last updated on November 02, 2009 16:24

Over two thousand people converged on Addington Manor Equestrian Centre over the weekend to see the world famous dressage rider and trainer Jean Bemelmans (pictured) train some of Britain’s top combinations at the KBIS British Equestrian National Convention. Jean was impressed with what he saw and predicted a great future for the sport of dressage in Britain, even describing Carl Hester and Sasha Stewart’s Uthopia as Britain’s answer to Totilas.

First to go was Emile Faurie on Katie Byrom’s six-year-old stallion Samba Hit lll. Jean commented that a young horse with such a big frame needs to be ridden low and deep, and to learn to carry itself. Afterwards Emile commented “It’s good for people to see that it’s not always easy. He’s a very green, very inexperienced six-year- old and he’s never been in this kind of environment before, Jean helped him to go much better.”

Lara Griffith was riding Dawning Hopes, a twelve-year-old Danish mare by Blue Hors Silvermoon, owned by Hilary Sawyer and Leonie Porter. Jean Bemelmans told Lara that her horse should be more in front of her and told her: “Ride uphill, she has to be in front of your leg. You need to do lots of transitions to improve the expression of the horse.”

Maria Eilberg was riding her brother Michael’s horse Torino. Jean thought Maria should sit deeper in the horse and keep pushing for more. With Amy Stovold and MacBrian, a twelve-year-old Swedish bred gelding, Jean saw a lot to like describing him as “ the right type of horse for the work with nice expression.”

Jean Bemelmans also rode his Grand Prix stallion Lanciero, who he explained can be very naughty! He showed how he warmed him up every day at home. Then Jean amused the audience by showing them a “game” he likes to play by turning round and touching the horse’s tail. “The most important thing I have is an independent seat and body control over my own body.” He explained that he never rides with a whip generally because the horse must be obedient and listen to the leg. Lanciero was very fresh and put in a few kicks and bucks, “At least you have seen that it’s not just you that has problems, we all have problems every day too. Up to PSG anyone can do it but Grand Prix is an art, as in life you need a little bit of luck!”

Current National Champion Carl Hester was riding Sasha Stewarts eight-year old Dutch stallion Uthopia. Jean found very little to criticise and went on to say that he can’t teach Carl much. Summing up Jean described Uthopia as Britain’s answer to Totilas, Carl said; “It’s a tall order to live up to and a hell of a responsibility, but I’m very proud of how he’s turned out – I’ve had him since he was four.”