Nicola, Brook and Jo will now join leading British and foreign eventers at the British Open Show Jumping Championships at Birmingham’s NEC (16th-19th April) on Saturday 18th April (evening performance) after securing their place at the Addington Manor Equestrian Centre qualifier last Friday (27th February).
The evening began with a fascinating insight into eventing by, BEF World Class Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe to the senior British eventing team for the Beijing Olympics, Yogi Breisner. Once the exciting competition got underway over 30 eventers tackled the bespoke course of fences comprising show jumps and cross country fences.
This fantastic evening had the crowd on the edge of their seats, cheering and poised in anticipation as riders took on the challenge. Nicola Wilson rode a very impressive clear round on her skewbald mount, Mini Mr Bigglesworth, in a time that couldn’t be beaten to take first place. In second was Brook Stables riding Primitive Pistol and third was Jo Chipperfield on Ferndale Ballyheen. All three riders will now join leading eventers in the British Open Indoor Cross Country competition on Saturday 18th April during the evening performance.
The Indoor Cross Country competition at the British Open Show Jumping Championships is a competition not to be missed. 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 continuing each year to provide 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.