register digitally. We’ll be promoting the research across a range of media to get as wide a reach as possible – keep an eye out for the hashtag #HorsesForAll as call for respondents and keep followers informed on the progress of this landmark project.

29th June 2022 0 comment

Equestrian

Great Britain sweep the podium at the FEI Eventing European Championship

written by Hugh

Great Britain sweep the podium at the FEI Eventing European Championship

History was made today when British quartet Nicola Wilson, Piggy March, Kitty King and Ros Canter secured the team gold medal in Avenches, adding to the World and Olympic titles already held. It was a clean sweep on the individual podium, too, with Nicola and Piggy taking gold and silver, and compatriot Sarah Bullimore taking the bronze. It was the seventh time Britain has taken all four medals on offer in 35 editions of the FEI European Eventing Championships.

Second horse inspection

The final day of competition started wet and grey, with those who turned out to watch the second horse inspection sheltering under the covered grand stand. The six British horses, turned out to perfection by their grooms, showed no evidence of yesterday’s exertions as they went before the ground jury of Andrew Bennie, Christian Landolt and Christian Steiner. All were passed with flying colours – a true testament to the hard work of the equine support team.

Ros Canter and Allstar B

First in for the British team this morning was Lincolnshire’s Ros Canter and Allstar B, who Ros co-owns with Caroline Moore. Two uncharacteristic run-outs in the latter stages of yesterday’s cross-country course – when ‘Alby become demoralised by the tight turns of Mike Etherington-Smith’s course – had ruled out any hope of an individual medal, but any information that Ros could gather about for her team mates would be of huge benefit.

As is their style, Ros and Alby jumped a smooth, economical round with no fuss or frills – their partnership is always plain to see It was clear and inside the time and, most importantly would be a huge confidence boost to those watching behind the scenes.

“Alby was great, he jumped a really nice round,” said Ros. “He likes a crowd so they could have been a bit louder for us! He’s a seasoned pro and he made it feel quite easy. He surprises us time and time again, he’s a big horse and he’s getting older but he’s tough as old boots. He comes out and feels better than ever after a day of cross country.”

There was then a lull in proceedings as the morning session wound down and the lunch break began. It was the calm before the storm – with the other five British combinations all within the top-10 after cross-country, the action would soon come thick and fast.

Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around

The first of our individuals to tackle Gérard Lachat’s course was Izzy Taylor from Oxfordshire and the 10-year-old Monkeying Around. The gelding, who Izzy co-owns with Mark Sartori, started well and looked very at home in the arena, despite his youth and relative inexperience. The middle part of the treble hit the sand, but the rest of the round was faultless so they completed the championships with a total penalty score of 31.9.

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats

The top seven combinations had less than a pole between them, so anything less than a perfect round would cause a shake-up of the leaderboard. Wiltshire’s Kitty King was the first of this pack to enter the ring, riding Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd-Baker’s Vendredi Biats. The elegant grey always cuts quite a dash and he certainly looked none the worse for yesterday’s cross country test. A moment of miscommunication at fence two resulted in the pole tumbling but they were fault free from there. A final tally of 28.9 ruled them out of the individual medals but was a boon for the team and kept a firm hand on the title.

Sarah Bullimore and Corouet

We were now approaching the sharp end of the competition. Great Britain still held the lead with limited breathing room over second-placed Germany, but there was just the matter of individual placings to focus on first.

Bedfordshire rider Sarah Bullimore and the small-but-feisty Corouet were our second individual combination into the arena. The petite gelding, who barely tops 15.2hh – although nobody’s told him that – had a whale of a time, utterly convinced that every spectator had turned out just to watch him. Ears pricked and focus unwavering, he and Sarah pinged around the course, making the whole thing look far too easy. They finished clear and inside the time – not only a great achievement for Sarah and her little homebred, who’s owned by the Kew Jumping Syndicate and husband Brett Bullimore, but one that put them within sniffing distance of the podium on a score of 23.6.

“It’s quite emotional – it’s been a real rollercoaster just to even get here – it’s taken me 10 years and being on the reserve list for all those years,” Sarah explained afterwards. “To be picked straight out was a major thing, and on a horse we’ve bred ourselves, too. The last time I rode for Britain was at the Europeans was on his mother, so it’s really special.

“He’s just been fantastic all week. I had a really good feeling about him coming here as he was in great form and although it’s been quite stressful to get here, I did feel quite confident. I was extremely nervous on cross-country morning because I was thinking if I make a mess of this it could take me another ten to get back here so it was a massive relief! Today, I was remarkably calm and he is a fabulous showjumper – he’s fab at everything really. I’m so chuffed and for him and his owners, a lovely syndicate, and sadly a couple of the members couldn’t travel, this is for them, too.”

Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent

Immediately after Sarah came Piggy March from Northamptonshire and Brookfield Inocent. A fast clear round yesterday had kept them on their dressage score of 23.3 and well on the hunt for an individual medal. Brookfield Inocent, owned by John and Chloe Perry and Alison Perry, looked every inch the professional as he and Piggy flowed around the arena. Every pole stayed in the cups and the clock stayed green – the pressure was firmly applied to those still to come as they completed on their dressage score.

“I’m pleased for my ownersJohn and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn – it’s not been an easy year, a bit of a rollercoaster and hard at times and missing out on Tokyo. I’m glad their horse has been as beautiful as we know he is and hope that we’ve both done them proud. It means so much for me for their first championship experience to come home after a week like this. I’m so grateful to them, I’m so lucky. I think he’s one of the best horses in the world, he’s a beautiful horse and it’s exciting for the future. What a week – we couldn’t write it really.”

Maxime Livio and Api du Libaire were next in for France. They carried with them hopes for an individual medal and a team one for France, but sadly it wasn’t to be as they lowered middle element of the treble to add four which ruled them out of a podium place.

Ingrid Klimke, who had held individual title with her stalwart partner SAP Hale Bob OLD since 2017, was the penultimate rider in. It all looked a picture until a late pole added four faults to their total, dropping them out of contention – there was to be no historic third title for Ingrid and ‘Bobby’.

Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin

Suddenly, there were two British flags at the top of the leaderboard – and still the opportunity for one more to be added. Yorkshire’s Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin have had a dream week in Switzerland and found themselves jumping not only to secure the team title for Great Britain, but an individual one for themselves, too. This would be the first time that Britain had done the double since 2009, when Tina Cook and Miners Frolic picked up the title in Fontainebleau – Nicola was also on the team that won gold there, riding the great Opposition Buzz.

There was no room to for error – with squad mates Piggy and Sarah breathing down their necks, Nicola and Dublin set off. The tension was measurable but there’s no better rider under pressure and she expertly guided Dubs round with precision accuracy and the talented ten year old gave every fence the required clearance – they’d done it! Gold for Great Britain – number 23 over the 35 years – and a first individual gold for Nicola, with Piggy in silver and Sarah completing the podium with bronze. This gives us a seventh clean sweep of the medals and brings the medal hall to 87 in total, 42 gold.

“It’s been a fantastic week for all the Brits and to finish up there on the top is just a dream come true,” said an emotional Nicola. “He’s a fabulous horse that James and Jo Lambert and Dierdre Johnson bought as a four-year-old and he’s been so exciting all the way through the years. For him to come to his first championship and finish at the top of the podium – well, I’m just pinching myself. He really is a very special horse and felt class in all three phases. I knew he could jump well, but with pressure and nerves, you don’t know what’s going to happen – one silly mistake and I let him down, but he was just phenomenal in there. He went in cool as a cucumber and very confident and very focused and off we went. It was an absolute pleasure to ride him in all three phases.”

Final thoughts

With five riders in the top ten and a dominant team performance, it was down to Richard Waygood to sum up the week’s performances.

“It’s quite hard to take in, really – what a monumental achievement,” commented Performance Manager Richard Waygood. “To have come home with four medals off the back of such a successful Olympics is hard to put into words. The performances were solid throughout and it’s a staggering achievement for our entire squad.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the support team, who work so hard to ensure our athletes and horses can peak at the right moment. A podium result doesn’t happen in four days of competition, but in the months and years of training and preparation that come beforehand.

“None of this would be possible without the continued support of our owners, the belief they have in our athletes and the trust they put in us. It was great to have so many of them out here in Avenches to support us, especially when opportunities to watch their horses compete have been so few and far between in the last year or so.”

Final British individual placings

Gold – Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin, 20.7
Silver – Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent, 23.3
Bronze – Sarah Bullimore and Corouet, 23.6
9^th Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, 28.9
10^th Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around, 31.9
46^th Ros Canter and Allstar, 77.0

Final full results – https://www.rechenstelle.de/de/veranstaltungen/2021/avenches-2/

BBC 2 is showing a hightlights programme on Monday 27 September 15:30–17:15.

27th September 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

A seventh unrivalled Paralympic gold for Britain

written by Hugh

With Sir Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker giving ParalympicsGB a strong start yesterday and at least eight countries in with a podium chance, the final day for the team medals in Tokyo was perfectly poised for a nail-biting finish.

Sophie Wells and Don Cara M

There were two remaining grades to complete today – four and five – and it was the latter that went first. The anchor rider duty fell to Sophie Wells due to the timetable, but there’s no better rider to take on that mantle. Riding Roland Kinch’s 12-year-old Don Cara M, who’s never experienced a competition on this scale, let alone such a pressured test, Sophie needed every ounce of her experience to coax out the marks after a rather spooky transition into the Equestrian Park stadium.

A few reassuring pats and a trademark forward trot around the outside of the arena got ‘Donnie’ listening and a bit more on-side, but it wasn’t the start Sophie had perhaps hoped for. However, the eye-catching black gelding began to settle into the job at hand and Sophie expertly guided him movement by movement. The relaxation looked fair, with great suppleness, and the transitions were crisp and obvious – any difficulties Sophie was still feeling were well disguised.

For a horse who’s not keen on flying changes, Donnie did pop one in where it wasn’t required – perhaps a sign of his anxiety – but Sophie calmly picked up the canter lead she wanted and continued the counter-canter movement. A final extended trot across the diagonal was stunning and was matched with a final four-square halt at X.

With the final rider from their main rival still to send out their final rider, it was a case that Sophie and Donnie just needed a score as high as they could possibly manage – they had to set the target for the Netherlands to match. As a combination, their previous best mark in the team test was 73.884% – could the score match that? After a few adjustments, the final score on the system was confirmed as 75.651%, meaning a new personal best and, more importantly, another few bricks in the wall the others had to climb to beat the Brits.

Sophie said after her test: “I’m so relieved to have survived! He warmed up amazingly and felt awesome, but when he came in here, I think it was the shadows because he just span round. He’s just not that sort of horse! From there, the team score just went out of my head and I thought ‘I just need to complete the test so we have a score’! That was stressful. It was hard to decide what to do around the outside, but I had to trust in him.

“When I had my mistake with the change, I just thought ‘don’t panic, pick him up, move on’. The simple changes have a double co-efficient and I was riding on eggshells, on a bomb – but an awesome bomb, don’t get me wrong! He was amazing, but I don’t want that again!

“I feel it was a miracle that we did the test and he came back to me. I went in and he calmed down and settled, but I wasn’t going to ask for anymore. I got more the other day, but I’m so pleased what I got today, I’m thrilled. Something really scared him in there and the pressure was on without a drop score.

“To get that score with what I felt I had just shows what a horse he is. It gives me faith that as a rider I can ask for less and still get plenty, which is amazing. I’m thrilled for the team – we came with no expectation, just hope.”

A nervous wait

The British riders had done all they could. Their final tally was set at 229.905% and now it was down to our rivals to better it. Alongside Great Britain, the teams in medal contention were USA, the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium – all with their final riders to come in Grade 4, so it was to be an agonising wait with the calculators out.

Kate Shoemaker for the USA got the Grade 4 underway with Solitaer 40 and their score of 71.825% was enough to keep them in the medal hunt, which would be a historic first Paralympic team medal for the country who hosted para-dressage for the first time at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics. It was then a case of what could the riders from the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium do.

For Dutch team, current World and European Champions, hopes of adding the Paralympic title fell to the vastly experienced combination of Sanne Voets and Demantur. Their test was relaxed and polished, so it was going to be close – the score need to match Britain was 78.856%. After an agonising wait, Sanne’s score was confirmed as 78.200% – the Brits kept their noses in front by just 0.656%.

The final rider for Denmark needed a near 73% to shake the podium places, but Susanne Jensby Sunesen fell short with 72.250%, so it was only Belgium who could make an impact. A score of 75% or better was the target, but the final score of 73.775% from Manon Claeys put them fifth behind the Danes.

Winning gold

And so, against the odds, it was gold for our intrepid trio, with the Netherlands in silver and a historic bronze for the United States. It was a touching moment in the medal presentation when Sophie put the gold medal around Lee’s neck – a 13^th Paralympic gold medal for a man who has done more than anyone to progress the sport since 1996.

“I don’t think any of us expected that in a million years,” said Natasha after the medal ceremony. “We’re just so exceptionally proud of everything that our horses have done over the last few days – the way they’ve dealt with it so well and been such professionals. We were hoping to come and challenge for a bronze medal, that’s all. It’s unbelievable when you think what we’ve been through these last few weeks – one of our horses is a reserve! It’s actually been quite nice because, previously, we’ve had that expectation at every Paralympics and that pressure. This has been more relaxed and we’ve been able to enjoy it. It’s been the most incredible experience and we’ve all cried so much!”

“We had no expectations but knew anything was possible,” added Sophie. “In the most realistic way, we all have horses that have never been and done it, not competed against anyone else. The Dutch are so strong, so established, so secure with those horses and we’re not! Not having so much pressure gives things a different dynamic – it’s more relaxed and we just went in and did our jobs, which is what we always do. This time we didn’t go in fighting for it because we didn’t think we were in the mix. It just shows that maybe a different approach is good, especially for me on this horse. I’ve had to use every bit of my experience and it’s taken great resilience to even get here, but we have such belief in each other.”

Lee summed it up: “We don’t have a horse on the team who’s done a championship before and two have never even been abroad. We didn’t think we would win gold and weren’t expected to. The team behind the scenes have been incredible, we couldn’t have done it without them. To even get us here is amazing, and to keep me under control too! To be here, to compete and do as well as we have is a fairy tale. The Selectors have put great faith in us riders to send these young horses, which shows they do believe in us as riders to get the best score, and we’re grateful for that.”

Team Leader Georgina Sharples summed up the team effort: “These guys are undefeated Paralympic champions, but in a whole new context. It’s been a whole recalibrate and you’ve heard about our inexperienced horsepower, but I just think you should never underestimate these guys. The job they did out on the field of play used every ounce of their experience gained over years and years. You will not find a more dedicated bunch of riders, grooms and support team.

“We’ve had a brilliant vibe coming into the Games and came in without the expectation, but with massive belief. That was real talent out there, and it’s amazing that the sport has taken off in the way it has. It’s fantastic to have such nail-biting sport, but it takes nothing away from what these guys have just achieved on inexperienced, up-and-coming horses. I’m truly delighted for them all and it’s a privilege and pleasure to deal with them – most of the time! We have an open and honest approach and they’re an amazing group of individuals, but even more incredible team.”

The riders and support team arrived in Tokyo with limited expectations. Despite the hurdles of young horses, last-minute changes and a challenging time in preparations, they will come home Paralympic team champions for a seventh time and remain unbeaten at the Games.

30th August 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

British Equestrian announces nominated entries for FEI Eventing European Championship

written by Hugh

ritish Equestrian and the British Eventing selectors can today confirm the 18 horse and rider combinations that will form their list of nominated entries ahead of the FEI Eventing European Championship, set to take place at Avenches, Switzerland, from 22–26 September this year.

Nominated entries, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Sarah Bullimore (48) based in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, with the Kew Jumping Syndicate, Brett Bullimore and her own Corouet (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, 15.2hh, Balou du Rouet x Lovis Corinth, Breeder: Sarah Bullimore GBR)

Rosalind Canter (35) based in Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Caroline Moore and her own Allstar B (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 17hh, Ephebe For Ever x Erkstein, Breeder: FAJ Van der Burg NED) and Michele Saul’s Lordships Graffalo (bay, gelding, 9yrs, 17hh, Grafenstolz x Rock King, Breeder: Lordships Stud Writtle College GBR)

Kirsty Chabert (32) based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, with John Johnston and Carole Somers’ Classic IV (bay, mare, 12yrs, 16.1hh, s. Calvaro FC, Breeder: P. Charles GBR)

Emilie Chandler (40) from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, with Maria Doel’s Gortfadda Diamond (brown, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Water Valley Cool Diamond x Glacial Storm, Breeder: Sean Thomas Lydon IRL)

Laura Collett (31) based in Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Keith Scott, Nick How and her own Mr Bass (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, Carrico x Exorbitant XX, Breeder: Henning Heinz GER)

Kristina Cook (50) based Findon, West Sussex, with Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson’s Billy the Red (chestnut, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Balou du Rouet x Stan The Man XX, Breeder: Michaela Weber-Herrmann GER)

William Fox- Pitt (52) based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, with Jennifer Dowling and his own Little Fire (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17hh, Graf Top x Heraldik, Breeder: Dr. Volker Steinkraus GER) and the Oratorio Syndicate’s Oratorio (brown, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Oslo Biats x Topanoora, Breeder: R. Jenks GBR)

Pippa Funnell (52) based in Dorking, Surrey, with Jonathan and Jane Clarke’s MGH Grafton Street (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, s. OBOS Quality, Breeder: Padraig and Lucy McCarthy GBR) and Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Billy Mexico x Golden Bash, Breeder: Donal Barnwell GBR)

Yasmin Ingham (24) based in Nantwich, Cheshire, originally from the Isle of Man, with Janette Chinn and Sue Davies’ Banzai Du Loir (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Nouma D’Auzay x Livarot, Breeder: Pierre Gouye FRA)

Kitty King (38) based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, with Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd-Baker’s Vendredi Biats (grey, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Winningmood x Camelia de Ruelles, Breeder: Phillipe Brivois FRA)
Piggy March (40) based in Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Inocent (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Inocent x Kings Servant, Breeder: John Mulvey IRL)

Harry Meade (37) based in West Littleton, Wiltshire, with Mandy Gray and his own Superstition (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.1hh, s. Satisfaction FRH, Breeder: Eva Meier GBR)

Izzy Taylor (38) based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, with Mark Sartori and her own Monkeying Around (bay, gelding, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Bertoli W x Donnerhall II, Breeder: Christian Heinrich GER)

Oliver Townend (38) based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, Ramiro B x Master Imp, Breeder: John Hagan IRL)

Nicola Wilson (44) based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, with Deirdre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert’s JL Dublin (dark brown, gelding, 10yo, 16.2hh, Diarados Cheeky Boy x Cantano, Breeder: Volker Coettsche-Goetze GER)

Selection decisions are subject to the athletes and horses maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any stage.

The selected squad of six combinations, plus reserves, will be announced on or around 27 August.

18th August 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

Charlotte Dujardin becomes first British female Olympian to win six medals

written by Hugh

Charlotte Dujardin became the first British woman to win six Olympic medals with a stunning individual dressage bronze in Tokyo.

Riding young horse Gio, the three-time Olympic champion produced a brilliant ride to snatch third place on the podium in the Grand Prix freestyle final she won at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Following a bronze in the team event with Carl Hester and Lottie Fry yesterday, it means she has three golds, one silver and two bronze medals from three Olympic appearances.

That takes Dujardin one medal clear of Dame Katherine Grainger and Kitty McCane to sit alone as the most decorated female British Olympian of all time.

Hester, the oldest athlete to represent Team GB at Tokyo 2020 at 54, finished eighth while newcomer Charlotte Fry was 13th in the individual event after the pair joined Dujardin in winning team bronze on Tuesday.

Dujardin, 36, from Enfield, said: “I wasn’t going to go down without a good fight. I finished and it was the biggest adrenaline rush ever. He didn’t make a mistake. He gave me so much.

“I was literally throwing him from one thing to another thing, and he just keeps going. What he has done is phenomenal.

“It’s as good as previous Olympics, it is as good as a gold medal. A horse that has such little experience. I feel so emotional. He had no idea what he was doing, but he just goes in there and does it.

“If you think he’s ten years old doing this, he’s going to be a superstar.”

On becoming the first British woman to win six Olympic medals, she said: “I can’t believe it. To be level with Katherine Grainger was pretty impressive but now I’ve actually beaten it, oh my God.

“I can’t quite believe it, I’m incredibly proud and a bit speechless. I just don’t know what to feel.”

Dujardin’s previous Olympic medals prior to Tokyo had come on Valegro, the two providing one of the most famous duos in equestrian.

A new and equally-impressive pair is now blossoming on the Olympic stage, with Dujardin revealing the story behind how their partnership began.

She added: “The minute I clocked eyes on Gio, I instantly fell in love with him. I spoke to the girl who owned him and asked her for a go. I knew if I rode him, everyone would want to buy him so I needed to make some sort of deal.

“I asked if she’d be interested in selling him and she said ‘If I’m going to sell him to anyone, I’m going to sell him to you’.

“You just know, I looked at him and loved him and got on him and was like ‘wow’.”

28th July 2021 0 comment

Pick Your Sport

Dressage nominated entries for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games announced

written by Hugh

British Equestrian and the British Dressage selectors can today confirm the nine dressage athlete and horse combinations, plus three reserves, that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our nominated entries for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Only the combinations who appear on the nominated entries list (closing date 21 June 2021) may be put forward to the British Olympic Association for selection to the Games.

Nominated entries, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Fiona Bigwood (45) based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex with Penny Bigwood and her own Hawtins Delicato (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, Diamond Hit x Regazzoni, Breeder: Judith Davis GBR, Groom: Heidi Troniseck)
Richard Davison (65) based in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire with Gwendolyn Meyer and his own Bubblingh (bay, gelding, 15yrs, 16.3hh, Lingh x Picandt, Breeder: Richard Davison GBR, Groom: Heidi Troniseck)
Charlotte Dujardin (35) based in Newent, Gloucestershire with Emma Blundell, Jill Blundell and Carl Hester’s Mount St John Freestyle (bay, mare, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Fidermark x Donnerhall, Breeder: Stephan Kurz GER, Groom: Alan Davies)
Emile Faurie (57) based in Milton under Wychwood, Oxfordshire with Theodora Livanos and his own Dono di Maggio OLD (chestnut, gelding, 14yrs, 17hh, Dimaggio x Santander H, Breeder: Gabriele Heinisch GER, Groom: Victoria Richards)
Charlotte Fry (25) based in Den Hout, the Netherlands (from Scarborough, North Yorkshire) with Van Olst Horses and her own Everdale (black stallion, 17.2hh, 12yrs, Lord Leatherdale x Negro, Breeder: P Kluytmans NED, Groom: Steven Caley)
Carl Hester (53) based in Newent, Gloucestershire (from Sark, The Channel Islands) with Sandra Biddlecombe, Charlotte Dujardin, Lady Anne Evans and his own En Vogue (dark bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17hh, Jazz x Contango, Breeder: A Van der Goor NED, Groom: Lucy Scudamore)
Gareth Hughes (50) based in Southam, Warwickshire with Judy Firmston-WIlliams and his own Sintano Van Hof Olympia (bay, gelding, 16.3hh, 11yrs, Sandro Hit x Silvano, Breeder: Hof Olympia NED, Groom: Steph Sharples)
Susan Pape (58) based in Hamburg, Germany with Harmony Sporthorses and her own Harmony’s Eclectisch (black, stallion, 16.3hh, 12yrs, Zenon x Olivi, Breeder: Fam Andeweg NED, Groom: Greta Heemsoth)
Laura Tomlinson (36) based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire with Ursula Bechtolsheimer and her own DSP Rose of Bavaria (black mare, 11yrs, Bordeaux 28 x Florestan I, Breeder: Dr Heuschmann GER, Groom: Bea Snudden-Burnham)

The following have been named as reserves:

Charlotte Dujardin – direct reserve: Renai Hart, Carl Hester and her own Gio (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, Apache x Tango, Breeders: H J de Jong, A Valk NED)
Charlotte Fry – direct reserve: Van Olst Horses and her own Dark Legend (dark bay gelding, 13yrs, Zucchero x Tango, Breeder: Fam. Nobus de Potter NED)
Gareth Hughes – non-direct reserve: Claudine Kroll, Jessica Kroll, Martin Kroll and his own KK Dominant (bay, stallion, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Diamond Hit x Rubin Royal, Breeder: Elke Salde GER)

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 21 June 2021. The selected squad of four combinations to travel to Tokyo, plus reserves, will be announced on 28 June 2021.

Nominated entries for the para dressage squad for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo will be published on or around 18 June.

16th June 2021 0 comment

Equestrian

BD and BS prepare for resumption of activity

written by Hugh

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact on all areas of life in the United Kingdom. However, recent data and a statement from the Prime Minister indicates that we have passed the peak as case numbers, hospital admissions and death rates fall. The message from government is clear that we must maintain the restrictions in place in order to continue the decline and prevent a secondary peak in numbers. However, this positive news presents both British Dressage (BD) and British Showjumping (BS) with the opportunity to release outline plans for the resumption of sporting activity, when it is safe to do so.

Both organisations have been working on operational plans to outline their ‘roadmap’ to get training and competition activity back up and running, within any government requirements and social distancing measures that remain in place. Currently, all affiliated dressage and showjumping activity is suspended until 31 May in both disciplines and that will remain the case until restrictions are relaxed.

Working with British Equestrian, who are representing all of their member bodies at government level through partners UK Sport, Sport England and the Sport and Recreational Alliance, BD and BS have put forward a strong case that equestrian sport will be in a favourable position to resume, by providing regulated, controlled environments that can be modified to comply with any restrictions.

Both BD and BS are looking at managing the short, medium and long term implications of the crisis over three distinct phases; Response, Resumption and Recovery. As part of this there are four stages for members to follow, as a gradual approach to the resumption of activity; Ride, Train, Compete and Qualify, with each stage dependent on what government restrictions allow at that point.

The first priority is to get members back riding, where it is safe to do so, then restart limited one-to-one training activity. Online training and competitions can then pave the way for face-to-face activity to resume, including test riding days and training shows, before standard competitions begin again, with appropriate social distancing measures implemented. These will be small scale initially, within any limits to public gatherings and distances permitted for travel, with the competition structure building back up again as these restrictions are relaxed.

In the emergent phase of the outbreak, it was necessary to avoid any activity that would put additional pressure on the NHS and emergency services. With the NHS operating within capacity and extending support to other areas of critical care and specialist treatment, indications are that we will soon be in a position to actively encourage riding again as a low-risk activity that has clear benefits for the mental health and physical well-being of all participants.

This also then allows coaches to continue training with their clients, whether remotely online or in person where the coach travels to the rider. Once the government makes further concessions around travel restrictions and public gatherings, both organisations can look towards sport resuming, with modifications in place to meet any requirements. Regional training, test riding and a new concept of training shows would build horses and riders towards readiness to compete.

In terms of physical training and competition activity, both dressage and show jumping are in a positive position to manage the resumption of activity effectively:

Riders compete as individuals in what are non-contact sports
Activity largely takes place outdoors and is naturally socially-distanced
Attendance is primarily competitor only, with only limited spectators
Affiliated BD/BS venues provide regulated, controlled environments
Requires only small numbers of staff and officials to operate shows
Communication can be managed remotely in advance of competition
Technology can facilitate management, with minimal human interaction
Contact tracking and tracing can be conducted centrally, as required

Both BD and BS will be preparing ‘took kits’ for stakeholder groups to facilitate the safe return to training activity and competition, in order to carry out thorough risk assessments to comply with all social distancing, public health and hygiene requirements. The health and safety of all participants, both human and equine, will remain of paramount consideration at all times.

There remains a great deal of work to be done on rebuilding the two sports back up to pre-crisis levels and formulating revised competition calendars, the shape of which will be dependent on when government restrictions are relaxed. However, the aim is to get back up and running at the earliest opportunity by taking a flexible and adaptable approach.

Jason Brautigam, BD Chief Executive commented; “Up until now our focus has been on managing the initial impact on our sport and organisation in the wake of the pandemic and responding to constantly evolving conditions, but we feel it’s now appropriate to look forward to the resumption of the sport and consider what this will look like over coming weeks and months. We’re extremely grateful for the support that we have received from members and stakeholders so far and we all want to get back underway when it’s possible. While it is important to stress that this will only be when it’s safe to do so and in line with whatever government regulations remain in place, it is important that we have an operational plan ready to put into action as soon as we get the green light.”

BS Chief Executive, Iain Graham added; “We have to consider all our stakeholder groups in planning resumption, as everyone has been impacted differently. Across all equestrian disciplines there will be groups of ‘at risk’ individuals who may still need shielding and who are imperative to the delivery of the sport, there will also be those who may not have had access to or been able to ride their horses since the lockdown and in addition there will be some venues who will need more time than others to adapt to new requirements before they can re-open. It’s not going to be an instant fix and it is difficult to put firm plans in place while the future remains so uncertain. However, it’s vital that we’re fully prepared and ready for sporting activity to resume, so everyone can enjoy their horses and competing again and we can all collectively rebuild for the future.”

Individual Operational Plans and summary documents are due to be released shortly by both organisations and, while a great deal of planning, consideration and detail has gone into providing a clear route forward, the uncertainty of the pandemic makes it difficult to be precise about the exact timescales for the implementation and delivery of each stage. The government is due to make a further announcement on Sunday 10 May, which could potentially provide more of an indication on the relaxation of lockdown measures and give a clearer timeframe to move these plans forward.

9th May 2020 0 comment