The British Open Hosts new Grass Roots Pony Competition!
Friday 13 November 2009
British Open Show Jumping Championships
Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th April 2010
Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th April 2010
NEC, BIRMINGHAM
The British Open Show Jumping Championships, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th April 2010, will host an exciting new show jumping competition for new and existing members joining since the 1st January 2008 of British Showjumping (BS), and British Riding Clubs (BRC) or The Pony Club (PC). Competitors must be a member of BS and also either BRC or PC. Qualifying competitions will be held at selected BS Shows throughout the forthcoming winter season. The qualifiers will be split into three separate classes, 128cms, 138cms & 148cms, the winners from each class will form a team of three which will then be invited to compete at the BOSJC.
This new Championship class will offer each team a unique opportunity to compete at a four star international show jumping event with the format of the class to run as a Team Relay competition. Each team will be allocated their own top international show jumping rider to act as their team coach and Chef d’Equipe.
Dates & Venues for the British Showjumping, Pony Club/Riding Clubs Qualifiers
|
Venue
|
Area
|
County
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colraine E.C
|
Area 51
|
Cornwall
|
31st January 2010
|
|
Laughton Manor E.C
|
Area 24
|
Lincolnshire
|
6th February 2010
|
|
Stainsby Grange
|
Area 12A
|
County Durham
|
14th February 2010
|
|
Rowallan Activity Centre
|
|
Scotland
|
21st February 2010
|
|
Royal Leisure Centre
|
Area 46
|
East Sussex
|
6th March 2010
|
|
Summerhouse E.C
|
Area 41
|
Gloucester
|
13th March 2010
|
|
Field House
|
Area 22
|
Staffordshire
|
20th March 2010
|
|
Forest Edge Arena
|
Area 28
|
Norfolk
|
28th March 2010
|
The British Open is offering special ticket prices for members of British Show Jumping, The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs who book before Christmas – a discount of £5 off adult tickets and £2.50 off concessions. With world-class show jumping and thrilling equestrian entertainment, it’s the perfect Christmas present for all members of the family!
ENDS
For more information, images or quotes regarding the British Open Show Jumping Championships 2010 please contact:
British Open Press Office
Grandstand Event Management
Tel: 01582 711411
Email: press@grandstand.co.uk
Editor’s Notes
World-class riders from Britain and abroad will be invited to compete in the unique British Open Championship competition held over four days next April. Leading British rider and three times Champion, Robert Whitaker will return to defend his title as the 2009 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in the top speed and jump-off international classes on offer at this FEI 4* event. The crowd favourite Puissance competition, featuring the legendary red wall, will also take place during Friday’s performance.
In addition The British Open will host the much acclaimed Indoor Cross Country competition during Thursday’s performance, Natural Horsemanship demonstrations in the Parelli Zone, Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing and the H Factor finalists Equestrienne, Saffron Walden Musical Ride, Knights of Middle England and Rockin’ Horse!
In addition, the jam-packed British Open also features a range of national show jumping and showing classes:
Amateur SJ Championship
BEF World Class Development Programme Championship
PCA Rising Stars
BSJ Winter Premier Grand Prix Championship
Working Hunter Grand Prix
New classes for 2010:
Ponies UK Superleague
John Whitaker International JA Championship
BSJ British Riding & Pony Club Team Competition
BSJ Winter Grade C
Entertainment:
H Factor!
‘Let me entertain you!’ Our four H Factor finalists will be performing their unique routines every day of the British Open vying for your votes to win the H Factor 2010!
- Here come the girls! An all action stunt show featuring solely female riders, Equestrienne.
- Strictly come Dressage! Saffron Walden Musical Ride performing dressage to music.
- Knights in shining armour! Medieval jousting and stunt riding with a twist from the Knights of Middle England.
- Rock & Roll with Rockin’ Horse! The eccentric, fast paced stunt show that will keep you rockin’.
British Open Indoor Cross Country
On Thursday Evening the world’s top eventers will compete at Britain’s most prestigious indoor cross country event. Famous faces such as Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips will be invited to participate in this hugely popular discipline.
Dakota
The boyband with a difference! On Saturday Evening, show jumper Ben Talbot will provide the vocals alongside dressage guru Richard Davison’s son Tom on bass, Aaron Whelan on guitar and Rob Armitage on the drums. With such strong equestrian links, the boys are really looking forward to entertaining the British Open crowd during Saturday night’s Championship Final performance!
Parelli Zone
The Parelli Zone is back by popular demand!
“The Parelli method is a training method that allows horse lovers at all levels and disciplines to achieve: success without force, partnership without dominance, teamwork without fear, willingness without intimidation, and harmony without coercion.” Sue Shoemark of Parelli.
See it demonstrated every day at the British Open!
Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing
Hold on to your seats and prepare for some fast and furious scurry racing! The louder the crowds cheer the faster the ponies will go in the Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Challenge! In a nail-biting competition, spectators will be treated to a thrilling action-packed race as the double harness scurry carts whiz around the tight arena obstacles.
Shopping
Improved shopping! A record number of stands are expected to form part of the British Open Shopping Pavilion. Selling everything from tack to tweeds under one roof, it’s the perfect place to treat you and your horse!
For show information and to book visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com
Box Office 0844 581 1301