Congratulations to Jessica Thompson who wins the Equilibrium Products Elementary Open National Championships at the BD Nationals

Jessica Thompson was awarded the Equilibrium Products Elementary Open National Champion title on the final day of the British Dressage National Championships.

Jessica and horse Athene Lindebjerg, a seven-year-old owned by Di Redfern scored 72.69% to win the competitive class. Tor Smith was closest to Jessica’s score with 71.88% riding Sundancer II with Lucy Farrer taking third place riding Coady Bay Richelieu with a score of 71.72%.

Jess is head girl for dressage riders Mette and Michel Assouline who helped source Athene for para-rider Sophie Christiansen. The Assouline’s have helped train Athene alongside Jess who has introduced the black Danish Bred mare by Gribaldi to her competitive career at large venues including winning both the Novice and Elementary Regionals at Keysoe.

Jessica said of Athene in an interview with BD – “She’s been very straightforward to train. You just ask a question and she gives an answer. It might not necessarily be the right answer, but she always tries. I never have to persuade her. She’s a very nice woman with no mare traits; and very supple in the back”

Athene scored 9’s in her walk which will be influential for her future with Sophie.

Jessica also had success with Athene in the Novice Open Championships achieving third place with 72.62%. Well done Jess.