Top SJ talent heads for Sheffield
Britain’s top riders are heading to Sheffield this week for the second British Open Show Jumping Championships at the Hallam FM Arena (15-18 April).
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural show, the event is set to attract enthusiastic crowds with entertaining displays in between international show jumping of the highest calibre.
Riders aiming to claim the British Open crown from last year’s young winner, Robert Whitaker include his father John and his uncle Michael, as well as well-known names Robert Smith, Nick Skelton and Tim Stockdale among others. The British Open will also be welcoming wild-card winners Scott Smith and Robert Maguire to the event, alongside Britain’s top 12 riders and a selection of international stars.
British show jumping’s stars of the future will also be in action in two classes designed to give young riders a taste of a top international show, while in the Home International Challenge, England’s team — captained by Tina Fletcher — will be aiming to retain the title. However, the home quartet will be up against strong Scottish, Irish and Welsh opposition. Last year, it was all down to the final riders and it could very well be the same this time.
Entertainment at this year’s show ranges from leading dog trainer Mary Ray and her dancing dogs with their magical heelwork to music, to the evergreen Metropolitan Police Activity Ride, which is giving its first public performances for 18 months at the show. Jean Francois Pignon is paying his first visit to the British Open and his magical relationship with his horses is not to be missed.
- To view the timetable of events click hereAs well as fantastic entertainment, the British Open offers top quality shopping, with the Horse & Hound stand, number D9, offering fantastic subscription offers on our three publications, Horse & Hound, Eventing and Horse. Visitors will also have the chance to win £1,000 of riding clothes from the Harry Hall and Masta range in our free-to-enter competition.Getting thereTHE Hallam FM Arena is less than two miles from Sheffield City Airport and has a supertram site linking it to Sheffield railway station, Meadowhall shopping centre and various park and ride locations. Trams run every 10min from 6am to midnight. The arena is also on several main bus routes. Car parking is available on site: £10 coach; £6 mini bus; £5 car.From the north: leave the M1 at junction 43 (signed Sheffield A6109 (Meadowhall). Take the fourth exit on the roundabout (signed Sheffield Centre). Follow signs for Sheffield Centre (A6109) for 1.5 miles, then turn left (following signs to the ring road, A6102). The arena is situated on the right.From the south: leave the M1 at junction 33. Take the first exit on the roundabout on to the A630 (Sheffield). Continue for 2.5 miles until the exit marked Ring Road (services). Follow signs for the ring road, straight over a small roundabout. Turn right at the next roundabout on to the ring road/Meadowhall (A6178).
Follow this road for two miles and the arena is on the left.TicketsReserved and unreserved (upper tier) ticket options are available on Thursday and Friday (15-16 April), but the weekend offers reserved seating only. For last minute ticket information ontact (tel: 0114 256 5656) or visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com - Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full preview, including focuses on all the British riders, in the current issue (8 April).Stay up to date with all the latest British Open action with HHO
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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.