Key personnel changes to Great Britain’s international youth teams

Following the most successful year ever on the international stage for British Dressage, we’re delighted to announce key appointments to the support team who oversee the management and development of our youth teams. 

After the conclusion of a rigorous recruitment and interview process, we’re pleased to confirm new appointments to the roles of U21 Performance Manager and U21 International Selector, who will support our riders in the Children on Horses, Pony, Junior and Young Rider categories. 

Nina Boex will step up from her role as Senior Chef d’Equipe to take on the permanent role as U21 Performance Manager, following a successful period covering the position in an interim capacity. Nina has been a valued member of the Under 21 support team for over ten years, progressing from Junior and Young Rider Chef d’Equipe to covering all age categories and then to Senior Chef d’Equipe in 2021. Her commitment to development is second to none; Nina is a UKCC Level 4 coach, BD Youth Coach and Youth Assessor as well as being an active member in her region, acting as Coaches Representative for BD Wales.  

Tom Hobday has been promoted to Senior Chef d’Equipe, which will include responsibility for providing additional support to our Under 25 riders at international shows and FEI European Championships. In his role as Chef d’Equipe, Tom has provided his guidance and expertise to support our youth riders for the last three years and has been an instrumental figure in helping multiple riders achieve their medal success.  

Nick Bigland has been appointed in the role of U21 International Selector, alongside Stephen Arnett and Richard Baldwin. Nick was a standout candidate with an impressive professional CV and an extensive equestrian background; he is currently a List 2 Judge and active member with competition experience and an in-depth, rounded knowledge of the sport. He has a strong passion and eye for optimum horsemanship and welfare, having recently undertaken his Level 1 FEI Eventing Judging qualification. 

Following the retirement of Nikki Herbert, experienced FEI and List 1 judge Richard Baldwin will take on the role of Chief Selector for our Under 21 International teams, as the head of a three strong panel. Our grateful thanks go to Nikki for her outstanding contribution as U21 Selector over the last eight years, where her tenure has seen 20 medals brought home to Great Britain by our Youth riders. On the behalf of all U21 parents, riders and our support team, we extend our appreciation for the expertise and fairness she has brought to the role.  

We would also like to express our thanks and gratitude to Caroline Bell, who has had an outstanding record as U21 Performance Manager since the creation of the position in 2021 and leaves a strong legacy. Her commitment and passion have been second to none and we’re indebted to her for the leadership and positive influence she has provided for our Youth teams.  

Judy Harvey, BD International Director, commented; "Since the U21 review in 2020, we have seen outstanding progress in the development of the squad system, selection processes and overall experience for those involved. This is without doubt thanks to the professionalism and expertise of those individuals responsible for the management of the U21 squads. 

“This year, we achieved the greatest number of championship medals won by U21 riders in the history of British Dressage, and we look forward to building on this success with the support of Nina, Tom and Nick, alongside the two other selectors, Richard and Stephen, our two Coach Advisors, Peter Storr and Clive Halsall, and team vet, Rob Oulton. We’re very fortunate that we have a great number of high-quality personnel who are dedicated to giving back to the sport and supporting the next generation of elite athletes."