The Royal Windsor Horse Show announces Dressage Masterclass
Organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show are delighted to unveil an exciting new addition to the 2025 programme – an international Dressage Masterclass, sponsored by the Show's principal partner, Defender.
The Organisers have created a masterclass that moves away from the norm, giving spectators an opportunity to learn from the very best.
Taking place in the Castle Arena on Thursday 15 May, The Defender Dressage Masterclass will feature a world-class lineup; Team GB Paris 2024 Olympic Dressage team bronze medallists Becky Moody and Carl Hester, and current World No.4, Dinja Van Liere (NLD). The session will be presented by fellow Team GB Olympian and World Championship team silver medallist Richard Davison, who will guide the audience through the artistic intricacies of Freestyle Dressage.
Davison will begin the Defender Dressage Masterclass by demonstrating key movements, providing a technical foundation for understanding different components of Freestyle Dressage.
Following this, Moody – who recently placed second in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle at Jumping Amsterdam, Dressage legend Hester – one of only two Team GB athletes to have competed at seven Olympic Games, and Van Liere – winner of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle at Jumping Mechelen in December last year, will each perform their Paris 2024 Olympics Freestyle tests.
Speaking ahead of the Masterclass, Davison said: "I am thrilled to be presenting this new Masterclass at Royal Windsor Horse Show. With three of the world's best Dressage riders taking part, we have a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how fundamental principles come together in a Freestyle test to produce something seamless and beautiful. Working alongside Becky, Carl, and Dinja will, I hope, create an engaging and informative experience for all."
Following their Freestyle performances, Moody, Hester, and Van Liere will talk to Davison about their tests, giving the audience a deeper insight into how technical movements translate into their tests. This interactive format will not only showcase the skill of these world-class riders but also provide spectators with clear, practical takeaways to improve their own Dressage and flatwork techniques.
Event Director, James Shaw, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the Show's programme:
"We are very excited to introduce the Defender Dressage Masterclass at this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show. This new style masterclass with the Olympic Freestyle tests creates a platform which allows elite riders to share their expertise in a tangible and inspiring way with our audience. With Richard, Becky, Carl, and Dinja involved, this promises to be one of the standout moments of the Show."
The Defender Dressage Masterclass is set to be an unmissable event, whether you are looking to elevate your own Dressage performance or simply wish to witness the very best in the sport.
The Masterclass takes place in the Castle Arena on Thursday, 15 May.
