Latest from Horse & Hound in Belton-horse-trials

Eventing 2019 nostalgia: best of April – breakout stars, double wins and Jonty Evans rides in public again

Pippa Roome — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:24:45 +0000

Do you miss the eventing season? We do too. So, to brighten up your coronavirus lockdown day, we have looked back at H&H’s April 2019 eventing reports to bring you the big winners, an emotional story and the controversy we’d almost forgotten…

The breakout stars

The equine sensation of April was Figaro Van Het Broekxhof, who scored his first major international win when he took the Lycetts Grantham Cup at Belton for owner Barbara Cooper and rider Tom McEwen. “I didn’t come with this result in mind – I wanted him to go as well as he could, but in a section of more than 100, I wasn’t really expecting this,” said Tom.

On the rider side, Mollie Summerland caught the eye when she was third in the Grantham Cup on her 2018 young rider Europeans horse, Charly Van Ter Heiden. The then-20-year-old said: “He’s only 18% thoroughbred and I learnt from Pippa Funnell all about hacking up the hills to get them really fit and how to get more foreign horses up to speed.”

Quote of the month

“My job is very boring, so I need an exciting hobby,” said Italian amateur eventer Paolo Belvederesi after winning an intermediate at South of England (1). And his job? He works in asset management as an investment advisor. No, we don’t know what means either…

Impressive doubles

Nicola Wilson won both advanced sections at Weston Park, on Yacabo BK – a relatively new ride for her who had joined the Yorkshire rider the previous summer after being produced by Andrew Nicholson – and Bulana, with whom she took individual bronze at the 2017 European Championships.

And Oliver Townend extended his winning tally in the CCI4*-S sections at Burnham Market to an extraordinary 12 since 2007 when he landed both sections, riding Cillnabradden Evo and Ballaghmor Class. “It’s the first event of the year I set out to be really competitive at,” explained Oliver. “The ground here is very honest; you know what you’re getting and it’s very consistent going. When you’ve been to an event for many years you have a good feel for how the horses will come out of it, and they always come out of this well. It comes at the perfect time of year and sets them up for their big five-star runs.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Eventing 2019 nostalgia: best of March – the British weather and the horse who went to the pub…

Do you miss the eventing season in these times of coronavirus lockdown? We do too, so we had a look

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Carl Hester, Jilly Cooper or hunting three times a week? Choose your equestrian fantasy lockdown house…

Bored of lockdown? Indulge in a little fantasy by choosing your fantasy equestrian quarantine house, complete with riding facilities and

The theme

One recurring aspect of this month was wins for those providing maternity cover on world champion Ros Canter’s horses. Tom Jackson took the open intermediate at South of England (1) on Pencos Crown Jewel, while Tom McEwen had a win at the same level at Belton on No Excuse.

An emotional win

Morven Pringle scored an emotional win at Dalkeith (1) when she partnered Miss Contender to win a novice section. Morven took over the ride on the mare when her previous owner and rider, her best friend Natasha Galpin, was tragically killed in a racing accident at the beginning of 2019. “Her parents approached me in January and asked me whether I would take her on. Of course I was honoured to,” explained Morven. “It was an emotional day as Natasha’s father, Richard, came to watch – as he always used to when Tasha was competing. We had a wee drink and there were a few tears shed in the evening.”

Controversy of the month

The FEI flag rule. Protests, scoreboard changes and commentary on the issue by H&H columnists abounded. At Bicton Arena (1), eventual winners Chris Burton and Lawton Chloe were initially penalised under the new rule before the faults were removed.

And also…

Jonty Evans rode Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”) in public at Belton, for the first time since his cross-country fall at Tattersalls in June 2018, which resulted in a serious head injury and left him in a coma for six weeks. “What people have done for me is off the scale,”, Jonty told the crowd, adding his biggest thanks were for his children, Mia and Charlie.

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

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

New Belton replacement fixture welcomed by eventers

Lucy Elder — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 09:33:53 +0000

The eventing community has welcomed the announcement of a new venue to replace the lost Belton fixture from 2020.

Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire will host the spring CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S after the National Trust pulled the plug on Belton, which had been home to a horse trials for more than 30 years.

It will be organised by BEDE Ltd, which ran Belton for many years.

Just south of Worksop, the new venue is 35 miles from Belton and close to both the A1 and M1, with the event held in the 450-acre country park.

Eventing Riders Association chairman Bruce Haskell, who was on the British Eventing (BE) assessment panel with Paul Graham and Yogi Briesner, told H&H Thorseby Park is “an incredible venue”.

“Stuart [Buntine, BEDE director] has run an incredible event over a number of years and we have full confidence in him running a new event there,” said Bruce.

He was also highly complimentary of all venues in the final four, the other three being Weston Park, Bicton and Frickley Park.

“We went round and independently assessed the four venues so I believe BE is changing the way it operates to do so with a high degree of transparency and a little more outcome focused,” he said.

“All four venues need to be encouraged for the work they have done and need to be put forward for taking more on as they are great, especially the attitude they had towards change and possibility.”

The loss of Belton was a worry for many reasons — not only was it a sad loss of a popular well-established event, the horse trials was a crucial prep run ahead of major spring internationals and was also one of the biggest draws of outside visitors to the market town of Grantham.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Harry Meade: Changing times with two farewells H&H VIP

Harry Meade on the difficulty of replacing Belton and Badminton’s future

Thoresby Park’s outdoor events manager Helen Eshelby and Stuart both said they are “thrilled” , with Stuart adding the BEDE team is “well into planning” the new event.

Midlands-based CCI5* eventer Imogen Murray told H&H she is pleased a replacement venue has been found in a similar area.

“I’m glad it has stayed with BEDE running it — Belton was always such a nice event, and I’ve always loved going there,” she said, adding it served well as both a “measuring point” for up-and-coming horses and as a good preparation run for those aiming for major events.

“We have always used it as a last run before Badminton as the courses really suit that, without having to travel miles, and it is the first one we have in the spring with that kind of atmosphere in the dressage and showjumping.”

BE chief executive Jude Matthews said: “There were four incredibly good presentations on Wednesday from four very different venues, and the stakeholder panel had a very hard decision to make.

“The key focus has been to ensure the sport selected the best possible venue to deliver such an important early season international. All of the final four applicants could have delivered this, but we are delighted to award this fixture to Thoresby Park and the BEDE team.

“It was a very difficult decision and we fully appreciate that Bicton, Weston Park and Frickley Park will be disappointed. As a sport we, and our members, are incredibly lucky to have such fabulous venues that host affiliated competition and I’d like to thank all the organisers who applied for this fixture.”

Belton will run in week five of the 2020 eventing calendar, which starts in March.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Belton and Gatcombe replacements to be confirmed by summer

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 May 2019 08:05:17 +0000

The process is under way to find a replacement for Belton International Horse Trials, British Eventing (BE) has confirmed.

In response to last month’s announcement from landowner the National Trust that the event at Belton House would not run in future, the BE fixtures team has been working on finding its successor.

BE emailed all organisers asking them to express an interest in applying for the fixture, then sent application packs to those who responded.

The window for applying was 14 days, after which venues will be assessed and a shortlist presented to a deciding panel. BE aims for the process to be completed by the end of June or early July.

“From a membership perspective it is essential that British Eventing replaces this fixture,” said BE interim CEO Jude Matthews. “The early season CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S [previously CIC1*, CIC2* and CIC3*] classes are a hugely important stepping stone for so many horses and riders, especially the CCI4*-S as a preparatory run prior to Badminton.”

Ms Matthews said application packs have also been sent to organisers as BE tries to find the best replacement for the national fixture previously held at Gatcombe in March.

“Very sadly, Pattie Biden and her team ran the last ever spring fixture at Gatcombe this year,” she said. “They have done a brilliant job for many years, and we are hugely grateful for the work they have put into the event.

“This other important fixture for the members will also be replaced for 2020.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Organisers ‘devastated’ at news Belton Horse Trials has run for the last time

Organisers had no knowledge of the decision until yesterday

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British Showjumping buys National Training Centre

‘This can only be seen as an extremely positive step forward for the sport’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Chris Farr, BE’s acting sport manager (fixtures), said the early events are ‘so incredibly important” for members.

“As would be expected, there will be a strong emphasis on a venue that can cope as well as possible with the early season weather, but there are many factors that need to be considered before a venue can be allocated a fixture,” he added.

“Suitable ground and facilities to run at the time of year are essential, as well as location, restrictions on the venue’s availability, terrain etc. The application process is an important step in ensuring we find suitable venues to run at this time of year.

“This is a high priority for the BE fixtures team.”

Don’t miss Harry Meade’s thoughts on the loss of Belton in this week’s edition of H&H magazine, out today, 23 May.

Organisers ‘devastated’ at news Belton Horse Trials has run for the last time

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:27:25 +0000

The organiser of Belton Horse Trials said the news the event has run for the final time is “absolutely devastating” for the sport.

Property owner the National Trust announced today (30 April) that the March fixture will no longer be hosted at Belton House, as “the growth in scale of the event is unfortunately now at odds with the conservation management of the Grade I-listed parkland we care for”.

Stuart Buntine, of Bede Events which has run Belton for the past 15 years, told H&H he knew nothing of the decision until yesterday.

“It came completely out of the blue, we had absolutely no prior knowledge,” he said.

“I had a meeting with them yesterday, after this year’s event, and was told about it then. After 40 years of horse trials there; it was a real shock.

“It’s devastating, and absolutely devastating for the sport.”

Mr Buntine described Belton as “probably one of the most critical venues for the sport”, adding that for the past few years, when adverse weather conditions have hit other fixtures, Belton has always gone ahead.

“We’ve always provided the staging post for Badminton,” he added. “It’s absolutely critical for the sport that we find a replacement.

“There’s other venues out there and I’m sure there are opportunities. We’re very much on the look-out as it’s an established event with a huge following.”

The National Trust’s Ian Cooper, Belton House general manager, said: “We recognise the significance of the horse trials and their place in Belton’s recent history, and have therefore not come to this decision lightly.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Mitsubishi Motors calls time on Badminton sponsorship

The company will no longer be the title sponsor after 2019

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I can’t wait’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Belton

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“The core purpose of the National Trust is to protect this historic place for future generations, and we must honour that commitment.”

The trust added that the growth in size and scale of the event was having a “cumulative impact on the conservation of the historic parkland”, including damage to earthworks and buried archaeology, soil compaction, and detrimental effects to trees and their roots.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

David Britnell’s Badminton first-timer blog: ‘It’s a demolition derby out there!’

David Britnell — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 09:55:19 +0000

Last weekend I completed my 10th CCI-S4* (was CIC3*) at a beautiful, sunny Belton International. On reflection, I see the event rather as a road tune on a sports car as opposed to tuning the car on a dyno in a controlled environment. In other words, the improved way of going I have recently come to expect of Continuity (partly as a result of lessons with Richard Waygood) could only really be tested in the heat of competition. My horse may be 15, but we are still finding ways to gain more sit and expression from his long hind-legs. The trick, of course, is to peak in the arena, and not in the warm-up…

Unfortunately our dressage test on Saturday lacked our usual flow and relaxation. This is understandable as I was asking for more engagement which created a shorter and tighter frame in places (I must remember Carl Hester’s micro-gives), which resulted a bucked flying-change and a huge loss of balance in the medium trot. After that, I was then so concerned that ‘Brad’ might have hurt himself that I forgot to halt at A — the two resulting penalty mark deductions from both judges for an error of course were expensive!

Brad and I with Richard Waygood (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Usually I feel like I have time during the test so I can really plan the next movement and enjoy it. However, this time I felt flustered and therefore not in the zone. I very rarely feel like this and since I know the cause, I can get back in our own bubble of concentration next time.

Our mark of 37.5 left us in 53th place out of 99 starters after the second day.

Badminton final scores

Pre-showjumping (Image credit: creditUnknown)

After debriefing with mum and Kylie Roddy (my mentor since Pony Club days), I went to look at the cross-country for Sunday’s adrenaline fuelled trip. Following the same direction as 2017 when we ran in the advanced, the combinations were very different and required a lot of respect. I remembered mum’s words in 2017: “It’s a demolition derby out there!” and laughed when she said the same as we listened to the commentators the next day.

Fence 5AB was the one I walked the most until I made up my mind to jump the table on the right and put a curve in to reach the influential corner on six strides.

Warming up for the cross-country (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Our showjumping course walk at 9.30am on Sunday revealed an up-to-height but fair track with really good distances and the very best ground. With our improved canter now able to stay at 12ft the whole way round a course without becoming fragile, I no longer need to push to get to the fences as all the distances come up easily. Unfortunately my brain has not caught up with the new state of affairs yet so the five strides to the double came up too quickly. Then after the treble, instead of just taking a breath and letting my canter get me to fence 10, I pushed like I used to and jumped off six strides, not seven, so we rubbed the pole with a flat jump. Brad was great though!

Warming up for the cross-country (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Re-walking the cross-country while the advanced was running helped to show up issues and what was riding well. There was quite a crowd around fence five! Fence 5B was catching people out on five and six strides. The B element was a thin sliver of a table made into a corner with a time wasting alternative. It seemed like every other horse was glancing off on the straight five stride route so it made me very much hold to my initial plan.

With a bootlace attaching my neckstrap (I have chosen to give Brad the freedom to run without a breastplate this season, but a new FEI rule requires the neckstrap to be attached to something somehow), I went out to “ATTAAAAAACK” (mum’s start box war cry to me since I started riding!) on the course. After a great start, Brad was super responsive as usual at fence 5AB so we aced it, the only casualty was the flag (the jump judges there got quite a physical work out and two sets of 15 penalties were given for an incomplete jump to others.) Fence 6ABC, some brush skinnies, felt like we were on train tracks (pictured top), then I caught my stirrup on the edge of the tight owl hole at fence eight. Erk! Brad cautiously avoided the sheep and hurdles at nine, the angled brush, and held his line beautifully where others had spooked. The treasure chests at 12AB had a real roller coaster feeling taking me back to my mountain biking days!

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

NEW David Britnell’s Badminton first-timer blog: I am incredibly excited

Meet our 2019 Badminton first-timer blogger

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

We came in ‘hot’ to the bounce into the water but as Brad is always so good to my voice, I was able to let him use his head and neck really well there. We angled the gate at 14 then rail ditch rail 15ABC felt just like canter poles at home. Fence 20 looked very much like the 90 degree corners of silver birch at Badminton with a sunken road thrown in for fun (see video). Some had tried to bounce it but Brad read it well.

Walking back after the cross-country (Image credit: creditUnknown)

We came home with just 2.8 time-faults, a massive grin on both our faces and I was very pleased with his fitness and recovery. You always want to finish with a rosette but 26th (from 116 starters) at Belton 2019 was a terrific stepping stone to Badminton!

David

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

‘I can’t wait’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Belton

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:53:24 +0000

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift are to be reunited in public for the first time since Jonty’s fall, at Belton International Horse Trials next month.

On Saturday, 30 March, Jonty and “Art” will return to the Lincolnshire event’s main arena, where they won the CIC3* Lycetts Grantham Cup last year.

Jonty, who jumped cross-country fences on Art last weekend for the first time since he fell at Tattersalls last June, said he “can’t wait”.

“Apart from anything else, Art loves a crowd; I want him to see people,” he told H&H.

“I’ve ridden horses who react to the crowd, and not in a good way, but he loves them; he’s better when people are watching.”

Stuart Buntine, managing director of Belton organiser Bede Events, ran a fundraiser for Jonty’s treatment at Osberton International Horse Trials, which the team also runs, last year.

“Stuart and his team have been absolutely amazing,” Jonty said. “What they did for me at Osberton was enormous.”

Jonty had recovered enough from the injury he sustained last June to attend the Osberton fundraiser, An EQuestion of Sport, which raised over £10,000 for his rehabilitation. Jonty now raises money for the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

Article continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Carl Hester announces Olympic ride’s competition comeback

‘He is feeling really good — hot as hell — and I’m really looking forward to competing him’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“Jonty is a true legend and we are delighted that he has made such a remarkable recovery,” Stuart said. “We are looking forward to seeing him back at Belton.

“Eventing is a thrilling, but dangerous sport. We aim is to ensure we have provision set up for when accidents such as Jonty’s occur.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s edition (28 February) you will find our show directory special part one, with a free British Showjumping ticket to ride, an interview with eventer Tom Jackson and details of Hannah Francis’s legacy.

Mary King takes on ‘new ride’ Hovis at Belton Horse Trials

Lucy Elder — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 17:08:33 +0000

H&H’s star equine blogger Hovis has claimed his spot as the latest hero on the eventing scene.

Large crowds gathered to watch Mary King ride the part-bred Clydesdale in demonstrations at Belton Horse Trials on Saturday (14 April).

Hovis, who was groomed to perfection with gleaming white feathers, looked to be thriving on the atmosphere and relished being at the centre of attention as he showed off to the crowds.

Hovis, whose Friday diaries feature on the Horse & Hound website, was there to raise awareness and funds for Lincolnshire-based welfare charity Bransby Horses.

Mary beamed as she took her “new ride” for a trot, before showcasing a few dressage moves in the CIC3* arena.

Bransby Horses is the chosen charity for 2018! We are joined by Hovis and Bransby Shetlands Summer and Aero.Posted by Bransby Horses – Rescue and Welfare on Saturday, April 14, 2018

The eventing legend returned for a second ride that afternoon, by which time Hovis was feeling even more sprightly — eyeing up the inviting logs used for the inter-hunt relay and putting in a couple of cheeky bucks.

“He was so happy and felt like he was really enjoying himself,” Mary told H&H. “He seemed used to crowds and enjoyed showing off a bit.

“He felt slightly different to a fit event horse, but he was a nice, good solid feel — it is all for a brilliant cause and I hope it makes people aware of the work Bransby does.”

Hovis met with established members of the “Hovite Army” — his dedicated fanbase — and made plenty of new friends, including catching selfies with Lycetts Grantham Cup winner Jonty Evans, Mark Todd and British eventing performance coach Chris Bartle.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Unknown)

Hovis’ Friday diary: tomorrow is D-day — don’t miss me

Hovis has got his big day tomorrow and he would love for you all to be there

(Image credit: Unknown)

Hovis’ Friday diary: how is this my life? I have a crater in my foot filled with pink foam

Hovis is looking forward to meeting someone special

(Image credit: Unknown)

First big win for Jonty and the ‘people’s horse’

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift took their first international win in the feature class at Belton Horse Trials, the

“That was a dream come true,” said Hovis’s “mother” Karen after Mary had dismounted and given him a pat.

“When I started doing this I could never imagine a world — having joked about it for eight years — where a top eventer like Mary would ride Hovis.

“As much as it has been fun, the whole purpose of this is to raise much-needed funds for a Lincolnshire-based charity that is right on the front line of the equine welfare crisis.

“While we joke about him, the money we raise is going to help so many horses and ponies in need.”

A photo posted by on

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

World bronze medallist put down at Belton: ‘He was a gentleman; everybody loved him’

Pippa Roome — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 19:55:22 +0000

Grass Valley, the four-star event horse ridden by Mark Todd and subsequently by his Brazilian pupil Gabriel Cury, was put down today (Sunday 17 April) after an accident at Belton Horse Trials.

The 16-year-old bay gelding was contesting the feature class, the Lycetts Grantham Cup CIC3*, with Gabriel when he broke his fetlock at the solid corner that followed a big table at the Ringrose Turn (fence 7ab).

“He may not have been the best event horse in the world, but he was an absolute gentleman and everybody who knew him loved him,” said Mark.

“He had a very special relationship with Gabriel and they achieved a lot in a short time together.”

Gabriel and Grass Valley would have been expected to be on the home team at the Rio Olympics this summer. Mark is the Brazilian team trainer.

Grass Valley, by Legal Pressure, started his British Eventing career with Eric Smiley. Jules Cournane (née Stiller) then took over in 2007, with Alberto Giugni riding him in a few events later that year. Jules was back in the saddle in 2008, taking the horse up to three-star level.

Continued below…

More recent eventing news:

Eventing superstar Avebury retires from the sport

Clifton Promise to be retired at Badminton

Tokyo 2020 Olympic eventing course designer revealed

Mark Todd started competing Grass Valley in 2008, winning an advanced at Belton and finishing fifth in the CCI2* at Tattersalls and eighth in the CIC3* at Blair. The following year the pair were on the New Zealand team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, claiming 11th individually and collecting a team bronze medal.

In 2012 Grass Valley was seventh in the hot CCI3* at Saumur and sixth in the CIC3* at Waregem.

Gabriel first rode the horse in 2013, starting at novice and progressing fast to take fifth in the under-25 CCI3* at Bramham in 2014. In 2015 they jumped clear round Badminton to take 39th place, a remarkable achievement for a rider whose first FEI eventing competition was less than two years previously.

Polly Phillipps Memorial moves to Belton Horse Trials

Rachael Turner — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:21:15 +0000

A competition held in memory of a top eventer who died while competing in 1999 will now be held at Belton Horse Trials.

The Polly Phillipps Memorial, previously run at Eglinton Horse Trials, will be part of the Grantham Cup at this year’s Belton Horse Trials (17-19 April).

The prize will be awarded to the highest placed British rider who has not been part of a senior championship team. The winning rider will receive a silver trophy, £500, a sash and rosette, and a framed photograph of the presentation.

“The Polly Phillipps Memorial has been superbly hosted by the Hon Heather Galbraith and her team — she has done a fantastic job over the last 15 years,” said Vere Phillipps, Polly’s former husband.

“We are delighted that Stuart and Anna Buntine have now welcomed the competition within the prestigious Belton Horse Trials for the foreseeable future.”

Polly Phillipps was killed in a fall at the Scottish Open Championships in August 1999.

The eventer had been placed at Badminton and Burghley and been part of the British team at the European and world championships.

“Polly loved Belton, it was one of her favourite events,” continued Vere.

“The memorial is exciting for people who haven’t had a chance to get on a team yet — everyone gets to have a go and that’s what it’s all about.

“We don’t want it just to be won by the top riders of the day.”

Vere has won the competition twice on Polly’s former horse Coral Cove. He claimed the prize in its first year in 2000 and again in 2003, the same year he retired from eventing.

There have been several other notable winners including Oliver Townend, Michael Owen and Clea Phillipps (Vere’s wife).

“We make it a big thing on our calendar,” added Vere.

“It is a competition within a competition and should make an exciting event.”

Belton Horse Trials in partnership with National Trust

Nicola Nelson — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 10:00:42 +0000

Belton Horse Trials (4-6 April) has teamed up with the National Trust to allow visitors to enjoy the competition as well as the attractions of Belton House.

As well as the horse trials there will be an inter-hunt relay, unaffiliated dressage, Pony Club mounted games and a stallion parade. Non-equine activities will also be on offer, including a classic car display, a dog show and access to the National Trust mansion and gardens.

“The Belton Horse Trials has, over the years, built a reputation, not just for the challenge of the course, the quality of the entry and its international reach, but as an event which has something to appeal to everyone whether from town or country,” said Alec Gordon, National Trust general manager.

More information and tickets can be found at www.belton-horse.co.uk

Gaby Cooke’s blog: saying goodbye to Sir Roscoe leaves a huge hole

Horse & Hound — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:44:54 +0000

As many of you will know, we have had an awful week, to put it mildly. My beloved top horse Sir Roscoe sustained a freak injury at Belton during his final “prep” run before the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials which ended in him being put down.

I’m not going to bore you all with the depressing details which have already been published, but after showing the vets the boots we can pretty much 100% confirm that the overreach into the back of the tendon was the cause, especially as the severity of this injury is hardly ever seen in eventing.

Looking at the positives, he did a very sweet dressage test – he was so calm and listening that I didn’t put any pressure on him whatsoever during the test as a reward for being such a good boy. Lots of little pats and whither scratches!

Showjumping was by far our best ever round, I was trying my new bit and it was wonderful! I was finally able to ride him properly to a fence. He had also jumped his record height for him of 1.30m at home the night before in his old bit.

It wasn’t just the change in bridle. I have been working very hard with Equifeast, who took Roscoe into their blood trials last autumn to try and understand more about how calcium and magnesium can change horse’s behavior and performance. Although, as always, Roscoe didn’t follow the book, we had had a breakthough on Monday when Malcom Green of Equifeast had a brainwave and altered the percentages within the product especially for Roscoe. By the weekend Roscoe had made the improvement in his behavior that we were after.

Badminton final scores

As for the cross-country, all I wish to remember is that the plain fences weren’t big enough and the combinations were like gridwork to him. He really had endless power.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

As gutting as it is to see your dreams shattered for the next few years, it really isn’t about that at all. That isn’t how I see my horses or how I run my yard, it’s losing a friend, which is heartbreaking. Although obviously his talents didn’t take him as far as talking back to us, I still knew all his quirks and problems and issues, when to leave him alone and when to get down with him in the stable for a cuddle (pictured left at Blair 2010).

I had such a special relationship with him. Every little face over the stable doors is a special one, but Roscoe’s was particularly bright. The whole yard used to revolve around him and his odd routines and habits. Everyone has or will have a tragic story to tell, whether you’re a competitive rider or not. I can only hope that there is someone out there that might in the future at least consider sending me their lovely horse, whether it’s a top ride or a baby.

Roscoe has certainly left a huge hole. It goes without saying how many tears have been shed, but at the same time I’m completely at peace about it. What happened at Belton was beyond anyone’s control or judgment, but he never suffered and I was with him the whole way through to say my final goodbyes and thank yous, which he thoroughly deserved.

Off to Burnham Market

Onwards and upwards. Monday morning came round and there’s only one thing to do and that’s to get your head down and work harder, try harder and look into the future.

So we set off down to the farm to pick up two rather moose-like four-year-olds, who are both to produce and sell to fund my current rides. The length of the cat hairs and feathers was quite something! They are complete chalk and cheese, but I’m really looking forward to getting them de-haired and ridden again. Hopefully it won’t be too long as they were pretty straightforward last year. Famous last words…

Anyway we’re off to Burnham Market tomorrow with Liberty Rock (“Bertie”) and Saunders Lady (“Poppet”) to have another run in a novice. I’m starting to get rather concerned if I’m going to remember any of the courses, let alone my dressage test. My head still isn’t quite back on straight, hopefully the emotional hangover will lift soon. On that note I’d better go and see which test it is…

Before I go I would like to say thank you to everyone out there who has sent me messages, you wouldn’t believe how much it means. I have literally been amazed at the response and the lovely uplifting things said. It’s so wonderful how the horsey community all pull together and offer support during such a sad time.

For everyone out there who has sent messages and I don’t personally know, if we’re ever at the same place at the same time tap me on the shoulder and say hi, I’d love to be able to thank you personally.

In the meantime, I’m going to print off and keep every message and make up a little scrapbook with them and Roscoe’s funniest and best photos. It looks like my boyfriend Jeremy’s Afghanistan parcels will be going on hold while I do that. Although there is a big “Easter parcel” sitting in Bastion and no doubt probably melting, waiting to be flown up to where he is.

Gaby

Gaby has now joined H&H’s regular team of bloggers so will be keeping up her weekly diary.

Read all Gaby’s diaries

Gaby Cooke’s website

Gaby Cooke’s top horse Sir Roscoe put down after injury at Belton

Pippa Roome — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:16:47 +0000

Young event rider Gaby Cooke’s top horse Sir Roscoe was put down after being injured at Belton Horse Trials yesterday.

Gaby, who was writing a diary for H&H in the build-up to her first Badminton Horse Trials, said the tricky chestnut jumped his best ever showjumping round before setting out on the CIC*** cross-country.

“He had been foot perfect the whole way until we got to the coffin,” said Gaby, 21. “We landed and the next minute he was on three legs – I knew it was pretty serious.

“When I took the boot off it was evident what had happened [a tendon injury]. He had regular scans and they have always been 100% clean – just last week the vet was saying what a tough, sound horse he was.”

Sir Roscoe was taken to Oakham Veterinary Hospital where the decision was taken to have him put down.

Badminton final scores

“It was pretty severe and he might have been able to go in the field and have the odd plod, but that would never have been Roscoe,” said Gaby.

When she examined Sir Roscoe’s boots, Gaby discovered a massive impact at the site of the injury, strongly suggesting that the horse overreached into the back of his leg, causing the injury. There was grit embedded in the front of the boot, so he probably also stumbled on landing.

Gaby had been eventing the 13-year-old Sir Roscoe since buying him through Gary Parsonage in 2007. The pair were second in the CCI*** at Blair Castle in 2010 and started at Burghley last year, lying 13th after dressage before pulling up across country as the horse was not well. They were due to contest their first Badminton in May.

“I owe Roscoe an awful lot,” said Gaby. “I’ll probably never have another horse as tricky as him, but I’ve learnt to get one horse to the top level and hopefully the next one will be easier. He was a very special boy.”

Although Gaby was initially asked to blog for Horse & Hound as part of our Badminton build-up, we have now invited her to join our regular team of Horse & Hound online bloggers, so she will be continuing with her weekly diaries.

Read Gaby’s diaries from this spring

If your horse got injured whilst eventing, would you be insured? For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

Bede Events signs Nomad Direct as an associate sponsor of its horse trials

Charlotte White — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:13:11 +0000

The company behind Belton Horse Trials and the Grantham Cup, Bede Events, has joined forces with Nomad Direct, official UK distributor of Nomad, the world’s first cordless portable washer.

Nomad Direct has signed up as an associate sponsor of all Bede’s events — Belton, Oasby, Hopetoun, Shelford and Osberton International Three Day Event.

Nomad will provide horse washing facilties at Belton Horse Trials (1 -3 April), which will host a very competitive field, including multiple Olympic Gold medallist Mark Todd, Zara Phillips and Badminton 2010 winner Paul Tapner.

Nomad Direct sales director Gary Rands said: “This development puts us at the heart of the top flight of equestrianism in the UK continuing our promotion in this field from last year.

“We have seen support for the Nomad in every equestrian sector build over the last few months and we believe that the events managed by Bede are an excellent fit with our strategic aims.”

And Stuart Buntine, from Bede Events said: “We welcome Nomad as an associate sponsor throughout the season, their support is greatly appreciated and will assist in the continue development of these events. We are really pleased to be able to support such an innovative idea that will be of great benefit to all riders in the sport.”

Mark Phillips is new course designer at Belton Horse Trials

Pippa Roome — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:52:11 +0000

Mark Phillips (pictured) is taking over responsibility for the advanced tracks at Belton Horse Trials (1-3 April 2011) from 2012 Olympic course-designer Sue Benson.

“Sue has been a huge help establishing the event at top level — over the past five years she has made some significant changes that have greatly improved the course,” said organiser Stuart Buntine.

H&H columnist, Burghley course-designer and American team trainer Mark plans to make his first visit to Belton in the next couple of weeks to formulate some new ideas.

Mark rode regularly at the event during his competitive career, but due to his other commitments abroad, this will be his first visit for several years.

In another interesting development for the Lincolnshire event, Germany’s Rüdiger Schwarz will be the FEI technical delegate in 2011. Rüdiger was the designer of the acclaimed course for the 2006 World Equestrian Games at Aachen.

Other work is also underway at Belton — organisers have been working closely with the National Trust and Natural England to further improve the park, a long-term project which they expect to pay dividends over the next few years.

Belton potentially holds a key pre-Badminton date — next year it is three weeks before the Gloucestershire four-star — but the organising team have some work to do in getting riders back on-side.

Riders criticised the course at Belton last year when Ian Olding died in a cross-country fall and this year the ground and the strict substitution policy came under fire, although the track was better received.

Belton inquest calls for better BE rider representatives

Charlotte White — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:51:50 +0000

British Eventing (BE) must improve the rider representatives system following the death of Ian Olding, at Belton Horse Trials in April 2009, a coroner has requested.

The 47-year-old Northern Irish rider died of extensive skull fractures and brain trauma after his horse somersaulted at fence 13a on the advanced course, landing on Mr Olding’s head and chest.

An inquest into his death took place at Grantham on Thursday 22 April.

Belton course-designer Sue Benson and the horse trials team did everything in accordance with BE regulations, acknowledged Lincolnshire coroner Stuart Fisher.

But he recommended changes based on a report by health and safety officers at Kesteven District Council, who questioned riders who had jumped the fence before Mr Olding.

“I am concerned that young and less-experienced riders felt a reluctance to report concerns about the course to their rider reps, for fear of seeming foolish or being thought a troublemaker,” said Dr Fisher.

The coroner was concerned that only two fences on the Belton course were fitted with frangible pins designed to break on impact.

He asked BE to increase the types of jumps which can be made breakable.

National eventing safety officer Jonathan Clissold said BE is field-testing a new type of frangible pin fitting this season and creating a collapsible jump with Bristol University.

The coroner’s final request was that BE controls the use of model animals and mannequins as fence dressing.

In a statement to Kesteven DC, Mrs Benson vowed not to use figurines again.

The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.

Mrs Benson told H&H: “I can’t imagine I will ever be able to put [Ian’s death] behind me, but I am relieved to have the ends tied up.”

For the full article, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (29 April, ’10)

Alex Hua Tian’s diary: Belton’s done, it’s Badminton hermit-time

Horse & Hound — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:24:12 +0000

As you may have noticed, I struggle to find the discipline to sit down and write a weekly blog- at Badminton it will be every day, but I guess it is a really special occasion!

A week today Team China will have set up camp, done the trot up and finished one dressage test.

Both Jeans and Maggie have been for a jump lesson with Cinda and both jumped superbly. Cinda gave me a pep talk afterwards and we have all decided that I am going to be a hermit for the whole of Badminton week.

I am quite easily distracted or side-tracked, so we have decided that full-on concentration is the name of the game. So no Saturday night partying for me!

I have had a sneaky peak at the course pre-view on the website and I definitely think that the Colt Pond will sort the men from the boys. Apart from that it seems to be a good traditional Badminton course, but we have yet to see.

A trip to Belton

Last weekend we made a trip up to Grantham to Belton Horse Trials. The plan was always to run Maggie in the three-star but with the last minute decision to run Jeans, we took him with us on the off-chance someone might pull out at the last minute.

Unfortunately the ‘powers-that-be’ decided there were to be no substitutions whatsoever. Even though there were several withdrawals before dressage, I was still not able to enter Jeans.

As riders we are expected to enter weeks before a competition. However, as everyone involved in horses knows, nothing ever goes 100% according to plan. So I think it is a shame when there is no flexibility.

Every other event I have been at, organisers have gone out of their way to help competitors out. No one expects to get special treatment, but it was a shame for everyone, as in the end there were a lot of empty slots that could easily have been taken.

Anyway, Maggie did a nice enough test for 51 penalties and a clear showjumping, but with the ground very much on the firm side we decided not to go cross-country. So all in all a rather unproductive weekend.

With two of my advanced horses due to rest for 6 weeks after Badminton and only Fiddle to work and compete, I have been putting some thought into how to build up my yard.

It has just been drawn to my attention that I have a unique opportunity to enter several young horses in the Le Lion Young Horse Championships this year, so the search is on for horses and owners. Watch this space!

As mentioned last week, I have been invited to promote World Horse Welfare (ex-ILPH and Badminton’s appointed charity) in their campaign ‘Hands on Against Cruelty’. They have produced a fabulous T-shirt to raise funds for the brilliant work they do. Do visit their stand at Badminton and buy one. It is a really good cause.

Alex Hua Tian’s website

Event riders urged to speak up after Ian Olding’s accident

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:57:06 +0000

Event riders are calling for true striding at combination fences and a clearer system of rider reps following the death of Ian Olding at Belton Horse Trials last month.

Experienced and popular rider Ian, 47, died on Sunday, 26 April when his horse somersaulted at the table element (pictured right) of a combination fence halfway round the Lincolnshire course (news, 30 April).

The combination was made up of an angled pheasant feeder (12), followed by two long or three short strides to a table (13a) then another two long strides to another angled pheasant feeder (13b), in front of which were two lifelike wooden figurines.

J-P Sheffield was the last rider to go across country before Ian’s accident and said they had discussed the fence in the collecting ring.

“It wasn’t a big enough fence for people to complain, but they were worried,” he said. “I kicked up a fuss about distances at Weston Park last year. It only takes one person to fall.”

In the weeks since the accident, the eventing world has been awash with discussion about the jump and whether the “complaints system” for riders at events is working. BE has a system of unpaid “rider reps”, who liaise between riders and event officials.

A letter written anonymously to H&H, copied to British Eventing (BE), stated: “The distance between the first two elements of this fence was a worry to every rider I spoke to”, and accused the designer, Sue Benson, of either making a mistake or trying to make the fence “more tricky”. The writer said no riders had officially complained because “the BE establishment does not look kindly on competitors who question their judgement”.

Belton rider representatives Caroline Powell and Jeanette Brakewell told H&H they believe the system does work, but that it could be improved.

“A lot of people don’t speak out, because if they do, and the course then rides fine, they will look stupid — but I think this will change from now on,” said Jeanette.

“So many people feel bad about not having spoken out about that fence. I feel bad, Ian was a good mate.”

Read this story in full, including Mark Todd‘s thoughts about the fence, in the current issue of Horse & Hound (21 May, ’09)

Ian Olding memorial service and party to be held in Cheshire

Pippa Roome — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:42:48 +0000

A memorial service and celebration for Ian Olding (pictured), who was killed in a fall at Belton Horse Trials, will be held at Somerford Park, Cheshire, on Wednesday 3 June.

The service will be in the chapel from 6pm, followed by a party to celebrate Ian’s life, also at Somerford Park (7.30pm for 8pm), which is where Ian was based.

There will be a public bar, entertainment and catering and attendees will be asked for a minimum £10 contribution to costs. Any extra funds raised will be donated to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

If you wish to attend, please email either debbie@somerfordpark.co.uk or chris.shaw@britisheventing.co.uk stating the number of people in your party.

In addition, those who wish to stay overnight in their lorries may do so, but only by prior arrangement with Somerford Park as space will be limited.

Further details (including directions) will appear on the Somerford Park website (www.somerfordpark.co.uk), the British Eventing website (www.britisheventing.com) and the Eventing Ireland website (www.eventingireland.com).

Ian Olding rememberance service in Belfast, on Friday 8 May

Pippa Roome — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:48:13 +0000

Event rider Ian Olding, who was killed in a fall at Belton Horse Trials last Sunday, will be remembered in a service held at Roselawn Crematorium, Ballygowen Road, Belfast at 11.30am on Friday 8 May. Friends are most welcome to attend.

Ian (pictured eventing earlier this year) was originally from Northern Ireland, although he had been based at Somerford Park Farm in Cheshire for four years.

Ian’s mother Jess, father Fred and brother Gary, would like to thank Ian’s fellow riders and friends for all the kind words, tributes and cards sent in memory of Ian.

Family flowers only or donations to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

Ian Olding’s death at Belton Horse Trials: investigation launched

Charlotte White — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:34:28 +0000

British Eventing is cooperating with Lincolnshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the death of 47-year-old rider Ian Olding at Belton Park International Horse Trials on Sunday (26 April).

Mr Olding, an experienced event rider and his 12-year-old horse Gran-Kiki (“Alfie”) suffered a rotational (somersault) fall at the table element (pictured) of a combination about halfway around an advanced section at the Lincolnshire course.

Alfie was uninjured and has gone to co-owner Sue Kirkpatrick.

The course was designed by Sue Benson, who will create the cross-country course for the 2012 London Olympics.

She told H&H: “We have used this fence combination for two years now, although it was sited elsewhere on the course.

“We had not a single deputation to the rider’s representative or other officials [about the fence] before Ian’s accident.”

Mr Olding’s death is the first at Belton and Mrs Benson said she was “saddened beyond words” by it.

Event rider Ian Olding killed at Belton Horse Trials

Pippa Roome — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:44:21 +0000

Event rider Ian Olding was killed in a fall at Belton Horse Trials yesterday.

The accident happened in the morning at a narrow table, the middle element of a three-part combination. Riders jumped an angled pheasant feeder on a related distance to the table, then another related distance to a second angled pheasant feeder (fences 12 and 13ab on the advanced course).

Professional rider Ian, 47, was from Ireland, but based in Sandbach, Cheshire. He was riding his own and Sue Kirkpatrick’s Gran-Kiki, a 12-year-old with whom he completed the Tattersalls world cup qualifier, Thirlestane CIC*** and Boekelo CCI*** last year.

The event continued after a delay of about two hours, with fences 12 and 13ab taken out of the course, although a number of riders withdrew. An investigation into the accident is underway.

British Eventing chairman Alex Fox said: “Our sympathies on this sad day are with Ian’s family. Ian was a well-known and much respected rider, who has been competing for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Belton Park Horse Trials results, 11-13 April

Horse & Hound — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:21:41 +0000

BELTON PARK, Lincs, 11-13 April

The Grantham Cup CIC*** (sec S). — 1, Inonothing (P Tapner) 52.5,1,12.4=65.9; 2, Imperial Cavalier (M King) 45,8,13.2,0=66.2; 3, Sir Roselier (J Tew) 45.3,4,17.6=66.9. adv (sec M). — 1, Cermont (M Wright) 28.8,0,23.2=52; 2, Estrada (P Stockton) 39.8,0,20.4=60.2; 3, Pocket Rocket III (A O’Connor) 34.4,0,26.4=60.8. (sec O). — 1, Mr Dumbledore (R Edge) 27.3,5,11.6=43.9; 2, Epic (A Nicholson) 30.4,0,20.8=51.2; 3, Black Andy (J Meyer) 40.8,0,13.2=54. (sec P). — 1, Macchiato (W Fox-Pitt) 30,0,20.4=50.4; 2, Golden Hue (O Townend) 26.5,8,18=52.5; 3, Armada (A Nicholson) 37.5,4,14=55.5. (sec Q). — 1, Coup De Coeur (O Townend) 26.3,0,6.4=32.7; 2, If You Want II (M Wright) 24.2,0,16.4=40.6; 3, The Biz (H Woodhead) 27.1,0,16=43.1. (sec R). — 1, Beckli (L Wiegersma) 32.9,0,20.4=53.3; 2, Nereo (A Nicholson) 32.3,0,21.2=53.5; 3, Special Attorney (D Jocelyn) 33.1,0,24=57.1. under-25 adv (sec N). — 1, Crown Alliance (E Galbraith) 38.5,0,8.4=46.9; 2, Society Spice (E Llewellyn) 39,0,15.2=54.2; 3, Sunny Boy (P Sims) 39.6,4,16.4=60. OI (sec K). — 1, Master Boy (J Murphy) 31.4,0,0.8=32.2; 2, Take It 2 The Limit (J Brakewell) 23.3,8,1.6=32.9; 3, Hugginstown (M Wright) 28.6,0,6.4=35. (sec L). — 1, Lemington Lets Dance (P French) 34.3,0,1.2=35.5; 2, Desert Island (L Lockwood) 35.7,0,4.4=40.1; 3, Stricktly Private (E Galbraith) 37.6,0,4=41.6. under-21 OI (sec G). — 1, Neelix (W Newton) 23.6,4,0=27.6; 2, Northcroft Frontier (G Cooke) 34.8,0,0=34.8; 3, Romario II (A Henderson) 36,0,1.6=37.6. int (sec H). — 1, Burnt Cohiba (H Wilson) 21.4,0,7.2=28.6; 2, Fernhill O Dea (G Parsonage) 28.1,0,0.8=28.9; 3, ODT Kings Jasper (O Townend0 26.7,0,4.4=31.1. (sec I). — 1, Newton De La Love (A Heffernan) 25.7,0,2=27.7; 2, September Bliss (E Power) 22.9,0,9.2=32.1; 3, The Light Fandango (T Clapham) 25.2,0,8.4=33.6. (sec J). — 1, DHI Topper W (H Woodhead) 31.9,0,2.4=34.3; 2, Lebowski (B Sturgis) 35.2,0,0.8=36; 3, Tatort (S York) 34.3,4,5.2=43.5. nov (sec A). — 1, Fernhill Express (M Wright) 26.7,0,0=26.7; 2, ODT Penguin Ice (O Townend) 30,0,0=30; 3, Dutch Double Take (S Pemble) 28.6,0,1.6=30.2. (sec B). — 1, Drive Thru (J-P Sheffield) 29.1,0,0=29.1; 2, Cullen Diamond (G Parsonage) 30.5,0,1.2=31.7; 3, Shanaclough Haity (P French) 33.3,0,0=33.3. (sec C). — 1, Baydale Kinross (N McDonnell) 20.5,0,2=22.5; 2, Beresford Lad (A Postolowsky) 25.2,0,0=25.2; 3, Limestone Carlo (E Rowles Nicholson) 25.7,0,0=25.7. (sec D). — 1, Labowski (J Ross-Millar) 25.2,0,0.8=26; 2, It’s A Jackpot (A Smales) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 3, Devils Advocate III (E Lochore) 34.3,0,0=34.3. (sec E). — 1, ODT Polar Run (O Townend) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, DHI Vitesse (B Staples) 23.8,0,2.8=26.6; 3, Carolinus (K Rueder) 28.6,0,0=28.6. JRN (sec F). — 1, The Diamond Hunter (R Crosbie-Starling) 27.1,0,0=27.1; 2, Cadenza Guardian Angel (T How) 27.1,0,0.8=27.9; 3, Sonny Early (M Edmundson) 30,0,0=30.

Belton Horse Trials

Horse & Hound — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:52:28 +0000

Vittoria Panizzon and Rock Model (pictured right) triumphed in Belton’s showcase class, the Grantham Cup, ahead of last year’s winner Ruth Edge riding Two Thyme. Cross-country leader Dominic Ruane, 22, finished third with two rails down on Hunter’s Legend.

A marathon 72-starter advanced section L saw a first advanced win for Heidi Woodhead (neé Simmons) on The Biz. She narrowly beat Rodney Powell riding Langarth Darcy into second place.

Junior European Champion Laura Collett, 17, rode Fernhill Sox to win the Horse Trials Support Group under-25 section — a first advanced outing for horse and rider — by 16.3pen. Lauren Shannon finished runner-up on Quixotic, ahead of Oliver Townend on Saxon Cross.

Read this report in full, including photos and further analysis, in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (5 April, ’07)

Eventing masterclass at Belton Horse Trials

Horse & Hound — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:12:16 +0000

Oliver Townend (pictured right) and Lucy Wiegersma are among a line-up of potential Olympic event riders hosting a masterclass at Belton Horse Trials (31 March 7:30pm).

The class will offer advice on training for dressage, show jumping and cross-country, using up-and-coming riders as guinea pigs.

Piggy French, Tristram Owers, Nick Gauntlett and Polly Jackson will be teaching alongside Townend and Wiegersma. The class, which is run in conjunction with Belton Horse Trials (31 March – 1 April), is being held in support of the Event Riders’ Association.

Tickets are available priced at £20 for adults and £17 for children under 16. Pony Club members £15. Attendees to the masterclass can also benefit from a preferential entry rate of £5 to Belton Horse Trials.

Ticket application details and further information can be found at www.hoylandevent.co.uk or by contacting Hoyland Event & Marketing Services (tel: 01777 872298) or email: info@hoylandevent.co.uk