Britain Significantly Easing Coronavirus Restrictions in Time for Windsor Dressage CDI4* in May

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Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St. John Freestyle that won the Keysoe CDI3* last October, the only international dressage event in Britain since March 2020. File photo. © Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Feb. 23, 2021

Coronavirus restrictions that have stopped many equestrian activities in Great Britain for much of the past year will be significantly eased by the end of March and well ahead of the Windsor CDI4* that is expected to see a turnout of all combinations likely to be on the nation’s team for the Tokyo Olympics.

Organized competition and training activity will be able to return in England from Mar. 29, under the roadmap easing of the current lockdown that was unveiled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Since the beginning of restrictions in Britain in mid-March last year, the only international level dressage competition was at Keysoe, England in October. Seven other international events, including the European Junior and Young Rider Championships, were canceled in 2020. Of five events on the calendar for 2021, Keysoe that was to be held next month was canceled.

The Windsor CDI4* May 13-14 is the first event scheduled after major Covid-19 restrictions will have been lifted. Hartpury, Keysoe and the London Olympia Christmas show are scheduled for later in the year.

British Dressage reported that by Windsor, people will be allowed to be away from home to attend multi-day shows and competitions. On-site retail shops and trade stands will be permitted while catering outlets will be able to serve food and drinks outside, not just for takeaway.

BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam praised what he described as “the resilience shown by the dressage community over the past year, particularly during these long winter months–and it now feels that, thanks to a great deal of patience and fortitude, we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.”