Join us on the journey from ‘Training to Test Riding’

The British Dressage National Convention, in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys, is the flagship training event in our annual calendar. Competitors, trainers, judges, horse producers and dressage enthusiasts all put it top of their ‘must attend’ list and the current COVID crisis inevitably cast some doubt on this year’s event.

With restrictions on spectator events continuing we are unable to host an in-person attended Convention this year, but we’re delighted to confirm that the two day training forum will still go ahead over the weekend of 21 – 22 November – and, for the first time ever, you can enjoy it from the comfort of home as it’ll be broadcast online on a pay per view basis via Horse and Country.

We’ve assembled some of the sport’s top names to bring their insight, knowledge and inspiration – three FEI five star judges and a British team medallist to be exact – with a focus on ‘Training to Test Riding’. Our hosts will look at training and development in the practice environment to bring results inside the white board from both the coaches’ and judges’ perspective.

On the first day, Saturday 21 November, Stephen Clarke and Ferdi Eilberg will represent the coaches’ view point for riders ‘From The Saddle’ and that’s followed by the second day, Sunday 22 November, ‘From The Judge’s Box’, when Clive Halsall and Peter Storr will be providing the expertise. The 2020 season may not have been quite what we expected, but these two days will provide plenty of exercises and tips to work on over the winter, help towards that last minute qualification score, or just add some variety to your training routine.

We’re planning on featuring riders who represent the range of competitors in BD membership, with combinations from across the levels taking part for the lesson of a lifetime with our hosts. So whatever your level, judging ability or training aspirations, there will be something for everyone – that top tip you needed to turn a six into a seven, that lightbulb moment for giving just the right comment or the inspiration to set some testing goals.

Horse & Country TV will be bringing the weekend event into your home so you can watch on demand wherever you choose – on the laptop in the kitchen, on a smart TV next to the fire in the living room or on your mobile down at the yard. You can either join us live on both days or enjoy a watch back facility at your leisure for up to 90 days after the event.

All of this will be available for a weekend pass costing just £25 for BD members and H&C+ subscribers or £35 for non-members, which regular attendees to the National Convention will know is incredible value. This includes all of the sessions on both days streamed live, which you can continue to watch on demand for 90 days, a digital programme – and over ten hours’ worth of learning from four of the most inspirational figures dressage has to offer.
 
Jason Brautigam, British Dressage Chief Executive, said: “It is tremendously exciting that in this difficult and challenging year we are still able to bring the BD National Convention to members up and down the country. Thanks to the support of our loyal sponsors HCR and our media partners H&C TV we are able to take advantage of digital on-demand technology to bring the event to the comfort of your own home.

“Following the popularity of our online judge training, it’s great to be able to continue innovating in this way and this will hopefully be the first of many such on-line events we are able to host for members. Amidst all of the gloom of ongoing lockdown restrictions I’m sure that more than ever dressage enthusiasts will want to brighten up the dark winter days and evenings by enjoying our showcase training event.”

Digital viewing tickets go on sale in early November, pre-register your interest in tickets now and get priority access when they go on sale:

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Keep an eye on the website for more information or follow our social channels as we build up to the training event of the year!