All about BD
British Dressage is the national governing body for the sport of dressage in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for promoting and developing the sport sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition, organising competitions, and providing training and education for riders, stewards, coaches and judges. British Dressage is run by a board of directors who are elected by its members.
Dressage is an equestrian discipline that showcases the harmony between horse and rider through a series of precise movements and exercises.
British Dressage was established in 1998 as a result of the merger between the British Dressage Association and the British Horse Society Dressage Committee. It is a member of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and is recognised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
BD aims to promote and develop dressage at all levels, from grassroots to international competition. It provides a comprehensive competition structure that caters to riders of all ages and abilities. Competitions are held throughout the year at various venues across the country.
In addition to organising competitions, British Dressage also focuses on training and education. British Dressage offers a structured training pathway for riders, which includes clinics, workshops, and training camps conducted by experienced coaches and trainers. This ensures that riders have access to high-quality instruction and guidance to improve their riding skills and understanding of dressage principles.
British Dressage also places great emphasis on horse welfare. The organisation has strict rules and regulations in place to ensure that horses are treated with care and respect during training and competition. These rules cover areas such as tack and equipment usage, warm-up procedures, and veterinary inspections. By prioritising horse welfare, British Dressage aims to create a safe and fair environment for both horses and riders.
Competitions
As well as overseeing all British Dressage competitions at all levels across the country there are also numerous Championships shows riders can compete to qualify for. These include My Quest and Team Quest Finals, Area Festivals, Associated Championships, Regionals and National Championships, as well as international events. The regional championships are held annually and provide riders with the opportunity to qualify for the national championships. The national championships are held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire and showcase some of the best dressage talent in the country.
In addition to championships, British Dressage also organises a range of other competitions, including team events such as Home Internationals, Para-dressage competitions for riders with disabilities such as the Para Home Internationals, and young horse classes for up-and-coming talent.
Riders who excel in British Dressage can have opportunities to represent Great Britain in international competitions. These may including the Olympics, Paralympics, Para Dressage World Championships, World Equestrian Games, and European Championships. These events provide a platform for riders to showcase their talent and compete against the best dressage athletes from around the world.
To represent Great Britain at the Olympics and Paralympics in dressage, riders must first achieve selection criteria set by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The BEF sets performance standards that riders must meet in order to be considered for selection. These standards include achieving specific scores at designated international competitions and demonstrating consistent performance at the highest level.
Training
Is an important aspect of British Dressage's work. The organisation offers a variety of training programs for riders at all levels, from novice to advanced. These programs are designed to improve riding skills, enhance horse welfare, and develop a deeper understanding of dressage principles.
British Dressage also provides training opportunities for judges and stewards. It offers a guided training process for those interested in becoming dressage judges, with various levels of qualification available.
BD offers a structured pathway for riders who aspire to compete at the Olympic level. The pathway starts with regional competitions, where riders can gain experience and earn qualification scores to progress to higher levels. From there, riders can move up to national competitions, which serve as stepping stones towards international competitions.
British Dressage actively supports the development of young riders through its youth programs. These programs provide young riders with opportunities to receive specialised training, compete against their peers, and represent Great Britain in international competitions. By nurturing young talent, British Dressage aims to secure the future of dressage in the country and maintain its competitive edge on the global stage.
Dressage Legal Tack
When it comes to dressage saddles, British Dressage does not endorse or promote specific brands or models. However, they do have rules and regulations regarding the use of saddlery in competitions. These rules ensure that the welfare of the horse is protected and that all equipment used is safe and suitable for dressage. This is not only for saddles but also bridles and bits that can be used whilst competing under British Dressage rules. This also applies to if you compete at unaffiliated competitions and or Riding Club level.
Dressage saddles are specifically designed to facilitate correct rider position and aid in the horse's balance and movement throughout the levels and movements found in dressage tests from Introductory up to Grand Prix. With over 480 dressage saddles in stock why not have a look here to find your next saddle to dance in those dressage boards. You don't have to ride in a dressage saddle to compete in dressage though, many riders compete in GP saddles as they might not purely focus on dressage or might just prefer a GP. Click here to view our range of GP and GPD saddles.
Dressage saddles typically have a deep seat, long flaps, and large knee rolls to help the rider maintain a correct position and provide security during movements such as extended trot or collected canter. The deep seat helps the rider stay centered and balanced, while the long flaps allow for a longer leg position. The large knee rolls provide support to the rider's legs and help maintain a correct leg position. Dressage saddles can be either monoflap or dual flap depending on what suits you and your horse.
In addition to saddles, bridles and bits play a key role when training and competing at dressage. British Dressage have strict rules when it comes to what bridles and bits can and cannot be used whilst competing and stewards do compulsory tack checks at all British Dressage championship shows, whether that is Area Festivals or Nationals. Don't fear though! Here at The Saddle Bank all the bridles we have in stock ready for you to buy are British Dressage legal so you can order in confidence ready to compete. Click here to find your next dressage bridle.
Dressage legal bits and bridles are listed in the rule book as well as here on the British Dressage website.
British Dressage plays a crucial role in promoting and developing the sport of dressage in Great Britain. Through its competitions, training programs, and focus on horse welfare, the organization provides a platform for riders of all levels to excel in the discipline. With its commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport, British Dressage continues to contribute to the growth and success of dressage in the country.
