Sheffield schoolgirl Williams takes Dressage award for Euro success

Williams, 16, has been awarded the prestigious British Dressage Supporters Club Trophy for her riding achievements at the 2013 European Pony Championships in Arezzo, Italy.

Riding Dynasty, Williams helped Great Britain to a team bronze in her last season at pony level and now the teenager is hoping to help her nation to success when she steps up a level at this summer’s European Junior Championships in July, also in Arezzo.

A successful 2013 for Williams was achieved despite her top horse Fleurie being injured, but her equine star is now fit and competing alongside her two reserve horses Waverly and Billionaire. Both Williams and her mother Clare are optimistic of further success in 2014.

“Winning the British Dressage Supporters Club Trophy was such an honour – to be acknowledged by British Dressage,” said Williams. “It is a wonderful finale to a great 2013 season.

“Now I’m aiming for selection to the European Junior Team this year and hopefully helping GB bring home a long-awaited team medal.”

Williams’s mother Clare added: “For the last two years Erin has been amongst the top junior riders in the UK so, if the scores continue to be good, they should be in contention for the GB team.

“Erin has a very good track record – she has had four years of international riding experience including four consecutive years on the GB pony team which should stand her in good stead.

“She is aiming to take two horses to each competition – most likely Fleurie and Waverly which are both mares – whilst continuing training the stallion Billionaire at home ready to compete him later in the season.”

British Dressage has been granted charitable status by the Charity Commission.

Following member consultation, a feasibility study by lawyers Wright Hassall and subsequent approval to make changes to BD’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, an application was made to the Charity Commission in November.

Having met all the criteria, approval came through earlier this month.

British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond beamed: “It’s fantastic news for British Dressage. For some time now, we believed that the activities and purpose of British Dressage were closely aligned to what define a charity.

“By having charitable status we are best able to make the most of our resources and offer the best service for our members. It is certainly a new era for our sport.”

British Showjumping are to stage a Para Showjumping Development day at Middleton Park in Leeds on Monday, February 17.

The event is being held with the aim of increasing awareness of Para Showjumping, increasing participating numbers and getting skilled and experienced coaches in place within a clear structure.

Para Showjumping essentially runs in the same format as Para Dressage with riders being split into classes and grades according to their disability – with grade Is being the most disabled and jumping 70cm – up to the least disabled grade IIIs who jump 90cm. Overall there are four grades with a Visually Impaired section also jumping a 70cm course. The show calendar for Para Showjumping already includes dates at Hartpury, Scope and a National Para Championship at a venue to be confirmed.

Currently Para Showjumping graded heights run under the British Showjumping Club competition format where a horse and rider combination can become a para member for £30.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Rebecca Turner on 02476 698800 or at [email protected].

Alternatively contact Alex McNamara on 07796 788 815. Anyone wishing to attend the Para Showjumping Development day needs to confirm entry with Rebecca Turner before the date.