New training forums focus on young horses

British Dressage (BD) will host two new training forums aimed exclusively at young horses next year.

The events, which take place in January, are open to BD members and dressage fans and will feature three world-class speakers.

The first of the forums at Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre in Hampshire will welcome popular trainer Paul Fielder, BD training director and international rider/trainer Paul Hayler and FEI five-star judge and rider Isobel Wessels.

Paul Fielder and Paul Hayler will also return in late January for the second forum at Mount St John Stud in North Yorks, where they will be joined by Jennie Loriston-Clarke MBE.

The programme will include demonstrations from two four, five and six-year-old horses, as well as one seven-year-old. Test riding will also be discussed, with the opportunity to see the new championship test for four-year-olds as well as the existing tests for the other age groups.

The speakers’ topics on the agenda include:

• scales of training
• working with the directives for FEI four-, five- and six-year-olds
• the expectations of producers and riders
• the potential of the young horse
• the impact of ride-judging
• assessing the horse’s overall talent

Each day the floor will be open to four question and answer sessions, giving people plenty of opportunities to both voice their opinions and learn more from the experts.

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“Whether you are a rider, trainer, breeder, judge, owner or supporter, the young horse forums will be an amazing opportunity to learn more about achieving the best possible start to the career of your future star,” said a BD spokesman.

The forums take place at Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre, Hampshire on Monday 16 January 2017 and at Mount St John Stud, North Yorkshire on Monday 30 January 2017.

Tickets are £30 for members and £35 for non-members.

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