As a third surfaced arena has been created, the new national 95cm championship will be included at this year’s event, which runs at Stoneleigh Park from 4 to 9 August. This and the 1.05m and 1.25m championships, which were introduced two years ago, will run over three days including preliminary rounds and a championship or consolation final.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance the national championships experience for our members, and the addition of the additional arena has given us a fantastic opportunity to do just that,” said British Showjumping (BS) national director of sport Stephanie Toogood.
“Introducing the national 95cm championship allows us to welcome even more combinations to compete for a national title and provides another important stepping stone within our championship pathway.”
To qualify, combinations must have jumped four double clears at 90cm or above, between 1 January and 30 June this year. It is restricted to combinations who are eligible for the bronze league.
“The introduction of the national 95cm championship reflects British Showjumping’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for members at all levels of the sport, recognising the importance of grassroots competition and providing clear progression pathways for riders and horses,” a BS spokesperson said.
The teams and para championships will also run in the new arena, and the Andrews Bowen surfaces on the two existing rings has been refreshed.
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Emma Williams, event director at championship organiser Grandstand Media, said: “As organisers, we are committed to improving the national championships experience and have made significant investments in the venue’s infrastructure.
“We’re proud to have introduced a third arena, creating opportunities to expand the programme. It’s fantastic to see this investment enable British Showjumping to launch the new national 95cm championship and welcome even more riders to compete for a national title.”
More details on issues including final qualification criteria and schedules will be announced in the near future.
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
