News
Dressage For All Week
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:02
Recap on Dressage For All Week, running from 11 - 15 November 2024.
From 11 - 15 November, we set out to turn the spotlight on our members with Dressage For All Week. Throughout the week, we’ve sought to raise awareness for the various different pathways available to those taking part in affiliated dressage activity, whilst aiming to understand more about each other's individual experiences and personal challenges. Follow the links below to view the interviews, stories and podcasts shared, showcasing some inspiring BD members.
Day one
Meet Danielle Curzon
Listen to our brand new podcast, where Danielle Curzon tells her story, talks about her amazing relationship with horses and explains more about her experiences with autism. Lincolnshire rider Danielle Curzon was crowned one of the winners in the inaugural Virtus classes this year, held in line with the Equissage Pulse Para Bronze & Silver Championships at Hartpury University & College.
Medallist mums
As part of Dressage For All Week, we also celebrated the amazing achievements of some model, medallists mothers. Watch Laura Tomlinson and Natasha Baker talking to BD Fan Zone host Sam Gerrard-May about balancing motherhood with competing at the highest level.
Day two
Summerfield students
We reconnected with two twin pupils who took part in the first ever BD Urban Equestrian Centre Programme. Jessica and Georgia were two of the amazing group of young equestrians from Summerfield Stables who made the pilot programme truly memorable; we caught up with them to ask some key questions about the experience and find out more about their thoughts on dressage and hopes for the future.
Steph Bradley on menopause and dressage
Our membership is made up of a whole lot of fantastic females, and we brought the inspiring Steph Bradley into the Dressage For All Week conversation to raise awareness on the effects and impact of the menopause on equestrian activity.
Hear Steph talk through what the effects are, what the impact is on participation and how we can best manage this chapter whilst enjoying the sport we love.
Day three
Meet Emily Hedger
Meet Emily Hedger, a BDCC Level 3 coach who is part of the BD mentoring scheme, delivering amazing support to other aspiring officials. Emily is neurodivergent and speaks openly about her personal experiences with ADHD and ASD, and how she applies these to her efforts in helping others.
Find out more about an inspiring BD member who’s giving back her time, to support pupils, friends and strangers alike.
Emily also shared her top tips for navigating neurodiversity and dressage, we illustrated her awesome advice with an easy-save graphic.
Day four
Confidence and mindset
Everyone deserves to feel confident inside the white boards and enjoy the dressage experience.
Watch a fascinating BD Fan Zone session with Irish Olympian Abi Lyle Dressage and mindset mentor Jo Alderton, where they discuss all things mindset and confidence with host Sam Gerrard-May.
Sunflower venue story
Premier Gloucestershire sporting centre Hartpury are leading the way in supporting the British Dressage pledge to provide greater support to those with hidden disabilities.
Read their case study and find out more about their role as a flagship Sunflower venue.
Day five
Meet Dylan Ward
South & East BD Youth rider Dylan Ward has been inspiring followers and members both across the region and further afield, officially ‘kicking cancer’s butt’ and striving towards huge dressage goals.
As part of Dressage For All Week, we speak to his mother Jess, to learn more about Dylan and his amazing journey. Learn about one talented young rider, his story, his and his mum's choices in wearing the Sunflower, and find out more about the amazing positivity behind his challenges.
Live at the BD RDA Grassroots to Podium Day
Watch a fascinating live session with BEF Chief Classifier Jenny Byng; Jenny talks through the fundamentals of classification and explains more about the process.
If you feel inspired by this week's content and would like to share your story, please get in touch with our communications team by sending an email, or reaching out to us on social media.
