Olympic dressage riders head to Hickstead

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Several Olympic gold medallists are among the international entries at the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead, which got underway today (9-14 May).

A host of British dressage stars are in action, as well as international entries from Australia, British Virgin Islands, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago and USA.

Carl Hester, who won team gold at London 2012, is bringing his exciting new ride Fame for the CDI (dressage international) three-star Grand Prix, which takes place on Saturday. Fame is owned by Carl’s Team GB teammate Fiona Bigwood, and Carl has been campaigning the 13-year-old stallion successfully since January of this year. West Sussex-based Fiona is also competing at Hickstead this week, riding her own stallion Daytona Platinum.

Laura Tomlinson, who won team gold alongside Carl Hester at the 2012 Olympics, is entered with her 13-year-old mare DSP Rose of Bavaria. Gareth Hughes, who was reserve for the Tokyo Olympics and part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2021 European Championships, is also among the entrants for the CDI3* with Goldstrike L.E.

Two riders who have enjoyed Grand Prix success at Hickstead in recent years include Anna Ross (Habouche) and Andrew Gould, who has both Genie and Indigro entered in the Grand Prix. Other British riders to look out for include Louise Bell (Into The Blue), Sarah Millis (Impressive VDC), Alice Oppenheimer (Headmore Bella Ruby) and Becky Moody (Jagerbomb).

The show gets underway with three days of international Para-dressage competition, including Paralympic stars Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson. The international classes run alongside Premier League classes from Advanced Medium level up to Grand Prix, as well as Pony, Junior and Young Rider tests.

Entry is free to spectators throughout the event, with a selection of tradestands and street food stalls in attendance. There are limited spaces left for hospitality in the Laurent Perrier Club, which offers unparalleled views of all the action.

For those who can’t make it to Hickstead, the competition will be livestreamed on Horse & Country TV.

For results, click here.