News
LeMieux Nationals masterclasses welcome World Championship medallists
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:14
With one month to go until the LeMieux National Championships return to Somerford Park, from 15 to 18 September, we’re excited to announce the world class line up of hosts joining us for daily masterclasses, which return on all four days by popular demand.
With the Equissage Pulse Para Gold Championships opening the show on Thursday 15 September, we will continue to celebrate the best of Para-Equestrian Dressage with none other than Sir Lee Pearson CBE and Sophie Wells MBE teaming up to present the masterclass on the first two days.
Lee Pearson is widely regarded as a legend of the sport, with no fewer than 30 gold medals at European, World and Paralympic level over a career spanning three decades. His most recent appearance, just last week at the FEI World Championships in Herning, saw him add a further two individual medals to his impressive tally.
Lee is joined by prolific Grade V rider and fellow Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Wells. Sophie’s talent and record speaks for itself, representing Great Britain at 13 consecutive international Para championships since 2009, winning a total of 36 medals in the process. The rider from Lincolnshire also boasts an impressive training record too, with her pupils also going on to success and team appearances – most recently with Georgia Wilson, another of last week’s medal winners. Both Lee and Sophie have enjoyed success in both Para and able-bodied dressage, so we are privileged and honoured to present this duo together on Thursday and Friday at the LeMieux Nationals.
Continuing an impressive line-up of British international stars, three-time World Championships team member and the defending 2021 LeMieux National Champion, Emile Faurie, will headline the weekend’s masterclasses, joined by head rider Tom Goode. Emile is one of the country’s top international riders and trainers, having represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games and multiple European Championships, bringing home team medals on four occasions between 1993 and 2018. Based in Oxfordshire, Emile continues to produce and coach the next generation of his own star rides and pupils. A thrilling conclusion to the 2021 LeMieux National Championships saw Emile come out on top with the talented Dono Di Maggio. His masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday at this year’s Nationals will offer a fascinating insight into what it takes to produce a Grand Prix star.
You can enjoy the daily masterclasses at the LeMieux National Championships as part of your general admission tickets, including free access to covered and uncovered seating, so you can choose the best vantage point to be inspired by our three hosts. The Andrews Bowen Nationals Pavilion also offers prime viewing over the main LeMieux Arena, so you can enjoy top class education with a touch of luxury and exclusivity – tickets are selling fast, so we recommend booking your place now to avoid missing out!
Tickets start from just £20, with early booking discounts ending on 5 September. Buy online now and guarantee your spot for four days of brilliant learning, alongside top class dressage competition and all that the LeMieux National Championships has to offer away from the arena.
