Visitors to this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships on Saturday 18th April (evening performance) will have the unique opportunity to see top event riders competing at a prestigious show jumping event. The four-day Show, which takes place from 16th – 19th April 2009 at Birmingham’s NEC, promises to provide the most action-packed programme of equestrian competition and entertainment ever seen at an indoor show.
The British Open Indoor Cross Country attracts some of the most famous names in the world of eventing including former competitors, Zara Phillips MBE, William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend. Twenty-five top eventers have once again been invited to the 2009 competition to contend for the Championship title and £5,550 prize fund. Vibrant music enhances the competition adding to the energetic atmosphere, showcasing cross country in an unprecedented and totally unique environment.
British Open Show Jumping Championships 2009
Indoor Cross Country Championship Invited Riders
| Tina CookDaisy Dick
Bill Levett Pippa Funnell Sharon Hunt Mary King Zara Phillips Polly Stockton Oliver Townend Clea Phillips Ruth Edge Piggy French Chris King Lucy Wiegersma Nicola Wilson Sienna Myson-Davies Emily Llewellyn Georgie Spence Andrew Nicholson Mark Todd Clayton Fredericks Lucinda Fredericks Dag Albert Matt Ryan Mark Kyle |
A qualifier will also be held at Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire, on 27th February giving those riders who haven’t been invited a chance to compete at the British Open alongside some of the world’s best eventers. The three highest placed riders at Addington secure a wildcard place. Britain’s top equestrian course designer, Bob Ellis, and Eventing guru Mike Tucker will create the course of approximately 16 jumps consisting of show jumps and cross country fences – some of which will be jumped in both directions. The show jumps will be set at near maximum height allowed in eventing and will form the first phase of the course. The exhilarating event was launched to great acclaim at the 2006 British Open Show Jumping Championships and has continued each year to give visitors the only opportunity in the UK to witness top-level indoor cross country alongside world-class show jumping and thrilling equestrian entertainment.
The British Open Show Jumping Championships takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th April 2009. For tickets, book online or call the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.