Over two thousand people converged on Addington Manor Equestrian Centre over the weekend to see the world famous dressage rider and trainer Jean Bemelmans 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.

Samba's a hit

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.”

Laura's hopes

Lara Griffith was riding Dawning Hopes, a twelve-year-old grey Danish mare by Blue Hors Silvermoon, owned by Hilary Sawyer and Leonie Porter. Jean Bemelmans told Lara that her horse should be more in front of her and told her: “Ride uphill, she has to be in front of your leg. You need to do lots of transitions to improve the expression of the horse.”

Hot to trot

Maria Eilberg was riding her brother Michael’s horse Torino. Jean thought Maria should sit deeper in the horse and keep pushing for more despite him being a naturally sharp ride. The horse showed real ability but is obviously hot to ride. With Amy Stovold and MacBrian, a twelve-year-old Swedish bred gelding by Briar, Jean saw a lot to like describing him as “the right type of horse for the work with nice expression.” Jean had Amy working on her pirouettes and on getting the horse more in front of her leg.

A playful stallion

Jean Bemelmans also rode his Grand Prix stallion Lanciero - by Metall - who he explained on the Saturday can be very naughty. The horse must have heard him as he demonstrated his spirit on the Sunday by bucking during the changes. Despite the stallion's exuberance, Jean sat quietly, and even giggled as the horse leapt around. “At least you have seen that it’s not just you that has problems, we all have problems every day too. Up to PSG anyone can do it but Grand Prix is an art, as in life you need a little bit of luck!” He showed how he warmed him up every day at home. Then Jean amused the audience by showing them a 'game' he likes to play by turning round and touching the horse’s tail to encourage him to lift his back up. “The most important thing I have is an independent seat and control over my own body,” he explained.

The next Totilas

Current National Champion Carl Hester rode Sasha Stewarts eight-year old Dutch stallion Uthopia - a full brother to Lanciero. Jean found very little to criticise and went on to say that he can’t teach Carl much. Summing up Jean described Uthopia as Britain’s answer to Totilas, Carl said; “It’s a tall order to live up to and a hell of a responsibility, but I’m very proud of how he’s turned out – I’ve had him since he was four.”