New organiser for Mount Ballan!

Following an afternoon of interviews, James Broome, manager of The David Broome Event Centre and BD RDO for Wales Vanessa Archer have appointed a new organiser for the British Dressage one-day shows at Mount Ballan. 

As the former dressage organiser at Stretcholt Equestrian Centre in Somerset, Debbie Miller was the successful candidate and has been organising dressage and showing events for over ten years. Debbie is taking on the venture at Mount Ballan with her partner Graham Leney. 

Vanessa commented; “I’m really excited about this new partnership and I am looking forward to the months ahead."

Whilst welcoming Debbie and Graham, the venue also says farewell to Tracey Galtry who has been running the BD shows over the last few months. “Tracey has done a fantastic job of keeping the shows going but she now has to concentrate on her own business, Equi-Jewel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tracey for all her hard work,” added Vanessa.

In recent months, the showground has hosted a stripped back schedule of core Prelim – Medium classes. “I would like to see a return of Para classes, Team Quest and My Quest and levels up to PSG at Mount Ballan and I will support Debbie with these schedules,” explained Vanessa. 

“Graham and I are looking forward to taking dressage forward at Mount Ballan,” said Debbie. “We would bring our experience of running both Team Quest and My Quest events. These have proved to be an excellent source of increased levels of entries, they also bring an element of fun and good spirits to the competitions. Our aim is to continue to grow the affiliated dressage under the banner of a professional centre,” Debbie concluded.

Some of the previously scheduled BD competitions have now been reinstated into the calendar. Debbie will host her first show on Wednesday 9 May and will then continue her one day shows on Wednesday 5th September. Her other autumn dates include Tuesday 16 October and Sunday 11 November which will appear in the BD magazine.

The in-house team at The David Broome Event Centre will continue to run some of the more prestigious shows, the Hickstead Regional Final (6 June), Welsh Dressage Championships (14 - 15 July) and Summer Regionals (3 – 5 August). 

The Welsh Dressage Championships has had a revamp this year to make it a true celebration of dressage. Friday 13 July will kick start the weekend with BD Wales training with Harry Payne, Sue McMahon and Sally Williams which will enable riders to book lessons to prepare for this annual Championship. Whilst the Saturday evening (14 July) will host a demonstration in the arena with Sue McMahon and topical talks from Abbey Equine Clinic and Top Spec. With the inclusion of My Quest and Team Quest classes, the show continues to cater for all dressage enthusiasts! Riders can qualify for the Welsh Dressage Championships at all BD competitions in Wales.