Four hosts announced for Nationals Masterclasses

With masterclasses taking place every day at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships, spectators can look forward to fascinating insight and expertise from some of the best in the business.

With less than two weeks to go, we’re starting our countdown to the LeMieux Nationals by unveiling the plans for the Masterclasses at this year’s Championships.

Thursday and Friday at the Nationals (14 & 15 September) will be headlined by Emma Blundell and Amy Woodhead as we explore the relationship between breeder and rider. Mount St John Stud are one of the country’s leading lights when it comes to championing British breeding, and owner Emma Blundell has dedicated her career, passion, and drive into building a business that has contributed much to the sector, with pioneering technology and a host of homebred stars.

Emma’s partnership with Amy Woodhead has seen a new era of success for the stud, which already boasts an impressive winning record; the team recently presented MSJ Viva Dannebrog at the WBSFH FEI World Breeding Championships, achieving 13th place in the first round and 4th place in the small final, narrowly missing a place in the ultimate final by the smallest of margins.  Amy herself brings a wealth of talent and experience from years of dedication spent honing her craft, including a stint spent with BD’s Honorary Patron and dressage maestro Carl Hester.

At the weekend we’ll be joined by a true legend of the game in four-time Olympian Richard Davison, who will host a masterclass in the LeMieux Arena on Saturday afternoon (16 September). Richard has been a key member of the team across three decades, competing in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008 and London 2012, as well as multiple European and World Championships, most recently with his Grand Prix partner Bubblingh as part of the bronze medal winning team in Herning last year.

Outside of the saddle, Richard has been an instrumental figure in the development of the sport, acting as British Olympic Dressage Team Captain, Board Member for the Global Dressage Forum, and taking on several different roles within the FEI.  There’s no doubt that spectators joining us on Saturday will be treated to world-class insight by one of the sport’s most influential figures.

On the final day of the championships, Grand Prix rider and former showing superstar Louise Bell will take centre stage on Sunday afternoon (17 September), as we take a closer look at a young horse with a special connection to BD’s 25th anniversary celebrations.  After enjoying a day of Young Horse competition, spectators can hear Louise talk through young horse training with ‘Peaky Blinder’ – her up and coming star, sired by none other than Carl Hester’s London 2012 hero Utopia.

Louise herself has also made waves on the international stage, representing Great Britain as a regular member of Nations Cup teams with her high-profile ride Into The Blue, who competes in the Grand Prix competition over the Nationals weekend.  One of the most popular riders in our senior ranks, this leading lady of British Dressage is sure to deliver a masterclass debut to remember, so we’re looking forward to hearing her share top tips from her abundant expertise.

General admission and Nationals Pavilion tickets are available for all four days, although please note that the Pavilion is close to selling out over the weekend, so please book now to avoid disappointment.  You can secure your tickets online by following the link below and join us at Somerford Park to enjoy the Nationals Masterclasses alongside all that our showcase championship has to offer.

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