2010 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.
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 the H Factor finalists - the Knights of Middle England, Equestrienne, Saffron Walden Musical Ride and the Rockin' Horse stunt team, Dressage Lecture Demo with Richard Davison, high-speed Scurry Racing, the world’s top eventers challenging for the British Indoor Cross Country title, Working Hunter Grand Prix, live music from Dakota and superb shopping at over 100 stands in the Shopping Pavilion which will house the Parelli Zone. 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) 2010 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 2010. 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 Friday 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 Saturday 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 Thursday 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.
Oli Townend, Jeanette Brakewell, Sharon Hunt plus many more confirmed!
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.
The H Factor Final presented by Equimax & Eraquell
No need for Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole for the inaugural H Factor competition as these amazing equestrian talents won’t be singing, but they will be entertaining! Our judging panel of performing experts and YOU, the audience, will have the tough decision on who to crown the H Factor winner from the four outstanding finalists:
Here come the girls! An all action stunt show featuring solely female Gladiators, Equestrienne.
Strictly come Dressage! The Saffron Walden Quadrille Team presented by Allinson Bread performing dressage to music.
Knights in shining armour! Medieval jousting and stunt riding with a twist from the Knights of Middle England.
Rock n' Roll with Rockin’ Horse! The eccentric, fast paced stunt show that will keep you rockin’.
Just click on the finalists' names to find out more about them, who they are, what they do and what you can expect to be treated to!
FOR TEXT VOTE DETAILS AND FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CLICK HERE!
Dakota
Rock band with a difference, Dakota, will perform live during Saturday’s performance. Show jumper, Ben Talbot with provide the vocals alongside Dressage guru Richard Davison’s son Tom on bass, Aaron Whelan on guitar and Rob Armitage on the drums. With such strong equestrian links, the boys are really looking forward to entertaining the British Open crowd.
Parelli Zone
The British Open 2010 will once again host the Parelli Zone. A number of activities have been planned for this facility including seminars and demonstrations on Natural Horsemanship and the Parelli training methods.
The Parelli method has a massive global following and is said to allow horse lovers to achieve success with their equines without force, dominance or fear. Pat Parelli and his wife Linda have been spreading the word for many years with the aim of helping owners develop remarkable relationships with their horses and ponies.
“Our demonstrations at the British Open in April will target a large number of equestrian enthusiasts who will learn how to create harmony with their horses and ponies.” Pat Parelli
To see what seminars are on when, click here.
To find out more about Parelli Natural Horsemanship, visit www.parelli.com
Showing 
NEW for 2010 is the Ponies (UK) Super League! The Summer National Ridden Champions from the previous season will be invited to compete against the Northern and Southern Winter Ridden Champions of the current season in a glittering final at the British Open. Competitors will be performing a freestyle to music in front of a panel of judges for their chance to claim the title!
The Working Hunter Grand Prix returns after its successful debut at the 2009 show. As with last year the 25 starters of the 2009 Horse of the Year Show Working Hunter Championship will be invited to compete in the Working Hunter Grand Prix at the British Open 2010.
Dressage
Olympian and Chef d' Equipe to the British Team, Richard Davison will be hosting a dressage lecture demo on Friday 9th April.
Richard will be demonstrating and teaching in the International Arena showcasing this fascinating sport exclusively for the British Open audience.
We are delighted to welcome son, Joe Davison and wife, Gillian Davsion as Richard's willing pupils and learn how this family produce their horses from youngsters to distinguished competitive careers.
Other Competitions
Alongside show jumping, showing, indoor cross country and dressage, the British Open is proud to present scurry racing!
Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing
On your marks, get set, GO! The best scurry drivers in the country take part in this high-speed competition. Not surprisingly, scurry racing is ranked high amongst the most exciting and thrilling equestrian sports for both the participant and spectator.
Shopping Pavilion
Trade stands are located in the Shopping Pavilion which is situated between the International Arena and the Parelli Zone for visitors’ convenience.
A record number of stands are expected to form part of the British Open Shopping Pavilion which was successfully relocated in 2009 to cater for more stands and the 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.
Our regular publication to keep you up to date with the latest news, events and offers.