British Open moves to Birmingham
The fifth anniversary of the British Open Show Jumping Championships will be celebrated in a new venue as the international show is moving from the Hallam Arena in Sheffield to the NEC in Birmingham.
The British Open was launched in 2003 and has quickly established itself as a favourite with riders and visitors alike. The decision to move venues follows the successful relocation of Horse of the Year Show to the NEC in 2002 by event organisers, The Grandstand Group.
Mark Wein, director of Grandstand Group explains: “The infrastructure requirements of the British Open have grown considerably during the past four years to the point where we were running out of space [in Sheffield]. We have therefore taken the decision to move the show to a larger venue.”
Plans for further expansion of the event, which debuted the popular British Open Indoor Cross Country competition at this year’s event, are high on the organisers’ list of priorities following the move.
“The move will allow us to expand from using one hall in Sheffield to three halls at the NEC. This offers us the opportunity to create a dedicated trade stand hall as well as stabling the horses in a separate hall in our backstage area. These additional facilities will greatly enhance the show to the benefit of the visitors, trade stand holders and riders alike,” continues Wein.
“I have no doubt that the British Open will be a resounding success in Birmingham and could lend itself to hosting a World Cup final in the near future.”
For more information visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com
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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.