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Cowboys and Indians at British Open Show Jumping

Anna Tyzack

22 March, 2007

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This year's British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 Aptil) will be embracing the Wild West, with barrel racing and a western-style musical ride. The four day show has moved to the Birmingham NEC where there is plenty of space for cowboys and Indians.

A band of 32 members of the Cheshire Hunt North Branch of the Pony Club will perform a musical ride 'How the West was Won' during each performance at the show. The branch has been training for the event every week since October. Cheshire Hunt North Pony Club member 12-year-old Hilary Secker said, "I am looking forward to camping in wagons and caravans at the event. We will be looking after our ponies, putting their war-paint on before each show and also helping the younger children with their ponies – the youngest rider in the team is only seven-years old."

The rodeo discipline Barrel Racing is returning to the British Open by popular demand and at the end of the show the British Open Barrel Racing champion will be crowned. Barrel Racing is a timed rodeo discipline requiring speed, accuracy and agility. Barrel Racing has become increasingly popular over the past few years for western riders in Europe as well as in America. The horsemanship skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favourite.

In addition to the western-style action, reigning British Open Show Jumping Champion Robert Smith, Michael, John, Robert and Ellen Whitaker, and other leading British riders have been invited to compete for the esteemed title of British Open Champion. The event offers the biggest single indoor show jumping prize in Britain and this year the total prize money on offer is over £150,000 with the British Open Champion receiving £25,000.

For more information and online booking please visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the Box Office on 08700 100 216. Groups of 12 or more are entitled to a discount via the Groups Box Office, please call 0800 358 0058.

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