World-class dressage is set to kick off Royal Windsor Horse Show (1-5 May), as the organisers have confirmed the return of The Defender CDI4* Dressage, and new British Dressage International Young Horse classes as part of the line-up for the revamped 2024 event.
Opening the show on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 May, The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage will be of particular interest in this Olympic year as one of the last opportunities to see international dressage on home ground before Paris 2024. It will be held across two days with the Grand Prix on the first day and the Freestyle to Music on the second.
The last three CDI4* competitions have been won by Charlotte Dujardin, on Mount St John Freestyle (2018), Erlentanz (2019) and Imhotep (2023).
The new British Dressage International Young Horse classes for five-year-olds, six-year-olds and seven-year-olds, are aimed at those looking to achieve selection for the FEI WBSFH World Breeding Championships, hosted in Ermelo (NED) from 4–9 September.
The championships have been the launch pad for some of the world’s top dressage horses and breeding stars. British team rider Lottie Fry is a former winner with her current World Championship winning ride Glamourdale, rising to fame in the seven-year-old category, where he claimed the world title in 2019.
“The British Dressage International Young Horse classes provide riders, breeders and owners with a first-class opportunity to educate their rising stars in tests that are relevant for the age group with the horse’s progression and welfare in mind,” said Lou Jones, British Dressage’s Sport Operations Manager. “We’re thrilled to partner with Royal Windsor on this exciting opportunity for British Dressage members to compete at an iconic venue.”
Royal Windsor Horse Show tickets are now available. To find out more or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk
