2009 British Open Show Guide

This four day equestrian feast is action-packed with awe-inspiring displays and equestrian entertainment combined with sensational competition of the very highest calibre interwoven into each performance. This unique event is the only Show in the UK where you can witness such a broad range of equestrian disciplines.

The top British riders take on some of the best in the world for the prestigious British Open title whilst an action-packed entertainment programmes includes displays by world-famous Jean Francois Pignon and his magical white horses, the sensational crowd favourite Metropolitan Police Activity Ride, high-speed Scurry Driving, the world’s top eventers challenging for the British Indoor Cross Country title, Barrel Racing and superb shopping at over 100 stands in the Shopping Pavillion which will house the all-new Parelli Zone. Added to which, what better way to kick off the Easter holidays than with a treat for the whole family to enjoy!

Show Highlights

Click here for a downloadable (PDF) 2009 Leaflet!

Show Jumping

Up to 30 top International riders including the best ten British riders will be invited to compete over the course of four days for the richest single class in British indoor show jumping and the esteemed title of British Open Champion 2009. Reigning Champion, Robert Whitaker, will return to defend his title and compete among the best of international show jumping!

The British Open is a unique format with a Championship class each and every day including Saturday afternoon’s thrilling Championship class after which a ‘cut’ will be made where only the top twenty riders will go through to contest the British Open Final on Sunday afternoon.

A wide range of additional show jumping classes will be held over the four days including the International Accumulator and the ever-popular and breath-taking British Open Puissance on Friday evening. The BEF World Class Development Programme will also provide two exciting classes for the country’s top twenty under 23 riders in the country.

The total prize fund at the event extends to over £150,000

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.

Displays and Entertainment

Alongside, top International competition, the British Open is a world-class all round equestrian showcase offering a whole spectrum of entertainment attracting audiences from far and wide. This year promises to be the most spectacular Show on record as the action-packed line-up offers more entertainment than any other major show in the country.

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 presented by Equimax Tabs

Also headlining this year is the sensational crowd favourite 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.

www.equideals.co.uk Arena Polo

Polo is back on the menu at this year's British Open during both performances on Saturday 18th April and Sunday 19th April! Top professional arena polo players will battle it out on Saturday to claim the British Open www.equideals.co.uk Arena Polo Challenge Champion’s title before Katie Price and Amy Guy aka Siren of the Gladiators take to the saddle to play in the www.equideals.co.uk Celebrity Arena Polo match on Sunday.

The celebrity match on Sunday 19th April will comprise of two chukkas, giving the audience a real insight into the 'moves' and 'shots' the celebrities have been learning in preparation for the big game. Polo really is one of the fastest and most famous spectator sports on offer, so expect speedy ponies, nail-biting turns and sizzling competition with two Celebrities as Team Captains!

Other Competitions

Alongside show jumping, Arena Polo and Indoor cross country, the British Open is proud to present two other competitive classes: Scurry Driving and Barrel Racing!

Scurry Driving

On your marks, get set, GO! The best scurry drivers in the country take part in this high-speed competition. Not surprisingly, scurry driving is ranked high amongst the most exciting and thrilling equestrian sports for both the participant and spectator.

Barrel Racing

Rodeo is back in town!

Barrel Racing is a timed rodeo discipline that demands speed, accuracy and agility. The horsemanship skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favourite. There will be a competition every day in which competitors each race twice. Eachcompetitor will carry forward their fastest time (out of their eight runs) into the final where itwill be added onto their fastest run in the trial. The final will take place during Sunday’sperformance and will decide who will be crowned British Open Barrel Racing Champion.

Shopping

Improved shopping! The new British Open Shopping Pavilion has been relocated to cater for more stands and the new Parelli Zone. Selling everything from tack to tweeds under one roof, it’s the perfect place to get all your equestrian needs.

Daily Rider Signings

Every day visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the country’s top show jumpers and to receive a memory of a lifetime when their favourite riders will be available to sign autographs.