Albion were extremely proud to sponsor the Medium Open and Restricted classes at the Winter Dressage Championships, Hartpury, again this year.

The Albion Team had a great few days at the show and it was lovely to see and chat to so many Albion fans and listen to their enthusiastic comments about the new complete Revelation range on display.

Congratulations to all our sponsored riders, who performed brilliantly, and to the winners of the Albion Medium classes; Matt Hicks and El Zorro (Open) and Rachel Clark and Urionetta (Restricted), who won some beautiful Albion prizes, including a KB Bridle of their choice.

Take a look at a few of our favourite pictures from the competition below:-

Matt sits tight on an excitable El Zorro! (H&H April 2012)

Urionetta looks stunning in red! (H&H April 2012)

The Albion Saddlemakers stand with the Revelation Dressage Saddle taking prime position.

Emile's incredible masterclass before a packed crowd!

FREE new Albion Leather Care Kit...

when you spend £300.00 or more on Albion KB Bridles and/or accessories by calling Albion Headquarters (valid 03.05.2012-31.05.2012).

With the unfortunate cancellation of Badminton Horse Trials this year, we don't want you to miss out...

In order to purchase your Albion products and redeem this voucher, please call +44(0)1922646210 and quote the code HHBTH12.

Only one code valid per transaction. Gift cannot be exchanged for cash. Terms and conditions apply.

***Don't miss out on this exceptional offer! Valid until the end of May 2012***

William Fox-Pitt did Britain proud at Rolex Kentucky 4* Three Day Event last week, with an incredible win!

With only 45.3 penalties, William and his bright bay ride, Parklane Hawk (owned by Catherine Witt), flew into the lead, beating a star-studded line up.

The talented combination performed a brilliant dressage test with only 41.3 penalties and continued to produce a clear round in the cross country phase, well inside the 11 minute 14 seconds time limit. Still full of energy, Parklane Hawk only had one pole down in the showjumping, securing first place for himself and William.

Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of Badminton, William is unable to go for the Grand Slam. However, we wish him all the best for the rest of the eventing season and for the up-coming Olympic selection.

Albion would like to congratulate William and his team on such an achievement!

For the full list of results from Kentucy, please click here.

To watch William's video with Eventing Nation after his dressage test, please click here.

H&H April 2012

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored rider, Alice Oppenheimer and her team at Headmore Stud for some incredible results this season and for a wonderful feature in Local Rider Magazine, April 2012.

A huge congratulations also goes to Alice for her selection for Saumur this summer!

The new FEI Dressage Rankings have been released:

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored riders, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Bellie Balkenhol, Emile Faurie and Guenter Seidel, who all appear in the top quarter of the rankings, on more than one ride.

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Horjis (Alf), who have maintained their position as 3rd in the World!!!

Click here to view the full rankings.

Emile Faurie competing at Vidauban, France in his brand new Revelation Dressage Saddle from the Albion Couture House!

Albion's sponsored rider, Guenter Seidel, had a fantastic start to the year at CDI-W Burbank last weekend (24-26 February 2012) with two new successful partnerships.

Guenter has had long-standing success with the U.S. Dressage Team (WEG Team Silver, 2002; WEG Team Bronze, 2006; three times Olympic Team Bronze, 1996, 2000, 2004) and hopes that his new partnership with Marie Meyers' Fandango will result in 2012 Olympic selection. The 14 year old bay gelding's (Feinbrand x St. Urgard x Figaro) performance at Burbank last weekend proved his potential.

CDI-W Burbank was the first West Coast Qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games Dressage Team selection. In the CDI Grand Prix section, Guenter and Fandango were placed 3rd in the Grand Prix, with an impressive score of 70.17%, and 4th in the Grand Prix Special with 65.80%.

Guenter, who trains with Klaus Balkenhol, also had a victorious Small Tour competition at Burbank with another of his new rides, Feodora. Owned by Lara Schleining, the beautiful 12 year old bay mare stole the show, winning the PSG with 69.24% and coming 2nd in the Intermediare I with 67.87%.

Congratulations to Guenter and the team! Albion wishes him all the best with his target of Olympic selection this summer.

A fantastic win for Laura and her talented horse, Mistral Horjis (Alf), in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Olympia, Wednesday 14 December, means that she carries the full 20 points forward into the next leg of the Reem Acra FEI Dressage World Cup.

Last year, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Albion's sponsored rider, thrilled dressage fans atOlympia Horse Show, London, where she won the Grand Prix with 82.94% and broke the British record in the process.

Her huge success in 2010 meant that all eyes were on Laura and Alf this year, where the competition was tougher than ever before!

After a sensational Dressage Masterclass, sponsored by Albion Saddlemakers, with her young horse, Polar Bear, or Teddy as he is more informally called (who is a colossal 17.3hh!), Laura continued to dominate the evening at Olympia on Wednesday.

Laura and Alf stole the show, taking the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W title and smashed her previous record. Laura is the first British rider to ever win this title!

British competitors reigned supreme, being placed in 1st, 2dn, 3rd and 4th positions, before a sold-out crowd with an electric atmosphere, but Laura's incredible score of 83.96% made her and Alf the clear winners.

The combination's Freestyle was spectacular to watch: the familar 'Shadows' music is perfectly suited to the powerful chestnut, showing off his exceptional piaffe steps and passage-piaffe-passage transitions, which scored (an almost unimaginable!) 9.5 from two judges. It's wonderful to see Alf going so well and continuing to better himself.

With such a foot-perfect routine, Laura proved why she is currently ranked World Number Two!

Our congratulations go to Laura and Alf and the Bechtolsheimer Team.

Dressage superstar and Albion's sponsored rider, Laura Bechtolsheimer, will be competing in the Reem Acra FEI Dressage World Cup Qualifier at Olympia (13-19 December), as well as sharing her wealth of knowledge with dressage enthusiasts with an evening masterclass, sponsored by Albion.

Last year, Laura and her powerful chestnut ride, Mistral Horjis (Alf), were the first British winners of the World Cup Qualifier at Olympia, despite tough competition, including Edward Gal. With an astounding score of 82.94%, the duo surpassed their personal best and smashed the British Grand Prix Record.

Following an impressive dressage year, with huge success at the European and National Championships, 2011, Laura is returning to Olympia next week to fight for the title once again. We wish laura all the best at the show and will post regular updates of her progress throughout.

Laura's Dressage Masterclass, sponsored by Albion Saddlemakers, will take place Wednesday 14 December at the prestigious show and is set to be a dressage "must-see"!

After many dressage demonstrations and masterclasses, the most recent taking place at Your Horse Live 2011, Laura has proved to be not only an incredibly talented rider, but also an empathetic and effective trainer. A firm believer in getting the basics right, Laura's Masterclass will help any budding dressage star, from Prelim to Grand Prix.

Click the link to watch live action from Olympia.

For your chance to WIN an Albion Sporting Dimacci Bracelet, worth over £100, please click here.

GOOD LUCK!!

The lucky winner will be announced on Monday 19th December 2011.

Albion Saddlemakers would like to invite you to a very special event this November...

In between demonstrations in the main arena, International Dressage Superstar, Laura Bechtolsheimer, will be signing autographs at the Albion Sporting stand (Albion's exciting NEW division, specialising in luxury leather accessories!), Stand No. 302, Your Horse Live 2011, Saturday 12 November.

If you want to come along, simply click on one of the following links, to either Private Message Albion on Facebook, or to fill out the Contact Page on the Albion website. Please title your message Laura B: Your Horse Live and include your mobile number so that Albion can text you on the day with relevant updates and the specific time Laura will be at the stand.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to interact with one of the top dressage riders in the world!

The Albion Team look forward to seeing you there!

After the second round of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier in Lyon last weekend (27-29 October 2011), Hans Peter Minderhoud currently lies in a very strong position in the rankings.

The competition was extremely tough, with the likes of Salzgeber, Werth and Gal delivering immaculate tests. Minderhoud, however, also produced two exceptionally elegant tests, performed before an audience of 6000.

In the Grand Prix on Thursday (27 October), Minderhoud, riding Withney van't Genthof, an incredibly skilled, 11 year old, Belgian Warmblood stallion, came in 7th place, with a fantastic score of 69.40%, easily qualifying for the Kur.

In the Grand Prix Freestyle, late on Friday evening (28 October), Minderhoud was well in the lead at the half-way-point, having scored a first-class 74.1%. By the end of the competition, Minderhoud had risen two places from the previous day, finishing 5th and gained a much-deserved 12 points.

After such a successful weekend in Lyon for the Dutch rider, Minderhoud now stands in 3rd position in the FEI World Cup rankings with 32 points, only 3 points behind the current leader!

Congratulations to Hans Peter! The Albion Team wish him all the best with the remainder FEI World Cup Qualifiers.

As the British Eventing Rankings were released for the 2011 season, two of Albion's sponsored riders excelled.

For the second year running, the eventing-legend, William Fox-Pitt has come 2nd in the rankings, with an astonishing 2103 points. Fox-Pitt has had a fantastic season, especially with his ride Oslo, a rising star! This season, the duo came 3rd at Chatsworth CIC***, 1st at Tattersalls CCI***, 1st at Blenheim CIC*** 8/9y.o. and 1st at Pau CCI****, Oslo's first 4* competition.

This year, Fox-Pitt has become the first rider to win five different 4* events, having won Burghley six times (1994, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011), Badmington (2004), Kentucky (2010), Luhmuehlen (2008) and, most recently, Pau (2011).

The highest placed young rider on the list (for the second year running) was Tom McEwen, an incredibly talented up-and-coming star.

Making his CCI4* debut at Burghley this year, Tom has risen 21 places in the BE Rankings from last year, finishing in an impressive 26th place. Overall, this means that McEwen has retained his title of U21 rider with the most BE points, earning 379 points in total during the 2011 eventing season.

The Albion team are very proud of both riders and we wait with baited breath for the 2012 eventing season to begin!

Emile Faurie, Albion's sponsored dressage star, had a victorious weekend at the CDI*** Biarritz, France (20-23 October 2011), riding Elmegardens Marquis (Max), a talented 12 year old, bay gelding, owned by Mrs Joanne Vaughan.

Not only was Faurie the top-placed British rider at the competition, but he came a very close 2nd in the Grand Prix on Friday, with a score of 69.38%. On Saturday, the duo surpassed themselves and were the clear winners of the Special with a spectacular 70.07%!

Congratulations to Emile and Max for their achievements at Biarritz!

Albion's sponsored rider dominated the global dressage scene last weekend, with a magnificent win for Hans-Peter Minderhoud at Odense CDI-W, Denmark.

the World Cup Dressage season got off to a flying start at Odense, 21-23 October 2011. In the 27th season of World Cup Dressage, Minderhoud reigned supreme at this first qualifier out of nine, which saw nine nations battling for points.

Finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix (Saturday) with I.P.S. Tango (a talented, but relatively inexperienced, 11 year old, KWPN stallion), the Dutch rider easily qualified for the Freestyle on the following day, with an impressive score of 71.34%.

In the Grand Prix Freestyle (Sunday), Minderhoud and Tango rose to the occasion, scoring an astounding 79.3%. The duo took the top-spot, carrying the maximum 20 points forward into the next Qualifier.

Albion wishes Hans-Peter and Tango the very best of luck! We will be keenly following the combination's success in the forthcoming months, as they firmly fix their sights on the Final in the Netherlands, 18-22 April 2012.

Albion's sponsored rider, William Fox-Pitt, was victorious at the CCI**** in Pau yesterday afternoon with one of his three rides, Oslo.

Fox-Pitt, three times World Number One and eight times British Number One, had a triumphant weekend with Oslo, finishing on an impressive dressage score of 44.2 to take the title.

Although tight at the top, the duo demonstrated their ability, jumping a crucial clear round in the showjumping, the final phase of the three-day-event, on Sunday afternoon.

From a start list of sixty-seven competitors worldwide, Fox-Pitt not only took the title, but also came in 3rd place on Lionheart, with a score of 50.7, and 25th with Macchiato.

Congratulations to William and his team!

Albion's sponsored rider, European gold medallist and world no 2 Laura Bechtolsheimer has become supreme national champion for the third time.

Laura and 16 year old gelding Andretti H (Aarking x Cerrin) were crowned 2011 Dressage Deluxe National Champions for the second year running on a score of 76.80%. In a close fought battle, Laura finally clinched the title with an impressive technical freestyle, which included tricky one-handed, one and two time changes, “It was going so well, I decided to throw in a bit of show-boating!” Laura explained

Performing to their tried and tested, up-beat reggae soundtrack, Laura and Andretti H entertained the crowds and impressed the judges. “It was great fun today,” Laura told British Dressage. “I had a great time and I’m glad other people enjoyed it.”

Despite her recent European gold medal success, Laura is never one to rest on her laurels and always has one eye on London 2012, “To come back here as champion one year down the line, I was more nervous to keep my place. There’s pressure in front of a home crowd, you want to perform your best. We mustn’t be complacent about keeping the horses fit and well for next year. To be national champion of a country that is the current European gold medallist is brilliant!”

Wrexham-based para rider Natalie Povey, 22 returned home with a national title under her belt. Riding Westpoint First Lady, her own 12-year-old British-bred bay mare, she scored 68.55% to head the KBIS Para Equestrian Dressage Grade IB Championships.

“I was so pleased with her, she kept a good rhythm and a consistent contact", said Natalie who grinned all weekend. "She can live up to her stable name ‘Fizz’ but she rose to the occasion and was really calm. We’ve been together since 2008 now and this time has allowed us to build a good partnership."
 

William Fox-Pitt had two very successful rides at Blenheim Palace International, including winning the title of CIC3* class for 8/9 year old horses riding 9 year old Oslo, owned by the Fox-Pitt Eventing Partnership, with 43.50 penalties.  William also came 3^rd riding Lionheart with 49.10 penalties.   

William Fox-Pitt wins record sixth Burghley!

William earned a standing ovation at the Landrover Burghley Horse Trials, 2 - 4 Septmeber 2011 as he made history by winning a sixth Burghley title riding 11-year-old ex-racehorse Parklane Hawk. William kept his cool to ride clear cross-country on Saturday which secured his overnight lead.

Sunday's show-jumping brought with it typical British weather which created very difficult ground conditions for the competitors.  With incessant heavy rain making the going heavy, William's second ride Neuf des Coeurs struggled to clear the fences and had three poles down.

Catherine Witt's New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred Parklane Hawk, 'Parker', gave a spectacular clear round in his first four star debut.  Parker was admired by fellow competitors as Andrew Nicholson commented "William's horse jumped immaculately and won" and admitted he had been beaten by an outstanding performance. 

William on Parker: "I can't believe it. He was superb. The conditions went against him. He's still a bit green in the show-jumping but he's a phenomenal horse and I'm so lucky to have him to ride".

Parker is one of William's big hopes for next year! Definitely a combination to watch over the coming months and a strong contention for the London 2012 Olympics.

British Young Rider team medalist Tom McEwen performed well to finish 19th in his Burghley four star debut riding Dry Old Party. Tom commented "It's a pity about the Jumping, but the cross-country was a great day".

Tom was the youngest competitor on the start list and won the prize for the highest placed British first-timer and the HSBC training bursary worth $1,000- a fantastic achievement. Well done Tom.

Click here for full results.

Click here for videos of William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk in all three phases.

The HSBC FEI Classics™ continued with the European Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen in Germany, 25-28 August 2011.

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt earned individual 7th as well as team bronze. 

The combination scored 42.70 after the dressage and went clear in the cross-country despite a somewhat sticky run.  William defied gravity at the water jump and the head dive didn't seem to faze Cool Mountain, even with water in his ears, as the pair continued to finish inside the time.  One down in the show-jumping secured team bronze. 

The event definitely made for exciting viewing.

The FEI HSBC Classics™ action now moves to the Landrover Burghley Horse Trials (1-4 September) then finally, France (12-16 October) as Fox-Pitt and King fight it out for the valuable first prize.

A historic victory for Team GBR as the quartet win the first British gold medal at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam, 17-21 August 2011.

The team's final score of 238.678 set a new European record, a full 12 points ahead of the Germans who won silver and the Netherlands bronze.

Albion's sponsored riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emile Faurie and Hans Peter Minderhoud gave spectacular performances throughout the competition.

Emile and Elmegardens Marquis set the tone on day one of the team Grand Prix with an impressive score of 70.426%. The combination went on to finish in 21st place in the Grand Prix Special.

As well as team gold, Laura B and Mistral Hojris claimed individual bronze in the Grand Prix Special, took 4th place in the Grand Prix Kur to Music on an excellent score of 83.018%, and finished 5th in the Grand Prix.

"He was very flighty in there and too bothered by the noise which pushed him over the edge. I felt like a small blonde girl on a big ginger horse, rather than the harmonious picture we usually go for!" joked Laura. "Still I don't think I can be too upset, this is still fairly indescribable."

Hans Peter and Nadine (representing the Netherlands) scored 76.589% in the Grand Prix Kur to Music to earn them 11th place.  The pair went on to finish 14th in the Grand Prix Special and 15th in the Grand Prix.

Albion thoroughly enjoyed meeting our existing Dutch customers and welcoming many new friends from around the world onto the stand in the shopping village.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt and Before Time won their first CCI* on a fantastic score of 38.10 after successfully going clear in both the cross-country and show jumping at Blair Castle International in Scotland, 18-21 August.

William's success continued with Parklane Hawk finishing 2nd and Bay My Hero placed 6th in the CIC***.

The European Young Riders Eventing Championship also took place at Blair, reaching an exciting climax yesterday with the British team winning gold.

Albion's sponsored rider & Young Rider team member Tom McEwen and Private Rudolf earned individual 4th after going clear in the cross-country and accruing only 4 faults in the show jumping. 

"I'm very, very happy!" said Tom. "This was a great result for the team and we're especially delighted to have secured the result for Gill Watston - this year's chef d'equipe - who has helped us so much."

The team scored 169.2 points, nearly nine points ahead of Ireland in second place and Germany in third, making it six team golds out of the last seven years.

Massive congratulations to both William and Tom for their excellent performances over the weekend.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Hannah Esberger-Shepherd enjoys huge success at Frys Yorkshire, 9-11 August 2011...

Hannah won the Elementary with Welkom last Wednesday and continued to stay on top form winning the Advanced Medium Open riding Vanita the following day.

Hannah also came 4th with Rubin II in the Prix St George.

Fantastic result. Well done Hannah.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider and British Young Rider hopeful, Tom McEwen, continues to perform well...

Tom and 8yo Suspicion, produced an excellent dressage test, scoring 33.2. The combination went on to go clear in the show jumping and cross-country phase with only 6.4 time penalties, earning them 2nd place overall.

Following a squad training camp at Addington Manor (13-14 August) twelve British riders, including Tom, were selected to defend their sixth successive team gold medal at the 2011 Young Rider European Championships which is to be held at Blair Castle in Scotland from the 18-21 August.

Watch this space...

 A 2,3,4 for William Fox-Pitt at Gatcombe...

Albion's sponsored riders William Fox-Pitt and Tom McEwen dominated the Advanced section at the Fesitival of British Eventing which took place at Gatcombe, 5-7 August 2011.

William and Macchiato produced one of the best dressage scores of the day, with only one down in the show-jumping, the pair went on to finish the cross-country phase with a mere 7.2 time faults which earned them 2nd place overall.

William's second ride, Gaucho, followed in 3rd position on 44.00- only 0.50 points between them. Neuf Des Coeurs produced another excellent dressage score of 33.4 and went clear in the show jumping to land them in 4th.

William and Bay My Hero finished in 8th position in the Intermediate on an excellent score of 40.10.

Tom and Dry Old Party took 3rd in the Advanced section A having gone clear in the show jumping and cross-country phase with only 8 time penalties. William came 14th with Avoca Alibi on 54.30.

Both riders enjoyed a very successful weekend, earning them valuable points and mileage in preparation for London 2012. Congratulations to both William and Tom.

Click here for full results.

Brits on Top Form...

Three cheers for the GBR Eventing team who won gold in the CIC3* and the Dressage team who finished 2nd in the Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany (13-17th July 2011).

Six of Albion's sponsored riders took part in the event, producing wonderful performances which exceeded all expectations.

In the Eventing:

William Fox-Pitt finished clear in both the cross-country and show jumping earning him an Individual 3rd.

Albion's sponsored riders dominated the Dressage leaderboard:

Hans Peter Minderhoud won the Grand Prix Kur to Music CDI riding Nadine, closely followed by Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H in 2nd place on a score of 74.975 and Anabel Balkenhol in 4th position with Rubins Royal.

Hans Peter and Vivaldi finished 4th in both the Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I.  Hans Peter continued with his success to claim 3rd place with Nadine in the Grand Prix CDI with Laura B and Andretti H hot on his heels in 4th position with a mere 0.447 difference between them.  Not far behind was Beli Balkenhol lying in 7th position with Rubins Royal.

Laura B and Mistral Hojris claimed 2nd place in the Grand Prix CDIO on an impressive score of 80.596.  The combination continued to stay on top form, finishing 4th in both the Grand Prix Special CDIO and the Grand Prix Kur to Music CDIO. 

Hans Peter and Tango came 11th with a score of 74.075 in the Grand Prix Kur to Music CDIO and 12th in both the Grand Prix CDIO and Grand Prix Special CDIO. 

Guenter Seidel and UII gained 17th position in the Grand Prix CDIO and finished 19th in the Grand Prix Special CDIO.

Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis performed well, scoring 70.725 in the Grand Prix Kur to Music CDIO to land them in 14th.  The pair also claimed 14th position in the Grand Prix Special CDIO and were placed 27th in the Grand Prix CDIO. 

Massive congratulations to all of our sponsored riders. 

Click here to see the full list of results.

Albion's sponsored rider, and triple world silver medalist, Laura Bechtolsheimer storms ahead of Matthias Rath and Totilas riding Mistral Hojris to finish on an impressive score of 78.76% winning the grand prix at Wiesbaden CD4*.

Laura continued with her high quality performance with Andretti H and came runner-up in the grand prix kuer.

Congratulations Laura.

Image courtesy of British Dressage, issue 5.

Have a look at the July issue of Horse and Rider to find out more on 'The key to consistency' as Albion's sponsored rider and top dressage rider / trainer Emile Faurie reveals his secerets to successful competing and how to 'turn any horse into a show-ring superstar'...

Click here for details of how to subscribe to Horse & Rider.

Massive congratulations - the boys done good! Three of Albion's sponsored riders... Tom McEwen, William Fox-Pitt and Harry Humfrey, succeeded at Barbury.

Tom and William dominated their sections at Barbury International with Tom winning the Novice class on Rehy USA with an impressive score of 28.50, closely followed by William riding Before Time in 3rd position on a score of 33.50. 

William came 3rd with Fernhill Highlight in section C of the CIC** on an excellent score of 46.50, while Tom was placed 4th with Private Rudolf in section B.  

Tom was also placed 13th with Dry Old Party in the INROR class and 17th with Up In The Air in Novice section G.

William had two very successful rides in the CIC*** with Cool Mountain placed 5th and Navigator in at 11th.

Tom had no time to waste as he speedily made his way to Tweseldown for his last ride of the weekend on Suspicion to finish in the top 10. 

Harry scored a fantastic 36.50 on Kool Takenda to land him in 4th in the Open at Tweseldown, while his second ride Shanbally Delight came 8th in the BE90.

Well done.

Click here for full results of Barbury.

Click here for full results of Tweseldown.

The British Equestrian Federation has announced the British Team to compete at Aachen next week.

Two of Albion's sponsored riders Laura Bechtolsheimer and Emile Faurie will be representing Great Britain.

Laura will be riding Mistral Hojris (Danish Warmblood gelding by Michellino) and Emile will be taking Elmegardens Marquis (also by Michellino).

We wish them both the very best of luck.

Albion's sponsored rider and British Dressage star Laura Bechtolsheimer watched on as fellow GBR Team-mates competed in the grand surroundings of Greenwich Park.

"The Olympics are a great opportunity for us to give people a better idea of what the equestrian world is like", commented Laura who went on to say "We (Britain) have our strongest team ever and it's our best chance of standing on that podium".

Laura speaks fondly of her ride Mistral Hojris, also known as "Alf", who she describes as "very big and very orange" and who has "a lot of personality and always wants to perform well".  Good characteristics for an olympian contender in the build-up to London 2012.

Watch this space.

Click here for the full article.

After an exhilerating three days at the Olympic Test CIC** Event in Greenwich, Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt finished on a score of 60.50 which landed him in the top 10.

William and Gaucho performed well, with only 5 time penalties in the cross-country phase which "rode well... a bit like a BMX track" for which you need "a good athletic obedient horse", commented William. 

The combination went on to finish with 8 faults in the show jumping.

Click here for a full list of results.

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored rider William for his great success in winning all 3 senior classes at Tattersalls International Horse Trials which took place in May.

The British Squad to attend the two-star Olympic test event has been announced.

Albion sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt has been confirmed to represent Team GBR at the event which will take place at Greenwich Park in under two weeks time.

Albion would like to wish William every success at the forthcoming event.

The U.S. Dressage Team for CHIO Aachen 2011 was announced today.

Albion's sponsored rider Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, CA) will be riding Dick and Jane Brown's 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood UII, by Jazz x.

Albion would like to wish Guenter every success in the forthcoming event which takes place from the 8th - 17th July 2011.

Click here to view full team.

Congratulations to Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis who produced an excellent test in the Grand Prix Special on a score of 69.660% at Fritzens CDI4*, Austria.

The combination went on to finish 3rd on a score of 73.479% in the Grand Prix Special.

Click here for full results.

A fantastic weekend for Albion's sponsored riders William Fox-Pitt and Tom McEwen at Salperton Park.

William finished 17th in Section C with Neuf des Coeurs on a score of 50.40.

Tom had three great rides, placed 3rd with Rehy USA in Section H, Suspicion performed well finishing 6th in Section K and Up In The Air came 27th in Section I.

Well done to both Tom and William.

Click here for full results.

It has been announced that the Dutch Aachen Team is to include Albion sponsored rider Hans Peter Minderhoud who will be riding Tango (by Jazz x Contango),

CDIO Aachen, which takes place from the 8th - 17th July 2011, has been coined the 'mini-olympics' so should make for an exciting event.

Albion would like to wish Hans Peter every success.

Click here to view the full team.

A fantastic weekend for Albion's sponsored rider Anabel Balkenhol at the German Dressage Championships.

Anabel had two rides in the championship, Dablino and Rubins Royale.

Anabel and Dablino produced 3 super tests in the championships; Round 1 - Grand Prix they scored 76.468% finishing 4th, they then went on to finish 3rd with a score of 79.00% in Round 2 - Grand Prix Special. The combination then went on to finish the day with a bang, scoring 80.100% finishing 4th in Round 3 -Kur to Music.

Anabel also rode Rubins Royale in Round 1 - Grand Prix where they produced a great test scoring 68.426% finishing 12th.

 Well done Anabel.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt and Macchiato produced a fantastic performance in Luhmuhlen over the weekend....

William and Macchiato produced a super dressage test with a score of 46.20, a clear cross country phase but unfortunately had 2 down in Show Jumping. William and Macchiato went on to finish 9th with a score of 54.20.

Well done William

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Laura B produced another two fabulous scores in Wiesbaden with both horses Mistral Hojris and Andretti H.

Laura and Mistral Hojris went into the Grand Prix Special with high spirits and came out with an amazing score of 80.500% just shy of victory. Two judges had Laura to win overall.....

Laura also had the Grand Prix Kur to Music with Andretti H, where they produced a brilliant test with a score of 77.925%, finishing 2nd, only 0.9% off the winning score.

Laura and both of her horses are producing great performances, we look forward to London 2012...

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Tom McEwen had 4 great rides at Berkshire College of Agriculture over the weekend.

Tom competed Staff Des Champs in the 5 year old class, section C where he finished 11th with a score of 34.00.

Tom then went on to ride Rehy USA, La Lux and Suspicion in the Novice class in different sections.

Rehy USA produced a fantastic round winning section E on his dressage score of 28.50. La Lux competed in section F, where he finished 2nd after producing a double clear and finishing on his dressage score of 35.50.  Tom rode Suspicion in section G producing a consistent test and a double clear round but unfortunatley picking up a few time penalties in cross country, dropping him down to 16th with a score of 49.60.

A great weekend for Tom.

Click here for full results.

Hans Peter Minderhoud had two rides in the 2011 Dutch Dressage Championships, Johnson and Tango. Both horses produced fantastic tests throughout the championship.

Hans Peter and Tango competed in the Big Tour Championships where they finished 3rd with a score of 72.659 in Round 1 Grand Prix, they won Round 2 Grand Prix Special and finished 2nd in Round 3 Kur to Music.

Theses fantastic scores lead Hans Peter and Tango to win the 2011 Dutch Grand Prix Championships with 227.572 points, ahead of Edward Gal.

Hans Peter’s second horse Johnson competed in the Small Tour Championship and finished 4th with a score of 70.921 in Round 1 Prix St George, 2nd with a score of 74.122 in Round 2 Intermediaire I and 3rd with a score of 73.416 in Round 3 Kur to Music.

With all of these great scores Hans Peter Minderhoud and Johnson went on to finish 2nd with 218.461 points in the 2011 Dutch Small Tour Championships.

Well done Hans Peter, what a great performance.

Click here to view the full results.

Albion sponsored rider Laura Bechtolsheimer was on fantastic form again in Wiesbaden with both Mistral Hojris and Andretti H.

Laura and Mistral Hojris produced a extraordinary test in the Grand Prix for Special winning with a fantastic score of 78.766%, 5% clear of 2nd place. This was a great test by Laura and Mistral Hojris.

Laura also produced a polished performance on Andretti H in the Grand Prix for Kur finishing 2nd with a score of 72.489%

We wish Laura the very best of luck for the rest of Wiesbaden.

The Emile Faurie Foundation is holding a Midsummer Garden Party on Sunday 26th June from 3pm - 7pm at Bull Farm, Glassenbury Road, Near Cranbrook, Kent.

The afternoon consists of dressage displays, a guest appearance, an auction of promises and buffet....

Tickets cost £20.00 and children are half price. Cheques payable to The Emile Faurie Foundation and sent to: 3 South Cotts, Harley Lane, Heathfield. TN21 8AG

For more information please call 01435 866766

A great weekend for Albion's sponsored riders at Bramham International Horse Trials, with two great rides from William Fox-Pitt and a fantastic ride from Tom McEwen.

Tom McEwen and Dry Old Party produced a fabulous round in the Advance Section B finishing 7th with a score of 56.00.

William Fox-Pitt and Lionheart had a great ride together in the Advance Section A finishing 29th with a score of 79.20.

William's second ride Avoca Alibi produced a great dressage score and jumping phase in the Advanced Section C finishing 16th with a score of 76.60.

Well done to both riders and we look forward to seeing more great scores.

Click here for the full result.

Anabel Balkenhol and Rubins Royal were on top form in Hamburg over the weekend.

Anabel and Rubins Royal finished 3rd in the Grand Prix Qualifier for 2011 Hamburg Dressage Derby with a score of 71.851.

Anabel then went on to win the Grand Prix Special Qualifier for 2011 Hamburg Dressage Derby with a score of 69.708.

With these two great scores Anabel and Rubins Royal finished 2nd with 3679 points in the Hamburg Dressage Derby.

Click here for full results.

Well done Anabel.

A fantastic weekend for Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt at Tattersalls in Ireland.

William had 4 horses in three different classes and they all produced fabulous tests.

Lady Voltaire produced a great dressage test with a score of 38.7 in the CCI *, they had a fantastic double clear round to win the class on their dressage score.

In the CCI** William had two rides, Bay My Hero and Fernhill Highlight. Bay My Hero won the class finishing on their dressage score of 41.4, this was a great ride by William and Bay My Hero. Fernhill Highlight also had a great ride, finishing 7th with a score of 51.1.

The third win for William came in the CCI *** with Oslo with a great score of 43.2.

A great weekend for William.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis produced a great performance in Lingen over the weekend.

Emile and Elmegardens Marquis finished 19th in the Grand Prix for Special with a score of 65.362.

Well done Emile.

Click here for the full results.

A fantastic weekend for Albion's sponsored rider Anabel Balkenhol in Lingen with both  Dablino and Rubins Royal.

Anabel and Dablino finished 5th with a great score of 74.872 in the Grand Prix for Special and then went on to produce another fantastic test in the Grand Prix Special finishing 5th on a score of 75.833.

Anabel also produced amazing tests with Rubins Royal finishing 2nd with a score of 70.766 in the Grand Prix for Kur and finished 2nd in the Grand Prix Kur with a great score of 74.900.

What a fabulous weekend for Anabel, we look forward to more great performances from these partnerships.

Click here for full results.

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored rider Alice Oppenheimer and Headmore Delegate, who won the FEI Prix St George Section A at Addington with a fantastic score of 71.316%.

Well done Alice.

A fantastic weekend for Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt and five of his horses at Chatsworth International.

William had two great rides with Oslo and Lionheart, in the 3* International Advanced Section J. Olso finished 3rd on a  score of 61.20 and Lionheart finished 5th with a score of 63.20.

William also competed Gauchio in the 3* International Advanced Section K and finished 15th with a score of 80.20.

William continued his success in the Advanced Section L with Avoca Alibi who finished 16th with a score of 64.50 and in Section M with Oloa finishing 8th with a score of 57.20.

What a successful weekend for William, we look forward to seeing more great scores.

Well done William

Click here for full results.

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored rider Tom McEwen who had a great ride at Aston - Le - Walls.

Tom and Dry Old Party finished 3rd on their fabulous dressage score 31.40 in the Open Intermediate under 21's Section K.

Well done Tom

Click here for the full results.

Anabel Balkenhol was on top form in Hagen this weekend producing fabulous scores on both Dablino and Rubins Royal.

Anabel and Dablino scored a great 76.723% in the Grand Prix for Special finishing 2nd and another solid performance in the Grand Prix Special put them into 3rd place with a score of 77.021%.

Anabel also had successful rides on Rubins Royal in the Grand Prix for Kur with a fabulous score of 71.681 finishing 3rd and the combination also finished 7th in the Grand Prix Kur with a score of 74.275% .

Well done Anabel

Click here for full results

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt has been competing all over the world over the last few weeks and his success doesn't stop.

William had 4 rides at Hambleden, Avoca Alibi who finished 11th with a score of 52.30 in the Intermediate Section Q, Oloa who finished 17th with a score of 59.60 in the Open Intermediate Section T, Gaucho who finished 19th with a score of 62.20 in the Open Intermediate Section S and Jaybee Calypso who finished 28th in the Open Novice with a score of 59.00.

Well done William.

Click here for the full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis produced two impressive performances in both the Grand Prix for Special and the Grand Prix Special.

Emile finished 12th in the Grand Prix for Special with a score of 69.702% and 12th in the Grand Prix Special with a score of 69.979%.

What a great result, well done Emile.

Click here for full results.

A successful weekend for Albion's sponsored rider Tom McEwen in Hambleden International. 

Tom and Private Rudolf finished 2nd with a great score of 41.70 in the Open Intermediate Section S and 3rd with Rehy USA in the Novice Section K with a score of 40.40

Tom also finished 18th with Up In The Air  in the 1* Section I with a score of  78.70.

Well done Tom

Click here for full results

Albion's sponsored rider Laura Bechtolsheimer and her two horses Mistral Hojris and Andretti H were on fabulous form in Hagen over the weekend with four great performances putting them at the top of the leader board in all classes....

Hagen was Mistral Hojris' first show of the year and he performed outstandingly. Laura and Mistral Hojris scored a huge 81.489% in the Grand Prix for Special nearly 5% clear of second place.

Mistral Hojris then went on to win the Grand Prix Special with another fabulous performance scoring 81.583%.

Laura and the National Champion Andretti H were also on super form in the Grand Prix for Kur with a score of 74.383% followed by an outstanding test in the Grand Prix Kur finishing on  78.715%.

What a great weekend for Laura, well done.

We look forward to seeing more fabulous performances.

Congratulations to Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs finishing 4th in the Rolex Kentucky three day event on a score of 54.00.

William had a lovely ride on Neuf Des Coeurs and we look forward to seeing more great performances from this partnership.

Well done William.

Click here for full results

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt had two fabulous rides at Badminton Horse Trials over the Easter weekend.

Both Cool Mountain and Navigator produced great dressage tests and a clear cross country phase, with the ground as hard as it was, William took it steady and gained a few time penalties. 

The show jumping round was defiantly an edge of the seat watch and very nerve-racking. Cool Mountain produced a great clear round and overall finished 13th with a score of 53.30. Navigator unfortunately had 2 fences down but finished 15th with a score of 58.70.

Well done William

Click here for the full result.

Albion's sponsored rider Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H produces two fabulous scores over the Easter weekend at Addington. 

Laura and Andretti H won the Grand Prix with a great score of 72.809 and then went on to win the Grand Prix Kur to Music with a score of 78.550.

This was a great performance by Laura!

Click here for the full result.

Approved Albion stockist Sarah Warner produced a great performance at the Badminton Grassroots BE90. 

Sarah and Zarento VDL produced a double clear finishing 9th on her dressage score 32.80.

Well done Sarah.

Click here for the full results

Approved Albion stockist Sarah Warner and Zarento VDL are competing in the Badminton Grassroots (20th -21st April).

Albion would like to wish Sarah the very best of luck.

William Fox-Pitt was on top form again over the weekend at Burnham Market International and with Badminton Horse Trials getting closer William keeps producing great performances.

William and Bay My Hero had a great round in the Advance Section L finishing 2nd with a score of 47.20.

William and Oloa finished 5th with a score of 34.90 and 24th on Gaucho with a score of 62.60 in the Open Intermediate Section K.

William also competed Avoca Alibi in the Intermediate section H where he finished 18th with a score of 59.20.

A great weekend for William. We look forward to seeing him at Badminton later this week.

Click here for full results.

Congratulations to Spencer Wilton and Zamboucca for winning the Albion Medium Open Championships at the Winter Dressage Championship held at Hartpury College.

Spencer and Zamboucca produced a great performance and finished with a fabulous score of 71.17%.

We look forward to seeing more exciting performances from this combination.

Well done Spencer.

Congratulations to Lara Dyson and Cyden Perplex on winning the Albion Medium Restricted at the Winter Dressage Championship held at Hartpury College.

Lara produced a great score of 67.48%.

Well done Lara.                          

Click here for the full result.

Albion's sponsored rider Tom McEwen has had a busy weekend and produces 3 great scores.

Tom was competing Rehy USA and Up In the Air at Larkhill, where he finished 3rd with a score of 32.90 with Rehy USA in the Novice Section E and finished 15th with Up In the Air with a score of 40.50 in the Novice Section F.

Tom also competed at the South of England with Private Rudolf where he finished 8th with a score of 54.80 in the Intermediate section K.

Well done Tom, we look forward to seeing more great scores.

William Fox-Pitt had four horses competing at Weston Park over the weekend and William came away with four great rides and scores.

William and Bay My Hero finished 8th with a score of 43.80 and finished 14th with a score of 51.40 with Oloa in the Open Intermediate Section H.

William also competed Cool Mountain in the Advance Section J and Neuf Des Coeurs in Section K. William and Cool Mountain finished 8th with a score of 49.00 and Neuf Des Coeurs finished 4th with a score of 50.00.

This was four great performances by William and we wish William all the best for Badminton Horse Trial (21st -25th April).

Click here for the full result.

Albion's newest member to  the team Harry Humfrey was on great form at Weston Park with 2 ponies Captain Curraleas and Quay.

Harry and Captain Curraleas finished 7th with a score of 40.50 in the Pony Trials section A and Harry and Quay finished 4th with a score of 41.50 in the Pony Trials section B.

This was a great performance from Harry and we look forward more great scores.

Well done Harry.

Click here for the full result.

Albion's sponsored rider Guenter Seidel is back in the saddle and producing fabulous scores in Burbank, finishing 2nd in the Prix St George on Sundayboy with a score of 73.596 and 2nd in the Grand Prix on U II with a score of 65.830.

Albion is glad to see that Guenter has fully recovered from his accident and wish him all the best for the season ahead.

Click here for the full results.

Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis produce another excellent performance in the Grand Prix for Special with a score of 68.723 finishing 6th and the Grand Prix Special with a score of 67.917 finishing 7th.

Well done Emile.

Click here for the full results.

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt had great success at Somerley Park International with a number of horses on the lead up to Badminton Horse Trials. 

William won the Intermediate section G with Lady Voltaire  with a score of 31.50.

In the Open Intermediate William finished 9th with a score of 37.70 with Navigator, 14th with a Seacookie with a score of 42.30 and 24th with Oloa with a score of 78.30.

Well done William.

Click here for full results

We would like to wish William the very best of luck for Badminton Horse Trials.

Albion's sponsored rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and Nadine was on great form at s-Hertogenbosch.

The fabulous partnership produced two wonderful scores finishing 4th in the Grand Prix with a score of 72.574 and 3rd in the Grand Prix Kur to Music with a score of 79.725.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for the full results.

Albion Saddlemakers are pleased to announce that Harry Humfrey is joining the Albion team. 

Harry has been competing ponies in the FEI pony trials for the last 3 years and has another year left in ponies. This year Harry will be competing four different ponies.

Albion would like to wish Harry all the success as he continues his successful career with ponies!

Watch our website for all the latest results on Albion's sponsored riders.

The Emile Faurie Foundation has been praised by the National Equine Forum. The foundation was voted as one of the top presentation of the day.

There was over 300 guests at the event and Emile discussed with the guests how the foundation came about and how it enables children from all areas to participate and learn about horsemanship.

Click here  for more

Albion's sponsored rider William Fox- Pitt had great success and start of the season with a number of horses at Aldon finishing

2nd with Blue River in the BE100 section A with a score of 29.00

3rd with Before Time in the BE 100 section C with a score of 27.00

6th with Bay My Hero in the Novice Open with a score of 36.00

7th with Gaucho in the Novice Open with a score of 36.30

What great success, well done William

Click here for full results

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Fauire is on top form and continues his success in Vidauban with

Lusingando finishing 4th in the Grand Prix for Kur to music with a score of 65.362 and 7th in the Grand Prix Kur to Music with a score of 68.55.

And

Elmegardens Marquis finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix Consolation class with a score of 66.596.

Well done Emile.

Click here to see full results

Laura B has got a new Chestnut Stallion.....

Laura describes him as "athletic with fantastic paces" He is only a 3 years old Oldenburger chestnut stallion by For Compliment out of Royal Dance.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Nadine produced another great test in the Grand Prix Kur to music in Neumuster finishing 4th with a score of 77.100%.

Albion would like to wish Hans Peter all the best for the rest of the season.

Click here for the full result.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Nadine had another great performance in Neumunster, finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix with a score of 71.532%.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for the full result.

The Emile Faurie Foundation has become the new independent partner for the British Horse Society.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie stated that he is delighted with this partnership. The foundation was put in place to help disadvantaged young people who are keen in equestrian both riding and care.

Both the Emile Faurie Foundation and BHS aims are to help and achieve the highest possible and with this partnership it is believed that they will be able to help and achieve more than either of them can do alone.

BHS Chairman Dr Phil Wadey said: “The Trustees are very pleased indeed that the highly respected Emile Faurie Foundation has become our latest Independent Partner. The Foundation’s aim — to show children how enjoyable and fulfilling equine sports and careers can be, and to help them follow their dreams whilst developing personal and social skills along the way — is one with which the BHS associates itself closely.”

We look forward to seeing the progress and difference this partnership can offer.

Click here to read the full story.

Albion's sponsored rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and Johnson won the VHO Trophy at the 2011 KWPN Stallion Licensing in 's-Hertogenbosh, making no mistakes to come out with a score of 77.125% in the Kur to music.

Click here to read more.

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino produce a fantastic score of 71.707 in the Short Grand Prix in Verden, which was their first outing since World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010.

Anabel and Dablino have not competed indoors since Stuttgart in 2009. Anabel said "Dablino felt pretty good but did spook two times on the short side of the ring, where he was looking up to the audience. That did cost several points," but Anabel was very please with Dablino.

Albion would like to wish Anabel and Dablino all the best for the season ahead.

Click here for full results.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Tango produced two great scores in Amsterdam.

CDI - W Grand Prix with a score of 69.49 finishing in 8th place

CDI - W Grand Prix Kur to Music with a score of 75.700 finishing in 5th place.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for the full result. 

British Dressage Supporter Club has thanked Albion for their many years of support.

Albion's sponsored dressage rider Charlie Hutton and event riders Emily Llewellyn and Tom McEwen have all been selected for the 2011 - 2013 World Class Development Programme to maximise their ability and deliver success.

The riders were announced by the British Equestrian Federation and it was mentioned that this year it was a difficult decision and all riders were watched in competition before the decision was made.

Well done to all 3 of Albion's sponsored riders.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Tango continued their success at Zwolle after winning the Grand Prix with a score of 71.787, they went on to win the Grand Prix Kur to music with a score of 79.825.

This combination is getting stronger after each event and we look forward to more wonderful performances.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for full results.

Albion's sponsored rider Anabel Balkenhol has had a great start to 2011 at Munster over the weekend finishing

2nd in the Prix St Georges 7 - 10 years old on Four Ever with a score of 67.982%

8th in the Grand Prix on Rubins Royal with a score of 66.979% and

7th in the Grand Prix Special on Rubins Royal with a score of 69.208%

What a great start, well done Anabel.

Click here for the full results.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Tango start 2011 with a bang, winning the CDI Grand Prix in Zwolle with a score of 71.787%.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for full result.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Nadine finished 2010 in style finishing 2nd in the CDI -W Mechelen Grand Prix with a score of 68.255 and finishing 2nd in the Grand Prix Kur to Music with a score of 75.500.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for the full result.

This year the 2010 British Olympic Association’s (BOA) Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy for equestrian sports has been presented to Laura Bechtolsheimer in recognition of her outstanding performances this year.

“I feel immensely honoured to be recognised in this way. It’s not only a major achievement for me but also for my sport, Dressage - as it has not always been the nation’s strongest performing equestrian discipline.  2010 was an amazing year, topped off perfectly with me bringing home three silver medals (one team and two individual) from the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. I’m now more excited than ever about London 2012 and the potential opportunity of competing on home soil.” Commented Laura, 25 from Gloucestershire.

Will Connell, World Class Performance Director, commented:  “This year was a great year for the Lottery funded British Equestrian teams with both William (Fox-Pitt, Eventing) and Laura winning Individual Silvers, helping their respective teams towards team success”.

A massive congratulations goes to sponsored rider Laura. 

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris put in another great performance in the Grand Prix Kur to Music CDI W at Olympia International Horse Show last night, finishing 2nd with a score of 80.050%.

Well done Laura.

Laura B and Mistral Hojris in the Grand Prix Kur to music at Olympia Horse Trials 2010, where they finished in 2nd place with a score of 80.50%

Thank you to everyone who entered the Albion 'Win a Saddle' competition. We had a very large number of entries and it was a very hard decision, due to the high quality of slogans we received.

The winner has been chosen and the winning slogan is

"We perfect them and champions select them"

Congratulations to Fiona Lane who has won a saddle of her choice plus an exclusive factory tour with a friend.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their entries and wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

A great performance by Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis in the Dressage Grand Prix at Olympia yesterday finishing 12th with a score of 64.000%

Well done Emile.

Click here for full results

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris was on top form again last night, producing a personal best of 82.936% in  the Dressage Grand Prix at Olympia beating her biggest rival Adelinde Cornelissen on Parzival by 4%.

Well done Laura.

Click here for full results.

Welcome to the classified area of the Albion website.  Second hand Albion saddles are very difficult to get your hands on, especially in today’s market place.  In the Albion classified area you will be able to advertise all of your Albion products from saddles and girths to people who are actually searching for Albion.  It’s the only place to advertise your Albion products......

List your Albion Saddle here today.  Click here to find out how.

Thank you to everyone who entered our 'Win a Saddle' competition, the slogans are looking good......

The winner will be announced on our website, Facebook and Twitter on the 15th December so keep an eye out....

Good luck.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie gives a lecture demonstration at Reaseheath College, Cheshire on the 9th December 2010.

Get your FREE 2011 Wall Planner from Albion.....

We have produced our own 2011 wall planner.

To receive your FREE copy email your name and address to julia@albionsaddlemakers.co.uk

Albion's sponsored riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emilie Faurie and Hans Peter Minderhoud are all competing in Olympia's Reem Acra FEI World Cup dressage qualifier on Tuesday 14 December 2010.... It’s going to be good....  Check back for resullts.

The World Equestrian Games Dutch Dressage team has been nominated for the Dutch Sports team award,  including Albion's sponsored rider Hans Peter Minderhoud riding Nadine in the Albion SLK dressage saddle.   

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Tango had a successful weekend at the CDI - W in Stockholm, finishing 10th in the Grand Prix with 66.213 and qualifying for the Grand Prix Kur to Music where they finished 7th with a score of 72.00.

Well done Hans Peter.

Click here for full results.

Alice Oppenheimer had great success at Brightwells Auction at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, winning the Hengststation Beckmann £1,000 Advanced Medium Champion of Champions Freestyle and finishing 2nd in The Holden Fold £1,000 Medium Champion of Champions Freestyle on Headmore Delegate.

Congratulations Alice.

Click here for the full results.

Thursday night at Olympia is a night not to be missed.....

There will be a special parade of Britain’s World Equestrian Games medal winning riders from all disciplines. This parade includes 4 of Albion's sponsored riders, William Fox-Pitt, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emily Llewellyn and Tom McEwen.

This medal parade takes place on Thursday evening at 20.10

The Albion National Convention programme has been announced.
Please note this is subject to change. We look forward to seeing you there.

Saturday 27 November 2010

10:00 Introduction
10:10 Functional anatomy and biomechanics of the horse
10:40 Basic work of a ‘Baby-Horse’ - Lara Griffith
11:10 Progress to a ‘Remonte’ - Laura Bechtolsheimer
11:55 Progress to Adv Med - Alex Hardwick & Alice Oppenheimer
12:40 Q&A session with our WEG dressage medalists followed by lunch
14:00 Trophy Presentation
14:15 Progress to PSG / Inter I level - Matt Frost
15:00 Progress to PSG / Inter I level - Gareth Hughes
15:45 Progress to GP level - Laura Bechtolsheimer
16:30 Questions

Sunday 28 November 2010

10:00 Introduction
10:10 Elementary / ‘Remonte’ - Laura Bechtolsheimer
10:50 Medium / Advanced Medium - Alex Hardwick
11:35 Advanced Medium - Alice Oppenheimer
12:20 Lunch
13:50 Trophy Presentation
14:00 Prix St Georges - Matt Frost
14:45 Intermediate I - Gareth Hughes
15:30 Grand Prix - Laura Bechtolsheimer
16:15 Questions

World Equestrian Games 3 times Silver medal winner Laura Bechtolsheimer will be performing a dressage display with her up and coming star dressage horses at The London International Horse Show, Olympia, showing how she works with them in training. This performance will be held on the evening of Wednesday 15th December. 

Laura is delighted to be attending this year’s Olympia and is looking forward to doing the demonstration just hours ahead of the Freestyle, where Laura and Mistral Hojris head a competitive international field in the FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier at Olympia, The London International Horse Show on the 14th -20th December 2010.

Tickets available now.

World Equestrian Games Team Dressage Gold Medalist Hans Peter Minderhoud from Netherlands heads to Olympia for the World Cup dressage qualifier, held at The London International Horse Show on 14-20 December.

Tickets available now

Sell your 2nd hand Albion

products on the official Albion

website.  Special offer £9.99 for 4 weeks.

classified@albionsaddlemakers.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1922646210

Albion's exciting 'Win a Saddle' competition has proven to be very popular, already receiving the highest number of entrants ever in an Albion competition.  However, this competition will be coming to an end on the 5th December, with the winner being picked by an independent adjudicator and announced on the 15th December.

Due to the wonderful prize Albion Saddlemakers are offering, Equi-Ads and The Equestrian Lifestyle magazine have are now advertising this exciting competition on their website.

We wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading your ideas for our new slogan.

William Fox-Pitt wins $150,000 HSBC FEI Classic Series for collecting the most points at Kentucky, Badminton, Luhmuhlen, Burghley and Pau.

This is a wonderful success for William, he has had a great season with all his horses and Albion Saddlemakers are a very proud sponsor.

Well done William.

William Fox-Pitt has another successful event with Navigator finishing second in the CCI**** at Pau in France. William was leading after cross-country but an unfortunate 3 poles in Show Jumping dropped him down to 2nd.

Well done William.

Express and Star reporter Lisa O'Brien interviewed Albion Saddlemakers Chairman Paul Belton and Managing Director Sherry Belton about their sponsored riders success at the World Equestrian Games 2010 in Kentucky. Albion's sponsored riders Laura Bechtolsheimer from Great Britain had a hat trick in dressage, coming away with 3 Silver medals; 1 Team and 2 Individuals.  Anabel Balkenhol from Germany came away with Team Dressage Bronze. Hans Peter Minderhoud from The Netherlands came away with Team Dressage Gold. William Fox-Pitt from Great Britain came away with Team Eventing Gold and Individual Silver.

This is a massive success for Albion, as no other saddle manufacture has had this success before.

Albion Saddlemakers are running a 'Win a Saddle' competition where you have the chance to win an Albion Saddle of your choice and ride in the same saddles as medal winners William Fox -Pitt  and Laura Bechtolsheimer from Great Britain, Hans Peter Minderhoud from The Netherlands and Anabel Balkenhol from Germany. Plus an exclusive tour of the factory and a complimentary lunch with a friend.

All you have to do is simply come up with a new slogan for our brand.

The closing date for this competition is the 5th December with the winner being announced on the 15th December.

Simply click here to enter the competition.

T & C's apply and are available online.

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris hit the front page of today's Horse and Hound issue 21st October 2010, stating that Mistral Hojris has become the best dressage horse Britain has ever had.....

Well done Laura and Mistral Hojris.

Have you seen our promotion....... Buy a KB snaffle bridle and receive a FREE gift worth £55.00.

You now have less than 14 days to take us up on this exciting promotion. So why not start your Christmas shopping early and treat yourself.  Ride in the same bridle as medal Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games winners William Fox-Pitt and Laura Bechtolsheimer.

Click here to view the promotion.

William hits Horse and Hound's front page for his achievement at the World Equestrian Games....

Emily Llewellyn and Greenlawn Sky High produces a great round in the 2* Young Rider at Weston Park with a final score of 57.70. 

Well done Emily.

Click here for the full result.

William Fox-Pitt's success continues at Weston Park over the weekend, as he wins the 2* International Intermediate on Oloa with a score of 41.70.

Well done William. 

Click here for full results.

Albion Saddlemakers are pleased to announce that Alice Oppenheimer is joining the Albion team after riding in Albion saddles for 10 years.

Over the last few years Alice has been continuing her success in dressage, with great results at the National Championships and wins at Kingston Maurwood Summer regional's and Crofton Manor EC, to name but a few.

Albion would like to wish Alice all the success as she continues to shine!

Watch our website for all the latest results on Albion's sponsored riders.

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain, Cross Country phase at the World Equestrian Games 2010. 

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain, medal winning Show Jumping phase at the World Equestrian Games 2010.

William team gold & individual silver at WEG...

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain, dressage phase at the World Equestrian Games 2010

Hat trick for Laura - 3 silver medals at WEG...

A massive congratulations to Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris on winning their second silver medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  Laura had a fantastic score of 81.667%, all at Albion would like to congratulate her on another fantastic performance.  Well done!!

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino had a super ride today in the Grand Prix Special with a fantastic score of 72.625% finishing in 8th place.  A massive congratulations to the pair from all at Albion.

Video of Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris in the Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle at the World Equestrian Games 2010.

Video of Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris in the Grand Prix Dressage at the World Equestrian Games 2010, where she claimed one of her Silver Medals. 

Video of Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino riding their Grand Prix Freestyle test at the World Equestrian Games 2010.

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino in the Dressage Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Games 2010.

Hans Peter Minderhoud and Equis Nadine in the Grand Prix Special at the World Equestrian Games 2010.

What a Fabulous day it was yesterday for Albion Saddlemakers sponsored rider team, with three of their riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Anabel Balkenhol having come away with team medals at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Hans Peter Minderhoud with a score of 72.255% o secure team Gold for the Netherlands, Laura Bechtolsheimer with a score of 82.511% to secure team silver for GBR and Anabel Balkenhol with a score of 67.702% to secure team bronze for Germany.

What a fantastic way to finish yesterdays dressage competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Laura B producing an outstanding Grand Prix test with a whopping score of 82.511% beating her personal best by 4% and producing a new British record to secure the silver medal position for team GBR.

Emile Faurie and Lusigando produced a great performance at CDI Saumur finishing 10th in the Grand prix with a final score of 64.383% qualifying for the Grand Prix Kur to Music, where they finished 5th with a fantastic final score of 69.150%.

Well done Emile.

Click here for full results.

Another successful weekend for Tom McEwen, as he wins the Open Intermediate under 21 at the South of England on Dry Old Party, with a dressage score of 30, but picked up 0.80 of a time penalty in the cross country phase, finishing on a score of 30.80.

It is great to see this combination doing so well.

Well done Tom.

Full result click here.

What a fabulous weekend Emily Llewellyn had at the South of England Internationals. Emily won the Novice Section F on Ballingowan Diamond finishing on her great dressage score of 28.50. Emily came 14th in the Open Novice with Igor De Cluis with a score of 45.00 and finished 25^th in the 2* International Intermediate with Greenlawn Sky High with a score of 84.90.

A great weekend all-round, well done Emily.

Click here for the full result.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie is making a stand to improve riders safety, after a number of riders have been injured. Emile is reinforcing the policy, NO hat NO ride on his Oxfordshire yard...

Emile Faurie rode his young horse Retro Hit to victory taking 1st place in the Shearwood Potential International Dressage Horse Championships Under 5 years.

A massive congratulation goes to William Fox-Pitt riding Catherine Witts, Parklane Hawk with a fantastic score of 44 and William winning his second title at Blenheim.

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Andretti H produce a wonderful test in the Grand Prix with a score of 73.66%, the only contenders to break the 70% barrier...  Laura then went on to be crowned the 2010 Dressage Deluxe National Dressage Champion after an incredible Grand Prix Freestyle performance on Andretti H, scoring their personal best 78.55%.

Emily Llewellyn and Pardon Me II have another successful outing, finishing 19th at her first trip to Burghley Horse Trials CCI****.

Well done Emily.

For the full results click here.

Another great Burghley for William Fox Pitt  finishing 2nd on Seacookie with a score of 42.9 and 6th with Macchiato scoring 48.8.

Well done William.

Click here for the full result

A great Blair Castle for William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs wining the *** International Advance Section C with a score of 58.40 and finishes 2nd on Oslo in Section D with a score of 56.20.

Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis came fourth in both the Grand Prix for special CDI with 71.277% and the Grand Prix Special CDI with 71.125%.

We are thrilled to see this combination is getting better and better at every competition, congratulations.

Click here for the full results.

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris won both the Grand Prix for Kur with 76.638% and the Grand Prix Kur to music with 81.450%.

Congratulations to Emily Llewellyn and Pardon Me II for finishing 3^rd at Hartpury International Advanced *** Section C.

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino had great success at the German Dressage Championships in Munster.

1st with 74.979% in Round 1 Grand Prix.

2nd with 76.667% in Round 2 Grand Prix Special.

6th with 75.950% in Round 3 Kur to Music.

 
For the full result click here.

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino have been selected to represent Germany at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky, USA.

Congratulations to William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain for finishing 2nd with a score 37.30.  This partnership is on great form, well done William.

Click here for the full results.

Congratulations to Laura Bechtolsheimer riding Dr & Mrs Bechtolsheimer’s and her own Mistral Hojris who have been selected for the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games 2010.

Congratulations to sponsored rider Laura Bechtolsheimer for the wonderful performance at Hickstead on Andretti H....

Congratulations to sponsored rider Hans Peter Minderhoud from the Netherlands, who had a super perforrmance at Hickstead on Nadine....

Massive congratulations to Emily on her success at the European Young Rider Championship 2010, claiming individual 5th and a Gold medal for the GB team .

Congratulations to Tom and Major Sweep for a wonderful result at the European Young Riders Championship finishing in 14th place.

Albion are thrilled to announce the lauch of the NEW pony range at The FEI European Pony
Championships 28th July - 1st August 2010.  Details of the complete range will be available online.  If you would like any further information please contact us enquiries@albionsaddlemakers.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 1922646210. 

A massive congratulations to Laura on her success at Aachen 2010, claiming the GB team a bronze medal.  She had a fantastic set of results...

Congratulations to German sponsored rider Anabel Balkenhol for the super performance at Aachen...

Congratulations to William Fox-Pitt riding Mrs Teresa Stopford Sackville’s Cool Mountain who have been selected for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010.

Albion is delighted to have been selected as the Official Saddle at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, 28th July – 1st August. 

Congratulations to Emily Llewellyn and her mother Cindy’s Society Spice who have been selected for the European Young Rider Championship.

Congratulations to Tom McEwen and Major Sweep for being selected for the Young Riders European Championship in Pardubice in the Czech Republic.

Congratulations to Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris for moving up to third place in the FEI World Dressage Rankings. 

We are pleased to announce that Tom McEwen has won a one year sponsorship with Albion after being placed as the highest young rider in the Under 25 CCI*** at Bramham.

Congrautlations to Emily Llewellyn and Junior II, finishing 13th at Bramham CCi *** Under 25's.

Congratulations to William Fox-Pitt riding Neuf Des Cours finishing 5th at the Bramham CCI ***.

Albion Saddlemakers are proud to announce that their three sponsored riders, Laura Bechtosheimer, UK, Emile Faurie, UK and Anabel Balkenhol, Germany have all finished in the top 10 of the Grand Prix Special at Lingen CDI 4*.  A massive congratiulations goes out to Laura,Emile and Anabel. 

Congratulations to Anabel Balkenhol on her fantastic results from Lingen CDI 4*. 

Congratulations to Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis in their second international competition. 

Congratulations to Laura Becholsheimer and Mistral Hojris for taking first place in the Grand Prix Special with 79.46% at 2010 Lingen CDI4*. 

On the 3rd of June British Dressage announced the sponsorship of the National Convention 2010.

Annie Belton Interview Emily Llewellyn at her first Badminton Horse Trials. 

Albion's Managing Director and Saddle Fitter to the Star Sherry Belton and Het Wilkes interview sponsored rider William Fox-Pitt at Badminton Horse Trials 2010.

Albion's sponsored rider Emile Faurie & Samba Hit III will be providing a live lecture demo on Saturday 22 May at 6:30pm at the International Arena, Myerscough.

Charlie Hutton and Abria winning the Intermediate I Music Freestyle at the Winner Dressage Championship at Hartpury College

Charlie Hutton and Henry Boswell perform Bad Boys Grand Prix Pas De Deux special at the Winter Dressage Championships at Hartpury.

Congratulations to Emily Llewellyn and Society Spice on finishing in 15th place at their second Badminton Horse Trials.

A massive congratulations to William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain for their fantastic win at the 2010 Rolex Kentucky CCI****. 

Congratulations to Emily Llewellyn and Society Spice for winning the Advanced under 25 at Belton Park on 16th April 2010.

Horse and Hound dressage feature, 8th April.

By Royale Appointment. 

Albion's Platinum Royale is said to be its most luxurious dressage saddle to date.  Featuring an interchangeable tree and switch panel system.  Available in 17", 17.5" and 18" in 295, 315, 335 and template, in black and brown.   

Albion's sponsored dressage rider Charlie Hutton and Merlin Nemorensis hit front page in Horse & Hound wearing his favourite saddle the Platinum Ultima in 8th April issue page 26.

Good looks and luxury from Albion, of course....

British Dressage Magazine issue 3 feautred Albion's NEW luxury products on page 43 under sponsors news.

Emily Llewellyn had two great rides at Aldon Hores Trials, finishing 2nd with Balloo and 8th with Junior in the  Open Intermediate under 21, first young rider trial of the year.