Jean puts riders through their paces at National Convention
Monday, November 02, 2009
Two dressage riders on the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) World Class Development Programme took part in a dressage demonstration at the British Dressage National Convention held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire over the weekend (31 October – 1 November).
Amy Stovold (31) from Hickstead, West Sussex and Lara Griffith (20) from Milton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire each took part in two 45 minute demonstration lessons with Jean Bemelmans, renowned German dressage team medallist and trainer for the Spanish dressage team, in front of a packed house.
Amy and Lara are both on the BEF’s World Class Development Programme which aims to provide Britain's elite riders with the best preparation to represent Equestrian Team GBR at International level. Funded by UK Sport, the Programme incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, show jumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage.
Amy, who rode Julia Jacobs’ and Maggi Stovolds’ Macbrian, said: “I really enjoyed the lessons and it was a great chance to work with such a well known and respected dressage trainer.”
Lara, who rode Hilary Sawyer and Leonie Porter’s Dawning Hopes, was also presented with awards for the highest placed rider at the European Championships and most improved young rider. She said: “It’s such a privilege to be given the chance to have a one-to-one lesson with Jean and Dawning Hopes behaved impeccably.”
Selection to the World Class Programme is based on results combined with potential to contribute to team success at major championships. Performance is continuously assessed and riders are regularly reviewed. The Programme is divided into Development (Start and Potential), and Performance squads across each discipline.
The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, primarily from the National Lottery, via UK Sport since 1998.
Filed Under
Dressage
