Trott to focus on Olympic dressage

The British Equestrian Federation has appointed David Trott as its new World Class Performance Manager for dressage.

A member of the British Dressage board of directors and chairman of selectors since 2001, Trott volunteered as chef d’equipe for the dressage team at the European Championships in 2003 and at the Athens Olympics. However, “David, as a volunteer chef d’equipe, couldn’t give [the role] the time it needed,” says Jo Bagnall from British Dressage. “It [has become] apparent that we needed someone to step in and do it formally.”

His time as a volunteer chef d’equipe made Trott the ideal candidate for the job. But he also brings to the post a long experience as List 1 and International FEI judge. “David rides, teaches and is a judge — although I am sure he had a more mainstream career at some point in the past,” says Bagnall.

Trott’s mandate will be to oversee “the identification, training and selection of talented horses and riders for the Olympic team.”

“I’m very glad to have David on board, in effect continuing the role that he played up to Athens 2004. His vast experience of the world of dressage, and the relationship he now has with the riders and officials, will allow him to build on the success of the Athens Olympiad over the coming years,” says BEF performance director Will Connell.

Improving communications among riders, coaches and the performance director will feature prominently on Trott’s agenda. “This has been the biggest problem since we last had a performance manager,” says Bagnall. “He will have to make sure everyone gets what they need.”

Just how Trott will manage to juggle previous commitments with his new appointment “is a challenge he is weighing up now,” according to Bagnall.

But the new World Class Performance Manager is very gung-ho about his role and the future of British Dressage. “I’m thrilled to be taking up this position. It will enable me to give the role the time it deserves,“ says Trott. “I really feel we are in the strongest position we have been for a long time, with exciting combinations just beginning to show their potential. By the next Olympics we could be challenging even the Germans!”

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