Riesenbeck journey

What an exciting time for all at the FEI Dressage European Championships in Riesenbeck.

The British Equestrian Team secured many medals for both team events as well as individuals. 

It is fair to say the event has been thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We caught up with #supergroom and long term BGA member Beth Revill to find out what her Riesenbeck journey was like with the British Equestrian Para Team.

“We kicked off the Riesenbeck preparation with a mini pre training camp at Home Farm where all the elected horses, including the reserves, enjoyed three days of intensive training.

All the horses were checked to make sure they were fit for the competition. If needed that is when the a reserve horse would step up to take their place at the event.

Our journey to Germany started early hours on the Friday morning, we travelled to Belgium where we stayed overnight at European Horse Services, before making an early start to Riesenbeck on the Saturday morning.

All the horses travelled amazingly, three of the horses were first time travellers, their first time at the Europeans and only their second time ever being abroad. 

The horses are extremely well cared for, there is a physio, vet, farrier and saddler here, all are really pleased with how the horses look. It is fantastic to have experts on hand, should advice be needed.

The whole British Team are amazing, we really are one big team. Rob the team vet is always helping to fill the waters, the farrier also helps which is fantastic as each para groom has two horses to look after and get ready - sometimes it’s hard to manage everything with the timings, so it’s great to have the support from the whole team, working as one.

Riesenbeck has been incredible, working with an amazing team, who are all having a great time, the weather is very warm, the venue is fantastic with wonderful stables that have a lovely feel, the event atmosphere is awesome. It's almost sad to be packing up to go home.

It is so emotional to watch the tests, it was Gabby’s first-time riding at the Europeans and Sophie rode her new mare, Diana, who is only 7 years old, quite green and hot - it will be exciting to watch her future.

I am so proud of our team, what fantastic results:

*Team bronze
*Grade 1 individual bronze – Gabriella Blake Para Dressage and Strong Beau
*Grade 2 individual silver – Georgia Wilson Para Dressage and Sakura
*Grade 2 freestyle silver – Georgia Wilson and Sakura
*Grade 5 freestyle bronze – Sophie Wells OBE Dressage and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa

Just go for it!”

Beth.

Thanks to Beth for taking the time to share her Riesenbeck journey with us.

If you liked this feature, check out our other Riesenbeck articles featuring more awesome BGA #supergrooms Liz Geldard, Francesca Gorni and Steph Sharples.

A massive congratulations to the whole team for playing their part within this success. A huge thank your to British Equestrian and Jon Stroud Media for featuring the grooms so regularly with such beautiful imagery, helping to raise the profile of this fantastic career choice. 

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