Do you think you have the X Factor? Entries are now open for the sixth annual X Factor Dressage To Music contest.

Hosted and sponsored by Equivet Animal Care Products Ltd, the exciting event takes place on 19th November at The Hand Equestrian Centre, Clevedon, and will see around 50 horses and riders competing for the prestigious title of Equivet X Factor Dressage Champion 2010. Plus, the overall winning entry receives a cheque for £500, with other cash prizes available for runners up.

For Charity

It is hoped that the event will raise over £5,000 for BBC Children in Need and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre (TRC), which nurses ex-racehorses and injured thoroughbred horses back to health, with the aim of eventually re-homing them.

Competing riders and horses don fancy dress and perform dressage to a variety of novelty music. Entries for competitors are being taken now, but places are limited so visit www.xfactordressage.co.uk to find out more details about how to enter. Entries close on November 1st.

Pas de deux and quadrilles welcome

Celia Gadd, Brand Manager for Equivet, organises the event with Helen Griffiths (Dressage judge and BYRDS trainer). Celia says: “The X Factor Dressage to Music event is a really fun way to raise money for charities that are close to our hearts. We came up with the idea six years ago as we love the X Factor TV show and knew riders would enjoy performing their ‘auditions’ with their horses. Over the years it has been hugely popular, with around 50 contestants taking part each year. We are all very excited about this year’s event and can’t wait to see what the riders come up with. ‘Pas De Deux’ pairs and quadrilles are also welcome.”

“We are in talks with some exciting judges for the panel so watch this space!”

Categorically

The categories for the live auditions include an Under 16s class, Novice and Elementary, Thoroughbreds and the Open, which welcomes well-respected riders to perform to music in front of the live audience.

In true X Factor style, the winners of the first rounds are chosen by the judging panel, but the finalists and overall winners are selected by the audience, so they must really ‘dress-age to impress.’

Previous winner

Last year’s Equivet X Factor champion was Lucinda McAlpine and What A Boy, who was a firm favourite with the audience and judges alike thanks to her Inspector Clouseau costume and creative performance including a routine to the Pink Panther theme tune.

Celia says: “This really is a night not to be missed as the auditionees get creative with innovative costumes and floor plans. The horses really rise to the occasion and enjoy giving their all in front of the audience.”

To purchase tickets for the gala event and to submit your entry details, visit X Factor Dressage or telephone 07779 716826 or 0800 3800 659.

For further information on X Factor Dressage To Music or on Equivet Animal Care Products Ltd, contact Celia Gadd on info@equivetanimalcare.com or visit www.equivetanimalcare.com.

Photo courtesy of www.tyncelynphoto.co.uk.