The Royal Windsor Horse Show on 13th-17th May 2009 is to showcase the best of Britain’s top and up-and-coming equestrian talent with two individual Dressage competitions, sponsored by the BEF’s World Class Programme.
Two special competitions; a Potential International Dressage Horse class for up and coming Prix St George horses and a Grand Prix Kür, both sponsored by The World Class Programme and devised in consultation with British Dressage, will take place on Wednesday 13th May, the opening day of the show. Entry is by invitation of the World Class Programme only.
Eight competitors enrolled in the programme will be chosen to compete in each class. Not only will they be performing in front of a home crowd, but also in front of some esteemed British Dressage judges including: Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Jane Kidd, Andrew Gardiner, Isobel Wessels and Stephen Clarke (who is also the President of the Dressage jury at the FEI Alltech European Championships) as well as British Dressage’s Selection Panel.
The UK Sport funded Equestrian World Class Programme supports a pathway to success for Eventing, Jumping, Dressage and Para-equestrian Dressage athletes. Its aim is to have in place a sustainable system that can deliver more medals on the international stage now and in the future. The programme’s mission is to identify talent; maximise potential and deliver success.
A selection of competitors from all three levels of the programme – World Class Performance; Development and the Equine Pathway will take part, allowing Britain’s stars of the future to mix with the country’s top riders.
Just three month’s after Royal Windsor Horse Show 2009, the same grounds will host the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships (25th-30th August 09), making the show a formidable test event for the organisers themselves. The competitions will be managed logistically in the same way as proposed for the Europeans, from the stable area and collecting rings to the arena itself.
Will Connell, World Class Performance Director said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all involved. The development riders get the chance to ride at one of the most prestigious outdoor horse shows in the country, with some of the best riders around, the Organising Committee can show what a great Europeans we have to look forward to, and the public get to see some fantastic dressage.”
Related Links
Coverage of the 2009 European Dressage Championships
Sport England Funding to Aid Equestrian Participation, Retention and Excellence