Tickets are now on sale for one of Britain’s premier indoor equestrian events, the British Open Show Jumping Championships.
Following the hugely successful Diamond Jubilee Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Grandstand Group, the team behind HOYS and the British Open, has today announced that tickets for the British Open Show Jumping Championships 2009, 16th – 19th April at Birmingham’s LG Arena, have hit the NEC Box Office and are already exceeding previous sales records. Anyone looking for the perfect Christmas present for their family members and friends need look no further than www.britishopenshowjumping.com.
World-class riders from Britain and abroad will be invited to compete in this unique Championship competition held over four days next April. Leading British rider and two times Champion, Robert Whitaker, will return to defend his title as the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in the top speed and jump-off classes on offer. The crowd favourite Puissance competition, featuring the legendary red wall, will also take place during Friday’s performance.
A variety of new features and classes have been arranged for the 2009 event, including an additional arena, the Parelli Zone.
NEW FOR 2009
New Parelli Zone
A number of activities have been planned for the Parelli Zone including seminars and demonstrations on Natural Horsemanship and Parelli training methods.
New Shopping Pavilion
The Show layout has also been improved! Trade stands will now be located in the new, enlarged Shopping Pavilion which will be situated directly adjacent to the Andrews Bowen International Arena and the Parelli Zone. Selling everything from tack to tweeds under one roof, it’s the perfect place for all your equestrian needs.
New Show layout
New Classes
NATIONAL SHOW JUMPING - Amateur Championship
SHOWING - Working Hunter Grand Prix
PONY CLUB - Home International Team Show Jumping
Displays:
Jean François Pignon
Back by popular demand! Witness a totally unique and inspiring display of unsurpassed horsemanship by the world-famous Jean François Pignon and his magical white horses. His spectacular display of horsemanship will provide headline entertainment with an all new performance unique to the 2009 British Open. Jean François will perform two different displays in every performance. His phenomenal display has captivated audiences throughout the world and never fails to astonish.
Johnny Francome, “One can only marvel at the months and years that have gone into it. It is a performance really worth going to watch ….a really wonderful display.”
Horse & Hound “The best equestrian display ever to visit this country.”
Metropolitan Police Activity Ride
Also headlining this year is the sensational Metropolitan Police Activity Ride. Consisting of eight active Police Officers and their horses, the Metropolitan Police will return to demonstrate their unrivalled level of skill and agility. Don’t miss this stunning Ride as these incredible serving officers and their horses jump through rings of fire, a solid paper wall and complete impossibly fast crossovers to music.
British Open Indoor Cross Country
On Saturday 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.
For show information and tickets book online or call the Box Office: 0844 581 1301