BD Associated Championships 2025

BD announced this summer that they would, for the first time be creating a "Baroque" section in which Friesians would be allowed to compete at the associated championships, along with other baroque breeds such as PRE and Lusitanos.

Friesian horses are becoming increasingly popular in dressage throughout the UK, so it's great to have this acknowledged by BD. There were more than 25 either pure or partbred Friesians taking part on the day and I have to say it was wonderful to be part of this milestone event.

Meggie Fan Scyedam with her owner and rider Janine O'Connor (KB Photography)

We travelled down to Onley grounds equestrian (7 hours away) which was the first stay away for 5 year old Meggie and 4 year old homebred Seraphina. Both girls were amazing while travelling such a long way, staying away, remaining calm for the arena walks with lots of other horses around and kept their cool during the tests as well. Meggie and Seraphina were just backed at the start of this year so it really speaks volumes for the nature and general disposition that they could be at an event of this size and calmly get on with their tasks in an exciting atmosphere.  Seraphina and Suzanne Al Gayaar rode a lovely test but unfortunately a few steps in the wrong direction meant for a very costly mistake and put the pair down to 6^th place with 61%. Meggie has very little experience at novice level so far but managed a nice test with some 'baby moments', finishing on 66% which put us into 3^rd place is our silver section and 8^th overall.

In the prelim class, Meggie really felt confident and came out with a score of 68% putting us into 2^nd place in the silver section and 6^th overall.  

Seraphina FS (Constantijn BP18) with her rider Suzanne Al-Gayaar (KB Photography)

Achilles FS (Tjobe T) with his owner Sarah McLean (KB Photography)

Also taking part were two other 'Friesians Scotland' bred horses, 15 years old Gladiator, along with his owner Julie McNaughton and 8 years old Achilles FS with his owner Sarah McLean. How proud we were to see these boys looking so magnificent with their owners. 

Gladiator (Oscar 314) with his owner Julie McNaughton (KB Photography)

As a breeder, having the realisation on the day that of the 3 FS bred horses competing at the event, I used to compete the fathers of all three at elementary level dressage. How incredible to be there with the offspring of Oscar 314 , Tjobe T and Constantijn BP18 and these horses continuing to compete in the sport. As a breeder, trainer and dressage enthusiast, I am incredibly proud of how perceptions are changing towards the breed. It has certainly come a long way since I first started competing Friesians many moons ago.

What an amazing experience for us all to be part, for the first time with Friesian horses at the associated championships. As it was so well supported in the first year and with very little notice to qualify, I am sure next year will see an even bigger number of pure and partbred Friesians competing. 

After competing this magnificent breed for so many years, it really feels as though we have reached a point of being noticed in the dressage world as more serious contenders.