Mud and glory during dressage at Hickstead

The June Premier League show was wet and muddy but it was completed. In the weeks that followed, the ground dried slowly and all looked set fair for the International in July.

And then on July 19 it rained '“ just a bit! The early part of the international show week that followed suffered with the loss of the Dressage Masters' Finals, but they were held later in August. With all hands to the pumps, the rest of the international week went ahead as planned.

Dane Rawlins and the team worked their socks off in the mud, hauling lorries in and out and ensuring the show went on. It was a superhuman effort and the competitors and spectators were rewarded with some outstanding performances.

In 2008, the programme is expanding. There are no fewer than ten unaffiliated and seven affiliated shows, including the Dressage Masters' and Premier League event in June and the July International CHIO.

Once again, the organisers have catered for all levels, with the ever-popular unaffiliated shows offering something for everyone. As ever, the emphasis is on enjoyment and competition in the friendly surroundings of the Hickstead dressage arenas.

On the affiliated front, for those pursuing success in the British dressage ranks, there is dressage at Hickstead's own Dressage Masters' League.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette November 28