NAF Five Star Winter Championships Programme

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Championship Programme

Sizes available: 1.2kg, 1L, 5L and 3 x 30ml syringes.

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CONTROL GANAM
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Sponsors’ welcome

Welcome to the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2023!

We are the proud sponsors of this fabulous showcase of talent within British Dressage and this week of exciting competition is one that we look forward to. The Championships will showcase some of the finest horse and rider combinations in the country across the five days of competition and we are excited to watch these incredible pairings dance their way around the arenas.

Just prior to the Championships, we launched NAF Five Star Metazone, a product which heralds the dawn of a new era in Veterinary Support. Drop by and visit us on either our Metazone stand indoors or on the Wychanger stand to find out more about our new and effective Five Star nutraceutical.

Whether you are a competitor, trainer, groom, owner or spectator, we hope that you have an enjoyable time at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships and we look forward to seeing you.

With best wishes, NAF

We would like to welcome all competitors and spectators to the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival Championships 2023 hosted here at Hartpury College by British Dressage and Show Direct.

We are very happy to back at Hartpury College once again and would like to welcome all competitors and spectators to the Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships 2022 hosted by British Dressage.

This is our 24th year of proudly sponsoring the Area Festivals and our ambition to always encourage and inspire everyday riders to ‘give it a go’ has been borne out yet again, with nearly 3,000 participants at the 12 Winter Area Festivals in 2023 and many more who have been inspired to join British Dressage with the aim of qualifying in the future. We always love to hear about your Area Festival journey – so do keep us in the loop if you have an inspiring or interesting story to tell.

Every single competitor riding in the Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships over the next five days has worked extremely hard to be here and we admire the dedication and commitment shown at every level. Congratulations and good luck to all of you, enjoy the competition and do please share your photos and stories on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #PetplanFestivals

Very best wishes

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Sponsor *Terms, conditions and excesses apply. Product terms and conditions apply. Cover may be provided for some pre-existing conditions. Petplan Equine is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited and Allianz Insurance plc. How would you cover the cost of unexpected veterinary fees? Offer illness cover until your horse’s 25th birthday (if you insure your horse before it reaches 20) Can pay your vet direct Have a fixed excess with no additional percentage to add At Petplan Equine, we: Scan here to find out more 1 month free online discount*

Welcome to our biggest dressage show, the NAF Five Star Winter Championships at Hartpury.

As ever we’re extremely grateful for the generous support of NAF and Petplan, who make this five-day dressage extravaganza possible, as well as all of our class sponsors, who really help us to enhance the sense of occasion to make it a special experience for all competitors. Year on year, the Winter Regionals and ever-popular Area Festival series are high on the list of riders’ targets for the season, climaxing here at the Winter Championships – and we couldn’t do it without the significant contribution of our loyal and valued sponsors, so a huge thank you from all of us in British Dressage.

Over five busy days we’ll crown 44 champions, from Prelim to Inter I, in our straight, Freestyle and Area Festival classes, which demonstrates not only the size and scale of this event but also the diverse range of combinations in our sport, proving that our sport really offers something for everyone.

The Winter Championships always provides a great opportunity to celebrate members’ achievements, and after a record start to the year for BD this looks set to be a show to remember. Whether you’re here as a competitor, owner, sponsor, official or supporter, I hope you have an enjoyable and successful show.

With best wishes,

welcome
CEO

Show Organiser

Kelvin Bywater

Management Team

Marine Delanoe

Stacey Barton

Sharon Norrish

Rosie Ormand

Chris Radley

Management Team & Presentations

Dan Rob Quinn

Tradestand Manager

Chris Binns

Show Services

Ronnie Dawes

British Dressage representative

Sara Green

Show Secretary

Sara Green

Assistant Secretary

Charlene Bryant

Dressage Scorers

Diane Miller

Gloria Harrison

Anne Dingley

Veronica Morris

Nikki O’Carrol

Lizzie Ogle

Score Collection Manager

Jess Alland

Score Collectio

Kindly provided by Hartpury students

Chief Steward

Dan Chapman

Stewards

Mel Bailey

Jennifer Wright

Kathleen McKey

Margaret Parker

Nicola Sleight

Commentators

Andrew Pollard

Dino Maddern

British Dressage partners

We are delighted to be associated with the following companies as commercial partners. At BD we pride ourselves in forming strong relationships with all the companies we work with, many of which have supported our sport for over 20 years.

Officials

Sound Engineer

Rod Stean

Sponsor Liaison

Maggie Jackman

Judges Liaison

Mandy Keen

Judges Liaison Assistant

Wendy Warren

Brenda Pamplin

Hospitality Manager

Ann Layland

Hospitality suite

Alisha Mills

Taylia Kaiser

Stable Manager

Piers Warmoth

Stable Services

Declan Perry

Andrew Murray

Abi Howell

Parking

Mark Neudeck

Horsebox Parking Manager

Chris Miskimmin

Horsebox Parking

Brooke Munday

Alice Haine

Sophie Watt

Kerry-Anne Miskimmin

Night Security

CTIH Limited

Showground signage

Chris Radley

Live Streaming

Horse & Country

Press office

Camille Peters

Becca Tuttle

Jo Bowns

Alice Daish

Ellie Mayner

KBIS British Equestrian Insurance is a trading name of KBIS Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:300861). Registered Address: 6th Floor, One America Square, 17 Crosswall, London, EC3N 2LB. Registered in England and Wales. (Company No. 2208091). KBIS Limited is part of the Specialist Risk Group. 0345 230 2323 | www.kbis.co.uk Why choose KBIS horse insurance? We share your passion • We understand how much your horse means to you • With our knowledge of horses and the insurance market we can create products that work for you

British Dressage would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship:

A.W. Jenkinson awjenkinson.co.uk

Premium quality dust extracted woodshavings

Baileys Horse Feeds baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Experts in equine nutrition

Equitex equitex.co

The worlds no. 1 saddle pad for equine back problems

Equi-Trek equi-trek.com

Leaders in luxury horse transportation

Horselight horselight.co.uk

Specialist stable lighting

HorseHage horsehage.co.uk

The original dust-free forage range

LeMieux lemieuxproducts.com

The finest equestrian products in the UK

Visitor info

Bank

There are no cash or banking facilities available on site.

First Aid

If you require first aid, please enquire at the Secretary’s desk, located just inside the public entrance to the NAF Five Star Arena.

Lost children/lost property/telephone

Please contact the Secretary, located just inside the public entrance to the NAF Five Star Arena.

Toilets

Toilets are located as shown on the map at the centre of the programme including disabled facilities.

NAF

naf-equine.eu

Range of advanced formulas for your horse’s health and wellbeing

Nupafeed Supplements nupafeed.co.uk

All-natural calming, performance and care supplements

PDS Saddles

pdssaddlesuk.com

Premium quality, dressage saddles and accessories for all riders

Petplan Equine petplanequine.co.uk

A leading specialist equestrian insurance provider since 1988

Prestige prestigeitaly.com

Italian saddles and leatherwork

SPILLERS® spillers-feeds.co.uk

Manufacturer of quality horse feeds for over 50 years

Photographs

Photos of the Championship action can be purchased from Hoof Prints Photoswww.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on site but must be on a lead at all times and kept under close supervision at all times. Please clean up any deposits they may leave!

Food and Drink

There are outlets inside the NAF Five Star Arena as well as a coffee stand by the Petplan Equine warm up arena.

Scores

Keep up with the scores online at www.bdchampionships.com

Thank yous & visitor information

Wednesday 19 April

Thursday 20 April

Friday 21 April

Times Prize giving NAF Five Star Arena Class 1 HorseHage Preliminary Gold Winter Championship 07.50 - 10.27 11.52 Class 2 Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold Championship 10.37 - 13.17 14.15 Class 3 Magic Prix St Georges Gold Winter Championship 13.27 - 16.43 17.53 Class 4 Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold Championship 16.53 - 19.43 19.53 Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 5 Equi-Trek Elementary Silver Winter Championship 08.00 - 13.18 15.13 Class 31 Petplan Equine Medium Bronze Area Festival Championship 13.30 - 18.40 19.43 Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 32 Petplan Equine Medium Silver Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 12.20 13.17 Class 33 Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Bronze Area Festival Championship 12.30 - 15.12 16.43 Class 34 Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Silver Area Festival Championship 15.22 - 18.20 19.03 NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 6 Prestige Novice Gold Winter Championship 07.50 - 11.25 12.50 Class 7 Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver Championship 11.35 - 14.15 15.21 Class 8 Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold Championship 14.25 - 16.27 17.22 Class 9 PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold Championship 16.37 - 19.27 19.37 Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 35 Petplan Equine Intermediate I Bronze Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 10.40 11.25 Class 10 Equitex Advanced Medium Silver Winter Championship 10.50 - 15.35 16.27 Class 36 Petplan Equine Intermediate I Silver Area Festival Championship 15.45 - 18.25 19.27 Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 37 Petplan Equine Elementary Bronze Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 13.00 14.15 Class 38 Petplan Equine Elementary Silver Area Festival Championship 13.10 - 18.10 18.47 NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 11 Equi-Trek Elementary Gold Winter Championship 07.50 - 11.38 12.48 Class 12 Superflex Intermediate I Gold Winter Championship 11.48 - 15.23 16.48 Class 13 Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver Championship 15.33 - 18.53 19.03 Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 14 Horselight Medium Silver Winter Championship 08.00 - 13.18 15.23 Class 39 Petplan Equine Novice Silver Area Festival Championship 13.28 - 18.05 18.53 Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 40 Petplan Equine Novice Bronze Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 12.37 13.58 Class 41 Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Silver Area Festival Championship 12.47 - 17:47 18.28

Timetable

Saturday 22 April

23 April

All times are subject to amendment.

Times Prize giving NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 15 HorseHage Preliminary Silver Winter Championship 07.50 - 10.27 12.07 Class 16 Equitex Advanced Medium Gold Winter Championship 10.37 - 13.47 14.37 Class 17 Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold 13.57 - 16.09 17.04 Class 18 Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver Championship 16.19 - 19.49 19.59 Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 42 Petplan Equine Preliminary Bronze Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 17.46 18.54 Class 43 Petplan Equine Elementary Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship 11.18 - 12.48 13.47 Class 44 Petplan Equine Elementary Silver U21 Area Festival Championship 12.58 - 14.28 16.09 Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 19 Prestige Novice Silver Winter Championship 08.00 - 13.40 15.19 Class 45 Petplan Equine Preliminary Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship 13.50 - 15.52 17.59 Class 46 Petplan Equine Preliminary Silver U21 Area Festival Championship 16.02 - 18.04 19.49 NAF Five Star Arena (indoor arena) Class 20 PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver Championship 07.50 - 11.00 12.10 Class 21 Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold Championship 11.10 - 14.15 15.13 Class 22 Horselight Medium Gold Winter Championship 14.25 - 18.15 18.25 Petplan Equine Arena 1 (outdoor arena) Class 47 Petplan Equine Preliminary Silver Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 13.10 14.15 Class 48 Petplan Equine Medium Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship 13.20 - 15.22 16.11 Class 49 Petplan Equine Medium Silver U21 Area Festival Championship 15.32 - 17.27 18.15 Petplan Equine Arena 2 (outdoor arena) Class 50 Petplan Equine Novice Bronze U21 Area Festival Championship 08.00 - 09.54 11.00 Class 51 Petplan Equine Novice Silver U21 Area Festival Championship 10.04 - 11.58 13.05 Class 52 Petplan Equine Adv. Medium Bronze Area Festival Championship 12.08 - 17.08 17.49
Sunday

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Hall of Five Star Fame

We present some of the famous faces, both equine and human, who’ve gone on to greatness following success at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships

Reigning World Champion Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Fry enjoyed something of a breakthrough season as a youth rider in 2014, opening a stellar year with a victory in the Magic Prix St Georges Championships.

It was with Leslie Connor’s 16 year old Dutch bred Flemmingh son Remming, that Lottie secured an emphatic win at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships in 2014 in front of a packed Hartpury College crowd enjoying an evening of dressage action.

The year before, Lottie and Remming had achieved a win at Advanced Medium level, but stepped up to Small Tour competition alongside competing in her final year at FEI Junior level. The then-18 year old Lottie produced a performance brimming with confidence, riding the familiar and dramatic music used by her late mother Laura when she was at Remming’s reins. The technical content included challenging lines of tempi changes and a bold final centre line of extended canter to halt. At the end of her test Lottie sported her trademark smile, praising the ever-brilliant Remming to loud applause from the crowd. The judges panel, Susanne Baarup (E), Freddy Leyman (C) and Lizzie Murray (M), rewarded 73.53% to give the combination the title.

The same year, Lottie would go on to achieve tenth place in the freestyle to music final at the FEI Junior European Championships, this time on board Z Flemmenco. Shortly after, she made the move to Van Olst Horses in Den Hout and the rest is history. Lottie holds the FEI World Championship title with Van Olst Horses Glamourdale, was a member of the bronze medal winning team at Tokyo 2020 fellow Van Olst stallion Everdale, and achieved the FEI Under 25 European Champion title on her way to senior stardom.

Fellow Tokyo 2020 team star and recent ride of Carl Hester, En Vogue, placed at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships under Charlotte Dujardin on his route to the top.

Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Sandra Biddlecome’s Jazz-sired En Vogue was produced steadily through the sport and recorded a first major placing at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships in 2017.

Charlotte Dujardin produced and showed the tall gelding in his early years, and his test at Hartpury was just his seventh affiliated start. The then eight year old showed much promise in his Advanced Medium Gold appearance, scoring 72.15% to place as runner up behind Charlotte’s winning ride Florentina.

After her ride on En Vogue Charlotte commented; “When I came out of the arena, I was quite emotional. It’s been quite a challenging journey with him. When we broke him at three, he bucked a saddle clean off and when it came to teaching him changes, he just threw himself on the floor. He’s a horse that crying out to do Grand Prix and I’m so excited for his future. In the arena, I could feel his heart beating but he really tried. I’ve been really careful to not put him under pressure and build confidence but only going out to small local shows and he just gets better and better. Flora was born with the perfect attitude but him, I’m going to have to teach it.”

Teach him she did, alongside the outstanding tutilage of Carl Hester, who would later take the reins of En Vogue with great success. Their spell at the top of the sport resulted in Tokyo 2020 team bronze and individual eigth in the freestyle finale, a memorable watch for those of us supporting from home.

Lottie Fry Magic Prix St Georges Champion 2014 En VogueAdvanced Medium Runner Up 2017

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Hall of Five Star Fame

Completing a trio of Tokyo 2020 medallists, Sarah Pidgley’s Gio also cut his teeth in the Hartpury Arena with former rider Charlotte Dujardin in the saddle.

2018 was a standout year for 2012 and 2016 Olympic Champion Charlotte Dujardin, as she secured no less than six titles with a string of rising stars, each in the infancy of their dressage careers. One of these stars was the pintsized powerhouse Gio, competing in the Advanced Medium Gold class in just his second British Dressage season. His appearance at Hartpury followed a successful visit to the LeMieux National Championships the year prior, where he secured the Elementary Gold title as well as the Six Year Old Young Horse crown. A step up in two levels would see the Dutch-bred gelding by Apache finish in the runner up spot at his debut NAF Five Star Winter Championships, beaten into silver medal position by Dujardin’s River Rise Nisa.

On his stratospheric route to the top, Gio made waves at FEI Intermediate II level the following year with another national title, before a Grand Prix debut beckoned in 2020. In a season struck by the Covid-19 pandemic, the LeMieux National Championships was sadly cancelled but a Christmas-special Grand Prix Championships saw the talented chestnut place second in a competition where NAF stablemate En Vogue finished just a whisker behind in third. Tokyo 2020 was next up where Gio showed his heart for team and individual bronze before repeating the feat at the European Championships just one month later.

Gio’s latest chapter has seen him play the role model schoolmaster for upcoming talent Annabella Pidgley. The duo won the Intermediate II at the 2022 LeMieux Nationals before a winning international debut as a combination at CDI Kronenberg. The combination are coached and mentored by former rider Charlotte, who’s enjoyed watching on proudly as her Olympic hero continues his journey in the hands of a dedicated young superstar. Annabella made her own NAF Five Star Winter Championships debut appearance with a reserve champion placing in 2019 on board FEI pony Cognac IX in the Medium Silver Championships.

Sophie Wells record in both able-bodied and para dressage speaks for itself, and this is one legend who more than earns her place in the hall of five star fame.

Paralympic gold medallist Sophie needs no introduction, in addition to her international success, her record at home boasts countless titles across the years and across the levels. At the NAF Five Star Winter Championships, Sophie has achieved three magnificent titiles, the first of which came in 2015 on board C Fatal Attraction in the Medium Open before a memorable year followed two years later to complete her collection to date.

Following her Rio success in 2016, Sophie presented her Paralympic partner Valerius at the 2017 rendition of the NAF Five Star Winter Championships alongside rising star C Fatal Attraction. It would be ‘George’ to open the floodgates on a week of tremendour success for Sophie, as Charlotte Hogg’s gelding by Fidertanz danced his way to success in the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle scoring 75.75%. The next day, title two came as Valerius triumphed in the Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle (75.83%), with Sophie piloting her two rides to one of the most memorable small tour doubles in the history of the event.

When asked at the time whether she expected to succeed at the championships, Sophie said “I didn’t expect either wins! I’ve competed in these classes a few times and have usually been pipped by Michael [Eilberg]. For me, it’s just great to put all the work we do at home and at para competitions in to practice somewhere like here and show that we can be competitive and that work pays off.”

Throughout her career Sophie has also presented Pinocchio, Don Cara M, Classic Jillz Geuzenhof and Firstino at the event. This year she returns with Tokyo 2020 and Herning 2022 World Championships ride Don Cara M, who returned to the arena with success at Bishop Burton’s Winter Regionals, as well as OFS Dragons Fire whom Sophie competes alongside fellow para dressage superstar Erin Orford.

Gio Advanced Medium Runner Up 2018 Sophie Wells Magic Prix St Georges Champion 2014

Swanmore Dantina

The British-bred mare Swanmore Dantina is one of the brightest talents on the circuit and a dual runner up in one of the most competitive years on record.

Sadie Smith’s eight year old BHHS registered Swanmore Dantina (Dante Weltino OLD x Charatan W) has progressed through the BD system with much success, sympathetically produced to stellar results and a bright future. In only her second complete affiliated season as a six year old, she made an opening appearance at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships lining up in both the Novice and Elementary Gold classes. In the Novice competition, she scored a phenomenal 76.98% - a mark that would only be beaten by Sadie’s good friend and coach Charlotte Dujardin, who excelled on Peter Belshaw’s upcoming talent Times Kismet (79.01%). A standout class in a standout year, the Novice Gold competition saw no less than 14 combinations top 70%; and future champions have already been made from the same results sheet, Alex Baker’s Tiger would go on to a National Young Horse title, Sonnar Murray-Brown and Stolen Secret were Elementary National Champions just last year, and breeding stallion Ketcher B scored in the 2022 Medium Freestyle with Jezz Palmer. The Elementary contest was equally as hotly contested, with Dantina beaten once again only by Dujardin and Times Kismet.

In 2022, Sadie and her mare went on to achieve strong results on a step up to Prix St Georges level, whilst earning qualification to represent Great Britain at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. Held in Ermelo, ‘Dia’ showed her bountiful class in the opening seven year old round to place fourth out of 38. The pair would drop just one place in the final, with fifth place a marvellous achievement for a home-grown talent.

The new year has seen Dia’s journey continue to flourish, as Sadie piloted her to a clean sweep of small tour victories at Addington CDI just last month. The combination line up at Hartpury this year in a competitive Magic Prix St Georges class, following a direct qualification from Wellington Riding’s Winter Regional fixture.

Michael is one of a host of BD riders with an impressive record at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships, with 11 top three placings out of 19 appearances.

A familiar and regular competitor at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships, Michael Eilberg’s show record has seen him earn success on a plethora of iconic partners. His debut Winter Championships appearance came in 2008, where on board future Grand Prix rides Marakov and Torino, he notched up top ten placings in all bar one of his four starts at Medium and Advanced Medium level. Michael’s dressage journey continued to progress at pace and the following two years he returned to the event as he travelled through the levels. It would be his debut partner Torino (Corland x Purioso) to deliver his first win, with an emphatic victory in the 2011 edition of the Superflex Intermediate I freestyle in front of a packed Hartpury gala evening audience.

A year later Michael claimed the same class with a different partner, this time it was Woodlander Dornroschen, the famous dam of future FEI World Breeding Champion Woodlander Farouche. 2012 was a successful year all-round for Michael as he also finished as runner up in the Medium Open with Half Moon Dynasty. The British-bred mare came back in 2013 for success in the Advanced Medium Open, whilst Michael finished as runner up again in the Medium Open (Fuerst Sinclair), beaten by pony combination Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci who would go on to European Championship success later that year. Half Moon Dynasty claimed yet another title in 2014, the Superflex Intermediate I title, with an enormous 78.29%. That year Michael made an appearance on the World Championship team competing in Caen.

It would be seven years before Michael returned to Hartpury, as a period of rebuilding and patience ensued between 2015 and 2022. But Michael’s latest stars, Figlio and Dante VX would ensure that he returned to the placings and continued on his fine form at the pinnacle of the BD winter calendar. We look forward to seeing his return in 2023 as newcomer EDH Saubermond starts in the HorseLight Medium Gold.

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Freestyle guide

Dressage to music has long proved a highlight with spectators at the Winters and this year is set to be another crowd-pleaser with a top line up of talent in the NAF supported music classes – the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold and the Sureflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold.

Freestyles require combinations to perform a sequence of compulsory movements ordered by the competitor, showing off paces in perfect synchronisation with music which complements the horse’s performance. It’s often said that judging freestyle is more challenging than a standard test as not only do judges mark the movements, which are not in a set order, but they also have to assess the artistic nature of the test.

International rider, trainer and 5* judge Isobel Wessels says she likes to see “music that enhances the performance, combined with correct work and rhythm, both in the artistic and technical parts”. “As a judge I’m looking for really fitting music, combined with lots of harmony, fluency and something a bit different choreography-wise, although not a circus performance,” she explains. “I’ve always loved riding to music and when you have a special horse it’s even better. I love to improvise and ride what I feel the music is saying to me.”

Marks awarded in freestyles tend to be slightly higher than those in standard tests, as riders have the opportunity to emphasise their horse’s strong points and can perform a movement again if this went wrong at their first attempt. The choreography and music marks, which are not as closely linked to the technical marks, also often warrant higher marks.

When it comes to riders’ choice of music, judges’ personal preferences don’t come into it. Instead they are assessing how well the music flows and harmonises with the paces, interpretation, movements, and if it enhances the overall picture and theme of the performance.

“Judges aren’t influenced by the choice of music, as long as it fits the horse and tells a story anything goes,” Isobel explains. “However, many riders choose very well known clips that one hears every other test so sometimes new, different, or unusual makes a better impression.”

Isobel points out common mistakes also include “having the music too loud, making the choreography too complicated for the horse’s level of training, or including too many chopped up small bits that destroy the harmony and fluency”.

“What impresses me most when judging freestyle is music and atmosphere that has me on the edge of my seat, together with beautiful riding,” says Isobel.

Understanding Freestyle marks

Judge scoring in freestyles is split into two partstechnical (specified movements you must complete) and artistic marks, which is split into five headings with 10 marks and coefficient of four (total out of 40 marks) each.

1: Rhythm, energy and elasticity

2: Harmony between horse and rider

3: Choreography, use of arena and inventiveness

4: Degree of difficulty, calculated risks

5: Music and interpretation of music

Freestyle movements

These are the elements the riders must include in their floorplans and the marks available – put your dressage knowledge to the test and see if you can spot them in all the tests and what mark you might award.

Technical Collected walk (minimum 20m) 10 Extended walk (minimum 20m) 10 x 2 Shoulder-in right (minimum 12m) 10 Shoulder-in left (minimum 12 m) 10 Half-pass right (collected trot) 10 x 2 Half-pass left (collected trot) 10 x 2 Extended trot 10 Half-pass right (collected canter) 10 Half-pass left (collected canter) 10 Extended canter 10 Flying change every third stride (min 5) 10 Flying change every second stride (min 5) 10 Single canter pirouette right 10 x 2 Single canter pirouette left 10 x 2 Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test 10 Artistic Rhythm, energy and elasticity 10 x 4 Harmony between rider and horse 10 x 4 Choreography/use of arena/inventiveness 10 x 4 Degree of difficulty/calculated risks 10 x 4 Music and interpretation 10 x 4 Technical Collected walk (minimum 20m) 10 Extended walk (minimum 20m) 10 x 2 Shoulder-in right (minimum 12m) 10 Shoulder-in left (minimum 12 m) 10 Half-pass right (collected trot) 10 x 2 Half-pass left (collected trot) 10 x 2 Extended trot 10 Half-pass right (collected canter) 10 Half-pass left (collected canter) 10 Extended canter 10 Flying change every fourth stride (min 5) 10 Flying change every third stride (min 5) 10 Half canter pirouette right 10 x 2 Half canter pirouette left 10 x 2 Entrance and halts and the beginning and end of the test 10 Artistic Rhythm, energy and elasticity 10 x 4 Harmony between rider and horse 10 x 4 Choreography/use of arena/inventiveness 10 x 4 Degree of difficulty/calculated risks 10 x 4 Music and interpretation 10 x 4
FEI Intermediate I FEI Prix St Georges Freestyle Freestyle
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Moody magic at the Winters

At last year’s NAF Five Star Winter Championships, Becky Moody and her equine superstar, Jagerbomb, were undisputed champions of the small tour classes. They won the Superflex Intermediate I and Intermediate I Freestyle, as well as the Magic Prix St Georges Gold.

Winning by a considerable margin from their nearest rivals, this was just the start of a very successful 12 months for this talented Dante Weltino x Jazz nine-year-old who was bred by Becky and is part-owned with Jo Cooper. At the LeMieux National Championships in September, he and Becky won the Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I Supreme Championship, which included a very impressive score of over 80% in the freestyle class. In the Stübben Intermediate II, the more experienced Gio, ridden by Annabella Pidgley, kept them off the top of the podium.

This year, Jagerbomb has made a successful start on his Grand Prix career with scores of 71% and 76% in his first tests at the level. “Now he’s started at Grand Prix, the Winter Championships weren’t an option,” explained Becky. “It’s so exciting as he has a real talent for the GP movements – he just needs to get stronger and more confident. I’m hoping to be selected for some CDIs this year and focus on building him up and maybe a place on a Nations Cup team.”

This year, Becky’s contenders at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships are the impressive duo, Jack Diamond and James Bond II. The pair were bought as three-year-olds by Becky and her long-term supporters, Jo Cooper and Pat and David Webster.

In 2022, Jack (Electron x Diamond Hit) was Equitex Advanced Medium Gold Reserve Winter Champion and followed this with a win at the Nationals in the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Supreme Championship. This year he’s contesting the Inter I and Inter I and PSG freestyle. “He’s a big-moving horse and we struggled for a time as he didn’t have the strength to cope with it,” says Becky. “To be honest I couldn’t even get him on the bit!”

“I didn’t compete him between four-year-old young horse classes and him coming seven and I was on the verge of saying he wasn’t cut out for a dressage career. My sister Hannah rode him for a few months and took a different approach. He started to turn a corner so I stole him back!”

“He’s still very much a work-in-progress but he’s going to be really phenomenal when his balance and self-carriage are even better.”

Moody magic at the Winters

James Bond II (Desperado x Fidertanz) is a horse with a bright future and has qualified for the Magic PSG and PSG Freestyle and the Superflex Inter I. Although he qualified for last year’s Winter Championships, Becky didn’t take him as she had so many other rides. He was very successful as a five-year-old and was an Elementary Gold National Champion. Now he is maturing, he is coming into his own and could be challenging Jack for the top ribbons.

“I’ve struggled a little with him,” explains Becky. “He’s a stallion and it took me a little while to find the key to turn his engine on. In the last few months, he’s changed enormously in his rideability and I’m really excited about him. As he’s gained strength, he’s developed a super cool piaffe.”

“I’m very lucky to be taking two such lovely horses to the Championships.”

Becky won’t be changing her horses’ routines very much in preparation for the show. “I keep everything as normal as I can. I try not to get them to peak too early. They are worked four times a week and hacked twice and we try and keep that same routine. Jack is such a big horse he can make himself sore so he goes to the water treadmill once a week. He’ll go for a session the day before we leave for Hartpury.”

Both Jack Diamond and James Bond were picked out by Becky as three-year-olds and temperament is the first thing she looks for. “The horses have to want to do it. As soon as you sit on them you have an idea of their work ethic. I look at their dynamic conformation and see if they have natural balance. Even with a young horse you can still get a feel for the direction of their movement, uphill or downhill. Flamboyant movement isn’t necessary. They need to be athletic and comfortable within their own movement.

Becky has had consistent long-term training with Carl Hester and David Hunt and recognises the importance of her home team, which includes her sister Hannah, an invaluable support and useful ‘eyes on the ground’.

As Becky often has as many as a dozen classes at a major championship, plus her pupils who need her help in preparing for their tests, it requires good organisation to fit everything in. “I have a wonderful team at home and great support from the staff at the

Jack Diamond has phenomenal movement but it has made training more difficult as we have had to develop his body and his brain to cope with it.”
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Moody magic at the Winters

show with me. I’m better now at making sure I have enough people to help at the Championships so I can focus on riding the horses and helping clients.”

Becky has an exemplary competition record – in the last 12 months she has only been out of the top five a couple of times. This is some achievement when most of her competitions are at small tour or above. Becky won her first Winter national title in 1998 – the Novice Open with Early Bird III and her first National Championships in 2001 with Kwadraat (Inter I and PSG). Since then, she has won 19 Winter and National titles plus a number of Under 21 and Young Horse championships.

With the ‘three Js’, Jagerbomb, Jack Diamond and James Bond, she has a powerfully competitive trio. For the future she has two lovely youngsters, Magic Dream (6yo) and Lancelot BS (7yo) and some four-year-olds currently being brought on by yard rider, Anna Burns. Lancelot has already brought home his first championship sash, winning the Medium Gold at the 2022 National Championships.

“I’ve definitely got the best team of horses I’ve ever had,” says Becky who is asuredly one of the riders to watch this year. With her current track record, she is a very strong contender.

Multi-talented marvels

We celebrate some of the adaptable aces taking part in the NAF Five Star Winter Championships and Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival Championships.

General Tiberius Petplan Prelim Silver

In his career as a racehorse he has competed on the flat, NH and finally point to point before coming to me and retraining as my riding horse. In the short time I have had him he has competed BD, BE (winning numerous BE80 events including two sub 20 tests with double clears) and BS, been out regularly with the Farmers Bloodhounds, sponsored rides and beach rides along with general hacking. He has also been a cover star for Your Horse and enjoyed many other photo shoots!”

Madermus PP HorseHage Prelim Silver

We bought him as a 2yo from Jake Saywell after watching him loose jump. I broke him myself and have produced him to where he is now. Although he’s proven to be very careful and scopey as a jumper; qualifying for second round discovery and novice, we also began BD with him last November. After gaining his regional points in two outings he headed to the regionals and came 2nd. He has now stepped up to novice and once again has qualified for the regionals novice in two outings. After a short break from jumping whilst I have been recovering from a broken finger, he came 2nd at our last BS outing, two weeks after going out British Dressage and coming 2nd and 1st overall in the two novice tests. He’s a true allrounder!

Victoria Newitt

Multi-talented marvels

Islesman of Mendick Medium Silver

This is Islesman of Mendick, a working Highland stallion. He’s competing in the Medium Silver Championship and combines dressage with a successful showing career! He was placed fifth at Horse of the Year Show last year plus breed show championships.

Islesman has a fabulous trainable temperament combined with a bit of cheek!

Harlequin II Petplan Prelim Silver

Sarah Vousden, of social media blog ‘A cob and a connie’, got in touch to share news about not one, but two multi-talented superstars! Cob Harlequin II (pictured) and stablemate George - a pure Connemarahave both qualified for the event.

My Hogged hunting cob has qualified at advanced medium silver and competes at PSG whilst hunting regularly, doing the odd team chase and taking part in RC sj teams as well as starting working equitation this year too! His Connie brother has also qualified at advanced medium silver and he has started working equitation this year as well!

We’re always on the lookout for inspiring horses and riders. Are you interested in sharing your story? Visit the Press Office at Hartpury to meet our Marketing & Communications team!

Ruth Darling
Sarah Vousden Owner/rider

Multi-talented marvels

Wacton Billy

Petplan Advanced Medium Bronze

I’ve qualified for the Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Bronze Winter Area Festival Championships with my multi-talented coloured cob!

Wacton Billy is a 16hh 12 year old cob who we bought as a 4 year old to back and sell on but he stayed! He enjoys doing a bit everything, has won the BD Combined Training Championships, came third in the Novice Eventing at the 2022 Pony Club Championships and won the Open level dressage. Billy also enjoys hunting throughout the winter, jumping the biggest of hedges! We’re hoping to have a go at the Cotswold Cup Eventing series this year and more up to Prix St Georges by the end of the year.

SCAN ME 0 1 8 0 3 5 2 7 2 7 4 H I G H F I B R E | L O W S U G A R | D U S T - F R E E S P E A K T O O N E O F O U R A D V I S O R S T O D A Y Y O U R P R O U D L Y S U P P O R T I N G BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

Tradestand listings

Find some of Britain’s best equine brands, featuring everything from leather goods and saddlery to rider wear and gifts. We’re delighted to have the following exhibitors attending the 2023 NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Champion-

Equi-Trek

Outdoor tradestand

Suppliers of a range of synthetic surfaces, both waxed and unwaxed, or can ‘tailor make’ a surface to suit your

T: 01371 850247 E: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Nutritional advice and information about their extensive

T: 01371 850247 E: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Official merchandise, clothing and advice from the national governing body for affiliated dressage.

T: 02476 698830 E: membership@britishdressage.co.uk

Manufacturers and retailers of innovative horseboxes and trailers.

T: 01142 884 411 E: sales@equi-trek.com

www.equi-trek.com

Equitex

Outdoor tradestand

Equitex saddle pads - the world’s number one for equine back problems.

T: 01582 316991 E: enquiries@equitex.co

www.equitex.co

Equi-Jewel by Emily Galtry Ltd

Outdoor tradestand

A fantastic range of tailored competition jackets, stocks and hair accessories.

T: 07512 762698 E: info@equi-jewel.co.uk

www.equi-jewel.co.uk

Flying Changes

Outdoor tradestand

Bespoke jackets, tailcoats, hats and accessories.

Quality and affordable Bridles, headcollars, belts, reins, dog collars – leads plus other accessories.

Contact: 07920 452739 E: lara@cathedral-equine.co.uk

T: 01793 676 516 E: sales@flying-changes.com www.flying-changes.com

Hoof Prints Photos

Indoor tradestand

Photos and digital images for all competitors available to take home today.

Exclusive UK suppliers of British team supplier, Lotus Romeo tails and jackets, Hi Form supplements, Scharf girths & hats, Equipod, Dominick rugs & much more.

T: 0118 3247471 E: hello@thecentreline.co.uk

T: 07966 070054 E: hoofprintsorders@hotmail.co.uk www.hoofprintsphotos.co.uk

HorseLight Limited

Indoor tradestand

Performance stable lighting used in the sport and racings industry to improve breeding, coat and activity.

Classic Dressage is the UK’s leading retailer of dressage

T: 0800 246 1994 E: shop@classicdressage.com

The Clothes Horze Company

Luxury brands, including Equestrian Stockholm, Equito,

T: 07950 616232 E: theclotheshorzecompany@gmail.com www.theclotheshorzecompany.com

T: 01285 896440 E: info@horselight.co.uk www.horselight.co.uk

Hudson Equine

Outdoor tradestand

Premium retailer of top name brands to include: Uvex, Cavallo, Sprenger, Flex-on, Incrediwear, Stierna and many more.

T: 07948 794699 E: sales@hudsonequine.com

www.hudsonequine.com

Joshua Jones UK

Outdoor tradestand

DeNiro and Donadeo riding boots. Lifestyle, country clothing and accessories.

Suppliers of high performance massage systems for sale

T: 07785 315 310 E: seandhamilton@btinternet.com www.cyclossageequine.co.uk

T: 01258 858 470 E: info@joshuajonesuk.com www.joshuajonesuk.com

Tradestand listings

LeMieux With Hudson Equine

Indoor tradestand

Hudson Equine is an equestrian retailer supplying a huge range of everything LeMieux!

T: 07948 794699 E: sales@hudsonequine.com www.hudsonequine.com

NAF

Indoor tradestand

The leading manufacturer of equine supplements and care products and the only official supplier to the British Equestrian teams.

T: 0800 373 106 E: info@naf-uk.com www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Nupafeed

Indoor tradestand

Nupafeed horse supplements.

T: 01438 861900 E: sales@nupafeed.co.uk www.nupafeed.co.uk

Petplan Equine Gallery

Equine and rider insurance.

T: 0330 1021658 E: petplanequine.service@allianz.co.uk www.petplanequine.co.uk

PRB Horseboxes

Indoor tradestand

Top quality horsebox company specialising in new vehicle builds, used vehicle sales, MOTs and servicing.

T: 01568 614638

www.prbhorseboxes.co.uk

Prestige

Indoor tradestand

Italian saddles and leatherwork.

T: 07818 051375 E: info@hammettequestrian.com

www.prestigeitaly.com

Stockpin Chic

Indoor tradestand

British designers and producers of fine quality stock pins, stocks and accessories.

T: 07966 763196 E: sales@stockpinchic.com

www.stockpinchic.com

Spillers Horse Feeds

Indoor tradestand

Equine feed and nutrition specialists.

T: 01908 226626 E: teamspillers@effem.com

www.spillers-feeds.com

Sports Horse Services Ltd

Indoor tradestand

Saddle fitting to improve performance. Amerigo, Equipe, Fairfax and Prestige.

T: 07939 625 075 E: caroline@sportshorseservices.com www.sportshorseservices.co.uk

Sue Carson Saddles Ltd

Outdoor tradestand

Bespoke saddles fitted for both horse and rider.

T: 01629 540343 E: sue@suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

Wychanger Barton Saddlery

Outdoor tradestand

Premium brands featuring Ariat, Pikeur, NAF, Charles Owen, Kep and Equilibrium.

T: 01823 673007 E: enquiries@wychanger.com

www.wychanger.com

Your passion matters

At Hartpury, you’ll immerse yourself in what you love, whether that’s equine science, performance, behaviour, welfare, business or veterinary nursing.

World-class facilities

Exceptional teaching and support

Outstanding career outcomes

Hartpury College diplomas

• Equine Management Equitation

• Equine Management Business

• Equine Management Science

Hartpury University degrees

• Equestrian Sports Coaching BSc (Hons)

• Equestrian Sports Science BSc (Hons)

• Equine Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons)

• Equine Business Management BA (Hons)*

• Equine Science BSc (Hons)*/MSci

• Equine Performance and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons)

• International Horseracing Business BA (Hons)*

• Racehorse Performance and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons)

• Equine Performance FdSc

*Top-up routes available

You could also choose from industry-aligned qualifications in animal, agriculture, sport or veterinary nursing.

A-LEVELS | DIPLOMAS | DEGREES www.hartpury.ac.uk

Showground Plan

Draft 002

Access from Main Campus Car parks

Showground Postcode

• Hartpury University, GL19 3BE

• Hartpury is located on the A417, 4 miles north of Gloucester.

Pedestrians

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Hughes Dressage

We have been feeding NAF’s Five Star Metazone for a couple of years now. We started feeding it to Sintano before he flew out to Tokyo and we were delighted with how well he coped with the journey and his workload. Metazone helped Sintano to maintain condition and energy levels and subsequently, we now feed Metazone to all of our horses who are working, training and competing hard; reducing the dose to maintenance if they are resting and increasing it again as the workload increases. Metazone is a wonderful product that we would not want to be without and it definitely keeps our horses ‘in the zone.

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