Four threatened showjumping events to go ahead at Bicton Arena

Four threatened showjumping events at Bicton Arena in Devon will go ahead this year after all.

The four events, which are organised by South West Show Jumping Club, looked set to be called off after Clinton Devon Estates which owns Bicton Arena, said it was unable to issue a license to the club as no agreement had been reached regarding “future financial and operational terms”.

But an arrangement was reached after recent talks between British Showjumping (BS) and Clinton Devon Estates.

BS’s south west regional representative, Julian Trim, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement for this season and I can confirm that all the scheduled South West Show Jumping Club events will now go ahead.”

Mr Trim will also be chairing a special committee of three people to assist with the co-ordination of events.

Bicton Arena manager Emma Vine added: “We are very pleased to have found a solution for this year that allows British Showjumping members to enjoy their scheduled shows.

“We are looking forward to the return of the British Eventing horse trials in August after a break of three years and, following our designation as an official pre-Olympic Training Centre, we are also preparing to welcome international teams and individuals in the run up to the London 2012 Games.”

Bicton Arena has received substantial investment recently — a new cross-country course with 100 jumps was finished last year, as well as two all-weather ménages, 116 stables, six grass show rings and a new facilities block.

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