Mid July British and Dutch top dressage riders will perform their Grand Prix tests in the online GP Dressage Challenge, organized by CDIO Hickstead and CHIO Rotterdam.
From each country up to 20 top Grand Prix dressage combinations will ride the official Grand Prix test for the camera in the dressage arenas of the venues in Hickstead and Rotterdam.
International judges Stephen Clarke and Mariette Sanders-van Gansenwinkel give their live comments and online spectators will be able to score the tests. Dates and channels for the broadcast with live commentary of the online GP Dressage Challenge will be announced shortly.
This is not an Online Competition
Eurodressage wondered if this innovative initiative does not go against FEI rules that forbids online competitions for FEI registered riders and horses.
"This is absolutely not a competition," Hickstead organizer Dane Rawlins told Eurodressage. "We consulted the FEI and are clear that there will be no scoring from the two judges, only commentary. There will be audience participation but absolutely no ranking."
Rawlins wants to provide top riders the opportunity to compete in an show like atmosphere, which the audience can enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
"Its aim is to get the horses out in a facsimile GP competition," Dane continued. "For sure there will be pressure to ride well. Its a collaboration between Hickstead and Rotterdam. We are delighted that so many riders are entering into the spirit of the event. Hoping for better times soon."
Top Names Back the Initiative
"The whole equestrian world was so much looking forward to this Olympic year. COVID-19 has not only resulted in cancellation of the Olympics and our events in Rotterdam and Hickstead, it was also a great disappointment for the fans that will not see their favorite dressage riders and horses in action probably most of this year", said Patrick van der Meer, sports director Dressage at CHIO Rotterdam. "Together with CDIO Hickstead we now show them how dressage has progressed during lock down."
"We're excited about this online challenge between these two top dressage nations," Rawlins added. "For the riders this is a unique measuring moment on their way to Tokyo 2021 and an opportunity to feel the competition pressure which they lack completely this year. And of course for all dressage lovers to get a glimpse from their favorite GP dressage combination."
The tests will be filmed prior under FEI rules but with no public.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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