British Dressage President and Vice President announced

With Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Desi Dillingham’s terms as President and Vice President now complete, it’s a great privilege to announce their successors. 

The BD Board of Directors have appointed David Hunt as the new President of British Dressage and Stephen Clarke (pictured above) as Vice President. We are honoured to have the ongoing support of both David and Stephen, and share our congratulations and gratitude for their acceptance of taking on these vitally important roles.

David Hunt

David Hunt’s outstanding contribution to dressage touches all corners of the sport, as a rider, judge, and coach. He was the first British rider to win all three classes at an overseas international in Rotterdam in 1988 and trained four different horses long-listed for the Olympics, from Montreal in 1976 through to Atlanta in 1996.

Chair of the Dressage Committee for five years between 1992 and 1997, when BD was still part of the British Horse Society, David also held the position of BD Training Director until 2015.  He was instrumental in the development of our events for riders, judges, and coaches, including the National Convention that we are enjoying here today, attracting some of the leading names in the dressage world to share their knowledge and expertise.

David’s work as a trainer is particularly inspiring, having coached countless riders to national and international success, from grassroots to elite level.  As President of the International Dressage Trainers Club, David has been at the forefront of the development of Great Britain’s growing reputation and presence on the world stage over the last four decades.

David also helped to establish the FEI Judging Supervisory Panel, helping to promote best practice and maintain consistent high standards in judging at international championship level.  As Chair of the JSP, David’s exceptional knowledge of dressage principles and rules have been put into practice at the London, Rio, and Tokyo Olympics, as well as World Cup Finals, European Championships and World Equestrian Games.

In recognition of the contribution David has made in the development of British Dressage, both at home and overseas, there is no better person to take on this prestigious role. 

Stephen Clarke

Stephen Clarke will be well known to everyone as one of the most highly respected dressage judges in the world.  As a 5* FEI judge, he has officiated at countless international championships, including as President of the Ground Jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games and on the judging panel at the Rio Games in 2016, as well as numerous World Cup finals, European Championships and World Equestrian Games.

Stephen first enjoyed success as a show jumper and eventer, but his love of training horses ultimately led him to dressage. As a rider he won five National Championship titles, representing Great Britain in international competition in the 1980s, and was nominated as reserve rider for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988.  Stephen chaired BD’s Judges Committee for almost a decade and during this time made a significant contribution to the development of our judging systems, encouraging more judges to come forward and improving standards of officiating.

Stephen also sat on the FEI Dressage committee for several years and was instrumental in putting together the FEI judge’s book – now considered the bible of modern judging.  His efforts have earned tremendous respect for British judges worldwide and contributed greatly to the reputation and profile of dressage as a sport.  A Fellow of the British Horse Society, Stephen was presented with the Queens Award for Equestrianism in 2010.

In 2013, Stephen was elected as FEI Dressage Judge General, and he has had a huge influence on the training and education of judges at both national and international level.  His support and mentorship have inspired and benefitted the next generation of judges and many of our senior officials are a product of his help, advice, and encouragement. 

Stephen’s unrivalled knowledge, combined with his positivity, generosity, and kindness, is renowned in our sport, and we're delighted that he continues to dedicate his time and expertise to British Dressage in the role of Vice President.