Dressage with a difference: hobby horses at the ready to help NHS
Top dressage riders have dusted off their tailcoats to take part in a grand prix with a twist.
Dressage Anywhere is running online hobby horse classes, with 80% of the entry fee going to NHS Charities Together’s Covid-19 fund.
Classes are being held at novice and grand prix, along with Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled Association tests.
The test will be judged by Stephen Clarke, Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Sara-Jane Lanning, with Alice Oppenheimer giving helpful hints to children.
Alice also kicked-off the grand prix competition as the first rider into the arena aboard Legless. Although Legless showed a little head tilt in the early trot-work, the pair performed a smart test, with the flying changes a particular highlight.
Hayley Watson-Greaves was next into her lockdown arena aboard Pinkie Pie. A musical mix-up meant the combination found themselves performing to Rubins Nite’s magical soundtrack. Luckily the music fitted perfectly to the pair’s freestyle and although Pinkie Pie had a couple of little spooks, these did not take away from the expressive performance.
Both have provided a critical commentary of their own tests, to help others looking to boost their marks in these classes.
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I had great fun giving this a go. It’s such a brilliant initiative with no competing at the moment so it was great to…Posted by Alice Oppenheimer Dressage on Friday, April 10, 2020
Hobby Horse Challenge – Grand Prix FreestyleIts the moment you have all been waiting for…… My Entry for the Hobby Horse Challenge – Dressage AnywhereRiding 'Pinky Pie' aka 'Weino' (Harley helped with implusion) we powered through Rubins Nite's Grand Prix Freestyle! (turn the sound up!)Helping to Raise money for the NHS Covid-19 appeal.Thank you NHS and essential workers! Hope this gives you a laugh during this tough time.Lotus Romeo UK Stockpin Chic The Centre Line Scharf Hats TrendyEquine.com #dressageanywhere #hobbyhorsechallenge #nhscharities #onlinedressagePosted by Hayley Watson-Greaves – WG Dressage on Tuesday, April 14, 2020
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Competition is open to all and horses can be bought ready made — there are no pre-qualification rules to worry about and the Olympic nationality transfer deadline does not apply — or can be created at home. Tests can be carried out in arenas of any size and any surface, including gardens, living rooms and kitchens.
Competition dress is not compulsory, but extra marks will be awarded for turnout.
Entry costs £10 per test, with £8 of that going to the charity. All entries will also be entered into a prize draw.
For more information and to enter, visit: https://www.dressageanywhere.com/Competitor/EnterCompetition/557
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.