last updated on September 24, 2010 13:34

The organisers behind the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), have confirmed the riders for the two dressage features at this year’s show. Audiences will be treated to a dressage master class with Richard Davison on Friday 8th October and a Grand Prix Freestyle competition on Sunday 10th October 2010.

On Friday afternoon Triple Olympian and the 2009 HOYS Equestrian of the Year, Richard Davison will be hosting a master class with riders from the World Class Development Squad, Nikki Crisp and Charlie Hutton. Nikki is fresh from her win at the recent Dressage Deluxe National Dressage Championships where she triumphed in the Horse Health Intermediate II class with lovely mare Pasoa. A professional rider and trainer, Nikki and Pasoa have been progressing through the ranks with great success but this was Nikki’s first Championship win. National Dressage Champions one week, HOYS the next!

Charlie Hutton is making his own name in the sport, coming from the hugely successful Hutton family where mum, Pammy owns and runs Talland School of Equitation in Gloucestershire. A professional and highly regarded rider in his own right, Charlie is a member of the Young Rider team and was one of only three riders last year to be selected to represent Britain at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival where he won the team Gold and Individual Silver.

Both Nikki and Charlie will undergo a training session with Richard in the Andrews Bowen International Arena where they will demonstrate their training and skill for the audience. Richard will talk the audience through the techniques and movements and offer valuable guidance to the riders to help them perfect their performance.

Sunday is Grand Prix Freestyle day, and what a way to start the day! The freestyle competition is where riders perform specially choreographed patterns to music. The tests contain all the different Grand Prix movements and the judges award technical marks for the various movements, as well as artistic marks. The combination of music and these extravagant routines are absolute must-sees, especially crowd favourites, Steph Croxford and Mr. President. This year’s competitors are:

Steph Croxford (Derbyshire)
Rhett Bird (Warwickshire)
Jackie Bevan (Gloucestershire)
Kenneth Dyrby (Suffolk)
Richard Davison (Staffordshire)

There is still one rider to confirm so keep an eye on the HOYS website to find out the final six competitors.

If you would like to enjoy the Dressage from a very special vantage point, don’t forget about our Hospitality facilities. The Hospitality area offers an unrivalled view of the arena and is a wonderful setting to enjoy the show in. For more information about Hospitality at HOYS or to book tickets, see the website or call 01582 711 411.

Visitors are advised to book their HOYS tickets early to avoid disappointment – Please note bands on some days are limited and other performances have already sold out. For show information, including the full show timetable and timings, and to book general tickets visit www.hoys.co.uk or call 0844 581 8282.