British Dressage Team Bid For Hickstead Nations Cup In WEG Warm Up

The British Dressage team will take part in their final competition at Hickstead International CDIO (21st - 25th August) this weekend before leaving for the World Equestrian Games.

The team consisting of Richard Davison (Ballaseyr Royale), Emile Faurie (Insterburg), Laura Richardson (Millendium) and Peter Storr (Gambrinus) will compete against teams from Holland, France, Ireland and Germany for the coveted Nations Cup title.

World Class Performance Director, Ian Williams, said Hickstead CDIO will form an important part of the team preparations. "It is ideal for us to have an event of this status available locally to help us in our final preparations for the WEG. We are always treated well at Hickstead and there is a super atmosphere. Competing here will provide a warm up for the horses and riders and will help the team focus on the job in hand," he said.

The team will be looking for a good result on their last outing before the big one. Ian commented, "Whenever the British Team compete they go out to do as well as they can. We are not in the business of cruising. We will be looking for solid performances ready for WEG. There is always a good level of competition at Hickstead and we will be doing our best to produce a winning result".

Apart from the competition, the team will take part in a parade of WEG teams in the main arena and there will be a rousing team send off in the Dressage arena on Sunday afternoon.

A full programme of international dressage will commence on Thursday, featuring the CDI Grand Prix and the KPMG FEI Prix St Georges. The Euro Future Cup for young riders and Grand Prix Special are the highlights on Friday and Saturday respectively and the popular Grand Prix Freestyle to music will entertain the crowds on Sunday.

Shearwater Corporate Services again sponsor the All England International Young Horse Championships for 5 and 6 year olds. These championships make a valuable contribution to the sport, providing an opportunity to see the dressage horses of the future experiencing their first taste of the atmosphere at a major event. Since their inception, they have become one of the most successful and prestigious young horse competitions.

Another highlight of this meeting is The Great Hickstead Ball, to be held on Saturday 24th August with hit 60's motown band, The Drifters, back by popular demand. The ball is always a sell out and tickets should be booked early. Call Goody de Launay on 01403 711247 to book tickets.

Dressage at Hickstead is the UK's premier dressage venue and boasts a unique 'garden party' atmosphere that is relished by riders and spectators alike. Show Director, Dane Rawlins, says "Based on the European format for dressage shows, Hickstead has grown into a world-class event over the last 9 years. We now attract riders from around the globe and this is helping to promote the sport and the standard of competition in the UK."

Renowned international judge, Trond Asmyr, has been judging in the UK for the past 10 years. "The standard has improved tremendously since I have been coming here with winners now regularly gaining marks over 70%. This is a great sign for the future for British riders" he said. "Hickstead is a great venue. It is unusual to see a national show with such a fantastic set up, even on the continent, and the event is as good as any that I have judged at abroad". Trond recently judged at the All England Dressage Derby and will be at Hickstead again to judge at the International.

The International CDIO Dressage Championships take place in conjunction with the Hickstead Derby Meeting. Thanks to the unerring support of Douglas Bunn, Director of Hickstead and the beautiful surroundings of the All England Jumping Course, Dressage at Hickstead is flourishing. Competitors and visitors alike enjoy the superb facilities and the great atmosphere that is unique at this venue.

This year Hickstead promises an extravaganza of dressage at the top level in the build up to hosting the 2003 European Dressage Championships, 13th - 17th August 2003. "We are delighted and very proud that these championships are to be held at Hickstead. Preparations are already well in hand" said Dane Rawlins.

.