British Open hopefuls head to Addington
Many of Britain’s most talented show jumpers will be doing battle for a coveted place at the British Open Show Jumping Championships at this week’s Addington Classic show.
This is the second consecutive year that the Buckinghamshire show centre will host a British Open qualifying class, providing the opportunity for two riders outside Britain’s top 12 to qualify for the elite indoor show, which is taking place at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield this April.
Last year it was Scott Smith and Robert Maguire who benefited from the inaugural British Open qualifier and went forward to compete for the title of British Open Champion. This year’s winners can look forward to riding against the current champion Nick Skelton, who has been invited to defend his title alongside Britain’s top names including:
- Robert Smith
- Michael Whitaker
- John Whitaker
- Robert Whitaker
- Ellen Whitaker
- Mark Armstrong
- Tim Stockdale
- Richard Davenport
- Scott Smith
- Guy Williams
- Paul Barker
This year’s qualifier will be held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre from Friday 28 January to Sunday 30 January. It will undoubtedly prove to be a fiercely fought contest as riders battle it out for a place in the British Open line up and the chance to win some of the £150,000 prize fund on offer in Sheffield.
The qualifying competition will work as a points system with one qualifying class taking place on each day of The Addington Classic. The two riders achieving the highest aggregate of points on one horse in the three qualifying competitions will be awarded the British Open places. Each of the riders will be permitted to take the horse on which they qualify, as well as two additional horses, to the Open.
For more information on The Addington Classic visit: www.addingtonmanor.co.uk or (tel: 01296 712402).
For more information about the British Open and to book tickets visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com or (tel: 0114 256 5656).
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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.