British Masters showjumping upgraded to international

The Charles Stanley British Masters showjumping in Chester (2-4 July) has been upgraded to a three-star international show.

Since its inception in 2008, the format has proved extremely popular and the request to upgrade the show came from the riders.

It brings the number of international showjumping competitions in Britain to six.

“This is the culmination of two years’ work between all the partners and a glowing tribute to the determination of everyone involved to deliver international showjumping to the north-west of England,” said British Showjumping’s (BS) head of communications, Maria Clayton.

“We worked out exactly what the sport needed to deliver medals in 2012 and the best ways to showcase British showjumping.”

Riders will compete for over £120,000 in prize-money and new classes include pony viewing trials, as well as six international classes — culminating in the Charles Stanley British Masters final on the Sunday.

“It is an opportunity for riders outside the top 10 or 12 in the country to compete at international level and is just what the sport needs at the moment,” said showjumper Ellen Whitaker.

Michael Mac, BS chairman of the executive board, told H&H:“We hope to get more potential sponsors on board and push for three or four more new international shows in the next few years.”

Around 1,000 horses are expected to compete over the three days in front of 20,000 spectators at the Roodee (Chester racecourse).

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (18 March, ’10)

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.