Visitors to the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships at the NEC, Birmingham 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 3rd – 6th April 2008, 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 world number four Clayton Frederick’s and World Champion, Zara Phillips MBE. Vibrant music enhances the competition adding to the energetic atmosphere, showcasing cross country in an unprecedented and totally unique environment. Of all indoor cross country competitions in Europe, the course at the British Open is considered the most technical of all and is a challenging test for both horse and rider.
Event riders invited to compete at the British Open
Sarah Cohen (GBR), Laura Collett (GBR), Kristina Cook (GBR), George Davies (GBR), Daisy Dick (GBR), Ruth Edge (GBR), William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Clayton Fredericks (AUS), Lucinda Fredericks (AUS), Piggy French (GBR), Pippa Funnell (GBR), Sharon Hunt (GBR), Mary King (GBR), Zara Phillips (GBR), Rodney Powell (GBR), Matt Ryan (GBR), Georgie Spence (GBR), Polly Stockton (GBR), Oliver Townend (GBR), Lucy Wiegersma (GBR), Andrew Hoy (AUS), Bettina Hoy (AUS), Dag Albert (SE), Raf Kooremans (BEL) and Andrew Nicholson (NZL)
For the first time, a qualifier will be held at Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire, for the three highest placed riders to secure a wildcard place. The qualifier will be held on 15th February 2008 and will offer the opportunity for riders to qualify for the Championship at the British Open where they will compete alongside some of the world’s best eventers.
The Indoor Cross Country proved so popular at last year’s British Open that the organiser, Grandstand Event Management, has announced that the 2008 Championships will host an additional Indoor Cross Country competition. This modern discipline will now feature a Championship class on the Friday Evening (4th April) and a Power and Speed team competition, involving some of the British Open crowd’s favourite show jumpers, on the Saturday Afternoon (5th April).
Zara Phillips competing at last year’s British Open
For Friday’s Championship, Britain’s top equestrian course designer, Bob Ellis, and Eventing guru Mike Tucker will create the course of approximately 18 show jumps/ 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 riders will be against the clock requiring them to ride with skill, speed and courage. Two seconds will be added for every show jump knocked down meaning any fences down will require the riders to up their pace over the cross country fences.
Saturday’s Power and Speed Indoor Cross Country competition will pair top show jumpers and eventers to work together against the clock to complete the fastest clear over cross country fences and show jumps. In teams of two, the eventers and show jumpers will tackle a series of jumps in their designated section of the course. The event is tipped to be a crowd favourite as each team battles for the title in this unique class.
The exhilarating class 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 3rd – Sunday 6th April 2008. For tickets, call the Box Office on 08700 100 216
