Rising stars prepare to shine at British Open
Following almost three months of intense qualifying competitions around the country, 20 of Britain’s most talented under 23-year-old show jumpers have qualified to compete at the prestigious British Open Show Jumping Championships in Sheffield (7 – 10 April).
The British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Start & Potential British Young Riders U23 Classic gives up-and-coming riders the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of competing indoors in front of a packed house at a major international sporting event.
The riders will be competing for more than £2,000 in prize money, plus the opportunity to win training with elite riders and trainers, during the first two days of the show. The British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Start & Potential programme has offered these training opportunities as part of its ongoing commitment to develop young talent within British show jumping.
Among the future stars in action will be Sophie Broome, niece of jumping legends David Broome and Liz Edgar, and Tim Gredley, who won the inaugural British Young Riders Classic in 2003 and has also qualified to compete in the British Open international classes this year.
The full line up features:
- Lance Whitehouse, Leicestershire
- Emma Shaw, Great Haywood, Staffordshire
- Ryan Prater, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
- Sophie Broome, Gwent, South Wales
- Laura Frame, Glasgow, Lanarkshire
- Portia Howard, Norfolk
- Charlotte Platt, Haslemere, Surrey
- John Crippen, Chesham, Buckinghamshire
- Hannah Paul, St Albans, Hertfordshire
- Lauren Fitch, Southminster, Essex
- Phillipa Dobby, Ormskirk, Lancashire
- Jemma Knox, Littleborough, Lancashire
- Tim Gredley, Newmarket, Suffolk
- Thomas Knox, Littleborough, Lancashire
- Stacey Babes, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
- Enda Carroll, Whitchurch, Shropshire
- Clare Shepherd, Middleton, Manchester
- Richard Beecroft, Bicester, Oxon
- Louise Pavitt, Godalming, Surrey
- Aimee John, Cowbridge, South Glamorgan
When they are not competing, the young riders will get the chance to see some of their mentors in action as the British Open will play host to some of the very best riders in the country including John Whitaker, Tim Stockdale, Nick Skelton and Robert Smith, plus top riders from abroad including former world number one, Marcus Fuchs from Switzerland.
Tickets to the championships are still available, prices from £14.00 to £37.50 for adults, with discounts for children under 16 and OAP’s. For more information and online booking visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the Box Office (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.