last updated on June 11, 2010 14:59

Another tough economic year has undoubtedly brought further challenges to those charged with the care of British Dressage, yet there was still opportunity to reflect on a truly memorable 2009 at the 12th British Dressage AGM held 5 June 2010 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. The board and chief executive reported on the outstanding performances of British riders on the international stage in 2009; a successful year set against the array of competitions, championships, training conventions and regional activity going on closer to home that continue to go from strength to strength.

The achievement of the European Championships in 2009 for senior and para-equestrian riders surpassed all expectation with riders in both teams delivering on or succeeding their individual targets to bring home our biggest medal haul to date. Alongside this Hickstead and Olympia CDI’s attracted some of the world’s top dressage combinations and Britain continues to gather respect as a dressage nation.

Highlights in the past twelve months include; the election of director of training David Hunt to the FEI Dressage Committee; Richard Davison becoming a member of the FEI Task Force; Horsepower staging a superb European Championships at Windsor; BD’s selection to host FEI Judges courses at Olympia and Hartpury CDI’s and a pilot Stewards Course at Hickstead; Jane Goldsmith awarded 5* ‘O’ Judge status and appointed technical delegate at WEG; Stephen Clarke appointed as Ground Jury at the European Championships 2009 and at WEG 2010.

The importance of this international influence cannot be underestimated and BD will continue to look for ways to develop the sport both at home and on the world stage.

Measured against this careful accounting also featured highly on the agenda of the day; we learnt that membership is tracking slightly down - 1.2% on previous year’s figures, yet put in perspective this figure is low in comparison to the decline on membership other comparable equestrian organisations have suffered in 2009. Budget figures for the year still showed a margin of improvement on 2008 and finance Director Clare Williamson-Cary was stoical about the performance:

“Last year the board promised to do all they could to mitigate the effects of the recession and I’m glad to say we have delivered. Our lower membership headcount and fewer sales in our trading and publications department is a sign of the difficult economic year. It is disappointing but not unexpected and is a function of the economy, not a shortfall in the strength of our business. We go into the next year with the same undertaking; to control costs but to keep the sport as strong as we can.”

At the business end of the AGM Chairman of British Dressage, Jennie Loriston-Clarke (pictured) and para director Angela Weiss were re-elected without opposition. Meanwhile a fond farewell was said to BYRDS director Islay Auty who retired from the board of directors after completing a full term of service 2003 – 2010. As BYRDS Director she has been instrumental in the development of this area within BD including the setting up of regional squads, rider tests, proficiency tests and the Young Professionals Award that was launched in 2009. Islay will continue to work for BD in her role as Junior and Young Rider Selectors and on the International Teams Committee. She hands over to Janet Horswill who was elected without opposition.

Updates from each of the directors followed in turn, highlighting the range of activities going on throughout the sport and presenting a vibrant and diverse organisation at all levels. Continuing development of the UK Coaching Certificate, the launch of a new volunteer strategy and venue assessment scheme will serve to raise standards, improve the level playing field and invigorate dressage. Meanwhile it is hoped other initiatives such as the launch of ‘Go Afilliated’, membership collaborations with British Eventing, Pony Club and Riding Club and the new associate membership tier will reach out to engage with new members and begin dialogue with all who love the sport.

Despite the economic caution it was reassuring to feel that the organisation is in such safe hands as we look towards 2011 and an Olympics and Paralympics on home soil; there is certainly much to celebrate at British Dressage.

Retiring BYRDS director Islay Auty (right) receives a thank you gift from Jennie Loriston-Clarke for 7 years of service to British Dressage