Oliver sent the Champion Ventair helmet that he was wearing at Kentucky back to the Champion factory in Cardiff, so that their technical experts could evaluate the extent of the damage. While the internal damage was described as ‘extensive’, on the outside the only evidence of damage to the helmet is a slight scuff mark. When the hat was stripped apart at the Champion factory, however, the shock absorbing polystyrene liner of Oliver’s damaged helmet was shown to have been crushed at the front left side down to 11mm, while the pictures taken of the stripped helmet also clearly show a crack on the opposite side where the liner has been crushed to 17mm. A new undamaged liner is approx 21mm at these points, a difference of up to 10mm. Further examination of the helmet also showed a large indent in the rear left lower side of the liner, which technical experts believe was made by the impact with the log, with measurements showing the liner had been crushed at this point to 13mm, which comp ares again to the 21mm thickness of a new liner.

No one can dispute the fact that Oliver’s fall at Kentucky was horrific and that his helmet should undoubtedly be replaced. What Champion’s technical examination makes clear, however, is the fact that you should not rely on the outward appearance of a helmet to assume it’s in good condition. In Oliver’s case, although his helmet looked almost perfect after the fall, it was clear from structural analysis that it had done its job well – a job which was to absorb impact to help protect him from a more severe injury.

So for safety’s sake, if a hat or helmet suffers impact in a fall, replace it. After all, it’s easy to replace your hat.

If you teach dressage and work with a core group of riders you can apply to join the BD Trainer database. To join you will need to have public liability insurance and a current first aid certificate. You should be over 18 and must commit to your Continued Professional Development (CPD) and either the BD National Convention or the National Trainers Forum or the Judges Seminar. At the moment BD does not offer a trainer accreditation scheme but this is set to change as the new UKCC level 3 Dressage is made available following a successful pilot.

Trainers who would like to join the database should contact Ruth Tyler at the BD office for an application form. Ruth explains, “The Trainer’s database is a great advertising tool, it enables trainer to align themselves with BD as a brand and it allows us to have an open dialogue with trainers. In the future it is hoped with the introduction of the UKCC level 3 Dressage that we will be able to develop an accredited database.”

Click here to read about becoming a BD Trainer written by Alison Kenward BHS II SM regd BD Trainer

Aspiring to be a Dressage Judge? Want to know more about the Judging Process?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, then this day is for you!

A ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR LIST 5,6 JUDGES, TRAINEE JUDGES AND ASPIRING JUDGES
To be taken by JENNIE LORISTON CLARK

Tuesday 29th June 2009 10-3pm at The College EC, Keysoe, Bedfordshire

As well as being Chairman of British Dressage, Jennie Loriston-Clarke MBE, FBHS, NPSD, is one of Britain’s leading riders and trainers and has represented Great Britain in four Olympic Games. She also rode in the alternative Olympics in 1980 where she was 6 th with Dutch Courage and won a Bronze Medal with this horse at the World Equestrian Games.   Jennie is an accomplished List 1 Judge as well as an FEI International Dressage Judge and FEI International 3–Day Event judge.  Jennie retired from International Competition at the end of 1995 and is now concentrating on judging and helping other riders as well as bringing on some of her home-bred young horses  She is enthusiastic and inspirational, and if you have never seen her in action – you are missing out!!

The day will be spent looking at different horses, comparing their paces and movement, discussing marks, (do you give it a 6 or a 7?), what comments are useful and how the collectives influence the mark.  There will be ample opportunities for questions and gaining information, and the whole day is geared towards helping you to become a better judge.

We can also give you details of how to become a Trainee Judge with British Dressage, which means that you would have access to great training with our Master Judges, and would get to meet other like-minded people to compare notes.

For further details, please call Katharine Perry (01277 899589), have a look on the Eastern Regional page of the British Dressage website www.britishdressage.co.uk or send a cheque & SAE (payable to British Dressage for £15 BD Trainees, £20 Others) to Katharine at Herons Farm, Herons Lane, Fyfield, Essex, CM5 0RQ

Managing Director, Victoria Lewis explains “It was super to be approached about this and we are very pleased to be looking at ways to work to promote this new course and provide additional online facilities through our Riding Diary service. Combining the fun and interactive focus of “the web” with the need to help educate children is an excellent way forward”

For further information on ‘Safety with Ponies’ click here

Watch the legendary Edward Gal's fascinating masterclass from Olympia 2009.

Here Edward shares some of his training secrets aboard Moorlands Totilas' half sister, Sisther de Jeu, a ten-year-old mare by Gribaldi.

H&C also caught up with Edward for an exclusive interview.

Click here to watch the Masterclass!

Lucinda Green is the only rider to have won Badminton six times on six different horses and she has also won an Olympic team silver medal and two individual European Championship gold medals to add to her list of achievements. Her clinics reflect her passion for giving riders the benefit of her experience to help them understand the way horses think and react while tackling a cross country course.

“With more and more people coming into eventing, I am keen to help B.E. in their desire to enable people to have the fun and feel the safe while riding cross country.

Learning how your horse thinks and being ready, through your balance, for every unexpected eventuality, are two vital ingredients that are critical to the success of cross country riding from the lowest to the highest level. It is that understanding that I endeavour to develop in my clinics.”

The clinics take place in locations around the country over one or two days and can be tailored to suit riders of all standards. To take part both horse and rider should be happy jumping a course of at least 2’6” – 2’9”. Each clinic involves a session working with poles and stands before heading out onto the cross country course. Lucinda shares her winning skills and techniques to help riders ride a cross country course to the best of their and their horse’s ability.

Over two thousand people converged on Addington Manor Equestrian Centre over the weekend to see the world famous dressage rider and trainer Jean Bemelmans (pictured) train some of Britain’s top combinations at the KBIS British Equestrian National Convention. Jean was impressed with what he saw and predicted a great future for the sport of dressage in Britain, even describing Carl Hester and Sasha Stewart’s Uthopia as Britain’s answer to Totilas.

First to go was Emile Faurie on Katie Byrom’s six-year-old stallion Samba Hit lll. Jean commented that a young horse with such a big frame needs to be ridden low and deep, and to learn to carry itself. Afterwards Emile commented “It’s good for people to see that it’s not always easy. He’s a very green, very inexperienced six-year- old and he’s never been in this kind of environment before, Jean helped him to go much better.”

2 Exciting New Equine Affairs Software Products have been launched in 2009 to help bring the industry together and provide our members and riders in the UK with more accurate and streamlined information.

The UK's Leading Equestrian Magazine, Horse and Hound, voted the Equine Affairs site as one of the 10 best websites!

Join Today for all event, training and your own diary for 12 months Membership -
- Join today!!

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Digestive clay - to absorb excess acids and slow down the passage of food through the gut.
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