They have joined Stephen Clarke as the only Britons among the elite of approximately 30 judges across the world at the 'O' / 5* status.

The trainer of eight horses to Grand Prix level, dressage has been a passion of Wessels for over 30 years, and she gave up international competition to embark on a judging career, becoming a full judge in 2003.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges and responsibility of judging at this level,"said Wessels.

"But I'm also very conscious of being part of such a skilled and highly experienced group of individuals.

"It's a great honour for me and I'm really excited.

"I have had huge support from some top 5* judges, especially Ghislain Fourage and of course Stephen Clarke - I am enormously grateful."

Gardner shares his judging career, which began 25 years ago, with his role as a full time chartered surveyor, as well as being a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.

"I'm exceptionally lucky – I have already had many fantastic opportunities and visited beautiful locations during my judging career but this just adds an extra dimension," he said.

"I'm pleased and feel very honoured to be promoted.

"I must thank my friend and mentor Stephen Clarke as he has given me so much support and training to get me to this level; I owe him a lot."

The pair will now be keen to begin judging internationally, and will have to wait as the Ground Jury for the 2011 European Championships has already been confirmed, as well as the long list for next summer's London Olympic Games.

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