Rotheras confirmed as Official Legal Partner to British Dressage

Renowned legal 500 firm Rotheras will partner with British Dressage to deliver our legal helpline services from April 2023.  

Nottingham-based solicitors Rotheras have been providing high quality legal advice for nearly 200 years and now join our dedicated team of partners offering support and services to the BD membership. The appointment comes after a rigorous and open tender process that involved several leading firms who expressed an interest in taking over from our previous legal helpline providers, Harrison Clark Rickerbys. 
 
Rotheras won the contract by putting forward a detailed and comprehensive legal helpline package designed to offer members the highest standards of support, whilst further benefitting the sport through sponsorship of the next generation of riders and potential future stars.  
 
The dedicated equine team at Rotheras, led by industry specialist Caroline Bowler, offer a wide range of equestrian legal services. From buying or selling a horse, ownership disputes and veterinary or farrier negligence, Rotheras can offer advice, support, and guidance to members thanks to their extensive understanding of the equestrian landscape. 
 
From April 2023, British Dressage members will be able to benefit from a legal helpline with up to 30 minutes of initial free advice. The legal helpline will be available to members around the clock, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, manned on Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.  Use of the legal helpline isn’t restricted to equine services only, the Rotheras team are on hand to offer expertise on any personal or business matters. You can visit the Legal Helpline section on our BD member benefits page to find out more about this dedicated service. 

As official BD Legal Partners, Rotheras will also be investing in the future of British Dressage through sponsorship of the Under 21 National Championship, held annually at Somerford, as part of the LeMieux National Championships. The U21 National Championship is the pinnacle of the domestic youth season, with combinations vying for the prestigious title after a busy summer of international competition and FEI championships.  We look forward to crowning the next Rotheras U21 National Champions in September this year and wish those aiming for coveted places on the start lists the very best of luck.  
 
Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive of British Dressage, commented: “I’m delighted to confirm our new partnership with Rotheras.  It’s vital that as a National Governing Body we partner with firms that share our values and will enhance the member experience.  In Rotheras we have like-minded associates, committed to offering a high-quality service to members, as well as improving opportunity in the sport, and supporting the next generation. We look forward to working with them as Official Legal Partners and sponsors of the Under 21 National Championship.” 
 
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys for their loyal and dedicated support over the last decade, including as sponsors of the British Dressage National Convention.  We wish them all the best for the future.” 

Caroline Bowler, Equine Lawyer and Dispute Resolution Partner, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with British Dressage, we operate similar values around going the extra mile for clients and service users alike and it felt like a natural fit to join forces. Client care is central to our ethos at Rotheras and we are very excited to bring that to British Dressage members, whether you require legal expertise with an equine matter, buying a house or making a will, we’re here to support you.”