Latest from Horse & Hound in Dressage-at-hickstead

A ‘tremendous milestone’ for the sport as team competition returns to top British venue

Lucy Elder — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:17:22 +0000

The dressage Nations Cup will return to Hickstead in 2027 for the first time in eight years.

The CDIO3* team competition will run alongside the international and national classes, including the Dressage Masters series, at the Chart Stables International Dressage at Hickstead show (10-16 May 2027).

Aster Events stepped in to bring dressage back to Hickstead this year after the 2025 fixture was cancelled for financial reasons. Dressage legend Carl Hester sang the show’s praises in his latest exclusive H&H column.

Aster Events director Daniel Watson said the vision has always been to establish the show as “one of Europe’s premier dressage events”.

“Welcoming an FEI CDIO3* Nations Cup is a tremendous milestone, not only for Aster Events, but for British dressage as a whole,” he said.

“It will give riders the opportunity to represent their country on home soil, while offering spectators the chance to enjoy world-class international team competition at one of Britain’s most iconic equestrian venues.”

Hickstead has a long history as a dressage venue, as well as its world-renowned showjumping credentials.

Dressage at Hickstead was founded by international rider and trainer Dane Rawlins in 1993. It hosted national classes and an annual CDI, and was also home to the 2003 European Championships. From 2013 to 2019, it also held the British leg of the FEI Nations Cup series.

In 2020, lack of finances led to the end of Dressage at Hickstead in its previous form. It returned the following year and grew from a three-day Premier League show in 2021 to a six-day international fixture in 2024.

A spokesperson for Aster Events thanked all those whose “commitment continues to drive the event’s development”.

“Since assuming responsibility for the event, Aster Events has invested substantially in its growth, attracting leading international combinations, enhancing facilities and hospitality and building strong partnerships,” said the spokesperson.

“Following the success of the 2026 edition, the inclusion of a Nations Cup represents the next step in the event’s evolution.”

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‘It was a massive risk that paid off’: Carl Hester’s view on the return of international dressage to Hickstead

Carl Hester — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:34:50 +0000

Top British dressage rider, trainer and multiple Olympian Carl Hester shares his thoughts on the “phenomenal” recent return of dressage at Hickstead.

“It was a massive risk, but in my heart, I knew it had to happen and it turned out really well.” That was Aster Events’ Daniel Watson reflecting on May’s Chart Stables International Dressage Festival at Hickstead. An understatement, Dan, it was phenomenal.

The week-long show offered something for everyone, with CDI and CPEDI classes alongside Premier League, young horse, national competitions and the dressage masters series. Dressage returning to the iconic Hickstead venue offered all our riders a world-class platform on home soil.

British team rider Dan’s the sort of person who can’t sit still. He rides up to 10 horses a day, teaches and runs a business with his partner Craig Messenger. Yet, feeling there was a gap – specifically a lack of a showcase for dressage along the lines of shows abroad – he sent an email to Lizzie Bunn at Hickstead, who emailed straight back saying they needed to meet up.

The long development process got under way. Dan was in and out of the boardroom last year. British Dressage came on board and when Chart Stables jumped at the chance to be title sponsor “the whole thing skyrocketed”.

A whole host of sponsors followed – too many to mention here, and thanks to them all – but the riders and trainers who put money in also showed dressage working together as a community. Dan reports Chart Stables has already reaped rewards: “What they’ve gained from the show is massive.”

Eye-watering costs

The costs involved were eye-watering: £250,000. That included, for example, £18,000 for hook-up, including £7,500 for diesel – the price having gone through the roof – £12,500 for the main screen, wifi and other communication tools.

Dan did a clever deal with Travelodge for 22 judges’ rooms, but there was extra for national judges in other hotels. Catering cost some £20,000 to £25,000 but was “a phenomenal return”. People don’t realise the cost of setting up.

Dan said: “It was mad, and it could have got way out of control. You have to be on every penny.” He was.

Signing up volunteers wasn’t easy. There were about 10 to 15 a day this year, and Dan found it tricky to get the right people for the right tasks, but he’ll have more of an idea going forward on who fits what role. I’m sure in the future volunteers will be flocking to sign up.

There were many conversations with Dane Rawlins, who ran Dressage at Hickstead for 27 years and hosted the superb European Championships there in 2003. Dane was there daily, having got roped into judging and told me with humour: “Bally good job. It was nice to see someone else suffering.”

Dan also paid tribute to the Hickstead team: “I feel utterly privileged to have worked with such a team: Lizzie, Ellie and Will Bunn. To have their backup throughout. No words.”

The result: a show that rivals the best in Europe

At the trot-up, one of the foreign judges told Dan that the show rivalled the best in Europe, at which Dan told me he nearly fell over backwards. He may have felt things were going too fast at the time, but he has a dressage Nations Cup in his sights and putting in a bid for the European Championship may not be just a dream.

Lizzie Bunn commended Aster Events for running a dressage camp attended by 75 preceding the show as a “clever move” and the lovely ball attended by some 200 people was a great success.

From the Hickstead perspective, Lizzie said, “The whole team from caterers to sponsors really got behind it.”

She paid the ultimate compliment to Dan and his team: “They were such a pleasure to deal with. They are now our template for outside events.”

Dan doesn’t have a business studies degree but has always been analytical. He told me he felt slightly naive going into it and slightly scared himself with what he had created.

I think he should be awarded an honorary first-class honours degree sharpish after pulling off an incredible success…and perhaps a medal for bravery! Here’s to the future.

● Were you at Hickstead in May and what did you think? What other shows would you like to see brought back – or boosted – on home soil? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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A ‘celebration of talent, partnership and the spirit of dressage’ as all levels invited to compete at major Hickstead show

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:59:25 +0000

British Dressage riders from prelim level upwards will be able to compete alongside the top names as the Dressage Masters returns to Hickstead next year.

Organisers of the Chart Stables International Dressage at Hickstead 2026 (11-17 May) have confirmed that the national competition will run alongside the CDI. No qualification is required and all BD members are welcome to enter, to “perform in a world-class competition environment”.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the Dressage Masters back to its original home of Hickstead in such an inclusive format and with an outstanding line-up of sponsors,” said show director Daniel Watson. “It’s a true celebration of talent, partnership, and the spirit of dressage.”

Classes will run from prelim to prix st georges (PSG) level and the top 15 in each class will qualify for a freestyle in the international arena the next day.

“Founded by Dane Rawlins, the Dressage Masters offers both amateur and professional riders a unique competition, set in an iconic location, with an international atmosphere,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“There will be generous prizes, including the debut of the ‘champion of champions’ title awarded to the combination with the highest combined score across both days.”

The event is open to all BD members and registered horses between prelim and PSG but entries are capped at 40 per class and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entries open on 1 January at 5pm and all fees and details will be confirmed in the near future. The tests will be the championship tests: prelim 6, novice 6, elementary 6, medium 6, advanced medium 6 and the FEI PSG. Prizes include rosettes to 10th place and sashes and rugs to overall winners. Overnight stabling is available and there will be evening events including a charity ball.

The classes have been sponsored by Deepdene Stables, Kent, Premier Performance, RW Equine Vet Ltd, Perry Equine Supplements, Headmore Stud, the Leggat family, The Hair Extension Company, CW Events, Imperial Equestrian, Nodwood House Equine, Lassetter Dressage – Char Lassetter, Hughes Dressage and SEC Ltd.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our sponsors,” added Daniel.“For many, this is their first step into equestrian sponsorship, and the Dressage Masters offers an opportunity to showcase their brands on an international stage.”

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International dressage to return to Hickstead in a step ‘the sport really needs’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:42:54 +0000

The team bringing international dressage back to Hickstead from next year promise “an experience that will go beyond the arena and leave a legacy for years to come”.

H&H reported last year that the All England Jumping Course had had to cancel its dressage fixture, which had grown from a three-day Premier League show in 2021 to a six-day international fixture in 2024.

But it has now been confirmed that international dressage rider Daniel Watson is spearheading a “powerful return” of the discipline, with his Aster Events team and headline sponsor Chart Stables.

“This is a rider-led project, independently organised and funded,” Dan said. “Running a show at Hickstead will bring international dressage back to a venue that means so much to our sport. With Aster Events, we are building something fresh – an event that celebrates competition, community and culture.

“My long-term sponsor Chart Stables has agreed to support this event as title sponsor, and we are both incredibly excited about this new venture, linking equestrian business with competitive sport. The Aster Events team, with the Bunn family, are creating an experience that will go beyond the arena and develop a legacy for years to come.’’

Dan told H&H conversations with Hickstead directors Lizzie and Edward Bunn started about six months ago.

“The Bunns are fabulous to work with. They’ve got so much knowledge of international competition; they’re phenomenal at it, and I feel privileged they’ve allowed me into their niche as they’re so lovely and so good at what they do,” he said. “The more time we’ve spent around the table, the more things have slotted into place.”

The Chart Stables International Dressage Festival will run from 11-17 May, including CDI, CPEDI, Premier League, young horse and national classes, and the Dressage Masters. Dan said final details have not yet been ironed out but it is likely to run in the same rings and area of the showground as the previous dressage fixture and the young horse showjumping championships, the feel and set-up of which has been widely praised.

Pulling together

“We’re going back into meetings but as a showground, it’s phenomenal,” he said. “There are so many things we can do to make it work long-term; that’s what the next few months are for, then we’ll really push ahead for the future. Everybody’s really pulling together to make this a show for the long term. It’s just bloody brilliant, and something the sport really needs.”

Becky Moody, who won the CDI3* freestyle with Jagerbomb at Hickstead in 2023, said the news is “fantastic”.

“Hickstead is a truly iconic venue, with outstanding facilities and a real international atmosphere – something it is invaluable to have here in the UK to develop our current and future stars,” she said. “Now we all need to get behind Dan and his team, to help showcase the very best of international dressage.’’

Entry and parking will be free for spectators, and there will be hospitality packages and a “Friends of Hickstead Dressage” membership scheme available.

“We are delighted to be working with Daniel and his team to be able to bring dressage back to Hickstead,” said Lizzie Bunn.“It was a disappointing decision to cancel this year’s international CDI, and we hope the entire dressage community will rally round to give this fixture their full support, so it will thrive in 2026 and beyond.”

Chart Stables director Yolanda Olson added: “As horse owners and keen dressage riders we are delighted to be the title sponsors. It’s great news that Hickstead will once more be hosting this prestigious event with their outstanding facilities here in the UK. We wish Daniel and the team all our good wishes for what will showcase the best of International dressage in such a beautiful setting.”

For more information about the show and sponsorship opportunities, visit asterevents.co.uk

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‘The costs are exorbitant’: major venue cancels dressage as numbers don’t add up

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:51:07 +0000

There will be no dressage competition at Hickstead next year, as the event cannot be made financially viable.

The All England Dressage Festival at the West Sussex showground ran as a three-day Premier League show in 2021, after the cancellation of the Dressage at Hickstead series, and grew to a six-day CDI3* and CPEDI fixture by this year.

But the decision has been made not to run the competition in 2025.

“Regrettably, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our running of our dressage fixture, but we would like to thank all our sponsors, especially ICE Horseboxes, as well as organiser David Crockford, and all the riders and owners who supported the fixture over the past four years,” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn.

“The timing of the event in May made things challenging due to the weather, but the main reason is that we cannot make it economically viable. The costs – particularly of judges and officials – at over £50,000 are exorbitant and, despite our best efforts, the event still ran at a loss.”

A spokesperson for the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead said the venue has recently invested in a new £1.5m stabling complex including hard standing for 40 horseboxes, allowing use of the showground all year round including for hires, clinics and camps.

“It is essential that any additional events are financially sound,” added Lizzie. “This year we added the British Young Horse Jumping Championships to our fixture list in August. This was a huge success, and we are looking forward to developing this event even further for next year.”

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‘I’ve never had a score like that’: Carl Hester posts +98% on six-year-old ‘born champion’

Becky Murray — Wed, 15 May 2024 11:03:25 +0000

“That’s the highest score I’ve ever had,” said Carl Hester after he posted an impressive 98.4% with Quinn G in the six year-old class at the All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead on Friday (10 May).

Chestnut mare Quinn G (Quarterhit x Fassbinder) is owned by Fiona Bigwood and Carl has been riding her for a few weeks. The mare, bred by Helene Geervliet of Stutteri G in Denmark, won gold in the five-year-old World Breeding Championships with Betina Jaeger last year, before she was sold to Fiona.

“Quinn is another great buy from Fiona who obviously has a fairly amazing eye for a young horse. She’s an awesome great big unit of a horse, she is absolutely incredible,” said Carl.

“She has the perfect young horse champion vibe; she has a huge walk, huge trot, and huge canter. She’s enormous in character, size, movement – she’s just awesome to ride. That horse is a star without any rider on her.”

The Hickstead judges liked what they saw, awarding Quinn 10s for her walk, canter and general impression. On their second test on Saturday Quinn was given 10s for her trot, canter, and perspective to post 97%. Young horse classes aim to give horses aged four to seven, and ponies aged four to six, exposure to the competition environment, and help develop stars of the future. The classes are judged differently to senior classes, in that rather than being marked on movements, horses are scored on the quality of their paces and way of going.

“You would be hard pushed to find anyone that didn’t think Quinn is amazing. She’s a super, super mover. She’s like a born champion for these sorts of classes because she somehow has the swagger in the test to show off, and yet she has this amazing relaxation in her walk,” said Carl, adding that “she really does have it all”.

“It’s really exciting, you really feel like it’s just guidance now. It’s as if she’s been here and read the book already, she knows her job. And she’s so proud when she goes up to the ring, I’ve not competed her before Hickstead, but she goes up to the ring and it’s just like, ‘Right boys, watch this!’ and off she goes.

98.4% is Carl’s highest score in a test.

“At least I know now if I ever retire I can remember I got 98.4%! That’s a nice score to go to sleep on, believe me,” he said.

“Fiona would like me to go to the World Breeding Championships with her, that is what the aim would be towards the end of the year and we’ll talk about that.”

Carl added that young horses classes “are not really his bag”, but he loves riding Quinn.

“I haven’t put on a short jacket for about 15 years, luckily I had one that fit me! But it’s quite nice to do young horses, because let’s face it, they are the future. It’s interesting, we’ll see how it progresses,” he said.

Carl was also in action in Hickstead’s CDI3* with Fiona’s 14-year-old stallion Fame, placing third in the grand prix behind Charlotte Dujardin, who had a one-two with Imhotep and Alive and Kicking, and second in the grand prix special behind Charlotte and Imhotep. He won the Premier League grand prix with En Vogue.

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Charlotte Dujardin peerless as Carl Hester reflects on what horses have given him and Olympic plans

Oscar Williams — Mon, 13 May 2024 17:57:18 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin was in fine form at the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead as she secured a hat trick of wins in the CDI3* classes.

She kicked her streak off by scoring a one-two in the grand prix, with her Olympic hopeful Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi) first on 80.87% and the graceful Alive And Kicking second with 77.37% – a personal best at international level.

Imhotep was back at his imperious best, with his canter pirouettes a highlight – receiving a 10 from the judge at H, Andrew Gardner.

“I had such a good ride, it really felt like one of the best grand prix tests we’ve ever done,” Charlotte said. “He has an incredible engine and power and it’s still about managing it all.

“My pirouettes, piaffe and zig-zags got some really good marks, but what was so nice was that I just rode the test and it just felt like everything happened and was a nice test to ride.

“Before it felt quite difficult to put it all together but now it feels so much easier. He’s so much more confident, he’s stronger so it makes it easier now for me to be able to focus on the little pinpoint parts whereas before I’ve had to help him so much through it because he’s had all this power and not been able to manage it.”

Charlotte Dujardin: “I felt quite emotional”

The combination didn’t quite manage a clear round in the grand prix special, with a slight blip in the one-time tempi changes, but nevertheless scored 81.36% to win – picking up even more 10s for the canter pirouettes as well as the piaffe.

“It was an expensive mistake, but apart from that I’m so happy,” said Charlotte. “He’s an incredible horse with so much heart and always wants to please. The hard thing is taking the risk and not making a mistake, and that’s what I’m playing around with at the moment. Hopefully, when it comes to the time I need it all, I’ll have ironed it all out.”

Alive And Kicking won her debut freestyle on 82.35% riding to the Frozen music Charlotte used with Mount St John Freestyle.

“I love that music and thought it would suit her well, but the floorplan is quite difficult,” said Charlotte. “I couldn’t have been prouder of her, I felt a little bit emotional at the end – where she is right now in her training she couldn’t have done any more. She tried so hard, she answered all the questions, and gave everything a go.”

It feels wrong to keep describing 10-year-old mare Alive And Kicking as a rising star considering the impressive and mature performances she keeps producing, but she is still very inexperienced at this level – which makes her achievements all the more remarkable.

“Her piaffe-passage is just amazing, she slips in and out like it’s nothing,” added Charlotte. “I think there’s a lot to come with her, she’s only 10, and I’m very, very excited for the future.”

Carl Hester: “I’m so grateful to these horses for all that they have given me”

Carl Hester was third in the CDI3* grand prix with the European team gold medallist Fame on 76.23% and second in the special on 78.66% – while En Vogue won the LeMieux Premier League grand prix class on 75.3% and Fiona Bigwood’s spectacular mare Quinn Q won both the national and international six-year-old classes.

Following the competition Carl was in a reflective mood, writing: “I think what the horses reminded me of this weekend was just how special these moments continue to be and why so many of us are committed to this sport with these horses that are first and foremost part of our family.

“When they do test after test and try and make just one small thing better, giving their best with the questions we ask of them and forgiving us if we don’t ask it perfectly on the day; it’s this feeling of trust and partnership that makes training horses and presenting them in arenas the greatest privilege.

“There is a lot of conversation taking place in our community at the moment and still so much to be discussed for the future. This remains important but whatever happens in the next few months, I can truly say that I am so grateful to these horses for all that they have given me as a rider so far and the pride they give me on weekends like these. And this is all that I could ask for.”

Carl told H&H he is as yet undecided on whether En Vogue or Fame would be his Paris pick if selected.

“At the moment it’s too early in the season to say; Vogue was very successful in Tokyo, and has scored up to 78%. That would be his top mark in the special, and then Fame got that this weekend and he’s not in full throttle yet. They’re both very capable horses and hopefully one of them will get selected,” he said.

“This show has been a good indication to both Charlotte and me that things are going in the right direction, the horses are feeling fantastic and I think we’re starting to iron out all the details that are needed to get these high scores.”

Carl and Charlotte plan to compete next at Wellington International Festival of Dressage (4–11 June) as they continue their Olympic preparations.

British Olympic team contenders set to headline dressage at Hickstead

Oscar Williams — Mon, 06 May 2024 17:02:17 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester are set to headline a strong field of competitors at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead (7–12 May).

Charlotte will be bringing two rides, her European individual bronze medallist Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi) and rising star Alive And Kicking (All At Once x Fürst Piccolo) – the same horses she took to Hagen CDI (24–28 April) where the pair were double winners in the CDI4* and CDI3* respectively.

Charlotte last competed at Hickstead in 2022 where she won advanced medium and prix st georges (PSG) titles on Alive And Kicking. This year will mark her competitive return to the showground for the first time since the birth of her daughter Isabella last spring.

Carl will be competing with his Olympic hopeful Fame (Bordeaux x Rhodium), as they look to defend the CDI grand prix and grand prix special titles they won in emphatic style at Hickstead last year.

The combination look primed to take a spot on the three-person Olympic team, but Carl was taking nothing for granted when speaking to the press following the special at Hagen: “I’m not the only one trying, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody are also performing well.

“We are at the beginning of the season, so we are still working on a little bit of trial and error, what is better here, what is better there, but I’m looking forward to getting back to the form we had last summer in the coming months.”

Also entered in the international grand prix classes are Royal Windsor grand prix winners Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike, two-time Olympian Emma Hindle with both Rosmarin and Zippo M.I, Australian Jayden Brown on Willingapark Quincy B and Willingapark Sky Diamond, Louise Bell who brings the in-form and evergreen Into The Blue as well as Andrew Gould with the 13-year-old stallion Genie.

The fixture will also host a full Premier League schedule as well as three days of CPEDI classes with British Paralympic medallists in action, including Georgia Wilson, Sophie Wells and Sophie Christiansen, while Natasha Baker is set to make a return to competition following the birth of her first son Joshua in 2023.

“Carl and Charlotte are the two biggest names in British dressage, and we are delighted to welcome them both back for this year’s I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. “This is one of a handful of international fixtures to take place on British soil, and will no doubt be an important part of their Olympic selection campaign. With free parking and admission, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness these world-class riders in action.”

International dressage back at Hickstead, as British CDI tour confirmed

Lucy Elder — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 19:33:46 +0000

Britain’s international dressage calendar has been boosted for 2023 with new and returning fixtures at high-profile venues.

Addington returns to the fold this year, opening Britain’s international calendar (16–19 March). International dressage is also back on the schedule for Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) for the first time since 2019, swiftly followed by Hickstead.

British Dressage (BD) chief executive Jason Brautigam told H&H that owing to the cost, complexity and logistical challenges of competing overseas, BD wanted to offer “additional opportunities for our international riders across all levels and age groups”.

“The sport has grown considerably in recent years, so it’s vitally important that our senior, para, under-21 and under-25 athletes all have access to these invaluable home-based shows to obtain scores for selection,” he said.

He added that the sport is “delighted to welcome back” Addington and Hickstead, and confirmed that the existing CDI/CPEDI fixtures at Wellington (8–11 June) and Hartpury (2–9 July) are in the calendar this year.

“Following extensive consultation with our international riders, RWHS and Hickstead, everyone agreed that they would like to see a British CDI tour in mid-May to showcase the top combinations,” he said.

“These will run consecutively, with Royal Windsor hosting their CDI4* grand prix and freestyle on 10 and 11 May, and the CDI3* at Hickstead will run from 11 to 14 May.

“All five of these venues offer top-class facilities and will provide a fantastic experience for riders and spectators alike, so we are looking forward to working with them to establish this exciting new-look international dressage programme in 2023.”

Hickstead’s draft schedule has the CPEDI and youth classes during the week, with the senior CDI classes provisionally set for the weekend. This would mean there should be no direct cross-over for the senior classes at Hickstead and Windsor.

Mr Brautigam addressed the question of whether having the two shows in the same week could present a challenge.

“There are now more than 200 combinations who compete at international level across senior, para and under-21s, so we are confident that these shows will be well supported,” he said.

“Although Windsor and Hickstead are running in close proximity, we are hoping that some of our top riders will be able to support both shows with different horses.

“Traditionally only five to seven British riders take part in the showcase class at Windsor, so this should have minimal impact on Hickstead. There is always plenty of demand to take part in the grand prix class at national level too.”

Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said: “With another dressage international being held at Royal Windsor Horse Show just before our international classes take place, it is hoped that more riders will travel from overseas to compete at two top British showgrounds in the space of a week.”

Gareth Hughes and Carl Hester both voiced support for the return of international classes at Hickstead.

“Given the challenges of competing on the continent at the moment, it’s more important than ever that British-based riders have the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage on home soil, and now they will have the chance to ride at both Windsor and Hickstead in the space of a week,” said Carl.

Rider Richard Davison, who is also dressage organiser at RWHS, told H&H they have had good discussions with Hickstead and are collaborating on areas, such as judges. He said the show is also looking into extra stabling to cater for Windsor competitors who will be travelling on to Hickstead with other rides.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for all the riders so they can make the most of the opportunity to do both,” he said, adding that he hopes having two shows close together will also make the trip “appealing for overseas riders”.

“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” he said. “As a rider, there’s no question that the more UK-based internationals we have, the better. Brexit has made it so expensive and complicated to travel to Europe.”

Addington, which recently reopened for the first time since the pandemic, has a new team in place.

Sport director Alan Beaumont, who has experience of running top dressage shows including at Bolesworth and Sentower Park, Belgium, told H&H they “brought forward plans” to host CDI/CPEDI when the spot previously held by Keysoe became available.

He said Addington is keen to support the national calendar and governing bodies (“without them there is no national sport”) and is also looking into international jumping dates in future years.

Ben Maher leads Royal Windsor line-up, plus Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin head to Hickstead and other events to catch this week

Polly Bryan — Tue, 10 May 2022 07:32:39 +0000

With Ben Maher among the top names heading to Royal Windsor Horse Show, and Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin in action at Hickstead, this weekend is set to be a busy one for Britain’s best. Check out what’s on and how you can follow…

1. Royal Windsor Horse Show

Dates: 12 – 15 May

More info: rwhs.co.uk

How to watch: You can watch the events in the main arena (Castle Arena) at clipmyhorse.tv. In addition to the live stream, you are also able to watch highlights of the Rolex Grand Prix on SKY Sports and Horse & Country.

Get the H&H lowdown: H&H will be providing extensive online coverage of the action as it unfolds. Bookmark horseandhound.co.uk so you don’t miss a second of the show. A full magazine report covering the showing and showjumping classes will be available in the 19 May issue. Follow us on social media for all the breaking stories from the show.

Why we’re excited: an annual favourite for riders and spectators with a true feast of top tier five-star showjumping on home soil. We welcome a stellar field of riders to Royal Windsor Horse Show, including the Olympic champion Ben Maher, the recent World Cup victor Martin Fuchs and Swedish sensations Peder Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann, as well as some of Great Britain’s best-loved heroes including John Whitaker, Harry Charles and Scott Brash.

Over in the showing arenas, the north and the south meet for four days of action at the season’s first major show. Producers and amateurs alike will use the fixture to showcase new stars of the show ring, and return with their most seasoned animals to be crowned the best of the very best. A highlight will be the hunter classes and overall hunter championship held in the Castle Arena on Friday.

2. I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival Premier League, Hickstead

Dates: 12-15 May

More info: hickstead.co.uk

How to watch: hickstead.tv

Get the H&H lowdown: expect a full report in the 19 May issue.

Why we’re excited about it: Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are among the big names set to be in action at Hickstead. Carl will ride En Vogue at grand prix, as part of his campaign for the dressage World Championships this summer, and will be joined at the level by the likes of Gareth Hughes and last year’s grand prix winner Anna Ross. Meanwhile Charlotte will showcase some of her upcoming rides at small tour.

3. Chatsworth Horse Trials, Derbyshire

Dates: 13-15 May

More info: British Eventing schedule

How to watch: the event will be shown on Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: full report in the magazine dated 19 May

Why we’re excited about it: the traditional post-Badminton big fixture, where riders can continue the roll or make amends after problems at the five-star. The flagship CCI4*-S has over 100 entries, including four rides for Bubby Upton, Ros Canter on Izilot DHI and Pencos Crown Jewel and Yasmin Ingham on Rehy DJ.

4. Nottinghamshire County

Date: 14 May

More info: nottinghamshirecountyshow.com

Get the H&H lowdown: Full magazine report in the 26 May issue of H&H

Why we’re excited: A packed schedule of classes spread across eight rings. The highlight of the day will be the Horse of the Year Show in-hand supreme qualifier, but there are also a host of Royal International Horse Show qualifiers. Championed mini ponies will compete for the coveted mini supreme title at the end of the day.

End of the road for Dressage at Hickstead

Polly Bryan — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 16:10:19 +0000

South-east riders have been left mourning the loss of their premier dressage venue, as Dressage at Hickstead announced this week it was ceasing activity in its current form.

Dressage at Hickstead was founded by international rider and trainer Dane Rawlins in 1993, and has since operated independently from the All England Jumping Course at the Hickstead showground.

As well as hosting regional championships and Premier Leagues, it has also become one of Britain’s major international dressage venues, hosting the European Dressage Championships in 2003, where Britain won team bronze, as well as an annual CDI which, since 2013, has incorporated the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup series.

“Lack of finances has been the driver that has led to the cessation of Dressage at Hickstead in its current form,” Dane told H&H. “Covid-19 highlighted the problems, and meant that the remainder of this year’s activities had to be cancelled, but it wasn’t the cause.

“But I’m feeling positive; the past 27 years have been fantastic, and the situation right now is still fluid – we may be able to organise something with the All England Jumping Course. I’m not retiring!”

Dane was keen to thank those who have supported the venue over many years.

“The Bechtolsheimer family have been incredible supporters of ours, and I also need to thank all the individual helpers and volunteers who have given up so much of their time,” he said.

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Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle dominate their first post-lockdown grand prix

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Dressage at Hickstead recently provided a chance for some of Britain’s top combinations to get in back in the ring for the first time since the start of lockdown, having joined forces with Rotterdam CHIO to run the Rotterdam Hickstead Grand Prix Challenge. Forty British and Dutch grand prix riders took part across the two venues in late June, with their tests live streamed in July alongside judging commentary and spectator judging.

Grand prix rider Alice Oppenheimer, a frequent competitor at Hickstead, added: “It’s such a shame to lose Dressage at Hickstead. We were so fortunate to have such a wonderful venue that held so many fabulous shows, not just the Nations Cup but also the regionals and the Premier League. There aren’t many venues where grassroots riders are able to compete in the same arena as top international riders.

“I’ll never forget attending the Europeans in 2003 – it was magical to be there and see top international competition in the UK. This is such a loss to not only the region, but the whole of the UK. I’d like to thank Dane and his team for all they’ve done.”

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle dominate their first post-lockdown grand prix

Polly Bryan — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 12:52:48 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin and her world bronze medallist Mount St John Freestyle emerged from lockdown on fine form at the Hickstead Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge, which was streamed live this weekend (18-19 July).

It was the first run through of the grand prix test in a competitive setting for the pair since their second place behind Isabell Werth at the Amsterdam World Cup qualifier in January. Although the tests, hosted at Hickstead and Rotterdam in late June, were not officially judged, commentary was given by top international judges Stephen Clarke and Mariette Sanders-van Gansenwinkel, and viewers scored the riders using the spectator scoring app.

Charlotte and Freestyle produced what was undoubtedly the standout performance among the 40 entrants, receiving a 78.89% mark from the spectator judging app, with more than 170 dressage fans taking part in judging her much-anticipated test.

Emma Blundell’s 11-year-old Fidermark mare, who would likely have been travelling to Tokyo this month for the Olympic Games were it not for the coronavirus pandemic, received high praise from the two judges, especially for her fluent half-passes, super pirouettes and high quality passage – “it is so impressive to see this horse coming towards you in passage,” said Mariette, as Charlotte embarked on her final centre line.

“I’ve been really looking forward to today – it’s been really tough to stay in a good frame of mind without having shows and not knowing what is going to happen,” said Charlotte.

“It was great to have Freestyle out – she’s been so good at home and it’s been nice to take her out and see where we are,” the double Olympic champion told H&H. “We had a few little blips today, such as in the piaffe where she didn’t keep it quite as well as she can, but I’m really pleased with her.

“The more she goes out, the better she gets.”

Dutch riders filled the next two spots according to the spectator judging, with Ashley van Megen-Brons and San Diego earning 70.33% from the viewers, and Patrick van der Meer just behind in third on 69.25%.

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The next highest placed Brit was Nikki Barker and the impressive Spielberg stallion Durable, who stepped up to grand prix last year, and received 68.87%, just ahead of Emile Faurie riding Robinvale.

Several exciting upcoming combinations took part in the challenge, including some grand prix first-timers, such as Britain’s Katie Bailey, who was making her debut at the level with Eagle Nouvelle.

Charlotte Dujardin among top riders signed up for online grand prix challenge

Becky Murray — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:29:14 +0000

World-class dressage stars from seven nations are set to go head to head in an online dressage event.

Fans will have the chance to watch some of the best battle it out in the Rotterdam Hickstead Grand Prix Challenge. The event will be broadcast on 18-19 July, with tests ridden beforehand without a public audience, and will feature live commentary from international judges Stephen Clarke and Mariëtte Sanders-van Gansewinkel.

The event will feature 44 British- and Dutch-based riders from Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway. Among the riders taking part are Brits Charlotte Dujardin, Louise Bell, Emile Faurie, and Pammy Hutton, Ireland’s Dane Rawlins, the Netherlands’ Patrick van der Meer and Belgian Olympian Jorinde Verwimp.

“We are looking so much forward to see these riders performing after lockdown. The list includes very experienced riders as well as very promising new talent, it’s a very interesting line-up”, said Ms Sanders.

Mr Clarke added: “At the same time it will be great to be back in our ‘online’ judge huts, although we are still not allowed to give marks.”

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The full list of riders taking part:

Hickstead:

Luke Baber-Davies

Katie Bailey

Alex Baker

Louise Bell

Nicola Buchanan

Nikki Barker

Liz Diegutis

Charlotte Dujardin

Emile Faurie

Sune Hansen

Pammy Hutton

Matt Hicks

Willow Kemp

Shaun Mandy

Elle McCarthy

Lisa Marriott

Kirsty Mepham

Dannie Morgan

Daniel Watson

Dane Rawlins

Sadie Smith

Mikaela Soriatie

Vicky Thompson

Bronte Watson

Rotterdam:

Kirsten Beckers

Ashley Brons

Alexa Fairchild

Dominique Filion

Nars Gottmer

Kebie vvan der Heijden

Danielle Heijkoop

Carlijn Huberts

Lucie Lauws

Laurens van Lieren

Patrick van der Meer

Simon Missiaen

Jeanine Nieuwenhuis

Lotje Schoots

Romy van der Schaft

Margot Timmermans

Tristan Tucker

Jorinde Verwimp

Kelly Zuidervaart

Thamar Zweistra

The event can be streamed at www.rotterdamhicksteadgpc.com with starting orders to be announced nearer the time.

Top British and Dutch riders to get back into the competition arena for unique online grand prix challenge

Lucy Elder — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:18:15 +0000

Top British and Dutch dressage riders will go head to head in an online grand prix challenge.

Dane Rawlins, organiser of the Dressage at Hickstead CDI3*, has partnered with the organisers of CHIO Rotterdam to hold the challenge.

Up to 20 grand prix combinations from each country will ride the Olympic grand prix test in front of cameras at Hickstead and Rotterdam respectively.

The full line-up, dates and broadcast channels (with live commentary) are expected to be announced shortly. Riders in both countries, including Charlotte Dujardin, Emile Faurie and Dutch chef d’equipe Alex van Silfhout have “responded positively” to the idea.

“We’re excited about this online challenge between these two top dressage nations”, said Dane.

“For the riders this is a unique measuring moment on their way to Tokyo 2021 and an opportunity to feel the competition pressure, which they lack completely this year. And of course for all dressage lovers to get a glimpse from their favourite GP dressage combinations.”

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The tests will be run using FEI rules, but the venues will be closed to the public. International judges Stephen Clarke and Mariette Sanders van Gansenwinkel will give live comments, and online viewers will be able to score the tests.

“The whole equestrian world was so much looking forward to this Olympic year. Covid-19 has not only resulted in cancellation of the Olympics and our events in Rotterdam and Hickstead, it was also a great disappointment for the fans that will not see their favorite dressage riders and horses in action probably most of this year,” said Patrick van der Meer, of CHIO Rotterdam.

“Together with CDIO Hickstead we now show them how dressage has progressed during lockdown.”

‘Let’s make them too hot to handle’: bespoke hats stolen from Dressage at Hickstead

Lucy Elder — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:50:51 +0000

Bespoke hats were stolen from tradestands while the shop owners were sleeping just metres away.

The thefts took place overnight on 21 to 22 June at Dressage at Hickstead’s premier league and dressage masters championships (19-23 June).

Flying Changes Bespoke Jackets & Tailcoats and Tidy Tack Rooms were both targeted.

“It’s very frustrating and disappointing,” said Sarah Cheetham, owner of Flying Changes.

“[The thieves] were very foolish, they’ve taken 20 unique, bespoke hats that are exclusive to us, made up with our own fabrics to match our jackets and tailcoats.”

She added this means they are instantly recognisable if they appear for sale or are worn in competition.

BUYER BEWARE! STOLEN GOODS!Flying Changes was targeted last night at Hickstead for its unique one of a kind bespoke…Posted by Flying Changes Bespoke Jackets & Tailcoats on Friday, June 22, 2018

While the dressage competition runs at the same time as the Hickstead Derby meeting, it is at a separate part of the showground and is not under the same organisation or security management as Hickstead Ltd, the All England Jumping Course.

Sarah was sleeping in the lorry behind the trade tent when the crooks cut open the marquee and took the hats.

Among the stolen Charles Owen helmets is the Charlotte Dujardin display hat, which has her Flying Changes tailcoat fabric running through the middle and features red and white piping.

A grey hat with rows of pink crystals on each side of the piping is also among the 20 stolen helmets.

She added the team at Dressage at Hickstead have been “very supportive” and the crime has highlighted a weakness in the security, which they are reviewing.

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Cassie Capsey, owner of Tidy Tackrooms, was also asleep in a tent when thieves cut along the zipper tapes of the marquee to steal 10 Scharf UK helmets from her stand.

“They didn’t touch anything else on the stand,” she told H&H. “They took the protective packaging off the hats and left the boxes.”

She added the hats will not be covered by warranty and all have unique serial numbers on them.

Both marquees were locked at the time of the thefts and the store owners are hoping to raise awareness to make the goods “too hot to handle”.

*STOLEN* overnight we have had all of our #Scharfuk riding hats stolen. From the Dressage at Hickstead. #flyingchanges…Posted by Tidy Tack Rooms LTD on Friday, June 22, 2018

Dane Rawlins, Dressage at Hickstead organiser, told H&H security will be reviewed.

“We will do our best to do whatever we can,” he said.

He added the team will be looking at improving the CCTV and making changes to the number of patrols on site.

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Rescue pony fulfils owner’s Hickstead dream

Lucy Elder — Mon, 21 May 2018 17:42:45 +0000

A pony who was taken in by the RSPCA after he was abandoned as a yearling has competed at his first championship.

Storm was rescued from a field along with a number of other ponies in 2009 and it took him a year to recover physically from his difficult start in life.

But the nine-year-old coloured gelding has beaten the odds to enjoy a new life to compete at the Dressage at Hickstead South East Championships on 19 May.

“I spent 15 years supporting my daughter with her horses and when she went off to university I thought I should find myself a pony,” Jo told H&H.

“My friend was looking after him at the time and said ‘come and have a look’. He wasn’t what I was looking for, but I decided to take him on.”

Jo added that Storm was rising two at the time and rather an “ugly duckling”, who has the personality of a “17hh chestnut mare inside the body of a 14hh skewbald gelding”.

With the help of her daughter, trainers and Jason Webb clinics, she started to bring him on.

Jo and Storm joined the Rother Valley Riding Club’s “building rider confidence” group with the aim of enjoying some grassroots-level dressage.

“They have been fantastic with Storm, they hold clinics and everything is super low-key, with sympathetic instructors and everyone is very supportive,” said Jo.

The pair started at intro, topping the members’ league table at the club last year, then moving up to prelim and qualifying for the Hickstead finals.

“My initial response was ‘obviously I’m not going’,” said Jo.

“But my daughter said ‘don’t be silly — be proud, take Storm out and show him off.”

The pair have also enjoyed success at British Dressage’s My Quest classes, achieving plus-73% scores, which gave them the confidence to make the trip to Hickstead.

“I was just delighted with him, he stayed with me for the whole test and was super-reactive,” said Jo, who survived a couple of spooks to achieve a score of 62.2% with the pony.

“We have worked so hard to be able to get there and now we are going to be able to go forwards from it.”

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Jo also thanked her trainer Anna Levy for her help.

“It breaks my heart [to hear of horses being abandoned], people are always really surprised about his start in life, they think I paid money for him,” said Jo, adding that “endless patience” has been the key to Storm.

“I feel like I’m the lucky one [to have found him], it has always been a dream to ride at Hickstead and I never thought I would get there, let alone on a 14hh rescue pony.”

Jo, a teaching assistant, added it has been rather a role reversal from supporting her daughter for so many years.

“It is a positive change though,” said Jo. “I get to see what it was like from her point of view and she gets to see it from mine!”

Jo added that she would encourage those with the right experience and time to consider rehoming when looking for their next horse.

“It is not for the inexperienced, but if you have the knowledge, a big heart and a lot of time, give it a go,” she said.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in the inaugural Horse & Hound Festival of Dressage, an unaffiliated show for all held at Sheepgate Equestrian (20 – 22 July 2018) with sections from intro to medium as well as music classes.

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.

Carl Hester: Why have we lost one of our most prestigious showcases? H&H VIP

Carl Hester — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 07:55:27 +0000

Coming back from Compiègne CDI in France, it struck me that this is a show that has stepped up to the plate and answered riders’ needs. It has transformed from a fledgling show into a classy venue at the top end of the competition scale, with vastly improved surfaces (although sadly the last day was cancelled due to the weather).

For a country that has not produced a medal since the days of Margit Otto-Crépin’s individual Olympic silver in 1988, and as a team since 1948 (gold), the government help and sponsorship for this show and the interest from a horse country like France is appreciated.

So it brought me only sadness to hear that Hickstead, which since 2009 had delivered international competition on the home stage, can’t afford to run this year. With the huge surge in popularity of our sport, alongside the national news and TV coverage, the recognition of Great Britain as a worldwide force in dressage and horse sport in general is great. So why have we lost one of our most prestigious showcases?

Dane Rawlins went to the wire of putting down the deposit for this year before making the tough decision to halt. Dane’s never taken a penny out of the show which, last year, lost £30,000. This year, risking more than that was a step too far. Dane says that they really need rider backing.

The Bechtolsheimers have been huge supporters all the way and when push came to shove it has been a huge boost that British Dressage (BD) has pulled out all the stops to ensure there is a great show during the Royal International, as the regional finals have moved date.

Those competitors will have a fine time and a real taste of something special. Then Jonny Clarke-West made a fantastic contribution by sponsoring the prix st georges and grand prix on the Saturday and freestyles at both levels on the Sunday, which will be invitational classes.

As riders and BD supporters, let’s communicate what this show means to us by buying hospitality tables (and Dane’s going to introduce a sliding scale on this for next year). If 40 people can come up with a grand each, next year’s show is on.

That’s what it takes: input and feedback, sponsorship, advertising. I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and run a demonstration at home, with proceeds going to Hickstead International. The cheque will be in the post Dane. Come on, let’s make it happen.

Not barking…

There was a stewards’ convention at the inaugural Keysoe CDI in April and I was asked to add my bit from a rider’s point of view. With vastly increased welfare issues and the spotlight of social media, stewards have a lot on their plate.

It’s another unpaid job for which we should be grateful that people are willing to give up their time. Far from the image of stewards barking orders, what came across to me was a real camaraderie of people like us — fellow horse lovers. A steward’s job is very intensive, as are their courses. So spare a thought for these guys whom we need at our competitions. They are there come rain or shine, so we can be there too.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 2 June 2016

‘Too good an opportunity to miss’: Hickstead regional championships date change

Alice Collins — Tue, 24 May 2016 16:31:51 +0000

Following the cancellation of its popular international dressage show at the end of July, Hickstead’s British Dressage regional championships have now been moved.

Originally set to run from 15-17 July, the regional championships will now take place from 28-31 July.

British Dressage stated that the move would “give riders a bigger sense of occasion as it will be alongside the Longines Royal International Horse Show”.

The regionals show will incorporate small tour and big tour classes as well as the qualifiers for the national championships at Stoneleigh in September.

A number of international judges who had been booked to officiate at the CDI have agreed to remain involved in the show so riders will have the chance to compete under top officials.

These classes will be open to all, with priority given to those previously nominated for the CDIO3*/CDI2*.

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This change, and further consolidation of fixtures at Hickstead, is designed to help them ensure that the international show makes a welcome return in 2017.

However, many riders and connections on the British Dressage forum expressed their displeasure at the change of date, having made long-standing plans around the original scheduling of the show.

BD sport operations manager Paul Graham said: “We appreciate that there will be some members who are affected by the date move. We have worked with Dane [Rawlins] as swiftly as possible to enable members to change their plans if necessary.

“We weighed up the options but to have a chance to run alongside the Royal International Horse Show was too good an opportunity to miss so members competing will have a truly special experience at their Regional Championships.”

The new schedule for Hickstead’s regional championships is below.

Thursday 28 July

Back In Action Summer Regional Championship preliminary silver

Dodson & Horrell Summer Regional Championship novice silver

Dodson & Horrell Summer Regional Championship novice gold

Fairfax Saddles Summer Regional Championship FEI prix st georges gold

Friday 29 July

Childeric Saddles Summer Regional Championship elementary silver

Childeric Saddles Summer Regional Championship elementary gold

TopSpec Summer Regional Championship medium silver

Saracen Horse Feeds Summer Regional Championship FEI intermediate I gold

Saturday 30 July

TopSpec Summer Regional Championship medium gold

Hickstead Championship Final 5yo national British young dressage horse

Hickstead Championship Final 6yo national British young dressage horse

FEI grand prix

FEI prix st georges

Sunday 31 July

Equine Construction Summer Regional Championship advanced medium gold

Equine Construction Summer Regional Championship advanced medium silver

Hickstead Championship Final FEI young horse finale

Grand prix freestyle

Prix st georges freestyle

Full list of all summer regional dates:

Somerford Cheshire 16 – 18 Jul

Kingston Mauward Dorset 18 – 20 Jul

Port Royal E Yorks 21 – 24 Jul

Mount Ballan Wales 22- 24 Jul

Hickstead Surrey 28 – 31 Jul

Cabin Scotland 5 – 7 Aug

Bury Farm Bucks 8 – 11 Aug

Keysoe Beds 12 – 14 Aug

‘This is devastating news’: international dressage cancelled at Hickstead

Lucy Elder — Fri, 20 May 2016 17:23:39 +0000

Hickstead has cancelled its international dressage competition in July.

The West Sussex venue was set to hold the British leg of the FEI Nations’ Cup alongside CDIO3* and CDI2* classes on 28-31 July.

However dressage at Hickstead director and founder Dane Rawlins today (20 May) revealed they have made the “disappointing decision” to cancel due to lack of funding.

“This is devastating news to the team at Hickstead as this is our showcase event,” said Mr Rawlins.

“I’ve explored every avenue possible to try and find financial support to allow us to run, but time is now against us and we have reluctantly had to make the decision to cancel for 2016.”

Mr Rawlins was keen to stress that this is just one year off and the intention is that the international will return in 2017.

“Thanks to all our supporters for being there and we’re sorry not to put on our CDI this year, but Hickstead always has a way of bouncing back, better than ever,” he added.

Hickstead is working with British Dressage (BD) to ensure it still runs a show on that weekend and all of the venue’s other fixtures will be going ahead as normal.

BD’s chief executive Jason Brautigam said the organisation was made aware of the “commercial support” situation at the end of April and has been working with Hickstead to try and find ways of addressing the funding shortfall.

“This is obviously disappointing for all concerned, including the riders, owners and supporters of Dressage at Hickstead,” said Mr Brautigam.

“We will be continuing our discussions to hopefully ensure that the international can return to the venue in 2017 and beyond.

“BD remains committed to developing the sport, along with our organisers, to continue hosting high profile dressage events in the UK.”

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The news comes as a second disappointment to dressage fans after the cancellation of the first day of Royal Windsor Horse Show meant the invitational national grand prix did not go ahead.

Phoebe Peters picks up another championship title ahead of Euros

Lucy Elder — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:09:06 +0000

Record-breaking young dressage rider Phoebe Peters added another championship title to her collection at the Hickstead Premier League, dressage masters and para dressage championships last week (23-27 June) in West Sussex.

The 16-year-old, who is preparing for the dressage pony European Championships in Sweden (5-9 August), took the Hickstead masters under-21 Championship title with the 14.1hh SL Lucci, by Lukas.

The combination posted a score of 79.4% to win the pony team test — which was the final selection for the pony Europeans — by an impressive 7%.

Their score was also good enough for the pair to take top honours in the under-21 championship section.

Rebecca Bell and Valido’s Sunshine were second on 72.39% with Clare Hole and Rembrant DBH in third on with 70.73%.

Phoebe said: “I am feeling very excited about the Europeans in August.

“Our preparation is going really well, Lucci will do one more show before we leave for Malmö.

“He always enjoys a few days away competing; we’ve found its the best way of keeping both his brain active and also my test riding tuned in.”

Phoebe and Lucci hold the international world records in the pony FEI team test, scoring 80.12% at Compiègne last year, and the pony freestyle test with 84% – posted at the 2013 pony European championships in Arezzo.

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In the junior team test at Hickstead, the 16-year-old rode Debbie Brookes’ 17.2hh bay gelding Denford Surprise, known as Parker (above, credit: Camille Peters Photography).

Debbie and her partner Eddie Stibbe own Lavender Hill Stud, near Naunton, Glos, where Phoebe is based.

Although the 2013 pony European dressage champion has been schooling Parker for several months, this was only their second test together and they won on a score of 70.14%.

The score was also good enough for the new combination to take fifth in the under-21 championship.

Phoebe said she was “thrilled” to win on both SL Lucci and Denford Surprise.

“I was really pleased with how Lucci went in the test particularly his extensions in all paces,” she said.

“We haven’t scored under 78% in the any test we’ve ridden since April so naturally I couldn’t be happier with him.

“My relationship with Debbie Brookes’ Denford Suprise is still very young and although this was only our second ever test together he really felt like enjoyed the occasion and tried his best for me despite our differences in size.”

She added that riding the junior class was “great fun” and she is looking forward to their next show at the Premier League at Hartpury, which is running as part of the Festival of Dressage (8-12 July).

British Dressage pony team selectors have this afternoon (Monday 29 June) announced the 2015 British pony European dressage team.

Phoebe will be joined by Rebecca Bell, 15, and Valido’s Sunshine with Valido’s Starlight as a direct reserve, Isobel Berrington, 15, and DHI Langar, and Clare Hole, 13, with Rembrant DDH.

First reserve is Angus Corrie-Dean, 15, and Grayswood Orlando and second reservee is Ottilie Bardsley, 15, and Kingsley Ciske.

British dressage reigns supreme at Hickstead

Carol Phillips — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:35:45 +0000

Carl Hester led the British dressage team to victory in the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot series at Hickstead yesterday.

Scoring a massive 81.65% with his Olympic ride Uthopia, Carl was thrilled with the black stallion’s performance. Highlights included the passage and piaffe, along with Uthopia’s trademark expressive trot extension.

“It was like being back in the good old days of 2010,” said Carl. “I don’t know what happened because he was hot as hell, but he felt like a million dollars!“

Uthopia has been campaigned by Charlotte Dujardin since the Olympics, but Carl will ride him at the European Championships later this month.

“I had a fab ride, it was a great boost for us both,” he explained. “I haven’t ridden him since the Olympics really and now I’m seriously looking forward to the Europeans in Herning. This has put us both in the right frame of mind.”

The British effort kicked off with 69.7% from Nikki Crisp and Pasoa, followed by 72.65% from Michael Eilberg and Marakof and 74.25% from Gareth Hughes with DV Stenjkers Nadonna.

Gareth, who had also been part of the winning British team in Rotterdam, was delighted to contribute to another British triumph.

“I think the Nations Cup series is a fantastic idea,” he said. “It gives so many more riders the opportunity to compete. Nations Cup has been a big thing for the jumpers for a very long time, it’s great for us to have it in dressage now — I think it’s a big step up for the sport.”

Although Olympic individual and team gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin was not part of the Nations Cup team at Hickstead, she was in action with Valegro. The pair showed they were in good form ahead of the Europeans winning both the grand prix and grand prix special to the delight of the home crowds.

Full report from Dressage at Hickstead in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 8 August

Dressage at Hickstead Nations Cup result

1. Great Britain 76.183: Pasoa (Nikki Crisp) 69.700, Marakof (Michael Eilberg) 72.650, DV Stenjkers Nadonna (Gareth Hughes) 74.250, Uthopia (Carl Hester) 81.650.

2. USA 75.258: Alina (Arlene Page) 69.200, Breanna (Kathleen Raine) 75.650, Doktor (Shelly Francis) 74.500, Coral Reef Wylea (Guenter Seidel) 75.625.

3. Germany 73.267: Darjeeling (Stephan Koberle) 70.100, Nymphenburgs Rockport (Johanna von Fircks) 71.025, Riccoletto (Matthias Kempkes) 71.025, Loverboy (Jenny Lang) 77.750.

Dressage at Hickstead doesn’t need gold taps

Alice Collins — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 11:50:45 +0000

OPINION

For the duration of Dressage at Hickstead’s international show, most of the feedback has been wall-to-wall praise from riders and spectators alike. The dressage is top class and this year offered British fans a rare chance to see Valegro perform on home turf.

The first blog I wrote from here prompted a huge reaction. Many pointed out that to compare Hickstead to Aachen is unfair. Aachen receives huge funding and Hickstead none. Hickstead is run by an army of loyal volunteers who work tirelessly for long hours across many days to make the whole thing come together on a temporary site and on a shoestring. I do not wish to take anything away from the work and effort they put in to make this Britain’s most popular dressage show.

Aachen hasn’t ruined Hickstead for anyone; it’s just a different beast. To draw attention to niggles without highlighting the myriad positives of this much-loved show was insensitive. I’m sorry for the upset caused to the Hickstead team – the way they pull together is really impressive. Yesterday some of the scoring guys even had to become electricians when there was a power outage, and did so readily.

The generosity of sponsors and the kindness of teeming volunteers – scorers, writers, runners, commentators etc – make this an upbeat show that doesn’t need gold taps, it has charm aplenty just as it is. Of course I wasn’t serious about the taps or the chocolate in the first blog anyway, though I obviously didn’t put my point across well, as some seem to think I was.

And there is a buzz here – it’s much busier than on the opening day and the stands were packed to watch Valegro and will be again for the Nations Cup. It’s testament to Hickstead’s popularity and standing that it was awarded the first ever Nations Cup in Britain.

If H&H permits it, I’d like to volunteer to help out on the other side of the fence next year. I’m well aware that I’ll probably be on loo cleaning duty…

Why Aachen has ruined Hickstead for me

Alice Collins — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:41:04 +0000

OPINION

Hickstead is my favourite British show, but my trip to Aachen earlier this year has set a new unrealistically high bar. Thanks a million Aachen. Where is the hospitality building I am warmly invited to? Where are the media officers giving out free chocolate bars? Where are the gold plated taps in the plush loos? Where is the reserved media seating with convenient little tables for laptops and note-taking? Maybe I should have just handed in my notice the day I got back as nothing else is ever going to measure up.

Things didn’t get off to a great start when I arrived in the Dressage at Hickstead press office to be told, for the 4th year in a row, that the photos we are asked to submit with our media accreditation were unavailable. Instead the media officer apologises as he hands me my media pass complete with a distorted and elongated web cam picture of the top three quarters of my head. As I look like a very skinny, very short criminal, that’s going to spend the show turned inwards to minimise embarrassment.

Still, by all accounts my accreditation experience was less painful than what the riders endured yesterday. Bear in mind this is an international dressage show (one of just three in this country) with many competitors arriving from the continent.

The accreditation office opened late to huge queues and promptly shut their doors when the staff were peckish. Riders watched them chowing down on their lunch for what seemed like an eternity behind the locked door as they continued to queue. That’s not OK.

Meanwhile, the failure to produce trot-up lists meant there was horse chaos outside.

Having been stuck in traffic for an hour today (not Hickstead’s fault, of course) on the final 10 miles of my journey, I went in search of the loo. It’s day one of a four day international — including, incidentally, the first ever Nations Cup team dressage competition on British soil — and there’s only one of the 7 or so portaloos with any paper or water. And 3 of them are padlocked. Not OK.

For my final whinge: the Dressage at Hickstead press office is a small tent with intimate space for maybe half a dozen. 30 people have been granted accreditation this year, though admittedly it’s not full today. There’s no view of the arenas from the tent or a screen on which to watch the action. Being unsecured and unmanned with zero security, it’s not an ideal place to leave a laptop while you beetle off to interview riders.

It’s unfair not to mention here that Aachen is a permanent site with chunky government funding to rely on. It also tempts about a quarter of a million people a year to visit, and I’m sure that if Hickstead could generate that sort of footfall and revenue, they would gladly make changes here.

I don’t wish to just bash Hickstead; as I said it’s my favourite British show. Clusters of people are sitting on the grass around the warm-up arenas (and some are taking pictures since Dressage at Hickstead lifted the ban on photography in that area that was initially outlined in the press packs). They also have live scoring — standard at all foreign internationals I’ve been to, but still a real rarity here, plus there’s a never-ending supply of jelly babies in the secretary’s office — not to be underestimated. The shopping’s been beefed up this year too and the new smoothie stand is doing a roaring trade.

The lack of ‘buzz’ here isn’t Hickstead’s fault per se; it’s a symptom of the state of dressage in the UK. If it weren’t for the kindness and the cash of the Bechtolsheimers, the situation would undoubtedly be even worse. I long for a big government cash injection for my beloved sport and for its profile to be elevated further on the crest of the wave of Olympic golds.

May I make one suggestion though, please Hickstead? We have top notch dressage and showjumping at the same venue within 7min walk of each other, yet there is no cross pollination. It would be marvellous to have a big screen at each showing the action from the other main arena and a shuttle buggy to ferry people between the two. A bit more integration would be really healthy.

Talking of what’s OK — there’s an older gent wandering about next to the main dressage arena with his shirt completely open, and puffy, pasty contents on show. Is that OK at Hickstead? Answers on a postcard please…

Alice Collins responds: Why Hickstead doesn’t need gold taps…

Mistral Hojris will not compete at Hickstead

Sophia Heath — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:53:58 +0000

The British team will be without Olympic individual bronze medallists Laura Tomlinson and Mistral Hojris (Alf) at the CDIO at Hickstead (1 – 4 August).

Laura has withdrawn her European Championship ride due to concerns that he will not be fully fit in time for the competition.

“He’s 18 and it wasn’t a risk we wanted to take,” said Laura. “He did Hagen (18-21 April) this year after 8 months away from competing and came out in great form so I have every confidence we’ll be on song for Denmark.”

The selectors have replaced Laura with Nikki Crisp and her own Pasoa. The pair will join Michael Eilberg (Marakov), Carl Hester (Uthopia) and Gareth Hughes (DV Stenjkers Nadonna) in the team.

Alf, whom it is likely Laura will retire after the European Championships, will still be travelling to Hickstead to continue his preparations.

Laura will give a training demonstration with him, which will be commentated on by her father Dr Bechtolsheimer, in the main arena at Hickstead on Friday (2 August).

Online dressage rider heads for Hickstead

Sophia Heath — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 12:00:05 +0000

A dressage rider based in the Middle East has been inspired to enter the prix st georges (PSG) and intermediate I at Hickstead CDIO after judges commented favourably on tests she had posted online.

Romanian Cristina Calin Thompson, who is based in Dubai, used the website Dressage Anywhere, which enables riders to film and submit tests and have them marked by British or FEI judges.

The horse that she will compete, Webster, came from Carl Hester’s yard 18 months ago. His owner Reem Alabbar is helping to fund the trip, as she is hoping to compete him in the Asian Games next year.

With only a handful of PSG competitions in the UAE, Cristina used the site to help prepare the horse to compete on the small tour circuit.

And feedback from List One judges has given her the confidence to make the trip to West Sussex (1-4 August).

“I was stuck. I didn’t know if was doing the right thing,” she told H&H. “But the judges’ comments are so useful and now I know I’m not going to make a fool of myself.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (25 July 2013)

Hickstead’s Royal International to be CHIO

Horse & Hound — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:31 +0000

The Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead will become one of only three CHIO shows in the world this year, thanks to the addition of a dressage Nations Cup.

Dressage at Hickstead will be running a CDIO*** alongside the Royal International Horse Show (1-4 August).

An event with both showjumping and dressage Nations Cups achieve CHIO status. The only other two in the world are CHIO Aachen and CHIO Rotterdam.

The Nations Cup team dressage event will be run during the freestyle competition rather than the grand prix, under a new FEI format.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It’s never been done before and will create excitement,” said Dane Rawlins, director of Dressage at Hickstead.

“This competition provides an exciting and innovative platform to showcase dressage.”

The Bechtolsheimer family have provided financial support for the event, although Dressage at Hickstead is still seeking further sponsorship.

“We owe so much to Wilfried and Ursula [parents of Olympic gold-medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer],” said Dane.

“Their support for dressage in the UK is remarkable. It wouldn’t be happening without them.”

He added that the FEI had been “very helpful”.

As well as the Nations Cup, the show will run international FEI pony, junior and young rider classes and prix st georges and intermediate tests.

Dressage round-up from FEI General Assembly

Charlotte White — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:32:20 +0000

International team dressage to launch next year

Hickstead is considering adding a leg of the new FEI Nations Cup dressage series to its 2013 international show (1-4 August).

Director of Dressage at Hickstead Dane Rawlins told H&H that he was trying to find sponsors.

The new series — where riders compete as national teams — was announced at the FEI General Assembly last week.

FEI dressage committee chairman Frank Kempermann said: “We believe this could provide new opportunities for dressage. We hope it will be a new highlight.”

Wayne Channon of the International Dressage Riders Club welcomed the concept, saying it was important for more riders to compete at grand prix level. But he believed top riders would be unlikely to take part.

“They are already competing at between six and eight competitions a year — they will not be able to add on another five Nations Cups,” he said.

Confirmed dates so far are: three-star competitions at Vidauban, France (17-20 May) and Rotterdam (20-24 June) and a five-star at Aachen (3-8 July).

New ‘blood rule’ approved

A new rule stating what action should be taken if blood is seen on a horse during an international-level dressage test was unanimously approved by the General Assembly.

The judge at C now has responsibility for deciding if a horse should be eliminated. If the horse shows fresh blood, it will be eliminated. If the blood is old, the horse may be allowed to continue.

An FEI vet will examine the horse before its next test if it is due to compete in the next few days of the show.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (15 November 2012)

Hickstead CDI clashes with Olympic Games in 2012

Charlotte White — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:00:38 +0000

Dressage at Hickstead will not hold its annual CDI in 2012 due to a date clash with the Olympic Games.

Organiser Dane Rawlins said the venue was unable to find a suitable date for the international and decided to postpone the event until 2013.

Hickstead will still run a number of affiliated and unaffiliated shows next summer, including the British Paralympic team final trials (18-19 June) and the Premier League show (18-21 July) which includes the British young horse championships and an invitation-only grand prix k ¼r.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (6 October, 2011)

Brits are on song at Hickstead, but about the music

Horse & Hound — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:33:54 +0000

Hurrah, we have another plus-70% scorer for our World Equestrian Games team (72.42%, to be precise). European medallist Liebling II went brilliantly for Carl Hester to win today’s CDI5* grand prix special. Potential team-mate Maria Eilberg completely made up for her best forgotten Aachen result on Two Sox for third with just a smidgen under 70%. In the freestyle, Adelinde Cornelissen predictably languished in a league of her own with Jerich Parzival on 85.65%, but Laura Bechtolsheimer and second string Andretti H flew the Union Flag for third with an impressive 78.25%. Much more of that in next week’s Horse & Hound.

Having spent three whole days watching (fabulous) dressage, a word about the pinnacle, the grand prix freestyle to music. Laura rode to a fun, young, upbeat reggae compilation that took her audience away from the sand of an overcast West Sussex arena and slapped them in Jamaica at sunset with a rum-based cocktail in hand. This is key. Sure, dressage has to be correct, but if it wants to continue to draw a crowd it’s going to have to accept that people want more in the way of entertainment. Unless all the bums on seats are aficionados, the smoothness of your transitions and regularity of your extensions isn’t going to have them hooked.

German rider Anja Plonzke understands the importance of an audience; she has a video-based website. She also knows how to entertain. Anybody who can incorporate Black Legend’s “Trouble with Me” and “Ghetto Superstar” into their freestyle gets my vote. Never mind the quality of Le Mont D’Or’s passage, the horse piaffed straight into a canter pirouette then shot off down the centerline to a halt accompanied by the sound of tires screeching on tarmac. Now who said the Germans don’t have a sense of humour? I’m not sure what the choral Phil Collins thrown in after Lady Gaga was all about but, each to their own, it’s subjective stuff. This showed imagination and was tricky to pull-off but, whatever the outcome (fourth), it was highly liable to get them talked about. Savvy.

All you dressage divas who want to ride for your own satisfaction and would rather audiences be exterminated than distract your horse from his flying-changes, a word to the wise…when interest dwindles, sponsors drift, and dressage is removed from the Olympic disciplines, you’ll find no sympathetic ears to bend about the travesty. There has to be a way of preserving the purity of the sport while bringing it to the masses. Totilas The Wonderhorse can’t single-hoofedly draw the crowds, which was proved by his absence from Hickstead. One horse can’t be at every show to guarantee ticket sales.

For full report and pictures from Dressage at Hickstead, don’t miss Horse & Hound 5 August issue.

Parzival makes up for missing Totilas at Hickstead

Horse & Hound — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:32:43 +0000

Dressage at Hickstead has had a re-vamp. And very smart it is too. The helicopter that landed outside the champagne tent on Friday evening is still positioned at the entrance — how terribly Formula One.

Founder Dane Rawlins’ aspiration for the show was that it should rival the mega events found on the continent — the Aachens and Den Boschs of the world. Dane’s brother Craig’s Dutch-based events company took over the organisation and the influence is obvious — with even today’s commentator going Dutch.

Opposite the aforementioned Veuve Cliquot marquee is the VIP area, and adjacent is catering for us mere mortals with everything from kroketten (that’s a tasty fried tit-bit), salads for the svelte dressage divas, and burgers for those of us who expect nothing more, nothing less, from our Blighty show fodder.

Tonight, a live band was set to play amidst a free shindig for the dressage cognoscenti and public alike — if I wasn’t so old and boring, I’d have been there with bells on just to support an event that’s trying to make dressage “fun” and accessible. This innovation alone is a big step forward for dressage internationals on home soil. As for the rest, well, people are always going to complain about the loos — they’re portable, how good does that ever get? Besides, there are posh ones if you like, at 50p a go…

Meanwhile, over in the 20 by 60, the standard of dressage has been even more impressive than the amount of Pimms quaffed in the riders’ lounge. There were mumblings today that spectators — and there were many, with tomorrow also a sell-out — were feeling conned having bought tickets on the promise of seeing world number one Moorlands Totilas in action with Edward Gal. Totilas didn’t cross the channel. And if I’d bought tickets to see U2 headline a festival and they didn’t show up, I’d have been disappointed, too. But just as band members fall off stages and damage limbs, it’s equally feasible that horses selected for the World Equestrian Games might change their schedule.

World number two Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival made up for their absence. Lest we forget, Parzival has beaten Totilas on more than one occasion, including at the European championships last year. If it weren’t for Totilas, the greater public would be totally enamored with Parzival. Many actually prefer Parzival’s way of going, and the chestnut powerhouse passaged his heart out this afternoon — proving that he deserves to fill a grandstand just as much as his Dutch teammate.

On the British front, Carl competently proved he has rekindled his partnership with Liebling II with a plus-70% grand prix in the CDI5*, while Maria Eilberg’s Two Sox made up for bombing down the centerline at Aachen by pulling off a faultless test. Richard Davison won the CDI3* grand prix and special, but no, he’s still not available for selection for the World Equestrian Games.

Tomorrow, the selectors will be locked away to talk about who will make the WEG team. When this is done, smoke will seep from the gaps in the tarpaulin, in the style of a new Pope at the Vatican. Horse & Hound should be bringing you the news in next week’s magazine (5 August), unless the selectors really can’t pick by Monday’s press deadline. Laura Bechtolsheimer, Carl Hester, Maria Eilberg, Emile Faurie, Fiona Bigwood — who would make your final four? From an editorial point of view, it would be great to have Emile make his comeback — a team and individual medallist in the past, he is back with a new ride that the judges love.

But we don’t have any favourites at H&H — you decide, then watch this space.

For all the action from this week’s Dressage at Hickstead, don’t miss Horse & Hound 5 August issue.

Future of Dressage at Hickstead secured by Equine Elite

Horse & Hound — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:16:45 +0000

The future of Dressage at Hickstead (29 July- 1 August), has been secured thanks to Craig Rawlins, brother of Dane who founded the show in 1993.

Earlier this year Dane warned the CDI*****/*** show was in trouble due to the loss of a “major sponsor”. He needed an injection of £250,000 to save it.

Craig runs Equine Elite, an auction company based in the Netherlands, which has stepped in to sponsor the event for “at least” the next three years. With him come a host of other Dutch contacts.

“Their involvement will bring another facet to the show and open doors into European dressage,” said Dane.

Hickstead this year will feature a hospitality village with improved VIP facilities.

“In addition [Dutch dressage team manager] Sjef Janssen has said Hickstead will be

their final trials before the World Equestrian Games,” added Dane.

“Stars like Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas, Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parcival, Anky van Grunsven and Salinero and Imke Schellekens-Bartles and Sunrise will come to Hickstead this year.”

From the UK, the Bechtolsheimer and Pidgley families have also pledged support. Dane Rawlins declined to comment on how much sponsorship he has now raised, but said: “We will meet the financial requirements.”

Craig Rawlins said he hopes the new Dutch involvement will help improve the presentation of shows in the UK.

“How Dane manages to put on a show with the budget available is a miracle,” he said.

“We will not be able to fix it overnight, but this year you will see a difference, which should encourage future investment.”

Hickstead will also host the national final of the Dressage Masters Championship as well as the British Young Horse Championships.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (29 April, ’10)

Future of Dressage at Hickstead in doubt after sponsorship loss

Horse & Hound — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:38:55 +0000

Dressage at Hickstead, one of dressage’s most popular events, may not run this year unless sponsorship is found.

Dressage at Hickstead organiser Dane Rawlins says the future of the CDI*****/*** show, scheduled to be held at Hickstead from 26 July-1 August, is in doubt after a “major sponsor” dropped out.

“World Dressage Masters provides the prize-fund for the Dressage Masters competition [held during the show], but we have to pay for everything else,” explained Dane.

“We need £250,000 to make the whole thing work and I can’t afford to lose £50,000-£60,000 bailing it out myself. Unless we secure alternative funding, we won’t go ahead.

“It’s not just us. This year is much tougher than before — big companies don’t want to be seen sponsoring events like this.”

Mr Rawlins founded Dressage at Hickstead in 1993 and since then it has proved to be one of the most popular dressage venues in the country.

In 2003, the venue hosted the European Dressage Championships, at which the British team won bronze.

And last year it was voted third best outdoor show in the world in a poll by L’Annee Hippique.

Claire Williams, of the British Equestrian Trade Association, said: “Since the middle of last year, companies have been looking very carefully at their marketing budgets.

“Sponsorship is the first thing to get cut.”

Sarah Payne, who runs shows at Sheepgate, Lincs, won the 2009 elementary championship at Hickstead on Sheepgate Ushipower.

She said: “It’s such a fantastic experience. As I run shows myself, I can see things from the organiser’s point of view as well as from the rider’s.”

And British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond said: “It would be absolutely devastating if we lost the show. We need more international shows, not less.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (25 February, ’10)

Anky van Grunsven to contest Hickstead dressage international

Horse & Hound — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:33:01 +0000

World number one Anky van Grunsven heads the line-up of pre-entries for the Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI***** at Hickstead (23-26 July).

Anky will be accompanied by Olympic compatriots Hans Peter Minderhoud and Anne van Olst, plus Edward Gal riding his exciting new big tour horse Totilas.

British international dressage events have struggled in the past to encourage big names to cross the channel to compete. But this five-star event is part of a well-supported league developed in 2008 and extended this year to include Hickstead. The €100,000 prize fund per event is helping attract top names to each destination — the plan being this will in turn encourage TV interest. Other venues are Canne, France, and Palm Beach, USA.

Leslie Morse of the USA is also set to attend Hickstead CDI***** — a full list of definite entries will follow in July.

Hickstead Premier League dressage results, 26-28 June

Horse & Hound — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:42:44 +0000

HICKSTEAD PREMIER LEAGUE AND MASTERS, West Sussex, 26-28 June

Masters nov 37 (M Drewe & M Terry).— 1, Oldencraig Urgent (A Guy) 72.5; 2, Korenbloem Vincit Omnia (E Stanford) 68.39; 3, World Peace (T Whipps) 68.21. rest.— 1, Lofty Heights (J Jenkins) 67.68; 2, Horseshoes High Society (R Hargreaves) 66.79; 3, Amanda Fenton (Schewas Solst) 66.61. nov 38Q (M Pace).— 1, Vazal (A Stovold) 71.94; 2, Heron’s Wood Donizetti (D Crowe) 70.97; 3, World Peace 67.74. rest.— 1, Piknik (T Grantham) 71.94; 2, Horseshoes High Society 71.61; 3, Mullaghdrin Bravado (A Damiral) 66.77. masters elem 58 (D Pateman & P Hayward).— 1, Dream Or Reality (E Bucher) 71.88; 2, Jazz II (S Williams) 71.09; 3, Idlecombe Georgia (J Lavington) 67.66. rest.— 1, Felicity Brown (J Brockman) 64.22; 2, Buzzlines Woodland Boy (S Busbridge) 62.66; 3, King of Clover (J Edwards) 61.56. elem 57Q (J Kendall).— 1, Der Schufro (J Stolper) 73.57; 2, Showmaster (P Turner) 68.93; 3, Replay (S Atkin) 67.5. rest.– 1, Essentially Diniall (M Whalley) 69.64; 2, Buzzlines Woodland Boy 66.79; 3, Digital Four Beat (S Dale) 6 3.93. masters med 75S (J Kendall & D Pateman). – 1, Happy Diamond (N Ashton) 71.49; 2, Ultra Jazz (A Gould) 69.73; 3, Tessa II (D Rumsey) 68.92. rest.—1, Beltons Medway Bay (S Morley-Smith) 66.49; 2, Oppello (C Faulty) 65.95; 3, Ossip’s Smart Man (K Allsopp) 65.27. med 73Q (P Green).— 1, Active Dynamo (S Hamilton) 71.76; 2, Der Schufro (J Stolper) 70.88; 3, Korenbloem Varisto (A Gould) 67.65. rest.— 1, Impression (S Burgess) 65; 2, Ossip’s Smart Man 64.41; 3, Musgo (M Burchell) 63.24. masters adv med 98 (H Webber & P Green).— 1, Saiko STV (H Butcher) 68.03; 2, Gemsbrook Banner (P Sherwood) 66.58; 3, Ehrendour (G Stuart) 65.92. rest.—1, Titanic B (B Tatchell) 66.05; 2, Maxim II (M Liversidge) 65.26; 3, Ravel’s Modena (J Shinerock) 63.95. adv med 86Q (A Brunton).— 1, Summer Wish (H Lacey) 67.88; 2, Nibeley Union Jack (E Faurie) 67.58; 3, Sevekka (A Stovold) 66.06. rest.—1, Maxim II 61.82; 2, Impression 60.91; 3, Hestia (S Villa) 59.7. masters PSG2000Q (F Leyman, S Rowlands & M A Horn).— 1, Pasoa (N Crisp) 68.92; 2, Carry On Macbrian (S Stovold) 68.17; 3, Rex (D Thickitt) 67.83. PSG2000Q (S Merrison, K Mepham & M Goggin).— 1, Lord Sinclair III (E Faurie) 69.75; 2, Rex 69.67; 3, Pasoa 68.17. PSG fsm Q 2006 (J Loriston-Clarke & M A Horn).— 1, Parac (L Hoad) 71.63; 3, Diamond Fritz (A de Savary) 69.63; 3, Washington DC (E Harris) 69.13. inter I 2002Q (M A Horn & H Webber).— 1, Lord Sinclair III 71.63; 2, Shining Light (R Hughes) 68; 3, Wunders Tag (J Stolper) 65.88. inter I 2002Q (L Whetstone & N Goodman).— 1, Rosso (A MacDonald-Hall) 70.5; 2, Bayford Hall Dallaglio (D Sherriff) 70.13; 3, Rex 69.63. inter IIQ (F Leyman, L Whetstone & S Merrison).— 1, Ramazotti (G Hughes) 66.75; 2, Fitzcerraldo (J Harvey) 65.61; 3, Donner Dancer (J Bevan) 64.63. gp 2003Q (F Leyman, M A Horn & L Whetstone).— 1, Astonish (H Andersen) 70.63; 2, Andretti (L Bechtolsheimer) 69.38; 3, Monet (C Cuypers) 66.53. special 2003 (N Goodman & S Merrison).— 1, Astonish 70.8; 2, Giddy (C Parsons) 66.6; 3, Othello (M Smith) 65.4. gp kür Q (J Loriston-Clarke & M A Horn).— 1, Masterplan (S-J Elmslie) 70; 2, Martinique II (P Hayler) 67.75; 3, Prince of Darkness (D Trott) 67.5. masters Q FEI yr prelim 2004 (M Ruddock & K Mepham).— 1, Catherston Humbug (E Harris) 68.33; 2, Maskquerade (A Kipping) 65.28; 3 Resolut (S Higgins) 64.03. masters Q FEI jnr prelim 2006 (A Brunton & L Whetstone).—1, Broomford Locarno (S Harrison) 69.14; 2, Touchdown II (S Wells) 68.29; 3, Limited Edition (A-M Rawlins) 67. masters Q FEI pony prelim 2004 (M Ruddock & D Pateman).— 1, Nanos (P Hayler) 67.88; 2, Fijal Figaro (H Williams) 65.13; 3, Dublin (C Graepel) 64.13. masters Q FEI yr team 2004 (M Ruddock & D Rawlins).—1, Catherston Humbug 68; 2, Unterwelt (K Abberley) 67; 3, Solo Batchelorette (E Cousins) 66. FEI jnr team 2006 (A Brunton & M Ruddock).— 1, Don Perry (A Barr) 67.88; 2, Touchdown II 67.5; 3, Rapino 4 (G Swinglehurst) 67.5. pony team 2004 (A Brunton & K Mepham).— 1, Nanos 69.34; 2, Gigolo (K Rausing) 65.92; 3, Dublin 62.89. Prestige British yh 5-y-o nat Q (L Whetstone & M Assouline).— 1, Wervelwind (D Hallion) 79.6; eq2, Riva Dancer (C James) & Volentime (J Green) 76. 5-y-o int Q (M Assouline & K Mepham).— 1, Wervelwind (D Hallion) 76.8; 2, Faustino (H Ruoste) 75.4; 3, Samba Hit (E Faurie) 74.8. British yh 6-y-o nat Q (D Hunt & J Loriston-Clarke).— 1, Keystone Rhondeo (S Lavandera) 84.6; 2, Special (T Reeve-Smith) 83.8; 3, Streisand (M Assouline) 77.8. British young horse 6-y-o int Q (D Hunt & J Loriston-Clarke).— 1, Valegro (C Dujardin) 86.4; 2, Der Schufro (J Stolper) 85.8; 3, Fantastic Light (Z Sleigh) 83.4.

Katie Price’s first dressage test at Hickstead

Horse & Hound — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:07:40 +0000

Katie Price makes her dressage debut at Hickstead

Horse & Hound — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:59:11 +0000

Katie Price brought a touch of glamour to the world of unaffiliated dressage at Hickstead today, when she made her competition debut.

The former topless model, who is known as Jordan in the world of lads’ mags, demonstrated her passion for horses by coming in a very creditable sixth out of a class of 23, scoring 63.7 per cent in prelim 17.

It was Katie’s first ever competition but Dane Rawlins, show director at Dressage at Hickstead told H&H that he was impressed.

“She did a bloody good job. She didn’t hype it. She got a good round of applause. She just wanted to do it properly. Everyone was quietly impressed. She was very pleasant and friendly to everyone and has set her sights firmly on improving,” he said.

Mr Rawlins, who has trained riders to Olympic level said Katie was on the right track: “The judge thought she did pretty well. She got the lines right and got to grips with it well. She’s good news for the sport, as everyone likes a touch of glamour.”

Ms Price is being trained by Andrew Gould, at his stable Priory Dressage in Sussex, which he runs with his wife, Polly. Ms Price’s home is close to the stables.

Mr Gould said they met through mutual friends.

“Her two horses are based at our place,” he told H&H. “She only began learning dressage in March of this year but she’s quite passion about it. She sometimes has two lessons a day. She’s serious about it but now has to understand how the sport works.”

But, he added: “She’s not planning for the Olympics.”

Mr Gould was there for the competition this morning. He said they weren’t trying to win: “I was there warming her up. It was merely a training exercise. But it wasn’t easy for her with all the cameras. It’s early days and we’ve made no plans for the future.”

Alex van Silfhout takes Hickstead CDIO hat-trick

Horse & Hound — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:17:20 +0000

The Netherlands’ Alex van Silfhout completed his hat-trick at Hickstead CDIO 26-29 July by taking the grand prix kür with plus-75% riding Luxform’s Nimbly.

“He behaved superbly, even though he was a little more tense than the past two days,” said Alex.

The pair’s expressive passage and extensions put them ahead of Laurens van Lieren (NED) — second on Hexagon’s Ollright — and Jessica Werndl (GER) — third on Duke — despite Laurens and Jessica’s more complicated floorplans.

Maria Eilberg was once again best of the British in seventh place aboard the Westphalian Two Sox. Maria tried out her new more complicated freestyle for the first time.

“I was having to concentrate a little more on the music than on Two Sox,” she admitted. “But he is in top form at the moment and has felt fantastic all weekend.”

Nicola Cooper took the Berkeley Homes International Six-Year-Old Final riding Falcao, while young rider Joanna James triumphed in her freestyle with Cavallino.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound 2 August for a full report and pictures from dressage at Hickstead

Hickstead Nation

Sarah Jenkins — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:36:17 +0000

Great Britain finished second to Germany in the Hickstead Nation’s Cup dressage CDIO, 27 July.

Emile Faurie was the best of the British team, finishing seventh aboard Dream Of Heidelberg II, whom he describes as the best grand prix horse he has ever ridden. Marie Eilberg (Two Sox), Wayne Channon (Lorenzo) and Stephanie Croxford (Mr President), made up the team that finished 2% behind Germany and just ahead of The Netherlands.

Ulla Salzgeber’s stable rider Frank Freund led a young German team to victory. All four team members — Frank, Anna-Katharina Luttgen, and brother and sister Benjamin and Jessica Werndl — are under 25 years old.

Frank rode Australian Kelly Layne’s Amoucheur. “This was my first Nations Cup and my first overseas competition, so I was very nervous,” said Frank, who was second individually to Holland’s Alex Van Silfhout. “Amoucheur is a very experienced horse, but he can be spooky and I was worried after yesterday’s windy weather that he might worry. He loved it in the arena though, we both did.

“I won’t change anything in the way I ride for tomorrow’s grand prix special, the horse knows what he is doing and is teaching me a lot.”

Stephanie Peters (NED) won today’s intermediaire I riding Rossi, just ahead of Gareth Hughes and Korenbloem Sandman, who took yesterday’s prix st georges.

Richard Barrett won his first international grand prix, the CDI3*, on Alcatraz.

Meanwhile, Melissa Beer (Celestial King) and Zoe Sleigh (Orvieto) have been dominating the junior and young rider competitions respectively.

For pictures and a full report of all the classes at Hickstead’s international dressage, don’t miss Horse&Hound (2 August)

Who will take the European title?

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Aug 2003 11:39:16 +0000

Despite the notable absence of Nadine Capellmann’s World Champion ride Farbenfroh and World Cup runners-up Debbie McDonald with Brentina, the action at Hickstead will not be short of stunning combinations.

World number one Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty have been confirmed for the German team despite the ongoing dispute over a positive dope test at this year’s world cup.

America’s Lisa Wilcox and Relevant, ranked second in the world by the FEI, will be looking to improve on their individual fifth place at WEG last year, as will Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, who took the individual silver medal with Beauvalais on home ground at WEG.

Isabell Werth looks like she may have found a worthy successor to Gigolo in nine-year-old Satchmo, and Kyra Kyrkland has the eye-catching powerful grey Andiano Tyme, who is sure to enjoy considerable support from the British crowds.

Unfortunately Anky Van Grunsven has had to withdraw from the competition due to a minor leg problem.

Don’t miss today’s Horse & Hound (7 August) for the complete lowdown on the favourites for the individual European medals, from British team member Richard Davison and international judge Judy Harvey

Going for Olympic glory

The British team must finish as one of the top two teams not already qualified for the Athens Olympics if we are to attend the games in 2004. This means Britain must beat all but one of the following countries at the Europeans: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan and Russia.

Britain’s top riders and trainers believe that Austria, Finland and Russia are the most likely countries to prevent us from claiming one of the two Olympic slots still available. Average scores of around 68% are also required or the British Olympic Association has threatened not to send a team, although this seems unlikely if we do bag an Olympic ticket.

The British riders’ who can look forward to getting a special lift from an enthusiastic home crowd are:

Emile Faurie (Rascher Hopes): Been together for four years and was the best British combination at the Sydney Olympics. A solid combination who can be relied on to deliver the goods

Nicola McGivern (Active Walero): Selected for the British team at Aachen but had to withdraw due to travel sickness. This will be their first time on a British team. Walero has been described as “perhaps the most talented horse ever to have competed for Britain”

Richard Davison (Ballaseyr Royale): Britain’s number one partnership at present, this combination scored 68% in the grand prix at Aachen

Emma Hindle (Wie Weltmeyer): Has showed huge improvement since their early days together more than three years ago. Britain’s highest scorers in the Grand Prix at Aachen with 69.25%.

Britain’s reserve rider is Carl Hester with Escapado.

Hickstead highlights

Hickstead will also host the Rhinegold British Young Horse Championships on the opening day (Wednesday, 13 August), with the best five and six-year-olds in Britain displaying their talents as potential British team horses of the future.
The Berkeley Group British Pas de Deux Championship is expected to be one of the most popular competitions at the event, with pairs of riders performing dressage to music. The champions will go forward to a special “International Challenge” against an invited international pair.
The International Sports Horse and Sports Medicine Symposium, a forum for world-renowned veterinarians and physicians to discuss matters of physiology and psychology in equestrian sport, will also take place during the event.

Visit the Horse & Hound trade stand to enter a free prize draw to win £1,000 worth of Harry Hall clothing plus one of two pairs Konig Leather Riding boots worth £500. Special subscription offers will also be available at the event.

The championship will have its own unique theme music, the Hickstead Symphony, which has been co written by Anky’s musical director Cees Slings and Mike Rutherford of Genesis fame. To listen to the symphony click here on the arrow below the image.
There will only be grandstand seated viewing around the international dressage arena, due to the space taken up by the stands. Anyone wishing to see the dressage competition must have a seat. With only a limited number available on each day, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Competitors, grooms and show support staff will be able to check emails and surf the net thanks to the cyber café in the “Chow Tent”. Visit www.horseandhound.co.uk to stay in touch with the latest news from throughout the equestrian world including daily updates from the European Dressage Championships and the Hickstead Derby.
Dogs will be allowed on the showground but must be kept on a lead. Dogs are not permitted in the dressage grandstand or hospitality facilities.
Click here to check out the complete timetable of events at the European Championships.
TV times: Sunday Grandstand (BBC2) on 17 August is going to include highlights of the grand prix to music individual final, following live coverage of the Hickstead Derby. Sky Sports is also planning to broadcast highlights of the grand prix to music individual final. All times listed are subject to alteration so please check your daily newspaper and teletext TV guides.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster (tel: 0870 060 2328 (24hr)) and at all Ticketmaster ticket centres nationwide or book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
For more information about the European Dressage Championships visit: www.edc2003.com

European Dressage timetable

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Aug 2003 11:36:43 +0000

Wednesday 13 August

08:00 Rhinegold National Young Horse Championship finals five-year-olds

10:40 Rhinegold National Young Horse Championship finals six-year-olds

13:15 National five-year-olds prize giving

13:25 National six-year-olds prize giving

13:50 Rhinegold International Young Horse semi-finals five-year-olds

16:02 Rhinegold International Young Horse semi-finals six-year-olds

18:15 International five-year-olds prize giving

18:25 International six-year-olds prize giving

Thursday 14 August

09:05 Grand Prix European Championships Team competition

12:45 Displays

13:45 Grand Prix European Championships Team competition

Friday 15 August

09:05 FEI Grand Prix European Championships Team competition

12:45 Display

13:45 FEI Grand Prix European Championships Team competition

17:25 Presentation of FEI European Team Championship medals

19:30 Hickstead Gala evening displays

Saturday 16 August

08:30 The Berkley Group Pas des Deux semi-finals

10:15 Prize Giving – Pas des Deux

10:25 Display

11:25 FEI Grand Prix special Part II Individual Championships

16:25 FEI Grand Prix Special prize giving

20:00 Dressage Championships Hickstead Ball reception

Sunday 17 August

09:00 Rhinegold International Young Horse Championship finals five-year-olds

09:30 Rhinegold International Young Horse Championship finals six-year-olds

10:05 The Berkley Group Pas des Deux finals

10:40 Rhinegold International five-year-olds prize giving

10:50 Rhinegold International six-year-olds prize giving

11:00 The Berkley Group Pas des Deux prize giving

11:15 Displays

12:00 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle to Music Part III Individual Championships

15:00 FEI Individual European Championship medal ceremony

NB: Timetable subject to change.

Rusty selected for German team

Horse & Hound — Wed, 06 Aug 2003 10:38:09 +0000

Defying its own rules, the German Federation has declared Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty for the German team for the European Dressage Championships (Hickstead, 13-17 August), despite an unresolved positive dope test.

They will be joined on the team by Klaus Husenbeth (Piccolino), Heike Kemmer (Bonaparte) and former Olympic champion Isabell Werth (Satchmo). Reserve is Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff with Renoir-Unicef.

A urine test taken from Rusty at the World Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March tested positive for testosterone, a prohibited substance under International Equestrian Federation (FEI) rules.

At the beginning of July, the German Federation said that if the case was not cleared in time for Hickstead, Ulla and Rusty would not be selected.

Ulla, who has provided an explanation for the positive test, has secured the services of top lawyer Ulf Walz. He has successfully argued that the German Federation should not stop her from competing.

Ulf Walz has fought for riders in several high-profile cases against the sport’s governing bodies, including the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Although the FEI has confirmed that the A test was positive, Ulla has so far failed to have the second (or B test) analysed.

For more information about the European Dressage Championships visit: www.dressageathickstead.com

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s in-depth preview of the forthcoming European Dressage Championships in this week’s issue (7 August).Click here to subscribe and enjoy Horse & Hound delivered to your door every week and save up to 30%

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“Quinn is another great buy from Fiona who obviously has a fairly amazing eye for a young horse. She’s an awesome great big unit of a horse, she is absolutely incredible,” said Carl.

“She has the perfect young horse champion vibe; she has a huge walk, huge trot, and huge canter. She’s enormous in character, size, movement – she’s just awesome to ride. That horse is a star without any rider on her.”

98.4% is Carl’s highest score in a test.

“At least I know now if I ever retire I can remember I got 98.4%! That’s a nice score to go to sleep on, believe me,” he said.

“Fiona would like me to go to the World Breeding Championships with her, that is what the aim would be towards the end of the year and we’ll talk about that.”

Carl added that young horses classes “are not really his bag”, but he loves riding Quinn.

“I haven’t put on a short jacket for about 15 years, luckily I had one that fit me! But it’s quite nice to do young horses, because let’s face it, they are the future. It’s interesting, we’ll see how it progresses,” he said.

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Following the competition Carl was in a reflective mood, writing: “I think what the horses reminded me of this weekend was just how special these moments continue to be and why so many of us are committed to this sport with these horses that are first and foremost part of our family.

Carl told H&H he is as yet undecided on whether En Vogue or Fame would be his Paris pick if selected.

“This show has been a good indication to both Charlotte and me that things are going in the right direction, the horses are feeling fantastic and I think we’re starting to iron out all the details that are needed to get these high scores.”

Carl and Charlotte plan to compete next at Wellington International Festival of Dressage (4–11 June) as they continue their Olympic preparations.

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The combination look primed to take a spot on the three-person Olympic team, but Carl was taking nothing for granted when speaking to the press following the special at Hagen: “I’m not the only one trying, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody are also performing well.

“We are at the beginning of the season, so we are still working on a little bit of trial and error, what is better here, what is better there, but I’m looking forward to getting back to the form we had last summer in the coming months.”

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“The sport has grown considerably in recent years, so it’s vitally important that our senior, para, under-21 and under-25 athletes all have access to these invaluable home-based shows to obtain scores for selection,” he said.

“Following extensive consultation with our international riders, RWHS and Hickstead, everyone agreed that they would like to see a British CDI tour in mid-May to showcase the top combinations,” he said.

“These will run consecutively, with Royal Windsor hosting their CDI4* grand prix and freestyle on 10 and 11 May, and the CDI3* at Hickstead will run from 11 to 14 May.

“All five of these venues offer top-class facilities and will provide a fantastic experience for riders and spectators alike, so we are looking forward to working with them to establish this exciting new-look international dressage programme in 2023.”

Hickstead’s draft schedule has the CPEDI and youth classes during the week, with the senior CDI classes provisionally set for the weekend. This would mean there should be no direct cross-over for the senior classes at Hickstead and Windsor.

Mr Brautigam addressed the question of whether having the two shows in the same week could present a challenge.

“There are now more than 200 combinations who compete at international level across senior, para and under-21s, so we are confident that these shows will be well supported,” he said.

“Although Windsor and Hickstead are running in close proximity, we are hoping that some of our top riders will be able to support both shows with different horses.

“Traditionally only five to seven British riders take part in the showcase class at Windsor, so this should have minimal impact on Hickstead. There is always plenty of demand to take part in the grand prix class at national level too.”

Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said: “With another dressage international being held at Royal Windsor Horse Show just before our international classes take place, it is hoped that more riders will travel from overseas to compete at two top British showgrounds in the space of a week.”

“We want to make it as easy as possible for all the riders so they can make the most of the opportunity to do both,” he said, adding that he hopes having two shows close together will also make the trip “appealing for overseas riders”.

“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” he said. “As a rider, there’s no question that the more UK-based internationals we have, the better. Brexit has made it so expensive and complicated to travel to Europe.”

Addington, which recently reopened for the first time since the pandemic, has a new team in place.

Sport director Alan Beaumont, who has experience of running top dressage shows including at Bolesworth and Sentower Park, Belgium, told H&H they “brought forward plans” to host CDI/CPEDI when the spot previously held by Keysoe became available.

He said Addington is keen to support the national calendar and governing bodies (“without them there is no national sport”) and is also looking into international jumping dates in future years.

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