'Talent is not enough in dressage'

Anna Ross on Addington CDI and what is needed to succeed at the top

- Polly Bryan

I HAVE just returned from Addington CDI, which is a venue dressage riders are thrilled to have back on the calendar. Addington has a “grand” feel about it and we all love riding there.

There were some fabulous horses in the senior grand prix class. To have an Olympic bronze medallist in Gio and a world silver medallist in Vamos Amigos secured for Britain by the Pidgley family, and now ridden by Annabella Pidgley, is great for our country, as is having the Dutch stallion Indigro, ridden by Britain’s Andrew Gould.

Individuals have varying views as to whether this influx of investment into the sport is positive or negative. There are many roads to Rome, after all, and Addington also proved it is entirely possible for a talented rider to bring a horse through from base level to international grand prix.

Dressage is a long game, experience is a benefit and by working together, we can raise the game for everyone. Those without huge wealth may need to build businesses and sell horses to support their riding careers.