Hartpury College has been signed to host the Blue Chip winter showjumping championships and the NAF Five Star winter dressage championships for the foreseeable future.
The Gloucestershire venue has housed both championships since 2008, prompting Hartpury Collge and show organisers Show Direct to sign a new long-term agreement for use of the college facilities.
“I look forward to the long-term development of both events at Hartpury Arena. This wonderful facility lends itself to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both competitors and spectators,” said Kelvin Bywater, director of Show Direct.
“The aim with both events is to provide top quality competition at all levels, with the feeling of being at an international show.”
The 2011 winter showjumping championships will run from 6-10 April and will include finals at all levels from 240 qualifiers around the country, over the winter season.
The dressage championships will follow on, from 13-17 April, and will be the culmination of the British Dressage winter and music qualifiers and the Petplan area festival championship finals. Para dressage classes will be included for the first time in 2011.
“The winter dressage championships have gone from strength to strength, which is possible thanks to the fantastic facilities at Hartpury and the team at Show Direct,” said British Dressage chairman Jennie Loriston-Clarke.
The Hartpury facilities available for both shows include the indoor main arena, outdoor arena, warm-up facilities, seating for spectators, the panoramic restaurant and permanent stabling.
“We’re delighted that Hartpury will remain the venue of choice for the winter showjumping and dressage championships,” said Hartpury equine events director, Janet Plant.
“We’re very proud that the championships wish to make such good use of the outstanding facilities we have, allowing competitors of all abilities the opportunity to compete in the very best surroundings.”
