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.”
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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.
