The Team at Blenheim

Twelve horse and rider combinations were selected from the training squad to take part in team dressage displays at Blenheim in September 2008.

The team, which consists of six horse and rider combinations, performs a complex dressage test with a variety of synchronized movements such as rein back and shoulder-in. This is an additional phase that the national teams are expected to perform at the European CIC** Team Championships 2009 along with an individual dressage, cross country and show-jumping. This test requires hours of practice to achieve the unity and precision required. Riders are expected not only to be in line and evenly spaced but demonstrate identical lateral flexion in shoulder-in for example. Marks are lost for not maintaining exactly one horses' length, at all paces including medium canter. Unusually this test is commanded, even in competition because of the particular demands the movements place on the group of riders.

The aims of the displays at Blenheim were not only to show the public this unusual test but to allow the team to gain experience in an atmospheric arena. Team dressage is widely practised on the continent and the British team work hard to match their skill. At Blenheim the team was given the incomparable opportunity to practice such a difficult test at a large event. With the help of the large audience, orchestrated by chef d'equipe Major Richard Waygood, the horses even received extra training in dealing with well-deserved applause.