See the WEG team at Gatcombe
The British squad for the World Equestrian Games will be competing at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park this weekend, although the team horses are not expected to run across country.
A special parade of the WEG squad — Daisy Dick William Fox-Pitt, Sharon Hunt, Mary King, Zara Phillips and Oliver Townend — will take place in the main arena on Sunday morning.
Festival course designer Mark Phillips said: “We are delighted that both the UK and USA teams, as well as a number of other WEG-bound competitors, will be using the Festival as part of their preparation for the World Games in Aachen later in August.
“We have allocated a slot in the programme on Sunday morning when most of the British team will perform their dressage, prior to the parade in the main arena at 11.45am. The team will then compete in the show jumping phase, but we understand that the team horses may not participate in the cross-country.”
As always the Festival provides a great opportunity to see some of the world’s top riders in action in the superb setting of Gatcombe Park during the three days of competition.
Reigning British Open Champion William Fox-Pitt will be aiming to become the most successful rider in the history of the British Open by winning his fifth title, before heading off to Aachen. He has entered Ballincoola, Coup de Coeur and last year’s winner Moon Man, as well as his WEG ride Tamarillo.
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The winner of the British Open will be the first rider to be awarded the new Princess Royal Perpetual Trophy, as well as a five-star skiing holiday and £10,000 in prize money.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.