Category: Dressage News

Dressage News and Reports

Welcome to Dressage News and Reports on Everything Horse. Below you will find our latest published dressage news stories from all over the world, including results from equestrian events such as the FEI Dressage World Cup Series, the Olympics, London International Horse Show, HOYS, and others.

International dressage riders such as Charlotte Fry, Charlotte Dujardin, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, and many more feature in our latest reports. Discover which horses the riders prosper on and learn more about the discipline.

Hickstead Cancel International Dressage Event

Suzanne Ashton

Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn has today released a statement to announce the All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead will not take place in 2025. Reasons given for cancelling the event include costs of judges and stewards, alongside other expenses making the event ’financially unviable’. First held in 2021, the show grew from being a three-day Premier League competition to a six-day CDI3* and CPEDI. However, the decision has been made not to run the event next year. “Regrettably, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our running of our dressage…

LeMieux expands British Dressage sponsorship to benefit riders

Katie Gilmour
dressage rider on chestnut horse

British Dressage has announced an extension of its partnership with leading equestrian retailers LeMieux. The brand will become the title sponsor of the popular Quest series and championship. Quest is an entry level series designed for those looking to experience dressage in a fun, relaxed environment and was introduced to BD’s championships in 2012. Comprised of both My Quest and Team Quest, riders can choose to compete individually or with a group of friends. Qualification throughout the year leads to Semi-Final and National Championship opportunities, with the best of British…

Olympic Dressage: Germany Top The Leaderboard on Day 2

Suzanne Ashton
Dressage horse and rider and the olympics in Paris

Olympic Dressage Day 2: 31st July, 2024 Team Germany overtook first-day leaders Denmark when the Grand Prix drew to a close at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles (FRA) today. Today’s result gives them a big boost as they continue on their mission to lift their 15th Olympic Dressage team title. Great rides from Germany’s Isabell Werth with Wendy and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera secured pole position at the end of the competition. The results from today also helped decide the 10 best nations qualified for Saturday’s medal-decider,…

Germany makes winning twice as nice at Falsterbo

Suzanne Ashton
Team Germany, winners at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ Team – Falsterbo (SWE). Evelyn Eger / Tabledance 3, Helen Langehanenberg / Facilone FRH, Carina Scholz / Tarantino 5, Team trainer Johhny Hilberath (Photo ©FEI/Kim C Lundin)

FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 – Written by Catie Staszak It was a narrow race for the 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup title heading into the final leg at Falsterbo (SWE), with Germany and Denmark separated by just two points.  But when it came time for the CDIO4* FEI Grand Prix test at the Falsterbo Horse Show, Germany didn’t let the Danish get within 10 points of them. It was a convincing victory for the Germans on the day, which secured them a second consecutive series title. Led by Chef d’Equpe…

Team GB Equestrian squads unveiled for Paris 2024

Suzanne Ashton
Olympics header image with country flags

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced the three squads of riders who will travel to France this summer to represent Team GB in the equestrian competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The equestrian events will be held at the historic Palace of Versailles, providing a stunning backdrop for the competitions. This year’s venue adds a unique and prestigious element to the games, emphasizing the blend of sport and culture. Among the talented athletes, Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester are set to lead the dressage team, bringing their…

Para-dressage nominations for Paris 2024 Revealed

Suzanne Ashton
Natasha Baker

Today, British Equestrian and the British Dressage Selectors confirm the 12 para dressage athlete and horse combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Only the combinations that appear on the nominated entries list (closing date Wednesday, 19 June 2024) may be put forward to the British Paralympic Association for selection to the Games. The Para-dressage nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, listed by classification grade and then in alphabetical order by athlete surname: Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade…

Dressage Nominated Entries for Paris 2024 Olympic Games Announced

Suzanne Ashton
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Charlotte Fry (GBR) during the award ceremony from the Grand Prix Freestyle at the FEI Dressage European Championship Riesenbeck 2023 Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

British Equestrian and the British Dressage Selectors have confirmed the 12 dressage athlete and horse combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Only those on the nominated entries list, closing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, will be eligible for selection by the British Olympic Association for the Games. Charlotte Dujardin has been nominated with two of her most prominent horses, Alive and Kicking and Imhotep. Annabella Pidgley, on the other hand, is set to compete with Gio,…

Classic Briolinca retired from international competition

Suzanne Ashton
Gareth HUGHES (GBR) & Classic Briolinca - Grand Prix Special - Dressage - FEI World Championships Herning 2022

On 15 May, British team rider Gareth Hughes announced that his multi-medallist Classic Briolinca would be retiring from international competition. The announcement came on Briolinca’s 18th birthday – which was celebrated with a special cake made from some of her favourite foods Known as ‘Princess’ by those closest to her, including owners Gareth, his wife Rebecca, daughter Ruby and long-time friend Julia Hornig, Briolinca joined Gareth’s yard in Warwickshire as a three-year-old when Rebecca spotted her star credentials while on a horse-buying trip in the Netherlands. The pair began their competitive…

‘Milestone’ win for Denmark in CDIO5* Nations Cup, Compiegne

Suzanne Ashton
Carina Cassoe Krüth riding Heiline's Dancierab waving at the crods

Denmark captured an impressive win Saturday in the CDIO5* Nations Cup event, a key component in Danish chef d’equipe Anne-Mette Binder “milestone plan” ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (FRA). Daniel Bachmann Andersen (Vayron), Nanna Skodborg Merrald (Blue Hors St. Schufro), and Carina Cassoe Krüth (Heiline’s Danciera) bested a competitive field of nine teams with a winning point total of 225.500. Sweden finished second (218.239), with the home nation third (215.261). “It’s a very important competition here for us. This is in our ‘milestone plan’—so we call it—where we…

Dynamic duo head to Hickstead ahead of British team selections

Suzanne Ashton
Carl Hester riding a horse at Hickstead

Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin will both ride in the upcoming I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival which take place at Hickstead from the 7th – 12th May, 2024. Both riders are hopeful for selection onto the British teams for the Paris Games which is fast approaching, so Hickstead will no doubt prove to be a very important outing for the Gloucestershire-based pair. Carl made his Olympic debut in 1992 and has competed at six Games in total, winning team gold at London 2012, team silver in Rio 2016, and…

“He just steps up and delivers”, Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike dance to victory at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Suzanne Ashton
Gareth Hughes riding Classic Goldstrike at Windsor Horse Show in the Dressage arena

Gareth Hughes and Classic Goldstrike danced to victory today in The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS), helping open the show in style. Four-time Olympian Richard Davison was on hand to assist with the proceedings. Wearing a headset, he gave spectators a full running commentary throughout his stunning ride, showcasing invaluable insight and knowledge to dressage fans.  A total of twelve combinations from seven different nations came forward for the class. With a strong British contingent, it was perhaps to no one’s surprise…

Touchdown lands the World Cup title for Sweden’s Patrik Kittel

Suzanne Ashton
Patrik Kittel (SWE) and Touchdown - FEI Dressage World Cup Champions - winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024 - Riyadh (KSA) - Freestyle Copyright © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024, Riyadh (KSA), Written by Louise Parkes Patrik Kittel made history on Friday 19th April, as only the second Swedish rider to stand on the top step of the podium at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Partnering the 12-year-old gelding Touchdown he was the very last athlete into the arena on a night when the sport had plenty of twists and turns. And he nailed it with the performance of a lifetime, pinning Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors…

Fontainebleau gears up for spectacular equestrian showcase

Suzanne Ashton
Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau

With the official selections for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games just a few weeks away, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will be playing host to the world’s show jumping and dressage elite at the Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau in a few days’ time. Let’s take a closer look at those competing. Dressage For its second edition, the CDI 5* at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will play host to sixteen of the world’s best combinations. The headliner of this CDI5*, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, reigning World champion and…

Charlotte Fry and Everdale secure victory to get FEI Dressage World Cup underway

Suzanne Ashton
CHARLOTTE FRY of Britain competes on EVERDALE to win Grand Prix de Dressage at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 - Riyadh (KSA) - Grand Prix Copyright © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

Reigning individual world champion, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, secured a clear victory in the Grand Prix to get the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this afternoon. Partnering her Tokyo Olympic ride, the 15-year-old stallion Everdale, Fry was top choice of all seven judges when scoring 75.388 to pin Sweden’s Patrik Kittel into second place with Touchdown while Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Don Olymbrio finished third.  The surprise of the day was the fourth-place finish for German legend Isabell Werth whose test…

It’s FEI World Cup Final Week in Riyadh!

Suzanne Ashton
FEI Dressage and Jumping World Cup™ Final – this week in Riyadh Photo: Johanna Milse

The much-anticipated FEI World Cup Final is set to commence this week (April 16-20, 2024) in Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia. After two years of meticulous planning and preparation, the venue is abuzz with the energy of horses, athletes, and officials, all eager for competition to get underway for the FEI World Cup Final Dressage and Jumping World Cup. With less than 48 hours remaining until the event’s inauguration, the organizing committee is ensuring the final details to guarantee a flawless experience as the first set of equestrian…

Para Selector and BD judge Juliet Seal passes away, aged 86

Katie Gilmour
dressage news placeholder image

British equestrian organisations are paying tribute following the passing of Juliet Seal. Juliet, one of the most influential figures in the development of Para Dressage in Great Britain, died peacefully at home on 30 January at the age of 86. As a BD List 2 Judge, FEI Para Judge, Para Selector and Chair of Selectors, Juliet’s unwavering support played a key role in shaping and cultivating Para Dressage, leading to successive Championship successes for the British team during her time at the forefront of the sport. In 2015, Juliet received…

The name’s Bond… James Bond II

Katie Gilmour
dressage news placeholder image

Continuing her incredible breakthrough year, Becky Moody rode to success at Myerscough Premiere League Show in the Grand Prix with her new superstar, James Bond II. The super 10-year-old Desperado x Fidertanz stallion owned by Becky’s longtime supporter, Jo Cooper, sealed his first Grand Prix win in a hot class. After her success with stable mate Jagerbomb at the London International, Becky rode James Bond II to win the class on 70.8%, narrowly ahead of stalwart Emma Hindle on Zippo MI, another exciting new horse. “Clever Mr Bond was determined…

Excitement palpable as line-up for 37th FEI Dressage World Cup Final is announced

Suzanne Ashton
Great Britain’s Charlotte (Lottie) Fry and her Tokyo 2020 Olympic ride, Everdale, winners of the sixth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in Mechelen, Belgium. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

The excitement is palpable as the 37th FEI Dressage World Cup Final lineup has been confirmed. Seventeen Dressage athletes from twelve nations are set to compete in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 16 to 20 for the coveted FEI Dressage World Cup trophy in 2024. What makes this final particularly thrilling is the diverse mix of finalists! Flying the flag for GBR (Western European League) is World Champion Charlotte ‘Lotti’ Fry, who achieved the best qualification result of all the finalists, with 88.18%. The 28-year-old will bring with her the…

FEI Dressage World Cup season finale fast approaching with Charlotte Fry in second place on the rankings table

Suzanne Ashton
Jessica von Bredow Werndl (GER) and Charlotte Fry (GBR) during the award ceremony from the Grand Prix Freestyle at the FEI Dressage European Championship Riesenbeck 2023 Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

The 37th season finale of the global FEI Dressage World Cup series is fast approaching. For the first time, the best dressage athletes in the world will meet for the World Cup Final in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, from Tuesday, 16 April to Saturday, 20 April, 2024. Athletes can collect points for the final in four leagues: In the Western European League (WEL), the Central European League (CEL), the North American League (NAL) and the Pacific League (PAL). Out of all those four Leagues 18 riders receive their…

Isabell Werth finishes top of League table with last leg win at ’s-Hertogenbosch

Suzanne Ashton

By Louise Parkes German dressage legend, Isabell Werth, posted her second victory of the season at the eleventh and last leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today. Taking maximum points with Emilio on home ground in Stuttgart last November, she did it again when the pair were runners-up to compatriot Jessica von Bredow-Werndl in Basel in January because the 2023 series champion was not entitled to qualifying points at the Swiss fixture.  Today Werth topped up her points tally to a…

Charlotte Dujardin rides Alive and Kicking to a double victory at Lier CDI 

Suzanne Ashton
dressage news placeholder image

Charlotte Dujardin rode Alive and Kicking to victory at the Lier CDI held in Belgium 27th February to 3rd March 2024. The 10-year-old mare out of All at Once (sire) x Fürst Piccolo is jointly owned by Charlotte, Ulrike Bachinger and Carl Hester.  Despite this being only the horse’s second GP and first International Big Tour attendance, the pair won the CDI3* Grand Prix Dressage scoring a respectable 75.043%, before going on to win the Grand Prix Special with a score of 75.192%.  Out of 41 starters in the CDI3*,…

A big moment for Domien Michiels and Intermezzo in Gothenbur

Suzanne Ashton
Belgium’s Domien Michiels celebrating victory with Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof at today’s penultimate leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League series in Gothenburg, Sweden. (FEI/Kim C Lundin)

FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023-2024, Western European League. Written by Louise Parkes Belgium’s Domien Michiels couldn’t hide his delight when winning the penultimate leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League series in Gothenburg, Sweden with his 16-year-old gelding Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof. The pair have extensive experience together having flown their country’s flag at the Tokyo Olympics Games in 2021, the World Championship in 2022 and the last two European Championships. But in their long partnership, they never posted a major international victory – until today. “It…

Germany continues its reign of dominance in Wellington

Suzanne Ashton
FEI Dressage Nations Cup

Germany continues reign of dominance in Wellington with fourth consecutive FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ victory written by Catie Staszak The 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ series kicked off Thursday in Wellington, FL (USA) with a fourth consecutive victory in the event for Germany. Two combinations returned from last year’s winning squad in Anna-Christina Abbelen (Sam Donnerhall) and Felicitas Hendricks (Drombusch). Frederic Wandres (Totall Recall) and Michael Klimke (Domino 957) completed the winning team, with Klimke also serving as chef d’equipe. Their winning total was 213.369. The United States finished second…

Scholtens wins tight contest at Neumünster

Suzanne Ashton
Emmelie Scholtens (NED) and Indian Rock - winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2024 - Neumünster (GER) with Anna Milne (FEI) during the prize ceremony. Copyright © FEI/www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz

FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023-2024 Western European League Written by Louise Parkes Partnering the 11-year-old stallion Indian Rock, The Netherlands’ Emmelie Scholtens clinched victory at the ninth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in Neumünster, Germany today. Already under the spotlight after topping yesterday’s closely-contested Grand Prix, the Dutch pair were awarded the winning mark once again today by judges Ulrike Nivelle (GBR), Clive Halsall (DEN), Hans-Christian Matthiesen (NED), Maarten ver der Heijden (GER) and Henning Lehrmann (GER) with less than 2.5 percent separating the top…