Carl Hester: ‘We can showcase what we are capable of’

Carl Hester has been talking exclusively to H&C about an exciting new CDI*** dressage competition at Bolesworth International.

Great showcase

Bolesworth introduced dressage alongside its four-star showjumping in 2015, but this is the first year it has been given international status. This means the show has now opened up to top dressage riders from all around the world.

“I think it is vitally important for us,” said Carl. “We’ve been a medal winning nation now for the last seven or eight years and it’s great we can showcase just what we are capable of, with an international show like Bolesworth.”

‘Huge hit’

Show president Nina Barbour has “big ambitions” for dressage at Bolesworth, and said she was “thrilled” to have Carl help launch their new CDI*** competition.

“Our aim is for the event to be a huge hit with both competitors and visitors – there will truly be something for everyone at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show this year,” she said.

Golden couple

Carl won the Invitational Grand Prix Freestyle last year during his first visit to Bolesworth, and will be back again to compete in the CDI*** Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle Final.

The Olympic gold medallist will also be joined by his team mate, best friend and pupil Charlotte Dujardin, when the golden couple give a demonstration on the first afternoon of the show. This will be followed by a Q&A session with Carl.

The dressage, which kicks off the action at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire, will be held on 14-15 June. For more information, or to book tickets, visit Bolesworthinternational.com.