last updated on July 08, 2009 12:36

In the midst of surging popularity and with an increasing number of riders, British Dressage is developing a database of loan horses for international para dressage competitions in the UK. The database will provide a vital pool of suitable horses for riders, some coming from as far away as Argentina, Canada and Japan in the lead up to the London Olympics in 2012.

The incentive will not only benefit visiting riders. The database will also be available to GB para riders should they find themselves without a competition horse.

Owners who register a suitable horse will have the opportunity to be involved at the highest level of the sport, possibly even the London Olympics. They will be able to compete their horse right up to start of the para dressage event—ensuring very little interruption to their own competition schedule.

The borrower will be required to pay a loan fee and cover the cost of a passport (if not already in place), the FEI registration fee, transport and grooms’ expenses. The owner however, should not expect to pay for anything except the six-month vaccination.

Similar loan arrangements have proved extremely successful. There are currently two riders on the World Class Development programme who loan horses that previously competed at grand prix.

For more information on the database, which is set for an August launch, please contact BD Para Dressage Officer Amy Cullen on 02476 698837 Email: amycullen@britishdressage.co.uk