BD unveils brand new flagship training event

We’re delighted to release details and launch ticket sales for our new-look flagship training event, BD Presents... featuring Becky Moody and Sophie Wells.

Following the success of last year’s milestone National Convention, celebrating 25 years of British Dressage, we conducted a member survey to gather your feedback on what you would like to see at our flagship training event.

You told us that content that is relevant to all riders is the most valuable aspect of our events, with 69% stating that they would prefer to see training relating directly to their riding level and experience.  This also needs to be communicated clearly, with practical hints and tips that riders can take home and put into practice with their own training.

The combinations on show are of paramount importance; we now have a greater understanding that spectators want to see more grass-roots combinations and ‘ordinary’ horses working with their rider towards achievable goals.  A demonstration of modern, ethical training methods that support and promote the highest standards of equine welfare is also a clear priority for our members.

Based on the feedback we have received, we’re excited to unveil a new concept launching in 2024, called BD Presents…  The inaugural event will take place at Hartpury University & College on 23 and 24 November 2024.

Get ready for a new look flagship training event, offering riders of all ability the chance to learn from top level presenters through relatable, achievable coaching.  Our new concept will see the spotlight turned on the everyday BD member, with riders that represent your own goals and ambitions, featuring horses of all shapes and sizes.

We’ll still be looking at how you can move through the BD levels, but in a way that will give members more practical help and support to solve common problems, introducing some new movements and providing guidance on how to improve the way of going, while always putting the horse first.

We couldn’t begin a new era of British Dressage training with a better line-up of hosts; fresh from Olympic medal success, Team GB representative Becky Moody will headline the event in partnership with fellow British superstar Sophie Wells, who is currently preparing to attend her fourth Paralympic Games next month.

Becky Moody has been the break-through star of the equestrian scene in Paris, proving that you can breed, train and produce a horse from the first day on his feet to the lap of honour on the world’s greatest sporting stage. Becky encapsulates everything about British Dressage that’s great – hard work, dedication, perseverance, patience and an ability to listen to and understand her horses. Not only has she excelled on the international scene; Becky has over 30 national titles to her name and has trained countless riders to success.

Sophie Wells OBE is a world-class rider and trainer, who has been on the British team at every senior championship since 2011, picking up an impressive 35 medals along the way. Sophie’s skill in the saddle has seen her earn success in both non-disabled and para sport, whilst building her reputation as an outstanding horsewoman, people person and coach – bringing two riders to championship medal standard, along with many other happy clients and horses. Sophie’s ethos sees her seek to build special connections with every horse she encounters, and this speaks volumes in both her training and results.

These two leading ladies will present a weekend of training alongside some special guests, as well as carefully selected combinations who will meet our commitment to presenting relatable content.  We look forward to unveiling the complete presenter, horse and rider line-up later in the autumn.

Tickets

Tickets are now on sale and available to purchase online.

Single Day tickets
BD Member: £45.00
Non-Member: £55.00

Weekend tickets
BD Member: £85.00
Non-Member: £95.00

There’s also a Youth ticket option, with a 25% discount for any BD Youth members under the age of 25.

BUY TICKETS

Your feedback, our inspiration

Here’s just a sample of some of the feedback we received from BD members:

“It is great to see well-known, successful riders with their horses that most of us can only dream of owning and riding, but it would be more encouraging and inclusive if the ‘ordinary’ horse and rider was represented as well. How I’d love to see the top trainers work on improving the average cob, native, ex-racehorse etc. It would be interesting and informative to hear how judges mark these types in the same class as a bred-for-the-job warmblood.”

“I’d like to see more grass roots combinations like the riders who can really identify with the everyday competitor and can show how to bring the best out of your own horse.”

“Content should support the ethical training of dressage horses and riders, developing horses for their future health and well-being.”

“I think it needs to be relatable to everyone – I absolutely understand the need to show our best to inspire, but let's also show 'ordinary' horses who are training correctly, so those who will never own that type of horse know that they can still train well.”

“It’s nice to see training on horses that aren’t competing to a top level with difficult horses being addressed. It would be nice to see the average horses with a good trainer and seeing how the trainer can help just the normal rider achieve their goals. Most of us don’t have expensive well-bred horses, so it’s nice to see these types of horses being trained.”

“It’s important that BD keeps up with current hot topics and the latest trends. The content should be aspirational, but not out of reach for amateurs.”