A song for the President wins thousands of views on facebook and a place at the Bolesworth International Horse Show
Wednesday 14 June 2017
The world descends on a small corner of Cheshire this week, as equestrian and watersports competitors from as far as Australia, Hong Kong and Bahrain compete at The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show running from 14th to 18th June. Yet, one competitor quite literally sang his way into the world renowned equestrian event, serenading Founder and President of the show, Nina Barbour, on Facebook in a bid to secure a place.
The event, located 10 miles south of Chester, is fast becoming the UK’s most high profile Showjumping event. Yet, such competition is sure to bring disappointment to some perspective entrants. Showjumper, Matthew Sampson, was so determined to take up a place at the world-renowned event that he wrote and performed a song on facebook, dedicated to the President of the show, Nina Barbour, begging her for a place.
The video, which has been viewed over 80,000 times and has received thousands of likes, paid off with Nina offering Matthew Sampson a ‘wildcard’* place at the show. Matthew, who will be competing in the Showjumping over the five-day event, now sits among a vast array of exceptional competitors, with top international showjumpers, dressage riders and Olympic medallists such as Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.
Additional names that many will recognise, include Eve Jobs, daughter of Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple. Whilst Sophie Wells MBE, British para-equestrian who won three medals at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, as well as a gold at Rio 2016 Summer Paralympics, will also be competing as an able rider.
Nina Barbour comments: “Since being awarded CSI**** status, we are now drawing international attention, with exceptional competitors from all over the world vying for a place at the show. As such, competition is steep and getting a place is never guaranteed. However, Matthew’s unique approach and obvious dedication to competing really made him stand out and as such, I was delighted to be able to offer the ‘wildcard’ entry to someone who so obviously deserved to be given a chance. We are very much looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
This year welcomes an exhilarating new timetable of events, including new classes, family entertainment, a diverse range of food and drink options, shopping and much more. New for 2017, the spectacular Pro Wakeboard Tour will be visiting Bolesworth on Saturday 17th June and Sunday 18th June as part of the Bolesworth International Water Festival, running throughout the five day International Horse Show. The event will see some of the best wakeboarders in the world battle it out in a spectacular head to head style contest on a purpose-built, world class wakeboard park.
Tickets can now be purchased on the gate. If you would like to find out more simply visit www.bolesworthinternational.com or contact the Bolesworth Events Office on: 01829 307 676.
*A ‘wildcard’ is a one off place offered to competitors in exceptional circumstances who have previously not qualified for a place.
14kvaj7pl3106.jpg "Jonathan Egmore and Mollie Rose Smith are winners in the Equissage Pulse British Novice Second Rounds.")
11dtw0hmsttk0.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers get underway at Speetley Equestrian Centre")
