What's on in Wales
Here you can find out all of the details for upcomming training, competition and team opportunities in the Wales region.
Events
“Looking for your next dancing partner?” A vet’s view of buying horses
9 February | The Clytha Arms | 7pm
Join Emma Jones from Abbey Equine Clinic for an engaging evening exploring the ups and downs of looking for Dressage horses. Hopefully most of us will only buy a few horses in a lifetime, it’s a big decision which can be stressful and expensive or even dangerous to get wrong. Many experienced equine vets will have helped clients make decisions in hundreds of purchases and recognise that to our clients buying a first pony is as important as buying a Grand Prix horse. The aim of the presentation is to discuss some of the common issues we see as vets, from our vantage point in the process.
Using the room at The Clytha Arms, this is a rare opportunity to meet in person for a relaxed social while learning from an expert. Emma will share her insights from a veterinary perspective and give practical advice on buying dressage horses.
Zoom sessions
Clean Sport – British Equestrian Equine and Human Anti Doping with Sandra Hill
3 February | 7pm
Open to all, this session provides an overview of the national equine anti-doping and controlled medication programme, designed to protect both horse welfare and the integrity of equestrian sport. It explains how the rules ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all athletes. The session equips everyone involved with competition horses with the essential knowledge needed to remain compliant, informed, and responsible. Members of British Dressage have a clear duty to understand and follow these rules, making this an invaluable and informative opportunity.
Breaking the Silence – Perimenopause, Menopause and the Female Equestrian with Steph Bradley
10 February | 7pm
Breaking the Silence –Perimenopause, Menopause and the Female Equestrian is a powerful Zoom session with Steph Bradley. Steph shares findings from her groundbreaking research study, which received 1,629 responses in just 16 days, revealing how symptoms affect participation, performance, and wellbeing in equestrian sport. Many riders recognised long-ignored symptoms as perimenopause, highlighting a widespread lack of awareness. Steph explores key themes, real-life case studies, and her own experiences, while discussing current thinking on support and intervention. This timely session encourages open discussion and understanding around a subject affecting many equestrian women.
Competition Preparation with Alison Payne
17 February | 7pm
There is far more to competition preparation than simply washing and plaiting your horse. This session focuses on the often-overlooked details that play a crucial role in successful competition outings. We will explore how to create an effective competition plan, including dates, training, fitness, and preparation, as well as how to deal with the unexpected. The session will also cover key rules and regulations to help you avoid elimination, understanding qualifications and deadlines, and building rider confidence. Ideal for anyone wanting to feel organised, prepared, and confident when heading into competition.
Behind the Clipboard with Fiona Wilson
11 March | 7pm
Ever wondered what judging is really like? This insightful session explores the human side of judging, helping riders and judges better understand each other. It looks at what happens before, during, and after a test, the mental and emotional challenges judges face, and why accuracy and consistency matter more than being “nice.” The session also covers when and how to approach a judge about a test sheet, encourages constructive conversation rather than confrontation, and highlights that judges genuinely want riders to succeed. Ideal for riders, coaches, and judges seeking better understanding and improved competition experiences.
The Judges Journey with Richard Baldwin
17 March | 7pm
Join List 1 and FEI Judge, and Deputy Judges Director, Richard Baldwin for an inspiring and informative session designed for current and aspiring judges at every stage of their pathway. Whether you are just considering judging or already progressing through the system, this session provides clear guidance and renewed motivation. Richard will explain the judge education system, how to get started, portfolio requirements, and how to upgrade through the levels, alongside practical advice drawn from his FEI experience. Ideal for aspiring, trainee, and listed judges, this session offers a valuable roadmap for confident progression.
Welcome to BD Youth
24 November | 7pm
Find out everything you need to know about BD Youth in Wales! Meet our Youth Rep - Stef Mansell, Youth Rep - Anna Roberts and Youth Coach and Assessor Nina Boex. We'll be covering how you can get involved, what you can do within BD Youth, information for parents and meet the Wales team!
Camps and Training
Youth Day with Andrew Jones
17 February | Bridgend College
This action-packed day is the perfect opportunity for youth riders to develop their skills and prepare for team opportunities. Riders can take part in a Squad Assessment or lesson and an individual Rider Skills Test with Youth Assessor and Coach Andrew Jones, gaining valuable feedback and score sheets for Inter Regionals and the Micary Youth League. The programme also includes a group vet physio talk on pain behaviours with Harriet Anderson, Equilates sessions to improve rider strength and balance, personalised feeding advice via the TopSpec weighbridge, and practical Horse Care training with Jan Evans, essential for team applications.
Senior Camp
18 & 19 June | Lluest Equine
Save the Date!
We’re excited to announce the return of our popular Senior Camp at the fantastic Lluest Equine, offering two days of focused training with top coaches (to be confirmed soon). Participants can camp, train, and compete, making the most of the experience by staying on to take part in the British Dressage competition at Lluest Equine on Saturday 20 June. Immerse yourself in the full weekend, benefit from concentrated coaching, and roll straight into competition. More details will follow soon, so for now, save the dates in your diary and get ready for an unforgettable Senior Camp experience!
Other events
BD Wales Ball and Awards Evening
14 November
The BD Wales Ball and Awards Evening 2026 returns on Saturday 14 November at the exciting new venue, St Pierre Hotel near Chepstow. Join us for a memorable evening celebrating the achievements of our members in style. Guests can enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, a delicious three-course meal with tea or coffee, the annual awards presentation and raffle, free on-site parking, and a fabulous disco to dance the night away. Full ticket details will be released closer to the event, with an early bird discount available for early bookings. Save the date and get ready to celebrate with us!
Senior Team Opportunities
British Dressage hold two Senior team competitions each year, all six regions and Ireland are invited to compete at these prestigious events.
What: Senior Inter Regional Competition 2026
Open to Bronze and Silver riders, this two-day competition features teams of four competing from Preliminary to Medium level, with both team and individual awards. Fun, competitive, and inclusive, the event offers a fantastic opportunity to build friendships across the region while developing valuable competition experience.
Riders or horses who have competed at the Winter and/or National Championships in the previous 12 months may not compete at the Senior Inter Regionals at the same level, but you can come at a higher level.
Where: Sparsholt College, Hampshire
When: 23 - 24 May 2026
Applications to be submitted by 12 April 2026
What: Senior Home Nations Competition 2026
Open to Gold, Silver, and Bronze riders, with teams of four competing from Preliminary through to PSG, with scores also counting towards individual placings at each level. The competition has a high standard in the format of an International event including an opening and closing ceremony and two full days of competition, attracting many talented horse-and-rider combinations.
Where: Pickering Grange, Leicestershire
When: 28 - 30 August 2026
Applications to be submitted by 1 July 2026
BD Youth Team Opportunities
British Dressage hold two BD Youth team competitions each year, all six regions and Ireland are invited to compete at these prestigious events.
What: BD Youth Inter Regional Competition 2026
Teams consist of three or four riders, with each competitor riding the Youth Rider Skills Test appropriate to their squad. Teams must include riders from at least three different levels. Each region may enter up to eight teams, providing plenty of opportunity for riders to represent their home area.
Where: Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Cheshire
When: 27 - 28 June 2026
Applications to be submitted by 5 May 2026
What: BD Youth Home Nations 2026
This event offers BD Youth riders the chance to represent their country at regional level and proudly wear their national colours. Held annually to under-25 riders, the BD Youth Home Nations brings together teams from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales as each nation competes for prestigious honours. Riders compete in BD tests from Novice to Medium, as well as FEI classes from Children on Horses through to Young Riders, with scores counting towards both team and individual titles. The exciting Home International format mirrors a CDI-style event, including horse inspections, veterinary checks, and an opening ceremony before the competition begins.
Where: Pickering Grange, Leicestershire
When: 2 & 3 August 2026
Applications to be submitted by 8 June 2026
Para Team Opportunities
Take part in an exciting team competition that replicates the format and style of an international event. Present your horse at the horse inspection and enjoy the opening ceremony ahead of two days of thrilling competition.
What: Para Home Nations
Teams consist of three or four riders, with no more than two riders from the same grade. The competition is open to riders from Grades I to V. To qualify, riders must take part in two regional training activities and achieve three BD Para Qualifier scores within a 12 month period. For details of local training opportunities, please contact your Regional Para Representative.
Where: Pickering Grange, Leicestershire
When: 27 - 29 August 2026
Applications to be submitted by 21 June 2026