Britain's 'Home International' teams head to Wellington

Rain, hail or shine, Saracen Horse Feeds will be flying the flag high as title Sponsor for the British Dressage Senior Home International 2019 at Wellington Riding this weekend.

Wellington Riding is very proud to have been selected to host the British Dressage Senior Home International 2019 (18-20th October). Saracen Horse Feeds, who are part of the venue's Annual Affiliated Sponsorship Programme, is generously supporting this event as title sponsors to ensure competitors have a true championship experience investing in stunning rosettes, sashes and sponsored prizes as well as having the Saracen’s nutritionist team on hand for the duration of the event.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales come together to present their very best regional competitors. Over 150 riders competing throughout the weekend make it one of the most exciting affiliated dressage team competitions in the UK. Despite fighting the forecasts and some last minute logistical changes due to heavy rain, the team at Wellington Riding has been working hard behind the scenes to combat the weather conditions welcomed the first horses from Scotland today.

Twelve years since the event’s inception, the ‘Senior Home International’ has grown in status. British Dressage recognised the need for a high profile team event for riders that were aiming to move up to the next level and to have the experience of riding for a team in a competition environment. Opening and closing ceremonies, formal trot ups and flags galore will transform Wellington Riding into their very own version of Tokyo 2020. There will be four dressage arenas in full swing over the three days with affiliated action place in our iconic Waterloo Arena which is 8000 square meters of performance space as well as the International Arena. Team moral does not stop as they exit the arena, the weekend involves a busy social schedule centring around the Clubhouse from hog roasts to dancing into the early hours.

“The Senior Home International is the absolute highlight of the regional calendar. The riders work extremely hard to qualify, attend coaching sessions, team briefings & then they have to pluck up the courage to apply - competition is stiff & only the best get through. Selection is strict & rigorous so as you can imagine to gain a place on a team is a significant achievement. Of course winning the cup is the prime objective (all regions want to win!) but equally important is the camaraderie this type of event encourages. The team spirit is second to none, there are only two rules really - enjoy your time & support your team! Although the competition is open to Bronze, Silver & Gold riders from Novice to PSG for the majority this is the only chance many will get to be able to wear the flag of their country which is incredibly special," commented Sharon Walker, British Dressage Southern Region Regional Development Officer) who proudly host this year's competition.

Sharon fondly recalls hearing an experience of a team rider that has always stuck in her mind, "I can't explain how amazing it was to turn up the centre line and see a row of my team mates, every last one of them beaming and willing me to do well – I was just bursting with pride and an amazing sense of personal achievement, it was one of the best experiences of my riding life!"

The competitor experience is paramount for Wellington Riding and sponsorship is key to this, therefore they're extremely grateful to Saracen Horse Feeds for going above and beyond to ensure the Senior Home International competitors feel special. Michael Bacon, Sales & Marketing Director of Saracen Horse Feeds, expressed; “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year's British Dressage Senior Home International. Working alongside the team at Wellington Riding, this year's event is set to deliver on every level and this is an exciting opportunity for Saracen to support the competitors with nutrition advice, product information and samples throughout the show, as well as bringing the weigh bridge for all competitors to make the most of. Good luck to all the teams!”

Wellington Riding abd British Dressage are encouraging all the competitors and supporters to get involved as much as possible to make this one of the best Senior Home Internationals to date given the record number of competitor entries.

“This event is another great opportunity to showcase our top class facilities & the supporting brands of our Annual Affiliated Sponsors here at Wellington Riding. We look forward to a weekend of smiles and competitor successes regardless what the weather may throw at us, team spirit will triumph” – David Sheerin, General Manager of Wellington Riding.

Wellington Riding website