Dressage at Hickstead is heading for a bright future

There, it hosts the Exquis World Dressage Masters CD15* CD13* International Dressage competition in July, having been chosen by the Dutch dressage team manager, Sjef Janssen, for the final trials for the Dutch team before the games.

It is a fine tribute, for the Dutch team are firm favourites to be gold medal winners at the game, and British Dressage has inexplicably chosen to snub the venue for its own trials.

While loss of sponsorship could have threatened the CDI**** show, Dane's brother Craig, who runs a horse sales company in the Netherlands, has stepped in with a rescue package for the next three years.

Visitors to this year's Dressage at Hickstead, from July 29-August 1, will not only see top European dressage in action at the Masters, with stars like Edward Gal and Moorlands Trotilas, Anky van Grunsven and Salinero, to name but two, but they will also see the final of the Young Dressage Masters Championship and the British Young Horse Championships, as well as the cream of British riders in an outstanding setting.

Craig's input has enabled vastly improved facilities to be provided for this years event, where there will be some top trade stands, a hospitality village, with better VIP facilities and the promise of superb food and high standards from the Dutch kitchens. On the Friday and Saturday evening the hospitality area will remain open, with a beer garden atmosphere.

"If people buy tickets early, they will get a good deal with family packages," said Dane.

Dane also has strong views about equestrianism in this country and says that attitudes need to change.

To read his views and learn about his horses at his Bolney training base, see full feature and more pictures in Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette June 9