From 16th-19th April Birmingham’s NEC will once again be transformed into the ultimate equestrian paradise for one of the biggest indoor equestrian events in the country, the British Open Show Jumping Championships.
The four day equestrian feast is action packed with awe-inspiring displays and sensational competition of the very highest calibre including the coveted British Open Show Jumping Championship. World-class riders from Britain and abroad have been invited to compete in this unique competition. Robert Whitaker will return to defend his title as the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in other top show jumping speed and jump-off classes.
Over the week of pre-show build up; the LG Arena will be transformed from its familiar status as a premier concert destination to a world-class equestrian venue. The back stage dressing rooms will be converted to organiser’s offices, the Arena floor area will be replaced with 800 tonnes of Andrews Bowen’s Prowax surface, thus providing the grounding for the competitions including show jumping, indoor cross country, dressage and scurry racing plus the exciting displays that include a celebrity Arena Polo match featuring Katie Price and Amy Guy (aka Siren of the Gladiators), the Metropolitan Activity Ride and Frenchman Jean Francois Pignon whose magical performance will have you mesmerised.
The NEC’s external back stage area will make way for the International Collecting ring, where riders will warm up their horses, and the NEC Pavilion will host the huge British Open Shopping Pavilion housing over 100 trade stands and the new Parelli Zone. 245 stables will be built in the South Car Parks providing a temporary home for horses whilst they are at the show. 220 competitors and display artists will form part of the show which will be watched by the 25,000 visitors expected to attend the perfect event for all the family this Easter.
The British Open 2009 Facts and Figures:
| 1 | 2009 British Open Show Jumping Champion |
| 2 | Arenas – The International Arena and the Parelli Zone |
| 3 | Commentators reporting on the action in the International Arena |
| 4 | Vets on site |
| 5 | Show performances |
| 6 | Professional Polo Players |
| 7th | Consecutive British Open Show Jumping Championship |
| 8 | Different Parelli Seminars |
| 9 | Indoor XC Fences |
| 10 | Days of show build up and break down |
| 15 | Full time members of staff working on the British Open |
| 17 | Show Jumping Classes |
| 22kgs | of Biscuits consumed by staff and officials |
| 48 | Champion Rugs – supplied by Masta |
| 70 | Directional Signs displayed around the site |
| 100 | Radios |
| 110 | Trade stands in the Shopping Pavilion |
| 245 | Stables |
| 252 | Bales of Haylage – supplied by Philip Judge International |
| 300 | Laminate Signs displayed on site |
| 450m³ | of Equine Waste – to be mixed with soil and turned to compost |
| 627 ft² | of Material to dress the International Arena |
| 780 man hours | of stable security |
| 800 tonnes | of Andrews Bowen Prowax Surface used |
| 1500m | of Fencing on site |
| 1600kg | Feed supplied by Dodson and Horrell |
| 1820 bales | of easibed animal bedding supplied |
| 2000 | cups of tea and coffee consumed by staff and officials |
| 5000 m² | of carpet laid |
| 6000 | programmes printed |
| £159,100 | In International Prize Money |
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.