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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.