Group of respected stakeholders to propose future of dressage
Championship team medallist Britain’s Gareth Hughes is one of those named in a new group that has been created to review the current state of dressage and create a plan to move the sport forward. George Williams – former president of the US Dressage Federation – is group chairman, and other members include Olympians Monica Theodorescu and Kyra Kyrklund – who is vice-president of the International Dressage Riders Club – and Raphael Saleh – president of the ground jury at the Paris Olympics.
These riders are renowned for their horse-first approach to training and competition, and highly respected amongst their peers and the wider industry. It will be fascinating to see their recommendations in due course.
“The FEI has created a dedicated working group tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic action plan for dressage, aimed at establishing a clear vision, realigning objectives, and creating actionable plans to enhance dressage at all levels,” an FEI spokesperson said.
Sir Gino, the favourite for next month’s Cheltenham Festival’s Arkle Chase, has developed a ligament infection that is expected to rule him out for the rest of the season. Joe and Marie Donnelly’s five-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, has been admitted to equine hospital for treatment. The news is a significant blow for Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard as Sir Gino is currently unbeaten with six victories to his name, including winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last November. It is the second successive Cheltenham Festival Sir Gino has missed.
If I was of the right height and weight to appear suitably mounted on a pony, you can bet your bottom dollar that’s what I would own. Fun, feisty, not to mention cheaper to keep. Alas, I’m 5ft7 and very much of “average” build, and so pony riding will stay a happy memory of my childhood. Those adults who are still enjoying ponies are sick to the back teeth of the comments they receive, and this article has resonated with many…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
