On Saturday 21 January 2012 British Dressage held a National Stewards Training Course at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre. The day formed part of BD’s ongoing development of dressage stewards in the UK.
Previously the course has been held centrally, but this year has been made more accessible with two days, one in the north and one in the south of England.
The course took place in conjunction with a British Dressage competition, and was taken by the Steward General Chris Porterfield, and Chief Steward at the National and Winter Championships Dan Chapman.
The ten participants included new candidates as well as experienced stewards who all enjoyed the informality of the course. The course covered roles and responsibilities of the steward, rules and regulations, tack checks (practical and theory), role play on the conduct of stewards and interaction with riders. There was also a practical session observing the warm-up.
Stewards play an important role in ensuring fair play for all during competition and are in place to support riders, as well as to look after the welfare of the horse. Through funding from Sport England, we are continuing the role out plan for stewards being used at high profile shows. In 2012, all Premier Leagues, Winter and Summer Regionals are entitled to funding if they choose to use a BD listed steward.
We would like to say a big thank you to Oldencraig’s owner Ian Winfield and his team for the use of their superb facilities, as well as our guinea pigs for the day: Sharon Edwards and Ashley Hill.
The next course takes place at Myerscough College, Lancashire on Saturday 28 April. Contact paul.graham@britishdressage.co.uk for more information.
Source: British Dressage
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