16th – 20th April - Excitement is hotting up for the 2008 Event Insurances Services Winter Dressage Championships  which kick off this week at the new £4.6m Hartpury Arena complex in Gloucestershire. With three arenas running over the five days of competition and classes as diverse as the Spillers Response Combined Training Championships and several dressage to music freestyle championships taking place there will be plenty to see for everyone at this first class competition venue.

Running alongside some of the UK’s top horses and riders is the incorporated Petplan Equine Area Festival Finals, showcasing the best amateur riders from around the country. Visitor access to each show day is free and anyone seeking some inspiration is encouraged to come along, soak up the atmosphere and see what championship level competing is all about.

Highlight of the show will be the two gala evening performances taking place on the Friday and Saturday evenings - there are a small number of tickets remaining for both evenings which are available to buy on site.

As well as the competitive freestyle to music classes taking place on both gala evenings, visitors will be treated to a fantastic entertainment line up featuring a master class by International dressage rider Carl Hester; an amazing quadrille performance by four of Great Britain’s most promising young dressage riders and a hilarious take on the 'Art of Dressage by John & Char Lasseter. Following the dancing theme Kath Hardman and her ‘flying dog’ Spice will also be presenting their unique Canine freestyle work in two athletic heelwork to music displays.

For more information, timetables, directions and start lists please visit www.bdchampionships.co.uk