Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships 2009 looks forward to 2010 with Friday evening gala night
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Organisers of the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships 2009 are planning a celebratory preview of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™ at the European Championships, when all eight FEI disciplines come to Windsor - including an exciting eventing competition!
On Friday evening (28th Aug), the timetable takes a break from Championship competition and becomes a revolutionary showcase for all the remaining FEI disciplines with the Alltech World Equestrian Games Gala Night.
For the first time ever, eventers will get the chance to ride at the famous Windsor showground, situated in the most prestigious back garden in England. Ten of the top eventers from the UK and overseas will compete in a unique Eventing Grand Prix. After completing a show jumping round, the daunting fences seen at some of the most renowned cross country courses around the world will be re-built in the Castle Arena for the riders to pit their wits against.
Clayton & Lucinda Fredericks are the first to have confirmed their participation in this unique competition. With a £10k prize pot up for grabs, eventers have the chance to soak up the competitive atmosphere of such a monumental Championship, ahead of their own European version in Fontainebleau, less than four weeks later.
The excitement continues that evening with an arena Carriage Driving competition, where teams will compete against the clock. The remaining disciplines are also being showcased, including a Quadrille choreographed by Jenny Loriston-Clarke; Para-Equestrian dressage to music; a unique take on reining and endurance and the skill and precision of a vaulting team display. Mixed in to the excitement will also be the popular Shetland Pony Grand National.
As if that wasn’t enough to ensure a packed house, the ever growing big red wall returns to Windsor just three months after William Whitaker took the glory at Royal Windsor Horse Show. The H&M Puissance will be the climax of Friday evening’s performance and will involve national and international riders.
The theme of the evening is also certain to cause a stir as Windsor turns ‘blue’ for a true Kentucky celebration! As the location of choice for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, Kentucky brings its flavour to Windsor for the week, giving visitors the chance to try out its famous Kentucky Bourbon Ale and get into the ‘swing’ of things with the bluegrass music.
Event director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “This is a hugely important time for equestrian sport. With the Alltech FEI European Championships in August and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games a year later, there is a real buzz around and we want the Europeans – and our home nation - to be the start of that. It’s the perfect time to attract national and international visitors to see equestrianism at its very best, in such an iconic venue, and I’m hoping the Friday evening spectacle will attract all the sport lovers out there.”
In a slight change to the planned timetable, the H&M Six-Bar will be held as the additional show jumping competition on Thursday evening (27th Aug), once again allowing both National and International riders the chance to take part.
32 Nations have been invited to the Championships, which will see around 150 riders competing. UK Sport has provided substantial financial support and the event has the full support of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and its member bodies (BSJA and BD).
The next landmark deadline for the Championships is 27th July, when all nominated entries are to be received.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships 2009 are priced between £7 and £49 (£7, £10, £16, £22, £25, £28, £35, £45, £49). The box office telephone numbers are 0871 230 1087 (UK) and + 44 115 993 4409 (International). For online ticket bookings and further information of the confirmed programme of events please visit www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com