The British Dressage National Convention, sponsored by Albuion, will be held on the 27-28 November at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire. German Olympian Klaus Balkenhol has been invited as guest speaker.
Balkenhol, one of Germany’s most eminent riders and a consummate horseman, has been instrumental in the recent training and success of Laura Bechtolesheimer. Laura, who was part of GB’s silver medal-winning team, as well as taking home an individual bronze medal at last year’s Europeans, cites him as playing a huge role in her soaring success with Mistral Hojris.
Combining his competitive dressage career with his role within the Düsseldorf Mounted Police, the senior police officer was a regular member of the German dressage team throughout the 1990s. Partnered by Goldstern, he contributed to many of their championship successes. His career highlights include team gold and individual bronze at the Barcelona Olympics, team gold at the 1993 and 1995 European Championships, team gold and individual freestyle gold at the 1994 World Equestrian Games and team gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games.
Klaus Balkenhol, who is an advocate of the classical art of riding, has always aimed at the refinement and consolidation of a horse’s natural gifts. With calmness, patience and consistency, he taught his horses to meet the requirements of advanced dressage tests. Apart from Goldstern, 10 other horses, among them Sylvester, Rhodomo, Acapulco, Escorial, Gracioso and Aponti have matured into successful grand prix horses.
The convention will look at a range of combinations at different levels of training, from young horses to grand prix, with Balkenhol demonstrating his philosophy of enhancing the natural talents of a horse for the classical dressage training.
Tickets are now on sale and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so apply now in order to avoid disappointment. Everyone is welcome.
Tickets are available from the British Dressage office:
Tel: 02476 698833
Online: www.britishdressage.co.uk (from 03/06/10)
Post: British Dressage, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RJ
Prices: British Dressage members: £43/one day, £73/two days
Non-Members: £48/one day, £78/two days.
Photo © Barbara Schnell
Related Links
Jan Bemelmans Keynote Speaker at 2008 British Dressage Convention
Hubertus Schmidt Says "Easy Does It" at 2007 British Dressage Convention