Boex, Hobday, Bigland Appointed to New Supporting Roles for British U21 Teams

Dressage

Great Britain

At the end of a successful year in the youth divisions British Dressage has made some key appointments to the support team who oversee the management and development of its youth teams.

New appointments have been made to the roles of U21 Performance Manager and U21 International Selector, who will support our riders in the Children on Horses, Pony, Junior and Young Rider categories.

Nina Boex: U21 Performance Manager

Nina Boex will change from her role as Senior Chef d’Equipe to take on the permanent role as U21 Performance Manager, following a successful period covering the position in an interim capacity.

Nina has been a valued member of the Under 21 support team for over ten years, progressing from Junior and Young Rider Chef d’Equipe to covering all age categories and then to Senior Chef d’Equipe in 2021. Her commitment to development is second to none; Nina is a UKCC Level 4 coach, BD Youth Coach and Youth Assessor as well as being an active member in her region, acting as Coaches Representative for BD Wales.

Boex is succeeding Caroline Bell as the U21 Performance Manager. Bell held the position since its creation in 202, leaves a strong legacy. Her commitment and passion have been second to none and British Dressage is indebted to her for the leadership and positive influence she has provided for our Youth teams.

New U21 Selectors Panel: Bigland, Arnott, Baldwin

Nick Bigland has been appointed in the role of U21 International Selector, alongside Stephen Arnett and Richard Baldwin. Nick was a standout candidate with an impressive professional CV and an extensive equestrian background; he is currently a List 2 Judge and active member with competition experience and an in-depth, rounded knowledge of the sport. He has a strong passion and eye for optimum horsemanship and welfare, having recently undertaken his Level 1 FEI Eventing Judging qualification.

Following the retirement of Nikki Herbert, experienced FEI and List 1 judge Richard Baldwin will take on the role of Chief Selector for our Under 21 International teams, as the head of a three strong panel. Nikki contributed as U21 Selector over the last eight years, where her tenure has seen 20 medals brought home to Great Britain by our Youth riders.

Hobday: Senior U25 Chef d'Equipe

Tom Hobday has been promoted to Senior Chef d’Equipe, which will include responsibility for providing additional support to our Under 25 riders at international shows and FEI European Championships. In his role as Chef d’Equipe, Tom has provided his guidance and expertise to support our youth riders for the last three years and has been an instrumental figure in helping multiple riders achieve their medal success.

The U21 riders will be further supported by the two "Coach Advisors" - Peter Storr and Clive Halsall - and team vet, Rob Oulton.