A major honour for the Unicorn Centre (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

A major honour for the Unicorn Centre

11:59am Friday 8th February 2013 in Sport By Niall Hannity

A TEESSIDE riding centre has been selected to hold regional dressage qualifiers.

The Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre, based at Hemlington near Middlesbrough, will host British Dressage competitions for the Northern Region, including Para-dressage classes.

The sport of ‘dancing horses’ became a huge favourite at the 2012 London Olympics, with gold medal winner Charlotte Dujardin, and team members Carl Hester and Laura Bectolsheimer becoming household names.

And that was followed by the Paralympic team, including triple gold medal winner Sophie Christainsen, demonstrated their abilities as world class dressage riders.

Olympian Laura Bechtolsheimer said: “British Dressage is not just about competing, it is about discovering more about your partnership with your horse and enjoying a supportive network in which to excel. I have enjoyed being a part of BD teams since I was 14 and as a result I have felt supported through my lows and carried to my highs. I am part of a bigger community and this is inspiring.”

Riders at the Unicorn Centre have competed in dressage for many years with considerable success both locally and at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury in Gloucestershire.

Sarah Huntridge, British Dressage Northern Regional Development Officer said, “Anyone can register as a British Dressage member with competitions being accessible for riders at all levels including intro (walk & trot), prelim though to grand prix (international level).

“There are many advantages to joining British Dressage; it allows you to receive feedback from a qualified judge, accrue points, track progress and gives access to Championship competitions such as Area Festivals, regional and national competitions.

“Members can also access regional training and have the opportunity to represent their region at national team competitions, as well as being part of a community sharing a passion for dressage.”

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, “We are really excited that British Dressage has chosen the Unicorn Centre as an approved venue for its competitions. Many of our riders have aspirations and the ability to compete at Para level, and the opportunity to see, and possibly participate in BD competitions will inspire them.”

Dates for the 2013 competitions at the Unicorn Centre are 28 July, 22 September and 24 November.