Ian Stark to design cross-country at Bramham Horse Trials from 2010
Ian Stark (pictured) will take over from Sue Benson as cross-country course-designer at Bramham Horse Trials next year.
This year marks Sue’s 10th as designer at Bramham, but she will now step down to concentrate on desigining the course for the 2012 Olympics in London.
Bramham event director Nicholas Pritchard said: “It has always been the policy here at Bramham to keep rotating the course-designers and Sue is our longest serving, but with the added pressure of 2012 and her other events, it was decided we are ready for a change.
“Ian was an obvious choice for us — not only because of his talent and feel for design as a former rider, but of course Bramham has been such a happy hunting ground for him in the past.”
Ian won Bramham four times — in 1983 (Sir Wattie), 1984 (Charlie Brown IV), 1985 (Deansland) and 1996 (Forest Glen) — and this will be his first time designing at CCI*** level in Britain.
The cross-country course at Bramham is having a major re-route this year, with 50% of the track covering new terrain.
Mr Pritchard added; “Sue has been one of Bramham’s best assets in recent years. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the park and flair for design have ensured the riders want to come back to Bramham again and again while keeping our visitors entertained with a real test of horsemanship. I’m certainly looking forward to her unveiling of this year’s course with the new route and fences.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
This year’s Bramham takes place 11-14 June and you can save money by booking tickets in advance. Visit www.bramham-horse.co.uk.
Don’t forget to buy next week’s Horse & Hound (30 April) to read Ian Stark’s assessment of this year’s Badminton course.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.