last updated on February 17, 2010 09:48

Six of the UK’s best young dressage riders were put through their paces yesterday in the finals of the first British Dressage young professional’s award, held at Talland EC 15th February 2010. 25 year old Theresa Smyth from Moreton in Marsh, Glos was announced the eventual winner of the prestigious title, scooping a generous cash prize of £4000 in the process.

Judges Carl Hester and Nicola Jourdain chose their winner as the person they felt showed the most thorough skills as a young professional, demonstrating commitment, talent and aspiration. Each candidate was required to discuss a business plan, encouraging them to think practically about their career path in the dressage industry as well as riding and teaching a variety of horses.

“I was so surprised to win, I haven’t got over it yet” said a delighted Smyth “It was pretty nerve-wracking as the build-up has been huge but really interesting too. I knew I was as prepared as I could be and my owners and everyone have been fantastic especially Penny Pollard.”

Smyth, who currently works as assistant rider for Peter Storr, shone through in a demanding day of riding, teaching and interviews designed to test the all-round abilities of the candidates. “I love teaching and we were lucky to have really good quality horses and riders to work with. I was a student at Talland for quite a while and taught a lot, it’s where I really learnt to communicate and express myself, it was the perfect grounding. I’ve built on this knowledge at Peter’s and really feel like I’m starting to make progress in my career now. It’s very exciting!”

BYRDS director Islay Auty was the vision behind the new format and was thrilled with the outcome of the event, praising the high calibre of youngsters from the 39 applicants who came forward.

She commented: “It was a great day and I really feel it has been useful for all those who took part. We need to encourage and support our young people hoping to follow a direct career path into dressage. The prize money we’ve been able to give through generous sponsorship from David and Penny Manning should give the winner the chance to further their profession in a structured way and give opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had access too.”

Theresa must now have her business plan approved by the BYRDS committee and has a variety of plans already outlined for the money including taking her BHSI exam, beginning the training to become a BD listed judge and taking sports psychology sessions. Second placed Richard Black and third placed Natalie Banks will also receive contributions of £2000 and £1000 respectively towards their chosen paths.

The Young Professionals award replaces the talent spotting programme that has run for the last 20 years. This hugely successful format was developed to capture talented riders in days when perhaps dressage wasn’t such an obvious sport choice. With dressage now burgeoning in all regions it was felt that the formula had run its course – those coming through the final stages were undoubtedly talented but were also already ‘spotted’ and well supported through the regional networks. Instead it was felt there was a need in the industry for a scheme that helped young people from 18-25 structure a career path in dressage and to motivate and help them to achieve this and so the Young Professionals award was born through the BD BYRDS committee with Islay Auty, Janet Horswill and Rachel Hillier being instrumental in shaping the event.

Pictured above: Theresa Smyth receives her prize from sponsor Penny Manning

Results:
1st Theresa Smyth
2nd Richard Black
3rd Natalie Banks

Runners Up:
Amy Blount
Rachel Finan
Laura Jarvis