Following the cancellation of the signature dressage class at Royal Windsor Horse Show last week due to torrential rain and flooding, dressage fans will be cheered to learn that top names have been confirmed for Bolesworth’s dressage.
Britain’s god of dressage, Carl Hester, as well as his fellow London Olympic gold medal-winning team-mates Charlotte Dujardin and Laura Tomlinson, will take part in the invitational grand prix freestyle class on Thursday 16 June. There is also an inter I level dressage class being held at the popular CSI4* show in Cheshire this year.
The invitational grand prix freestyle offers riders the rare opportunity to run through their freestyle routines in a championship-type atmosphere, as the Bolesworth arena is large, surrounded by a moat, and a ‘busy’ environment.
The freestyle is on the opening day of the show and takes place 51 days before the Rio 2016 Olympics opening ceremony, offering fans an opportunity to watch riders as they continue their Olympic countdown.
Former Olympians Richard Davison and Emile Faurie will also ride in the class, along with Michael Eilberg, Charlie Hutton, Matt Frost, Chris Pugh and Nicolle Begovic.
Bolesworth show president Nina Barbour said: “This is significant news for Bolesworth. Charlotte and Carl are household names who have done so much for the sport of dressage, and we are absolutely thrilled that they will be taking part this year.
“There is added excitement with the Rio Olympics, and our Bolesworth 2016 entries underline what a key event it is on the equestrian calendar as national selectors at home and abroad finalise their plans for Brazil in August.”
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Dressage was introduced to Bolesworth’s schedule in 2015 with the aim of bringing the sport to a wider audience.
The inaugural class was won by Michael Eilberg on the British-bred Furst Heinrich x Caprimond mare Woodlander Farouche. Their performance earned 77.62%.
He said: “The venue is absolutely fantastic. It really feels like you are at a major championship.”
Continuing the Olympic theme, London 2012 team gold medallists Scott Brash and Nick Skelton will be among a star-studded showjumping field. They are joined by Michael and William Whitaker, Billy Twomey and last year’s Bolesworth grand prix winner, Yazmin Pinchen.
Tickets can be bought online at www.bolesworthinternational.com
