British Dressage president steps down

Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer has stepped down as a director of British Dressage to spend more time training his daughter, Laura.

Laura’s in-house trainer of four years, Markus Gribbe, left the Bechtolsheimers for pastures new on 12 March.

“I was very much looking forward to getting involved in supporting the board and giving input from an international competitor’s point of view,” said former rider Dr Bechtolsheimer, who was co-opted onto the British Dressage board last June based on his knowledge and experience on international dressage.

“Since Markus has left, I have stepped in to help Laura with her training again and that takes up most of my free time.”

Dr Bechtolsheimer will remain director of British Dressage until the organisation’s AGM on 6 June. Once a new chairman is elected, decisions will be taken on a future president.

BD chief executive David Holmes commented: “We are very grateful for the time and energy Dr Bechtolsheimer has contributed over the past year, his presence will be missed but we understand his need to help Laura.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now