Somerley Horse Trials (2) cancelled: organisers apologise to riders
Somerley Horse Trials’ second fixture of the season (27-28 June) has been cancelled, due to estate management issues.
A statement issued by British Eventing said: “Sadly, just after Somerley Park International [1-3 April] took place, the heritage Herdwick sheep and lambs on the estate were attacked by dogs, and some were killed; in those circumstances, the shepherd was not willing to move the flock.
“The organisers of Somerley (2) extend their apologies to competitors, many of whom had planned their first run post-Badminton, and are very disappointed that they will not be able to launch several new sponsors.”
The Hampshire event agreed to run a second fixture after Salperton, which was scheduled to run in Gloucestershire that weekend, was cancelled in March.
Suzie Cotterill from organisers Eleda Equestrian Ltd, said: “We ran a fantastic event in July 2012 at very short notice, and were really looking forward to welcoming everyone in June this year. I wish we were in a position to continue. However, the estate has confirmed its commitment to working with us for Somerley International on 30-31 March [2016] or for a second event later in the year.”
British Eventing are currently looking at options to replace classes lost from this fixture, which include a novice regional final as well as an advanced intermediate and an under-21 open intermediate. The event was also due to host standard novice and intermediate classes. The only event running classes above novice level that weekend is Hopetoun, near Edinburgh, which is hosting CICs from one- to three-star and CCIs one- and two-star.
Eventer Georgie Strang, who competed three horses at Somerley’s spring fixture, said: “It’s a real shame to hear this. I had a great time at Somerley in April – the organisers had made a huge effort with the ground, it’s a lovely event and the courses are always good there. I was planning to go back for the June event.”
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A St Andrews’ graduate, Catherine joined Horse & Hound in 2002 and stayed for 11 years in a variety of roles until she went freelance in June 2013. She rejoined the team part-time in November 2016 as hunting editor. She pretty much lives on the hunting field or at the racecourse, but also loves eventing, as a journalist, press officer and competitor. She was H&H’s sole accredited journalist at the London Olympic Games and has reported from major race meetings and eventing, showjumping and dressage championships and shows round the world, and has hunted all over Britain and Ireland.