Express Eventing News

EXPRESS EVENTING ANNOUCES NEW LONDON VENUE AND TEAM FORMAT

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Tricorn Events has today revealed details of its plans for the next Series of Express Eventing (EE). The announcement follows the highly successful 2011 Series when EE - likened by many to the ‘Twenty/20’ restricted over version of cricket’ - firmly established itself and was recognised as the most exciting development in equestrian sport for many years.

Running in a slightly modified form to that followed in 2011, the Series is guaranteed to up the stakes by introducing a team competition that will run in parallel with an individual championship. This has been adopted to increase further the excitement and interest the Series generated last year.

The launch of this year’s competition will begin in mid-November with a showcase event held at the inaugural HorseWorldLive, to be staged at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London. This initial qualifier will provide the mainstay of ‘Express Eventing Saturday’ and will present an opportunity for 16 top athletes to perform a dressage test to music in a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style environment, followed by arena cross-country and a subsequent round of show jumping with a twist within a single arena, on one day, to gain their first points in the 2012/2013 Series. Subsequent rounds will be held at various venues during 2013, culminating in a final in the autumn.

Commenting on the plans for the 2012/2013 Series, Equestrian Director Stephen Renouard said ‘Whilst we were all delighted with the results of the 2011 Series and the attention it attracted, it has taken some time to decide on how best to go forward with the competition, particularly in light of the challenges associated with being based in the country staging the Olympic Games and the difficult economic climate at present”.

The situation has improved in recent weeks, securing sufficient sponsorship to fund the series, being able to guarantee availability of the officials associated with running the Series and being in a position to confirm dates to the athletes who have committed themselves to the immediate future of Express Eventing.

The delay has meant it would have been difficult to run a 2012 Series to the standards we wish to achieve. Stephen went on to say, “The Directors of Tricorn are all committed to the on-going development of this excellent concept but we do want to work at a high level and produce a series of events which appeal and offer mutual benefit to any participating athletes, our partner venues and sponsors alike. The fact is that we were not confident of being able to do that within 2012 alone, means we have decided to delay the start of the new Series until after the Olympic Games.”

Negotiations with top quality venues and leading athletes from the sport are at an advanced stage and it is intended to reaffirm their commitment to the revised 2012/2013 Series within the next few weeks. Locations for the 2013 rounds will - subject to final agreement - include Lincolnshire County Show, The CLA Game Fair and the RDS Show in Dublin, with one additional venue yet to be agreed. Seven top Eventing athletes, most of whom will be striving to win medals at London 2012 this summer, will act as ‘team principals’, heading up teams of two riders who will compete throughout the Series as both team members and as individuals, for a share of the £150k prize fund. There will also be two ‘wild-card’ places available at each qualifier.

“This decision was in part driven by our sponsor partners who favoured a Series which would not compete for exposure against the Olympic Games. Key to the future success of EE is clearly the ability to meet the desires and maintain the on-going support of our key sponsors - this approach enables us to do that and secure the future of this increasingly popular version of our sport” commented Jill Gratton-Fisher, General Manager for Tricorn Events.

WRIGHT THRILLS CROWDS WITH EXPRESS EVENTING WIN, AND TAKES HOME �12,500

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Tuesday 4th October – Mathew Wright riding If You Want II jumped his way to victory in an exciting, down-to-the wire finish in the 2011 Express Eventing Final at the Horse of the Year Show.

Wright takes away £12,500 in prize money in what was a spectacular culmination of the 2011 Express Eventing Series. Sixteen of some of eventing’s most well-known names (including former Badminton and Burghley winner as well as Express Eventing 2008 winner Oliver Townend, Australian eventer Sam Griffiths and Chinese Olympian Alex Hua Tian) battled it out in Birmingham’s LG Arena for a share of the £40,000 Express Eventing Final prize pot.

Chinese Olympic eventer Alex Hua Tian was the runner up with Grafenstolz. The combination finished just 0.30 of a penalty point behind the leader, and with Harry Meade in third. The athletes kept the approximate 4,000 crowd in suspense throughout the competition.

A delighted Mathew said of his win “The plan was to take all four qualifiers and the final, but the Festival of British Eventing qualifier just slipped away from me to Sam Griffiths. I’m truly delighted to have won here today, and the win is a huge credit to the whole team who’ve got the horse and myself ready. This is a great new concept for equestrian sport.”

Stephen Renouard, Express Eventing Equestrian Director, said “This was a superb ending to the 2011 Express Eventing Series. The crowd was on the edge of their seats and certainly enjoyed the action-packed, fast-moving version of eventing. The excitement in the arena was palpable.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed rolling the 2011 Series out at our four Qualifiers at Bolesworth Castle, the Lincolnshire Show, the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim and the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe. The calibre of athletes who competed at these events, and indeed the Final, was excellent. We are really looking forward to taking Express Eventing to the next stage in 2012.”

The Express Eventing 2011 Final, following the format of the Qualifiers, consisted of three arena-based disciplines: freestyle ‘dressage to music’, cross country and showjumping. The athletes at the Final were the very best of those who competed at the four Qualifiers held around the country.

The Express Eventing Series 2011 has had a total prize pot of £100,000 with approximately £15,000 being allocated to each Qualifier and £40,000 to the Express Eventing Final at Horse of the Year Show.

Final results:

1st Matthew Wright If You Want II 18.51pens
2nd Alex Hua Tian Grafenstolz 18.81pens
3rd Harry Meade Tinka’s Time 22.38pens
4th Fiona Hobby Roma M.L 26.57pens
5th Sam Griffiths Real Dancer 32.45pens
6th Oliver Townend Brigadier 33.01pens
7th Paul Sims French Polish 36.19pens
8th William Murray Carlingford Shiver 36.54pens

RIDER OF THE DAY: Matthew Wright

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Nottinghamshire-based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier. Matthew competed in all four Express Eventing 2011 Qualifiers and won the first three (at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic, The Lincolnshire Show and The CLA Game Fair).

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH.....Matthew Wright

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I was 18 months and it was my mum and dad that got me started. My first pony was Marmite.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
With a lot of help from Ian Woodhead, my trainer.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
I think it winds them up, although I really enjoy it!

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
None at all, you just get on and do it. (Followed by rapturous laughter!)

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Winning three of the four qualifiers.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Me, on four different horses!

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Of course, pats and polos.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Every single win is a highlight for me.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Maths

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I’d be a National Hunt jockey,

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
The Express Eventing Final!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I need to go on plenty more before I decide that one, but so far it’s Duabi.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Denman!

14. When did you last fall off?
Two weeks ago

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Yes, two dogs.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Starter- scallops, main- seabass and then for desert chocolate pudding. I’m actually quite a good cook!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I have a four leaf clover in my medial card.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Aston-Le-Walls, because I can run a lot of horses.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Winning!

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Apart from me? Sam Griffiths.

WATCH MATTHEW'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

WATCH MATTHEW'S INTERVIEW AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

RIDER OF THE DAY: Alex Hua Tian

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Hampshire-based Alex has competed in an Express Eventing competition every year so far, the only rider to have done so. He was runner-up at the Express Eventing Championship 2010. Alex was the first ever rider to represent China at the Olympic Games when he competed in Beijing 2008. He just missed out on the Young Rider qualification at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic qualifier, but took it at the CLA Game Fair where he was placed 2nd.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH.....Alex Hua Tian.

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I had a very typical childhood growing up with horses starting at roughly four riding a pony at the yard my mum kept her horse at. Only difference was that it was in China at a yard just outside of Beijing run by the national SJ champion Ha DaTie and his wife Liu Yen. I rode a dreadfully naughty little grey pony called Xiao HuLu which means little gourd.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I’ve always gone for very stirring Chinese film music as it seemed appropriate. This time I’ve decided to go for something a bit different, we’ll see whether it works!

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Grafenstolz loves the music! Anything that adds to the atmosphere and any attention he gets he laps up! Personally I think it makes an interesting challenge. I normally have enough to think about with where I’m going and how the horse is going; so adding trying to keep in time to the music proves testing!

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
I put the music together so actually it didn’t take too long. I’ve had a lot of help from Liz Diegutis, who used to ride Graff up to PSG.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
We had a very tense moment during the SJ phase at the Games Fair qualifier where Graff and I were in second place going into the SJ. Matt had to have one down for us to win! Unfortunately he jumped a lovely round….

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Myself (just for the ride)
Michael Jung – Biosteque Sam
William Fox-Pitt – Parklane Hawk
Clayton Fredericks - Bendigo

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Pat and depending on how hard they’ve had to work a bit of a holiday out in the field!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Qualifying and competing at the 2008 Olympics. Being able to compete at any Olympics is phenomenal. Having the opportunity to represent your country at your home Olympics is beyond anything you could possibly think.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Sciences as it was the building next to my house! Sleep later and walk less!

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
Formula 1 driver!

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Olympic Gold is the pinnacle. For me Team Gold would be very incredible. For China to have a team one day would be amazing!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I haven’t actually been on a proper holiday for four years! When I was younger we went on a family holiday to Thailand which I’ll never forget.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
In Hong Kong, during the Olympics, Chico was stabled opposite a Belgian Jumping stallion called Cumano. Big, Grey and stunning. I don’t think any other horse has ever caught my eye like that one!

14. When did you last fall off?
I had a proper dumping at Houghton Hall in the one star last year. Luckily the horse went one way and I went the other. I was still very sore!

15. Do you have any pets at home?
My groom Mark has two little dogs. As soon as the season’s over and we’ve got the yard move out the way I’ve set my heart on a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
I have a repertoire of three dishes… Bangers and Mash, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Lasagna. Brief but all delicious!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I don’t believe in any of that!

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
I have to admit I don’t particularly enjoy one day events… Three day events are much more atmospheric, entertaining and in a funny way relaxing. You have much more time to concentrate on each horse’s performance, you have time to sit down and relax and see people on the circuit that you don’t have time to talk to normally!

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Us eventers are used to the big spaces of Stately Home parkland so I’m really looking forward to the close atmosphere at the NEC. Hopefully the spectators and crowds will feel a lot more involved with what they’re watching and I think us riders and horses will definitely feel the intimacy of the surroundings.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Me

WATCH ALEX'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

WATCH ALEX'S INTERVIEW AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Alex's website
Visit Alex's facebook page

RIDER OF THE DAY: Jo Chipperfield

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Hertforshire-based Jo has been eventing for over 20 years, and runs her own event yard. She has ridden up to 4**** level on many occasions, and last season won the Event Horse Owners’ Rider Award, as well as appearing on British Eventing’s Top 100 Rider list. She competed in the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Lincolnshire Show and the CLA Game Fair.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH....Jo Chipperfield

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I was 2.5 years old and started riding on a shetland pony called Robbie, Stella Welsh our local riding instructor.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
By chance, borrowed from Sandie Gibbs a friend who competes dressage to music, learnt at 7pm the night before I performed the test at Lincoln Show. Have now changed the canter music to suit my horse for the Final.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Yes he loves the music

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
I learnt by watching Sandie riding the test on her computer then riding it in my field at 8pm the night before having never ridden to music before.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Performing my first ever test to music, when I was worried if I would be able to hear the music as I have a hearing loss in both ears.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
William Fox Pitt, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Ginny Leng

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
A nice day out in the field

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning a team competition in Boekelo and doing a lap of honour with Pippa Funnell and Lucy Wiegersma.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Maths

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
Anything to do with property

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
A three-day event

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Kenya

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Lenamore, looks great fun in all phases and is a neat tidy jumper.

14. When did you last fall off?
Cross Country this year at Chatsworth

15. Do you have any pets at home?
2 cats and 1 dog

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Steak and chips, but I can only cook using a microwave!!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I will not wear anything new in a major competition

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
British Open at Gatcombe

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?

Riding down the tunnel into the ring

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Matthew Wright

WATCH JO'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE CLA GAME FAIR QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

RIDER OF THE DAY: Sam Griffiths

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Dorset-based Sam is originally from Australia. He has recently had some very successful seasons, being placed 3rd at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in 2009, and placed 4th this year. Sam won the Express Eventing Series 2011 Qualifier at The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park with the best dressage score of the whole Series – and, as such, was the first rider to beat Matthew Wright at an Express Eventing Qualifier this year.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH....Sam Griffiths

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I started riding when I was about 6 , on my older brother’s pony called snowy, who was a 11 hh grey shetland with a really big head. She would often make us fall off when she shook her self at the standstill!

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I borrowed the music from a good friend of mine, who has a similar horse, and luckily it really suits my horse.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
My horse really gets into the music, and enjoys it and it helps to get me into a good rhythm to ride him.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
The music has taken a lot of practice to get the floor plan and all the movements in that we wanted. I have also listened to the music endlessly so to help with my timing. Getting it sorted was a bit of a relationship tester with my wife, but we got through it!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
I really loved my time at the Gatcombe qualifier. I had so much fun that I wish that I had done all of the qualifiers.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Toddy, William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Hoy and Stuart Tinney ( with Phillip Dutton as first reserve )

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
They get lots of pats and then time off after the competition

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
One of my proudest things was receiving the Amada dish from Badminton for five completions. To me this means that getting to Badminton and finishing wasn't a fluke, as I had done it 5 times (all on different horses!)

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
I always enjoyed geography and was pretty good at it, so I studied it at Uni. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to help me now.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I have always loved being outdoors, so something outside. I also have a bit of a passion for flat racing, so I could have been tempted to be a race horse trainer, but that is pretty similar to being an eventer.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Like most, I would love to win a 4 star and an Olympic medal, but in the short term my eyes are on the Express Eventing Final.

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I am a bit of a beach fan, so anywhere that is warm.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
I have always been a real admirer of Vaughn Jefferies horse Bounce. When I was starting out my career as an eventer, Bounce was skipping around 4 stars for fun. He was a horse from what I could tell had everything. Lovely on the Flat, careful and scopey jumper, full of stamina and on top of this a nice horse to handle.

14. When did you last fall off?
I have a tricky youngster at home that got me off a couple of months ago. I now lunge him a lot before I get on!

15. Do you have any pets at home?
My wife and I have a little white Jack Russell that is a real character that seem to keep us entertained, especially after a bad day at the office.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
I am a bit of a seafood platter guy, and have one only as a treat on special occasions. I love my cooking and find it relaxing so I try to do it when I can.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I do have a lucky whip (not so lucky for the horses) that I have had for about 15 years, and it has been around some big Cross Country courses. I have had various superstitions over the years, but I am slowly getting over them.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
The UK is blessed with some great ODE's - Chatsworth, Belton, Longleat, Barbury. But this year I was lucky enough to go and do a CIC 3 star in Aachen in Germany, that was incredible. In one arena was all the best show jumpers in the world, in the other was all the best dressage (including Totalis ) . In between them was us eventers. It was a great show and really enjoyable.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
I am looking forward to being in that environment and rubbing shoulders with other horses and riders that are a the top of their disciplines.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
That's a hard one. It will be tough to look past Matt Wright with the form that he has shown in the qualifiers, but then there is Ollie Townend who is one of the most competitive and successful riders about. Hopefully I will be in the mix with them.

WATCH SAM'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

WATCH SAM'S INTERVIEW AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Sam's website
Visit Sam's facebook page

RIDER OF THE DAY: Fraser Duffy

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Based in Ireland since 2000, Fraser has represented Great Britain on the international stage in both Dressage and Eventing as part of the Young Rider team and is now an established trainer. Fraser was 3rd at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic Express Eventing Qualifier, with less than a fence between him and the winner, and he also competed in the Express Eventing Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH.....Fraser Duffy

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse

I was given a riding lesson for my 14th birthday loved it and stayed at it.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?

I actually stole the music from Duarte Seabra who rode my owner's horse last year in the Express Eventing Championship. As all Carol's horses are a similar type the music really suited the stallion I am riding here.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?

Most definatley, they grow and really get into the rhythm.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?

Lots and Lots, rode nearly every horse in the yard as practice to get the exact floor pattern. Some of the four year olds found the canter pirrouetts a bit tricky!!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?

Getting a perfect 10 for my walk in Bolesworth Castle.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?

William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Andrew Nicholson and Michael Jung. I can't think that anyone else would think differently.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?

A good pat is as good as anything but we do give them polo mints at the competitions.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?

Winnning Blarney Castle CCI 2* . My first three day win on a lovely chestnut mare called Oakengrove Rainbow.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?

English, I love to read.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?

An airline pilot. I did train for a while but riding kind of got in the way.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?

The Express Eventing Series Final at HOYS!!!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?

Any ski resort.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?

It would have to be Utopia, what an amazing horse and is owned by Sasha Stewart an irish girl!!

14. When did you last fall off?

I fall off frequently, a four year old bucked me off three times last week!!

15. Do you have any pets at home?

Yes two terriers, Rosie and Fudge.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?

Steak , and yes, I cook it frequently.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?

Aboslutley not, I would drive myself mad if I started that craic!!

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?

I have to say Ballendenisk as that is where I gave my wife a first kiss!!

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?

Winning!!

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?

Fraser Duffy riding Fernhill Vriend!!

WATCH FRASER'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Fraser's website

RIDER OF THE DAY: Oliver Townend

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Shropshire-based Townend was the winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008 and was runner-up at the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park. He is a previous winner of both the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. He has also represented Great Britain.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH.....Oliver Townend

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse? I was Seven, and it was my father who introduces me. My first pony was called Brambles.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase? The music I’ve used so far has been that I used for Express Eventing in 2008 when I won. It was chosen by well known dressage trainer Ian Woodhead.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance? I think the music can definitely help some horses, but for others the excitement can send them over the edge.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take? Initially it takes a lot of practice, but once you know your music it’s not too much of a problem.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing Series so far? For me, competing in the 2008 event, and winning, was a huge moment.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Andrew Nicolson, Piggy French, Mark Todd and Myself!

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
They’re rewarded with lots of pats, treats and a few days off.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
The 2008/2009 season has been my highlight so far, with my Badminton, Burghley and Express Eventing wins.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
It would have to be Business Studies, because it’s something I could use in later years.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I’d say a Formula One driver, or if not that, definitely something in sport.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Every 4* International event and World Championship!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Barbados

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
It would have to be Lead The Way, he’s a fantastic athlete of a horse.

14. When did you last fall off?
Burghley this year

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Colin the cat

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Pie’s are my favourite, but I’m not a great cook!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I’m not really superstitious

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Weston Park, because it’s near to home, or the British Championships at Gatcombe

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Hopefully winning!

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Me!

WATCH OLIVER'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

WATCH OLIVER'S INTERVIEW AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Oliver's website
Visit Oliver's facebook page

RIDER OF THE DAY: Paul Sims

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Cheshire-based Paul has competed at international level both at home and abroad, and was the placed 2nd at last year’s Intermediate Championship at Gatcombe Park. Paul was placed 5th at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic qualifier, and was the top placed Young Rider.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Paul Sims

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I was 2 yrs old on a family holiday in the lakes. We went pony trekking and I was hooked. I got the whole family then into horses. My first pony was shared with my brother, she was called Poppy.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I chose a song I quite liked then Eric who has put it all together for me has matched it to my horse.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Definitely with my horse. It lifts him in a good way and that makes me ride better.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
It takes hours of practice to get it perfect, I’m still practicing now for the final.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
As I have only done the one qualifier I would say the whole thing was memorable. It was a great day, I had lots of fun and to qualify was a bonus!

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Michael Jung, Andrew Nicholson, Pippa Funnel and myself!

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
After every event the horses get a few days in the field just chilling and being horses.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning a three-day event was pretty special and riding for my country when I show jumped in my earlier days.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Anything to do with sports. If it got me out the classroom I was in.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I’d quite like to give racing ago and I’d also like to get into training police dogs.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
The list is endless. Badminton, Burghley the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics to name a few.

12. What is your favourite holiday destination? I love skiing.
Anywhere with lots of snow I love.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Shutterfly. He was just incredible.

14. When did you last fall off?
About a month ago off a young one playing up.

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Three dogs, Jake, Jeff and Cumberland.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Steak, chips and peas with peppercorn sauce. And yes, I can cook it.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I’m very superstitious, saluting magpies for example. I haven’t really got any lucky charms though.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
I really love the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe. For me it’s a great course to ride round as it’s never a dressage competition.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
I think the ross Country phase, but the whole day in general will be a great experience for me and my horse.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Matthew Wright or Oliver Townend. But I’m not ruling my chances out just yet!

WATCH PAUL'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.

RIDER OF THE DAY: Alice Kent

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sussex based Alice Kent has ridden all her life, switching from hunting, showing and Pony Club to eventing when she was fifteen and now competes three horses to intermediate level. Alice was lucky enough at the age of nineteen, to be offered the ride on Spider VI, a former member of the Junior Team. Partnering this horse, Alice progressed two levels from BE100 to Intermediate in just one season and she has competed to International two star level alongside studying English Literature at Royal Holloway University.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Alice Kent

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I’ve ridden since before I can remember. My dad is a professional polo player, so I’ve always been surrounded by horses. My first pony was a very patient Shetland called Whisky.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I’m worried to admit that I’ve just chosen my favourite tunes – you’ll understand why this is embarrassing when you hear it!

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Spider seems to love it, though it definitely adds to his excitement levels! I think it makes a huge difference, as he isn’t the longest striding horse, but the appropriate music seems to make this less important!

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
A lot more than I managed to do for Gatcombe!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Jumping in front of the massive crowd at Gatcombe was very memorable, if only because it was also completely terrifying!

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Michael Jung, Mary King.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
As soon as I come out the arena, mum is always there with the polos! This leads to some embarrassing moments if she’s forgotten them as my ponies search the surrounding spectators…

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Riding is what I do for fun alongside university, so any success is a huge bonus. Coming 2nd at South of England Intermediate, then returning to the showground and qualifying for HOYS a few weeks later in the working hunter ponies on my 15hh was a highlight of this year, as was completing the intermediate championships at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
I’m a complete book nerd and am now studying English Lit at university… But at school I preferred Philosophy, despite its tendency to make me argumentative.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I’m going to have to turn this question on its head – I’m aspiring to be a journalist who would like to be a professional event rider!

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
In my dreams… Olympic Gold, Badminton (multiple of course), Burghley… realistically anything I can!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Dad tends to play polo abroad in the winter so we get to go to some pretty amazing places, but South Africa is always good fun.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
I love Kitty Kings mare Zidante – she look amazingly athletic and so much fun to ride.

14. When did you last fall off?
Trying to break in a Shetland last year…

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Two black Labradors, Inca and Maya, and two cats, Jess and Zulu.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Dough Balls and Nutella is a wonderful combination. My skills in the kitchen are limited to none, but I think even I can manage this!

18. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I always walk the course with my whip. I have no idea why!

19. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Hatherleigh – its miles from where I live but I always have a good time there and love the course.

20. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
It’s going to be my last major thing with Spider, so I think the whole thing is going to be very emotional. I have wanted to ride there since being a small child and can’t wait to walk into that main arena.

21. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Sam Griffiths or Matthew Wright.

WATCH ALICE'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.

RIDER OF THE DAY: Harry Meade

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Wiltshire-based Harry completed more CCI**** events than any other rider by the age of 25. Harry sprung to fame when he partnered Midnight Dazzler, who became the most consistent 4**** horse in the world for 5 seasons, before Harry retired him. He has been a member of the World Class Squad for the past four years. Harry was placed 3rd at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The CLA Game Fair at Blenheim.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Harry Meade

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I’ve been riding longer than I can remember - before I could walk my father would ride holding me in front of him on the horse. My first pony was called Tom Thumb.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I thought it would be fun, different and not at all boring!

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
My horse has been really good at coping with the music, and he definitely grows and is more expressive so it does make a difference to his performance, as well as making it more fun to ride!

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
It has taken as much practice as we could fit in with all the other horses and their busy schedules! Getting the music cut to fit in with the test took a lot of time so we haven’t had that much time to run through it with the music.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
I only went to one of the qualifiers but it was a great experience and brilliant to qualify for the final on the first attempt.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
La Biosthetique Sam and Michael Jung, Oslo and William Fox-Pitt, Lenamore and Caroline Powell, Sam Griffiths and Happy Times.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Horses can tell when they do well and they enjoy their work as a result, but I do give them the tops of the carrots from the vegetable patch if they’ve been particularly good!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Finishing in the top ten at both Badminton and Burghley and being the youngest ever rider to receive an Armada dish for 5 Badminton completions. They are the most high profile three day events and a great privilege to ride at.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
History and History of Art – much more interesting than maths!

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
Be a spy!

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Badminton, Burghley and an Olympic Gold medal!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere hot and culturally different… particularly when it gets to this point in the season.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
The Swedish horse called Mister Pooh, it looks like he has everything you want in a horse and I think he’ll be a superstar in a few years.

14. When did you last fall off?
A young horse had a serious bronk when I got on him in the spring!

15. Do you have any pets at home?
A wonderful lurcher called Snip who comes everywhere with me, including keeping up alongside the horses on the gallops.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Chicken stuffed with cream cheese, tomatoes and pesto and wrapped in bacon… remarkably I can cook it!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
No, I’m not really into that.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Chatsworth.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Experiencing a totally different atmosphere from normal eventing.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Sam Griffiths and Real Dancer.

WATCH HARRY'S INTERVIEW AT THE CLA GAME FAIR QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Harry's website
Visit Harry's facebook page

RIDER OF THE DAY: Flora Harris

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Oxfordshire-based Flora is a former Team GBR Young Rider, and was the winner of the Express Eventing Championhip in 2010 at the Royal Festival of the Horse. This gives her automatic qualification to the 2011 Express Eventing Final.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Flora Harris

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
About 5 years old. – I rode in a riding school local to our home in Somerset. My first pony was a 12hh Dartmoor mare named Pickasticks who my mother bought as a surprise for my sister and me. She was very badly behaved and we both fell off a lot!

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I chose the music (mainly Rocky Horror Show) for my test when I won in 2010 as I thought is was a bit different and suited the horse’s cheeky nature. The lyrics about jumping around also fitted in really well for my flying changes.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Definitely, I think the horses love the music, providing it’s the right rhythm for the horse I think they really can get into it and start to almost move with the music themselves

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
A lot more than you might think. It’s quite a challenge to get the floor plan and the music to fit together and remember it all!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Having not ridden in any of the qualifiers I am really looking forward to finally competing in EE 2011 at HOYS. It’s been great fun to watch at some of the qualifiers though, and I enjoyed doing the course walks at Blenheim Game Fair and Gatcombe.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic Eventing team? –
William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Michael Jung, Francis Wittington and Mark Todd.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
They will always have a polo or another treat as they come out of the ring even if things haven’t gone to plan, just to make sure every time they compete they have a nice experience. After a 3day event they always have a short holiday and every horse will have at least a day in the field after each competition.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning Express Eventing in 2010 was a massive career high; it was so exciting and has just opened up so many opportunities. Jumping clear around my first CCI**** at Badminton was also a fantastic experience.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
PE; I loved playing hockey and was never all that good at sitting in a classroom.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I can’t imagine myself doing anything else!

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Badminton, Rolex Grand slam, Olympic Gold…. The list goes on!!

12. What is your favorite holiday destination?
I have never been on holiday!

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
I would love to ride Lenamore, or Avebury. I think they both look like really fun rides with lots of jump and a really good brain.

14. When did you last fall off?
A couple of months ago jumping a very green youngster in the school at home.

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Two Whippets; Mavis and Willow.

16. What’s your favorite meal – and can you cook it?
Roast Beef with all the trimmings. I am a useless cook!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I always have to walk through the finish when I am walking the XC course somewhere, just to make sure I get there on the horse. I’m quite superstitious about a few things. I always go Cross Country now in the top I wore at Badminton.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Aston le Walls, always good ground and just down the road from my yard. I really like Belton as well.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Riding in the main arena in the NEC will be a very special opportunity and I really want to get out there and defend my title!

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
A tricky one, but Sam Griffiths looked very strong at Gatcombe; Fiona Hobby might be pretty strong as well.

WATCH FLORA'S WINNING DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT EXPRESS EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Flora's website
Visit Flora's facebook page

RIDER OF THE DAY: Shari Butchart

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Essex-based Shari is a former Grade A show jumper and has previously competed at Horse of the Year Show. She also represented Great Britain in that discipline on both the Junior and Young Rider teams. This is her third season of eventing after making the switch. She competed in the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic, the Lincolnshire Show and the Festival of British Eventing.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Shari Butchart

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I was 6 when I first started riding at a local riding school. At the age of 10 I got my first pony Becki who was a total speed merchant so used to bomb round all the 1'6" classes at our local shows!

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I'm still working on my music at present as trying to make it completely different to that I used in the qualifiers so you'll have to wait and see!

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Ollie (Olympic) I think loves the music. It tends to get him more focussed and helps me ride to a better rhythm as I am thinking about staying in time to it.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
I have been practising as much as I can for my new music as want to make a big improvement from my qualifiers! Just hope I can pull it off on the day!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
I really enjoyed riding in front of a crowd in the dressage phase at the Gatcombe qualifier. I've jumped with crowds before but never had that many people watching a dressage test which made it more exciting. The best moment in all the qualifiers is definitely the Cross Country though!

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Nicolson, Mary King and Oliver Townend. (and me as reserve!!)

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Whenever I leave the ring (good or bad) Ollie is looking straight for my dad who usually rewards him with a polo. He likes to know he has been a good boy and tends to relax him after leaving the ring. Obviously a good day in the field after is always appreciated as well!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Representing GB in the Young Riders team in Veerden, Holland when I was 21.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Definitely PE. I'm quite competitive and loved all sports at school being in every team I could.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I love to teach so would continue to work at our family run centre, Woodredon Equestrian Centre in Epping Forest.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Like most people I would love to win at a big event like Badminton or Burghley or even the Express Eventing final at HOYS!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Definitely a ski destination. Skiing is my second passion to horse riding. I try to go every season as I love the thrill and speed of it as well as the lively apres ski atmosphere!

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
I think Lenamore is amazing, and although a show-jumper I love Albert Zoers OkiDoki. I love his jumping technique. I just wish he could event!

14. When did you last fall off?
Last week off my youngster. He is quite unpredictable so tends to catch me out quite alot. I'm hoping he will have grown up a bit by the time I start eventing him next season as he's very talented.

15. Do you have any pets at home?
I have a miniature schnauzer called Reg who comes everywhere with me and a cat called Dennis who Reg gets very jealous of.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Anything with fish in it! Something like Seabass or Trout is my favourite. And yes I cook it quite a lot!

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I'm not superstitious but I have to have my dad with me at my competitions. He gives me that boost and every bit of help I need.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
I really enjoyed Longleat as competing in the grounds of the safari park with the sealions next to us in the dressage was great! Although when we arrived first thing in the morning when it was the wolves and lions feeding time, Ollie looked a bit nervous with the noise that surrounded us!

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Excited about the first time I ride into the arena with everyone there and then the whole experience especially the Cross Country section.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
I watched Sam Griffiths at the Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe, and thought he and his horse were great so think he is in with a good chance.

WATCH SHARI'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.

RIDER OF THE DAY: Jess Butler

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Rutland-based Jess progressed through ponies with success in show jumping and eventing before moving on to horses at 13 years old. Since her A-levels she has been fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of riders such as Jeanette Brakewell and Sarah Cohen and to ride and train with the Lawrence David Event Team and has now set up her own yard. Jess competed in the Express Eventing Series 2011 Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and The Festival of British Eventing.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH......Jess Butler

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I was about three my family rode and my first pony was a little star called Honesty.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
Went for something up beat, someone once said my dressage would be good if it was against the clock, hence my first choice was way too fast.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
I think so, I think in general it improves the performance and obviously gives you a rythym to follow.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
I think it probably needs a bit more, but had a very helpful lesson with Richard Davison the other week.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Sam Griffiths dressage at Gatcombe was amazing.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Michael Jung, Piggy French, Mary King and Andrew Nicholson.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Lots and lots of pats, and generally always get the next day off in the field to relax.

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
I think making to Junior long list in 2006 topped off a very good season.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Maths, I was quite good at it which helped, although I always reach for the calculator now.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I have worked a lot in kitchens and still work two nights a week in my local pub, so I think it would be something along those lines, although I can’t imagine wanting to be anything other than an event rider.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Burghley is the event I would most like to win one day.

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I might pop to Ireland at the end of the season.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
I thought that a horse called Arakai always looked like an amazing jumper.

14. When did you last fall off?
A few weeks ago.

15. Do you have any pets at home?
One lurcher called Mitzi.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Chinese take away.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
No, haven’t found one which works yet.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
This year I would have to say Somerford Park.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
To be going there is amazing.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Mathew will obviously be very competitive having won three qualifiers.

WATCH JESS' DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE BOLESWORTH CLASSIC QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Jess' website

RiDER OF THE DAY: Fiona Hobby

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Wiltshire-based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year. She was placed 2nd at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Lincolnshire Show.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH........Fiona Hobby

1: How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
My mother Phyllida Cassan introduced me to riding before I can really remember, I hold her responsible! My first horse was called Marty, he was handed down to me from my two older sisters, Jenny Cassan and Tina Fletcher.

2: How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I was very happy with my own selection of classical music but my good friend dressage rider Steph Eardley decided that was way too boring and hence came up with the music we use now!

3: Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Yes I think the horses definitely enjoy the music, adding music to the test makes it harder to ride in some ways as not only do you have to think about perfecting the movements you also have to ride to the music and get the timing right. Any mistake the horse makes can put the timing out for the rest of the test – as happened to me at the Express Evening qualifier at the Game Fair riding my other horse Smart Approach.

4: How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
Much more than I thought it would! It was made more challenging as we only have a 20x40m at home to practice in!

5: What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
The final halt salute at Lincoln after my dressage, as I bowed my head to salute a torrent of water fell off my hat from the horrific rain storm we had just ridden in! I was delighted to come 2nd there and qualify but would have loved to have won, we did everything we could to put the pressure on the eventual winner but he didn’t crack (sadly!).

6: Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
I think the British team we have right now is pretty good, however I guess if it is to be multi-national you would have to have Michael Jung, William Fox-Pitt, Caroline Powell and me!! (You did say ‘dream’.)

7: Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Of course we do! Polos are a firm favourite.

8: What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning the 12.2hh championships two years in a row at Hickstead probably!!

9: What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Ooh that’s a hard one, I enjoyed French and English, but probably my favourite was Art, I wasn’t very good at it but it took very little effort!

10: If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I reckon I’d make a great racing driver – my son says I drive like Lewis Hamilton!

11: What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Well I’ve got plenty left to win but the ultimate would be X-factor!!

12: What is your favourite holiday destination?
I have been very lucky and gone to some fabulous places on holiday but I think my favourite place to go is to my mad friend’s house in the South of France.

13: Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
My favourite event horse is Clea Phillips’ Lead the Way but I think the horse I would most like to ride is the outstanding showjumper VDL Bubalu who I spotted jumping last year in the Nations Cup at Hickstead. Sadly I gather it would put you back a few million to buy him!

14: When did you last fall off?
I try very hard not to fall off because it hurts and I’m a wimp but I guess it was about a year ago, cross country schooling, I wasn’t jumping a fence, just cantering along, the horse spooked and I was suddenly cantering along all alone!!

15: Do you have any pets at home?
Too many. We have 2 jack russells, “Come’ere” and “Come-on”! We also have Charlie Cat, and the latest additions to the family are Arthur and Stripy my two son’s guinea pigs!

16: What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Probably steak and chips, I think I do a reasonable job but a good restaurant would do much better.

17: Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
I was given a silver charm by a good friend with my sons’ finger prints on it which I wear as my lucky necklace, I couldn’t find it to take to Burghley – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

18: What’s your favourite one-day event?
Aston-Le-Walls 1,2,3,4,5,6, etc!

19: What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
The diamantes that my groom spends hours sewing into my horses mane sparkling under the lights.

20: Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Sam Griffiths or Alex Hua-Tian.

WATCH FIONA'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH FIONA HERE

Visit Fiona's website

RIDER OF THE DAY: Sienna Myson-Davies

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Surrey-based Sienna was double Junior Gold Medallist at the European Championships in 2008, and won the Junior Final Trial in 2009. She has taken a break from the sport since 2009 owing to horse injury, but is now back on form proving this by being the highest placed Young Rider at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Festival of British Eventing. Sienna has a blog on Horse Hero which you can see here.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH.......Sienna Myson-Davies

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I have been riding ever since I was about 18 months old. Mum used to lead me around Richmond park on a gorgeous grey pony called Tommy.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
I have a lovely friend called Kathryn Delevigne who has a wonderful ear for music. She found the songs I will be using!

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Tambourine certainly enjoys it!!!!! It does seem to give him that extra ‘spark’ that he doesn’t always need! Gatcombe was the first time we have done dressage to music and he was doing little squeels throughout the test!

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
A fair amount, as I had to get the timing of the music to perfection.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Gatcombe. That is the was my first express eventing competition of the season.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Me, William Fox-Pitt, and my Italian friends Vittorio Pagano, and Stefano Fiovoranti

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Yes, always! Kisses and pat’s aswell as a little treat. For example, barley grass powder (which they love)!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
Winning 2 Gold medals at the Junior European Championships with Tambourine.

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Either English or PE. DEFINATLY NOT MATHS!

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I would love to be a F1 driver, and keep up the presenting.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
The Express Eventing Final.

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Either Mauritius or Mykonos.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Moorlands Tortillas. I can imagine him being an absolute dream to ride.

14. When did you last fall off?
When Tambo was coming back into work after his injury. I fell off him twice in one day.

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Yes. We have loads of chickens, (most of which we saved from a Battery farm). We also have a gorgeous Pomeranian dog called Pom pom, and of course all the horses.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Hmmm, that’s a difficult one! I’d have to go with my mum’s Roast Chicken. I can cook it, yes. But for some reason, it always tastes better when mum has.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
Yes, my Angel wing charm necklace given to me by a very special friend called Linda Lawry. She gave it to me as good luck when she came to watch me at Gatcombe.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
It has got to be Great Tew. That event has a great atmosphere and that part of the world is breathtakingly stunning.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
The huge crowd, tambo and I performing infront of such a massive audience, and seeing all my friends and loved ones who are coming to support me. My God parents for example are coming all the way from Spain to watch me perform.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
I am really hoping I do, but if not it’s a toss between Matthew, Sam or Flora, I think.

WATCH SIENNA'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Sienna's website

RIDER OF THE DAY: Will Murray

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Newcastle-based Will has previously competed at Horse of the Year Show with Working Hunter Ponies, before making the switch to eventing. He now events to Advanced level. Will was placed 5th at the Lincolnshore Show qualifier, and was the top placed Young Rider.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH……Will Murray

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I’ve been riding ever since I can remember and had my sisters old first ridden pony, a section A who is still at home but starting to look her age!

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
The music is from the film ‘Last of the Mohicans’ and is written by my friend Julia’s father Dougie Maclean. So they very kindly edited together parts from a few of his songs to fit my test.

3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
It has helped Clive’s (Brightside) advanced work hugely and the extra training has definitely helped my test riding.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
Ian woodhead wrote our test and Julia came and recorded us running through it-she then took it away and put it to the music. I now have the music on my ipod so I can practice the test without disturbing the neighbours!

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
Clive was fantastic in our xc round at the qualifier.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Michael Jung, Caroline Powell, William FP and Lucinda Fredericks-unbeatable…

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Of course-with a day off usually!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
This year has all been a highlight as I have been lucky enough to compete a great bunch of horses for my boss Sara Burdess and they’ve all had a pretty good season!

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
I wasn’t terrible at maths

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I do a lot of showing when we have the time so probably producing ponies for showing

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
The lottery

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Each year a bunch of my eventing friends go skiing before the season starts and that’s always something to look forward to!

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Clea Philips ‘ Lead the Way’ is a fantastic jumper so I would love to pinch that one for a while.

14. When did you last fall off?
Yesterday, my own horse spooked walking on a long rein in the arena and I fell off…

15. Do you have any pets at home?
No.

16. What’s your favourite meal – and can you cook it?
Seafood and no I don’t cook in anyway.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
Not really.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
Gatcombe is pretty special and it has a great party.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
HOYS is my favorite show and I love riding there but I am looking forward to riding in the main ring for the first time this year.

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
I think Oliver will be the man to beat on the day.

WATCH WILL'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Will's website

RIDER OF THE DAY: Georgie Spence

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Wiltshire-based Georgie has had consistent good results at 4**** International level, with clears at Badminton, Burghley and Pau for the last 4 years. She has ridden for her country, taking Junior Team Silver in 2006, and Young Rider Team Gold in 2008 and 2009. Georgie competed in last year’s Express Eventing Championship achieving a 5th placing and took part in the Festival of British Eventing Express Eventing Qualifier this year. Georgie is writing a weekly blog for the Horse and Hound in the run-up to the Express Eventing Final. You can read it here.

TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH……Georgie Spence?

1. How old were you when you started riding, who introduced you to riding and which was your first horse?
I started riding when I was about 3 or 4 years old. My parents rode so it was a natural progression, and my first pony was called Dixie.

2. How did you choose the music for the dressage to music phase?
Some of it I chose, but my boyfriend Tom also puts together the music for dressage quite well.

?3. Do you think horses enjoy the music, and do you feel it makes a difference to their/your performance?
Some don’t take any notice, but it can make them tense.

4. How much practice did the dressage to music phase take?
We have only just been sent the revised elements of the test, so nothing concrete yet.

5. What has been your most memorable moment of the Express Eventing 2011 Series so far?
I did the qualifier at Gatcombe Park, which was good fun, but it was nice to be doing it on a horse I have produced since a 3 year old.

6. Who would be in your dream multi-national Olympic eventing team?
Myself, Laura Collett, Emily Llewellyn and Ben Hobday. We all did ponies, juniors and young riders together so it would be amazing to all be on the same Olympic team.

7. Do you reward your horses for a good performance and, if so, how?
Yes of course, pats, polos and lots of treats!!!

8. What has been the highlight of your career to date and why?
I think completing Badminton and Burghley clear cross country at the age of 19 was an amazing feeling!

9. What was your favourite subject at school and why?
‘Free Period’ – I wasn’t a fan of school and left when I was 16.

10. If you weren’t a professional event rider what would you like to do?
I’m not sure, something active and outdoors, I’m not sure I could cope in an office, although it does seem more appealing in the winter.

11. What would you most like to win that you haven’t already?
Olympic gold would be nice, but I’d also love to win the Rolex Grand Slam.

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I have been to Egypt twice with Laura Collett and love it there.

13. Which horse would you most like to have had the opportunity to compete on and why?
Having watched the World Equestrian Games and the European Eventing Championships, La Biosthetique-Sam looks the best event horse to ride at the moment!!

14. When did you last fall off?
I can't remember, it would probably been from a young horse though!

15. Do you have any pets at home?
Millie my Whippet and Neville the cat.

16. What’s your favourite meal?
A beef roast.

17. Do you have any lucky charms or superstitions?
Not yet.

18. What’s your favourite one-day event?
I’m not a sure about my favourite, but Barbury and Gatcombe are both fantastic to ride at.

19. What are you most looking forward to at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Trying out my new test (when I’ve decided on the floor plan and music) and riding at one of the premier shows!!

20. Who are you tipping to win the Final at the Horse of the Year Show?
Well I’d like to say myself, but if I can’t, Oliver Townend or Matthew Wright are both very competitive.

WATCH GEORGIE'S DRESSAGE TO MUSIC TEST AT THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING QUALIFIER BY CLICKING HERE.?

Visit Georgie's website
Visit Georgie's facebook page

INTERNATIONAL EVENTING SUPERSTARS LINE UP FOR EXPRESS EVENTING 2011 FINAL AT HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Former Badminton and Burghley winner Oliver Townend, winner of three Express Eventing 2011 Qualifiers Matthew Wright and Chinese Olympian Alex Hua Tian will be among the line-up of 15 international athletes competing at the Express Eventing 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG Arena on 4th October.

These international eventers - and the other 11 best performing Young and Senior riders from the Express Eventing Qualifiers held around the country this summer plus 2010 Express Eventing winner Flora Harris – will be battling it out for the lion’s share of the £40,000 Express Eventing Final 2011 prize pot. The Express Eventing 2011 winner at Horse of the Year Show will be £12,500 the richer.

Developed and fine-tuned over several years, the Express Eventing Series 2011 is a spectacular, exciting and fast moving version of eventing, which has been integrated within five prestigious and established shows throughout the country this year. Following the format of the Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic, The Lincolnshire Show, The CLA Game Fair and the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, the 2011 Final will consist of three arena-based disciplines: freestyle ‘dressage to music’, cross country and showjumping.

Stephen Renouard, Express Eventing Equestrian Director, said: “The Express Eventing Qualifiers have been a tremendous success – with an approximate total of 250,000 spectators at the various events witnessing some of the biggest names in eventing fight it out, right down to the last pole, for a place in the 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show.

“The 2011 Final line-up exemplifies the calibre of athletes who have competed around the country, but what is equally pleasing is their palpable enthusiasm for the Twenty20 of eventing. The Senior athletes really enjoy this thrill-a-minute form of eventing and the Young riders relish the opportunity of competing on a level playing field with some of the best names in the sport.

“With the Express Eventing Final a little over a month away, our 15 Finalists are now focusing on the big prize and training at the very highest level. We have all the ingredients in place for a very intense and exciting Final.”

The highest placed Young athlete and Senior athlete at each Express Eventing Qualifier, together with the three Young and the three Senior riders achieving the highest overall competition score across all the Qualifiers plus last year’s Express Eventing winner, have gained a place at the Express Eventing 2011 Final.

The qualifying athletes for the Express Eventing 2011 Final are as follows:

-Matthew Wright (GBR). Nottinghamshire-based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier. Matthew competed in all four Express Eventing 2011 Qualifiers and won the first three (at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic, The Lincolnshire Show and The CLA Game Fair).

-Oliver Townend (GBR). Shropshire-based Townend was the winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008 and was runner-up at the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park. He is a previous winner of both the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. He has also represented Great Britain.

-Harry Meade (GBR). Wiltshire-based Harry completed more CCI**** events than any other rider by the age of 25. Harry sprung to fame when he partnered Midnight Dazzler, who became the most consistent 4**** horse in the world for 5 seasons, before Harry retired him. He has been a member of the World Class Squad for the past four years. Harry was placed 3rd at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The CLA Game Fair at Blenheim.

-Fiona Hobby (GBR). Wiltshire-based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year. She was placed 2nd at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Lincolnshire Show.

-Sam Griffiths (AUS). Dorset-based Sam is originally from Australia. He has recently had some very successful seasons, being placed 3rd at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in 2009, and placed 4th this year. Sam won the Express Eventing Series 2011 Qualifier at The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park with the best dressage score of the whole Series – and, as such, was the first rider to beat Matthew Wright at an Express Eventing Qualifier this year.

-Fraser Duffy (GBR). Based in Ireland since 2000, Fraser has represented Great Britain on the international stage in both Dressage and Eventing as part of the Young Rider team and is now an established trainer. Fraser was 3rd at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic Express Eventing Qualifier, with less than a fence between him and the winner, and he also competed in the Express Eventing Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair.

-Jo Chipperfield (GBR). Hertforshire-based Jo has been eventing for over 20 years, and runs her own event yard. She has ridden up to 4**** level on many occasions, and last season won the Event Horse Owners’ Rider Award, as well as appearing on British Eventing’s Top 100 Rider list. She competed in the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Lincolnshire Show and the CLA Game Fair.

-Alex Hua Tian (CHI). Hampshire-based Alex has competed in an Express Eventing competition every year so far, the only rider to have done so. He was runner-up at the Express Eventing Championship 2010. Alex was the first ever rider to represent China at the Olympic Games when he competed in Beijing 2008. He just missed out on the Young Rider qualification at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic qualifier, but took it at the CLA Game Fair where he was placed 2nd.

-Paul Sims (GBR). Cheshire-based Paul has competed at international level both at home and abroad, and was the placed 2nd at last year’s Intermediate Championship at Gatcombe Park. Paul was placed 5th at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic qualifier, and was the top placed Young Rider.

-Will Murray (GBR). Newcastle-based Will has previously competed at Horse of the Year Show with Working Hunter Ponies, before making the switch to eventing. He now events to Advanced level. Will was placed 5th at the Lincolnshore Show qualifier, and was the top placed Young Rider.

-Sienna Myson-Davies (GBR). Surrey-based Sienna was double Junior Gold Medallist at the European Championships in 2008, and won the Junior Final Trial in 2009. She has taken a break from the sport since 2009 owing to horse injury, but is now back on form proving this by being the highest placed Young Rider at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Festival of British Eventing.

-Flora Harris (GBR). Oxfordshire-based Flora is a former Team GBR Young Rider, and was the winner of the Express Eventing Championhip in 2010 at the Royal Festival of the Horse. This gives her automatic qualification to the 2011 Express Eventing Final.

-Shari Butchart (GBR). Essex-based Shari is a former Grade A show jumper and has previously competed at Horse of the Year Show. She also represented Great Britain in that discipline on both the Junior and Young Rider teams. This is her third season of eventing after making the switch. She competed in the Express Eventing Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic, the Lincolnshire Show and the Festival of British Eventing.

-Georgie Spence (GBR). Wiltshire-based Georgie has had consistent good results at 4**** International level, with clears at Badminton, Burghley and Pau for the last 4 years. She has ridden for her country, taking Junior Team Silver in 2006, and Young Rider Team Gold in 2008 and 2009. Georgie competed in last year’s Express Eventing Championship achieving a 5th placing and took part in the Festival of British Eventing Express Eventing Qualifier this year.

-Jess Butler (GBR). Rutland-based Jess progressed through ponies with success in show jumping and eventing before moving on to horses at 13 years old. Since her A-levels she has been fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of riders such as Jeanette Brakewell and Sarah Cohen and to ride and train with the Lawrence David Event Team and has now set up her own yard. Jess competed in the Express Eventing Series 2011 Qualifiers at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and The Festival of British Eventing.

For more information on Express Eventing, including the opportunity to buy tickets for the Express Eventing 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show, go to: www.expresseventing.co.uk.

THE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE FINAL QUALIFIER AT GATCOMBE PARK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The highlights of the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Festival Of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park are now available to watch here with further video footage of all the Freestyle Dressage to Music including winner Sam Griffiths performing his breathtaking Dressage test. Exclusive interviews with riders and other event footage is also available on the ExpressEventing1 You Tube Channel.

Book your tickets to the Final at Horse of the Year Show on 4th October 2011 now!

DEBUT SAM GRIFFITHS BEATS TOWNEND TO WIN FINAL 2011 EXPRESS EVENTING QUALIFIER

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Australian rider Sam Griffiths jumped his way to victory in a spectacular final qualifier for the Express Eventing Series 2011 at The Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park this afternoon.

Sam Griffiths takes home £3,000 in prize money after his Express Eventing debut as well as qualifying for the Express Eventing Final at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG Arena on 4th October 2011. Joining him after winning a qualifying place in the Final is Sienna Myson-Davies as the highest placed Young Rider. Oliver Townend came a close second to Griffiths with just 0.8 penalty points separating the two. Townend had an incredibly busy weekend at The Festival of British Eventing running nine horses in total and Griffiths ran three.

Sam Griffiths rode a breathtaking freestyle dressage to music test on Saturday evening which left the huge crowd of spectators stunned. Artistic Judge, Amanda Birch of Amanda Birch Dressage Writing commented “Spectators here have truly witnessed something very special’. Griffiths lead from the outset and was closely followed by Olympian Alex Hua Tian on legendary stallion Grafenstolz until the showjumping phase. Griffiths produced the lowest dressage score of the entire Express Eventing Series 2011 qualifiers, being awarded a 7.9. He then jumped clear in his Cross Country phase seeing him leading into the final show jumping phase. The show jumping proved tricky for some with only two clear rounds, and Griffiths had two poles down meaning that he had to jump and clear the eraser fence (which is optional but if cleared knocks 4 points of the total score) which he did with ease, clinching him the top spot.

A delighted Griffiths said of the event: "I have loved every minute of this competition, it’s been very exciting and winning has topped it off. I think it’s a great concept and one that really suited my horse, it has been my first time competing today and I wish I’d done the others [previous 3 qualifiers]”

As Myson-Davies was the highest placed Young Rider, she was entitled to a place in the Express Eventing Final.

From four qualifiers, there are eight qualified riders including Matthew Wright, Fiona Hobby, Harry Meade, Sam Griffiths, Paul Sims, William Murray, Alex Hua Tian and Sienna Myson-Davies all will ride at the Express Eventing Final at Horse of the Year Show on Tuesday 4th October. These riders will be joined by eight runners up, which are yet to be announced.

Stephen Renouard, Express Eventing Equestrian Director, said:

“We are really pleased with how the competition ran today, we have had an incredibly strong field of competitors here at the Festival of British Eventing and all have enjoyed the event. It was a very exciting and nail biting finish for the 2011 Express Eventing Series and well received by the audience here at the Festival.

“Having now concluded the final qualifier for this 2011 series we will soon be in a position announce the full line-up for the Express Eventing 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show in October.”

For footage of today's qualifier and the previous qualifiers at Bolesworth, Lincolnshire and the CLA Game Fair, please visit www.expresseventing.co.uk

Final results:

1st – Sam Griffiths on Real Dancer – 11.9

2nd – Oliver Townend on Neo Du Breuil – 12.7

3rd – Matthew Wright on If You Want II – 13.8

4th – Alex Hua Tian on Grafenstolz – 19.3

5th – Sienna Myson-Davies on Tambourine – 27.5

6th – Georgie Spence on WII Limbo – 27.9

7th – Rachael Lupton on The Chenko Artist – 30.15

8th – Nicola Baguley on Millie on Air – 30.65

For more information on Express Eventing Series 2011, please visit our website at www.expresseventing.co.uk or join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/expresseventing

RIDERS LINE UP FOR FINAL EXPRESS EVENTING SERIES 2011 QUALIFIER

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing have today announced the athletes who will compete in the final Series qualifier at the Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park on 6th and 7th August. The athletes will be hoping to secure a qualifying place, which will see them compete in the final at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG arena on 4th October and take home a share of the £10,000 prize money available at the qualifier.

This compact thrill a minute version of eventing has this year being rolled out nationally and will see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena. The sport has been integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country. The Festival of British Eventing marks the closing of the 2011 qualifying stages.

This year for the first time the sport is no longer invitational, and is instead open to any qualifying Young or Senior rider combination wishing to apply.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director for the sport of Express Eventing commented “We’re thrilled to be bringing Express Eventing to the Festival of British Eventing. This will provide a real opportunity for true Eventing enthusiasts to see the sport in all its glory which makes it a real showcase event for us. We have had unprecedented interest from riders for this qualifying event”.

Competing Athletes:

-Matthew Wright (GBR). Nottinghamshire based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier. Matthew has so far won all three of the previous Express Eventing qualifiers.

-Laura Collett (GBR). Having already won 7 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medals for her country Laura took the Eventing world by storm with a great run at this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, and has now been selected to the Equestrian Team GBR Senior Squad, which will see her travel to Luhmuhlen in Germany for the European Championships at the end of August.

-Alex Hua Tian (CHN). Hampshire based Alex has competed in an Express Eventing competition every year so far, the only rider to have done so, and he was placed second last year. Alex was the first ever rider to represent China at the Olympic games when he competed in Beijing 2008. Alex just missed out on the Young Rider qualification at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic, but did qualify at the CLA Game Fair being placed 2nd just behind Matthew Wright.

-Oliver Townend (GBR). Shropshire based Townend was the winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008 and came runner-up at the Express Eventing Qualifier at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic. He is a previous winner of both the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. He has also represented Great Britain.

-Fiona Hobby (GBR). Wiltshire based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year. Fiona was placed second at the Express Eventing Lincolnshire Show qualifier.

-Sam Griffiths (AUS). Dorset based Sam is originally from Australia. He recently had some very successful seasons, being placed 3rd at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in 2009, and placed 4th this year. This will be Sam’s first time competing in the Express Eventing Series.

-Laura Shears (GBR). Warwickshire based Laura has competed extensively at 3*** and 4**** International level. Her most notable result was a 24th placing at Pau 4**** in France last year.

-Georgie Spence (GBR). Wiltshire based Georgie has had consistently good results at 4**** International level, with clears at Badminton, Burghley and Pau for the last 4 years. She has ridden for her country, taking Junior Team Silver in 2006, and Young Rider Team Gold in 2008 and 2009. Georgie competed in last year’s Express Eventing achieving a 5th placing.

-Rachel Lupton (GBR). North Yorkshire based Rachel has competed up to 4**** level and is regularly placed at Advanced level. She was 3rd in this year’s Belton U25 Advanced, and also won the Floors Castle Horse Trials Open Intermediate. Rachel is also a member of the Regional Foundation Squad, designed to nurture future talent in the sport. Her first taste of Express Eventing was at the CLA Game Fair qualifier.

-Nicola Baguley (GBR). Nottinghamshire based Nicola was a member of the Junior and Young Rider Great British teams, winning three individual medals at the Pony Europeans in successive years. Nicola produces her own horses.

-James Hale (GBR). Nottinghamshire based James rides for Matthew Wright in his University breaks from the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The Express Eventing Series first timer has partnered several horses up to Intermediate level and taken part in two JRN Championships. James has also taken part in team chasing in the previous two seasons.

-Jess Butler (GBR). Retford based Jess progressed through ponies with success in Showjumping and Eventing before moving on to horses at 13 years old. Since her A-levels she has been fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of riders such as Jeanette Brakewell and Sarah Cohen and to ride and train with the Lawrence David Event Team and has now set up her own yard.

-Alice Kent (GBR). Sussex base Alice has been eventing since she was 15, and now events four horses. Alice was lucky enough at the age of 19 to be offered the ride on Spider VI, an ex member of the Junior team. The horse saw her progress two levels from BE100 to Intermediate in just one season.

-Shari Butchart (GBR). Essex based Shari is a former Grade A Showjumper and has previously competed at the Horse of the Year Show. She also represented Great Britain in that discipline on both the Junior and Young Rider teams. This is her third season of eventing after making the switch.

-Kate Lukas (GBR). Surrey based Kate has evented professionally since graduating with a Management degree in 2004. Kate has previously won the Derby House owner-rider Novice championship at Henbury Hall on Prime Suspect III, qualifying for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, has trained a horse to selection for the World Class Equine Pathway and been placed at the British Dressage Winter Championships.

-Sienna Myson-Davies (GBR). Surrey based Sienna was double Junior Gold Medallist at the European Championships in 2008, and won the Junior Final Trial the year after. She has taken a break from the sport since 2009 owing to horse injury, but is now back on form.

CLA GAME FAIR QUALIFIER VIDEO FOOTAGE NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Highlights of the Express Eventing Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace is now available to watch here with video footage of all the Freestyle Dressage to Music including backing tracks such as Gladiator, James Bond, Lady Gaga, Pink and Kings of Leon music.

Exclusive interviews with riders and other event footage is also available on the ExpressEventing1 You Tube Channel.

MATTHEW WRIGHT TAKES THIRD EXPRESS EVENTING WIN WITH ALEX HUA TIAN AND HARRY MEADE QUALIFYING FOR HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Matthew Wright jumped his way to victory in an exciting, down to the wire finish at the third Express Eventing Qualifier at The CLA Game Fair.

Matthew picked up £3,000 in prize money and runner-up Alex Hua Tian and 3rd placed Harry Meade have secured their place in the Express Eventing FInal at the Horse of the Year Show at the LG Arena on 4th October 2011. After a non-qualifying run at Bolesworth, Alex was determined this time to secure a place in the Express Eventing Final and battle it out for the lion’s share of the £40,000 prize pot.

Leading throughout the day, Matthew rode Sir John Peace's horse, If You Want II, to victory in a nail biting finish in front of crowds. Matthew’s dressage score of only 21.00 penalties was to be the score that he would finish on - but not without a little bit of drama along the way.

Following a testing cross country phase, the leader board shuffled around and Young Rider Alex found himself only 4 penalties behind Matthew going into the show jumping. With only a fence separating the two, it was always Alex's intention to jump the final eraser fence in order to put him on a par with Matthew and keep the pressure on. The eraser fence gives the riders the opportunity to knock off 4 penalties from their score going into the show jumping.

Unfortunately, Alex had the second fence down, but cleared the eraser fence to keep him on his original score of 25.00 penalties, keeping just a fence between him and Matthew. With Matthew needing to produce a clear round so that he didn't need to jump the eraser fence, Matthew and If You Want II jumped the first half of the course effortlessly, but then knocked a pole out on the oxer fence, meaning that he then had to clear the eraser fence - which he duly did.

A delighted Matthew said of his win: "I'm obviously thrilled to have won the third Express Eventing qualifier, it's a great competition and it's always good for the crowd when a competition goes down to the wire.

"I'm very much looking forward to Gatcombe on 6th-7th August, the prize money is second to none in the Express Eventing Series, and fingers crossed that you'll see me with that winner's cheque again at the fourth qualifier."

As Alex was the highest placed Young Rider, he was entitled to a place in the Express Eventing Final. Harry Meade was the highest placed over twenty-five year old and secured a qualification to the Horse of the Year Show final.

Athletes will have one more chance to qualify for the Express Eventing 2011 Final at the fourth and last 2011 Express Eventing Qualifier at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on 6th and 7th August.

Stephen Renouard, Express Eventing Equestrian Director, said:

“This was another exciting finish for the 2011 Express Eventing Series. The crowd certainly enjoyed the spectacle. I am delighted that the first equestrian event at the CLA Game Fair has gone so well: the Senior and Young riders alike have all said how much they enjoyed the event.

“With our fourth and final qualifier at The Festival of British Eventing in a couple of weeks’ time, we are very nearly in a position to announce the full line-up for the Express Eventing 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show in October.”

David Eckersby of the Country Land & Business Association said of the Qualifier: “I think that having the Express Eventing Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair has been a phenomenal success. It attracted large crowds and brought eventing to a new audience; we’ll certainly be talking about hosting the competition again next year”.

For footage of today's qualifier and the previous qualifiers at Bolesworth and Lincolnshire, please visit www.expresseventing.co.uk

Final results:

1st - Matthew Wright on If You Want II - 21.00

2nd - Alex Hua Tian on Grafenstolz - 25.00

3rd - Harry Meade on Tinka's Time - 29.50

4th - Mark Todd on NZB Campino - 37.75

5th - Rachael Lupton on Chenko Artist - 44.50

6th - Fiona Hobby on Smart Approach - 40.5

7th - Georgie Strang on Master Monarch - 65.50

8th - James Hale on Diamond News - 91.25

For more information on Express Eventing Series 2011, please visit our website at www.expresseventing.co.uk or join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/expresseventing

TEN MINUTES WITH MATTHEW WRIGHT

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Matthew Wright, Representative for Great Britain at the European Championships and winner of 2011 Express Eventing Qualifiers at Bolesworth Classic and The Lincolnshire Show.

This year the compact thrill a minute version of eventing is being rolled out nationally. The Express Eventing Series 2011 has had successful start seeing dressage, cross country and show jumping being completed in one arena. With two qualifying events remaining this season and the final spectacle at HOYS in October, we hear first hand how the series is going.

Our reporter Louise Elliott took ten minutes with qualifier Matthew Wright to discuss his successes so far in the 2011 series, his reason for entering and his thoughts on the new format.

LOUISE ELLIOTT: This is your first year competing in the Express Eventing Series, what was it that attracted you to the exciting and compact version of the sport?

Matthew Wright: A number of things really, I like the idea of giving Eventing a modern twist and bringing Eventing to a wider audience plus the prize fund is second to none. The reward for winning is a big bonus and certainly something to get competitive about; there aren’t many events with a £100,000 total prize pot and £3,000 for each win!

LE: The Express Eventing format includes Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping as you are used to, but is arena based and more compact, how have you found adjusting to the format?
MW: I think that the concept has been clearly thought out and the Express Eventing team really involve the competitors and take on board rider feedback.

Compared with Eventing in the traditional form, I have really enjoyed the more compact, one day format. The hardest part that I’ve found to adjust to although now, good fun, has been the Freestyle Dressage to Music. It has been completely different for me, firstly having to put together my own test and then fit it to music! The cross country phase, being arena based means that both horse and rider have to focus and be sharp as the jumping efforts come up quickly. The show jumping format is similar to traditional Eventing, although I like the concept of the “eraser” fence which deducts four penalty points from your score – I’ve had to jump that in both the qualifiers so far to secure the top spot! I’m also lucky that I have a fantastic horse that jumps boldly in cross country, yet is careful in the show jumping and has plenty of scope to clear the final “eraser” fence when I need it!

LE: I’m surprised that the Freestyle Dressage to Music phase has been a challenging part as you’ve been quite a crowd pleaser with your choice of dressage music so far with both Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon, are these on your playlist and what can we hope to see at the final?
MW: [Laughs] I’ve really enjoyed doing the Dressage to Music but it has required a lot of practice and hard work. As for choice of music, I can’t quite take all the credit for that and am grateful for Ian Woodhead’s input – it did make me smile when I saw the video on YouTube and I was trotting down the centre line to Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon! I’m very much looking forwards to the Horse of the Year Show final at the NEC in October and am working on a new piece of music, it’s top secret but will be one to listen out for!

LE: Both competitions (Bolesworth Qualifier and Lincolnshire Show) have been very close and down to the last round in the Show Jumping if not the last fence, did you ever have any doubts the titles might not have been yours?
MW: With my first Express Eventing competition at Bolesworth, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and the stakes were high with both Oliver Townend and Mark Todd competing. On winning that, I went to Lincolnshire feeling confident as its my home turf, but tough competition from Fiona Hobby meant it came down to the last fence in the show jumping, I knew that I had to jump and clear the “eraser” fence to win the £3,000.

LE: Following your win at the Bolesworth Qualifer (9th June) and The Lincolnshire Show (22nd June), what’s been your most memorable moment?
Winning the Bolesworth Qualifier was a great achievement, but in the final phase of the Lincolnshire Show I knew that I had to not only show jump clear but jump the eraser fence. It was also really good to win in front of my home crowd as I compete at Lincolnshire every spring and am based locally.

LE: With two wins under your belt for the series, a qualifying ticket to the final at HOYS and two qualifiers remaining, what are your chances of taking home all four qualifier wins?
There’s tough competition at the Game Fair with the likes of this years Badminton winner Mark Todd, I’ll also be up against previous Express Eventing winners and competitors including Oliver Townend and 2010 series winner Flora Harris so I think it will be tough, but now I’ve won two I would love to win all four!

TODD AND TOWNEND GO HEAD TO HEAD AT EXPRESS EVENTING QUALIFIER AT CLA GAME FAIR

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

New Zealand's double Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Todd and 2008 Express Eventing winner Oliver Townend are among the line-up of competitors at the Express Eventing 2011 Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair, at Blenheim Palace, on Sunday 24th July.

Todd and Townend, both past winners of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, will be going head to head against other well known riders such as Harry Meade and Alex Hua Tian for a place in the Express Eventing 2011 Final at Horse of the Year Show on 4th October.

Developed and fine-tuned over several years, the Express Eventing Series 2011 is a spectacular, exciting and fast-moving version of eventing consisting of three arena-based disciplines: freestyle dressage to music, cross country and showjumping.

Stephen Renouard, Express Eventing Equestrian Director, said: We are absolutely delighted with the strength and depth of our athlete list at the Express Eventing Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair.

This year we opened our compact version of eventing to applications from Young and Senior qualifying riders, and we have been inundated with entries of a very high calibre. The young athletes relish the opportunity of competing with senior, experienced international riders, and the seniors love the format and the contrast it provides to traditional three-day eventing.

The athletes at the CLA Game Fair are all desperate to qualify for the Express Eventing Final at HOYS. This should make for another very exciting Express Eventing Qualifier.

International eventer Matthew Wright - the winner of both Express Eventing Qualifiers so far this year - will also be competing at the Qualifier at the CLA Game Fair, but his place in the Final (by winning a Qualifier) is already secured. He could however still take home the top prize of £3,000, which goes to the winner of the qualifier.

The fourth and final Express Eventing 2011 Qualifier is being held at The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on 7th and 8th August. The Express Eventing Final will be held at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham's LG Arena on 4th October. For further information on Express Eventing and to buy tickets for the Qualifiers and The Final, go to www.expresseventing.co.uk.

Competing Athletes at the CLA Game Fair, Blenheim Palace;

Mark Todd (NZL). Berkshire-based Todd is an eventing legend - winning this years Misubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials - 31 years after his first win there. He is also a double Olympic Gold Medalist, representing New Zealand. He competed in the inaugural 2008 Express Eventing and at the 2011 Express Eventing Qualifier at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic.

Oliver Townend (GBR). Shropshire based Townend was the winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008 and came runner-up at the Express Eventing Qualifier at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic. He is a previous winner of both the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. He has also represented Great Britain.

Matthew Wright (GBR). Nottinghamshire-based Wright has won both Express Eventing Qualifiers so far this year, first at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and the second at The Lincolnshire Show . He has represented Great Britain at the European Championships, competed at international level and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier.

Alex Hua Tian (CHI). Hampshire based Alex has competed in an Express Eventing competition every year so far, the only rider to have done so, and he was placed second last year. Alex was the first ever rider to represent China at the Olympic games when he competed in Beijing 2008. Alex just missed out on the Young Rider qualification at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic qualifier.

Fiona Hobby (GBR). Wiltshire based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year. Fiona was 2nd at the Lincolnshire Show Express Eventing Series qualifier, being narrowly beaten to the top spot by Matthew Wright, but has qualified for the Final.

Fraser Duffy (GBR). Based in Ireland since 2000, Fraser has represented Great Britain on the international stage in both Dressage and Eventing as part of the Young Rider team and is now an established trainer. Fraser was 3rd at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic Express Eventing Series qualifier, with less than a fence between him and the winner.

Angela Starr (GBR). Kent based Angela is relatively new to Eventing, but has plenty of experience as a Point to Point jockey, and also as a Showjumper.

James Hale (GBR). Nottinghamshire based James rides for Matthew Wright in his University breaks from the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The Express Eventing Series first timer has partnered several horses up to Intermediate level and taken part in tow JRN Championships. James has also taken part in team chasing in the previous two seasons.

Georgie Strang (GBR). Kent based Georgie has been the winner of the Urkey Newton Bursay for best Cross Country round and the Horsemanship Award for the best Showjumping round at Pony Club championships, and was also a member of South East JRN team and Regional Foundation Squad. She has competed to 4**** level, notably at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and was 9th in the Welcome to Yorkshire Bramham Horse Trials U25 CC!***.

Harry Meade (GBR). Wiltshire based Harry completed more CCI**** events than any other rider by the age of 25. Harry, who will be having his first go at Express Eventing, sprung to fame when he partnered Midnight Dazzler, who became the most consistent 4**** horse in the world for 5 seasons, before Harry retired him. Harry has been a member of the World Class Squad for the past four years.

Jo Chipperfield (GBR). Hertfordshire based Jo has been Eventing for over 20 years, and runs her own event yard. She has ridden up to 4**** level on many occasions, and last season won the Event Horse Owners Rider Award, as well as appearing on British Eventing's Top 100 Rider list.

Rachel Lupton (GBR). North Yorkshire based Rachel has competed up to 4**** level and is regularly placed at Advanced level. She was 3rd in this year's Belton U25 Advanced, and also won the Floors Castle Horse Trials Open Intermediate. Rachel is also a member of the Regional Foundation Squad, designed to nurture future talent in the sport. This will be her first Express Eventing Series experience.

Alice Pearson (GBR). Herefordshire based Alice competed in the 2010 Express Eventing. The 2009 Best of British U25 Blenheim Horse Trials winner has competed up to 4**** level.

LINCOLNSHIRE QUALIFIER VIDEO FOOTAGE NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The highlights of the Express Eventing Qualifier at Lincolnshire Show are now available to watch here with further video footage of all the Freestyle Dressage to Music including winner's Matthew Wright performing to Lady Gaga, Pink and Kings of Leon tracks. Exclusive interviews with riders and other event footage is also available on the ExpressEventing1 You Tube Channel.

LINCOLN�S MR. WRIGHT AT THE DOUBLE

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Matthew Wright has claimed his second win of the Express Eventing Series 2011 at the Lincolnshire Show today. In a thrilling finish which went right to the final fence in the showjumping, Wright claimed the top prize of £3,000 finishing on a score of just 4.5. He pipped Wiltshire based Fiona Hobby who finished on a score of 8.15 to the post in a breathtaking finish, which had the crowd held in absolute silence.

As Matthew has already qualified for the Express Eventing Series Final at the Horse of the Year Show when he won at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic on 9th June the qualification passes down the line, meaning that Fiona Hobby, sister of Tina Fletcher has qualified for the final.

Whilst at Bolesworth Matthew was in second behind Oliver Townend throughout the whole event, but at Lincoln he lead from the Dressage phase with an initial score of 8.5 folowed by a clear Cross Country. Fiona jumped a clear showjumping round leaving the eraser fence intact (which knocks 4 points of the total) meaning that Matthew had to do the same to secure victory.

William Murray who is based in Northumberland also qualified for the Series Final as the highest placed Young Rider, finishing fifth overall on Jen Deary and Sarah Burdess’ gelding Brightside. Matthew Wright, Paul Sims, Fiona Hobby and William Murray will now go forward to the final for their chance to claim part of a £40,000 prize pot.

Wright said of his success “It’s been a tight competition, I knew the pressure on with Fiona just behind me, I’ve never seen her horse drop a pole so I knew we had to jump well and the horse really did just that. The Cross Country was tougher than at Bolesworth, which was good”.

William Murray said “It’s a great format, and the neat thing about it is the level pegging it places you on with Senior and well known riders. I was so tempted to apply because of the Final being at the Horse of the Year Show. For this sort of thing the rider and the horse have to be so switched on, it’s quite intense. Express Eventing has really found its feet now, and I really hope it continues to grow’.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director of Express Eventing commented “Once again, the competition left everybody on the edge of their seats. The rider’s were all over the moon. It’s a very addictive sport, once they have had a go they’re hooked”.

There are two Express Eventing Series qualifiers remaining. These are The CLA Game Fair on Saturday 24th July, and The Festival of British Eventing of Gatcombe Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August.

Final Results:
-Matthew Wright (4.50). QUALIFIED FOR HOYS AT BOLESWORTH
-Fiona Hobby (8.15). QUALIFIED
-Carol Pearson (19.30).
-Jo Chipperfield (20.70).
-William Murray (27.65). QUALIFIED YOUNG RIDER
-Shari Butchart (35.45) .
-Tamsyn Hutchins (37.85).
-Kate Lukas (37.85).
-Georgie Strang (40.95).
-Angela Starr (54.65).
-Charlotte Castle (54.95).

RIDERS FROM ALL AROUND ENGLAND HEAD FOR LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing have today announced the athletes, including the winner of lthe first qualifier, Matthew Wright, who will compete in the second Series qualifier at the Lincolnshire Show on Wednesday 22nd June. The athletes will be hoping to secure a qualifying place, which will see them compete in the final at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG arena on 4th October.

This compact thrill a minute version of eventing is this year being rolled out nationally and will see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena and is to be integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country. The Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic marks the opening of the 2011 Series.

This year for the first time the sport is no longer be invitational, and is instead open to any qualifying Young or Senior rider combination wishing to apply.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director for the sport of Express Eventing commented “We’re delighted to be taking an Express Eventing Series qualifier to the Lincolnshire Show, where the sport will be showcased to a huge audience. It’s also great to see that Matthew Wright has caught the bug after winning Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and so will be joining us at the Lincolnshire Show”.

Competing Athletes:
-Matthew Wright (GBR). Nottinghamshire based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier. Matthew was the winner of the Series opening qualifier at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic in Cheshire last weekend.

-Shari Butchart (GBR). Essex based Shari is a former Grade A Showjumper and has previously competed at the Horse of the Year Show. She also represented Great Britain in that discipline on both the Junior and Young Rider teams. This is her third season of eventing after making the switch.

-Charlotte Castle (GBR). Lincolnshire based Charlotte has represented Great Britiain as an individual Young Rider, gaining 7th place in the Young Rider Europeans in 2007. Charlotte competes to 4**** Level.

-Fiona Hobby (GBR). Wiltshire based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year.

-Carol Pearson (GBR). Lincolnshire based Carol competes to International 2** level. She has competed in several eventer’s grand prix competitions.

-Will Murray (GBR). Newcastle based Will has previously competed at the Horse of the Year show with Working Hunter Ponies, before making the switch to eventing. He now events to Advanced level.

-Kate Lukas (GBR). Surrey based Kate has evented professionally since graduating with a Management degree in 2004. Kate has previously won the Derby House owner-rider Novice championship at Henbury Hall on Prime Suspect III, qualifying for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, has trained a horse to selection for the World Class Equine Pathway and been placed at the British Dressage Winter Championships. ?

-Georgie Strang (GBR). Kent passed Georgie has competed at International 4**** level, and has been placed 9th at the Welcome to Yorkshire Bramham International. She was a member of the South East Junior Regional Novice team, and is now a member of the regional foundation squad.

-Angela Starr (GBR). Kent based Angela is has completed a season as a point-to-point jockey, and has also competed in British Showjumping. She has recently made the switch to Eventing with three of her horses.

-Tamsyn Hutchins (GBR). Cornwall based Tamsyn represented Great Britain at both the Pony and Junior European Championships, gaining a team bronze at both. She has been competing at 3*** International level for the last six years, and was fourth in Express Eventing in 2010.

BOLESWORTH QUALIFIER VIDEO FOOTAGE NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The highlights of the Express Eventing Qualifier at Bolesworth are now available to watch here with further video footage of all the Freestyle Dressage to Music including winner's Matthew Wright performing to Lady Gaga, Pink and Kings of Leon tracks. Exclusive interviews with riders and other event footage is also available on the ExpressEventing1 You Tube Channel.

WRIGHT WINS EXPRESS EVENTING SERIES OPENER

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Matthew Wright has won the opening Express Eventing Series 2011 Qualifier at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic in Cheshire today taking home the first prize of £3,000 as well as a qualification to the Series Final. The Nottinghamshire based Event Rider beat stiff off competition from Oliver Townend in a nail biting finish with less than a pole between the two of them.

The winner was in second place behind Oliver throughout the event until the Showjumping, where he had one pole down but cleared the eraser fence, knocking four points of his total. Oliver had two poles down, and although he cleared the eraser fence this put him 1.9 penalty points behind Matthew.

Wright completed a powerful dressage test on his mount If You Want II with music from the Kings Of Leon’s Sex on Fire track. Fraser Duffy finished in third just 2.9 penalty points behind the leader.

Matthew will be joined in the Series final at the Horse of the Year Show by Cheshire based 24 year old Paul Sims who has qualified as the top placed Young Rider finishing 5th overall. Matthew and Paul will now go forward to the final for their chance to claim part of a £40,000 prize.

Wright said of his success “I’m delighted to have qualified. He’s a great horse, and I’ve trained hard for this. It’s such a great sport with an exciting future ahead of it and this is the first time I’ve had the chance to compete, but I’ve wanted to since day one”.

Paul Sims who rode Kim Belton’s Power of Dreams added “I’m thrilled. It’s great to be right up there with he top names, and I’ve had such good fun today”.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director of Express Eventing commented “today’s first qualifier has set a very high standard going forwards. As the scores show, it was a truly thrill-a-minute competition, shown by the edge of the seat ending we had”.

There are three Express Eventing Series qualifiers remaining. These are the Lincolnshire Show on Wednesday 22nd June, The CLA Game Fair on Saturday 24th June, and The Festival of British Eventing of Gatcombe Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August.

Final Results:
1st- Matthew Wright (GBR). 21.40 penalty points. QUALIFIED FOR FINAL. Nottinghamshire based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier.

2nd- Oliver Townend (GBR). 23.30 penalty points.
3rd Fraser Duffy (GBR). 24.30 penalty points.
4th Fiona Hobby (GBR). 24.65 penalty points
5th Paul Sims (GBR). 27.20 penalty points.
6th Mark Todd (NZL).
7th Alex Hua Tian (CHI).
8th Shari Butchart (GBR).
9th Hannah Bate (GBR).
10th Carol Pearson (GBR).
11th Jess Butler (GBR).
12th Charlotte Castle (GBR).

BOLESWORTH RUNNERS ANNOUNCED

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing have today announced the fourteen athletes including some of the world’s best eventers such as Mark Todd and Oliver Townend who will compete in the Series opening qualifier at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic in Cheshire on Saturday 11th June. The athletes will be hoping to secure a qualifying place, which will see them compete in the final at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG arena on 4th October.

This year for the first time the sport is no longer be invitational, and is instead open to any qualifying Young or Senior rider combination wishing to apply.

A spokesperson for Express Eventing said of the athletes “We have an incredibly strong list of applicants for the Bolesworth qualifier, and a notable list of International entries. Many of these riders have represented their country in the sport of Eventing, and we’re delighted that they have decided to join us and want to be involved with this new sport of Express Eventing.”

Competing Athletes:

-Mark Todd (NZL). Berkshire based Mark is an Eventing legend and was this year’s winner of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. He is also a double Olympic Gold Medalist, representing New Zealand.

-Oliver Townend (GBR). Shropshire based Oliver was the winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008. He is also a previous winner of both the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and has also represented Great Britain.

-Michael Ryan (IRE). County Cork based Michael has represented Ireland at the European Championships and World Games.

-Matthew Wright (GBR). Nottinghamshire based Matthew has represented Great Britain at the European Championships. He has competed at International level, and has had particular success in Ireland where he was winner at Ballindenisk Horse Trials and the World Cup Qualifier.

-Alex Hua Tian (CHI). Hampshire based Alex has competed in every Express Eventing competition so far, the only rider to have done so, and he was placed second last year. Alex was the first ever rider to represent China at the Olympic games when he competed in Beijing 2008.

-Phoebe Buckley (GBR). Cambridge based Phoebe competed in Express Eventing last year, finishing in 6th place. She has has been the U25 Champion at Bramham CCI***and was a member of the 2005 gold medalist Young Rider team.

-Fraser Duffy (GBR). Based in Ireland since 2000, Fraser has represented Great Britain on the international stage in both Dressage and Eventing as part of the Young Rider team and is now an established trainer.

-Hannah Bate (GBR). Cheshire based Hannah is a former member of the Junior European Eventing Team and has also had notable wins at Windsor International and Blair Castle Horse Trials.

-Jess Butler (GBR). Rutland based Jess has been fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of riders such as Jeanette Brakewell and Sarah Cohen and to ride and train with the Lawrence David Event Team.

-Shari Butchart (GBR). Essex based Shari is a former Grade A Showjumper and has previously competed at the Horse of the Year Show. She also represented Great Britian in that discipline on both the Junior and Young Rider teams. This is her third season of eventing after making the switch.

-Paul Sims (GBR). Cheshire based Paul competed at International level both at home and abroad, and was the placed second at last years Intermediate Championship at Gatcombe Park.

-Fiona Hobby (GBR). Wiltshire based Fiona competes at International 4**** level and was 7th in the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI*** last year.

-Carol Pearson (GBR). Lincolnshire based Carol competes to International 2** level. She has competed in several eventers grand prix competitions, including at Bolesworth Classic last year.

DAVISON TO JUDGE OPENING EXPRESS EVENTING QUALIFIER

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

One of Britain’s most successful and well known Dressage riders has been announced as a guest judge at this weekends opening Express Eventing Series 2011 qualifier at Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Grand Prix.

Richard Davison has competed for Great Britain in three Olympic Games, two World Equestrian Games and four European Championships as well as being a four time World Cup finalist. He was also six times British number one in the international dressage rankings, and in 2010 he was the official dressage trainer for Express Eventing.

Davison will judge the dressage to music phase of the competition alongside two other judges, and competition is likely to be fierce with well known names such as Mark Todd, Oliver Townend and Alex Hua Tian all vying for a place in the Series final at the Horse of the Year Show in October.

The first element of Express Eventing differs from the traditional phase of dressage in three day eventing, as there are optional movements which can improve the rider’s score and it is performed to music. It also allows music with lyrics, which is another departure from traditional dressage in eventing. This not only provides the audience with a truly entertaining start to the competition, but also allows the riders to select music which reflects the movements and personalities of their horses. Flora Harris who won the competition in 2010 included music from Lady Gaga and The Rocky Horror Show!

Richard is renowned for his own dressage to music skills. He has used music by Sir Elton John, which was specially recorded for him by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and he is currently working on a test to a Robbie Williams compilation, so he will be expecting creativity and expression this Saturday at the qualifier, even though some of the riders will never have performed a dressage test to music before. He gave a hint of what he’ll be looking for in a horse ““I like my horses hot and with a good engine. They have to have character, be real triers and tough – that doesn’t always make them the easiest.”

TEN MINUTES WITH NINA BARBOUR

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Nina Barbour is the organiser of the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair where the first qualifier for the 2011 Express Eventing Series will take place on Saturday, June 11.

2011 Badminton winner, Mark Todd and former Badminton and Burghley winner, Oliver Townend will both compete at Bolesworth, which is also home to Harthill Stud a new sport horse breeding venture run by Nina and Oliver.

This year the compact thrill a minute version of eventing is to be rolled out nationally. The Express Eventing Series 2011 will see dressage, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena and is to be integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country.

Nina has been talking to Louise Elliot about the addition of Express Eventing to her prestigious show.

LE: How did you first get into horses?

NB: My parents were never into horses, so I started learning to ride with friends at a local riding school. I eventually persuaded them to buy me a pony at the age of about 9, and I think they regretted that decision ever since!!

LE: What was it that made you establish the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic?

NB: Being involved in the sport gave me the interest together with the fact that Bolesworth seemed an obvious venue to hold a big event. It really appealed to me that British Showjumping allowed a new venue to have a new event with a really high level prize fund and standard, which meant we could start as we meant to go on and attract the best riders in the country to compete.

LE: Why did you decide to bring Express Eventing to Bolesworth?

NB: We were really excited when we were selected to hold an Express Eventing Qualifier, as this was a way of integrating our showjumping event with the sport of Eventing in a manageable and affordable way. We had already held a really successful Eventing Grand Prix the year before and felt that having Express Eventing would build on this and be a fantastic spectacle for our visitors.

LE: What are your future plans for the Estate?

NB: We have countless future plans for the Estate, but the biggest and most exciting project is the proposed Stud at Harthill which the Estate is due to build as soon as the planning permission has been finalized. I have already been building up the stud business over the last 18 months, which is a joint venture with Oliver Townend, and we are accumulating stock headed by our 2 stallions Power Blade and Honour Cruise, with the aim of producing top class event horses.

LE: What do you think Express Eventing means for the future of the sport?

NB: I think that Express Eventing is a great way of bringing more recognition to the sport of Eventing, as it is a very spectator and TV friendly event, and also a great event to fit in to other established events without the huge expense associated with putting in a full Cross Country course. We are very much looking forward to our qualifier on 10th June, and watching some really class competitor’s battle it out for places in the final at the Horse of the Year Show.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BASED MATTHEW WRIGHT VYING FOR A PLACE IN EXPRESS EVENTING FINAL AT HOYS

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Nottinghamshire-based Matthew Wright is vying for a place in the Express Eventing Final by competing at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Lincolnshire Show on 22nd June 2011.

Eventer Matthew Wright, who rides for John Peace’s Caunton Manor Stud, has wanted to compete in Express Eventing, the Twenty20 of eventing, since this new compact version of the sport launched in 2008.

“I am relishing the opportunity to compete in Express Eventing. I have watched this sport develop over the years and have found it all very exciting and refreshing.

“I have applied to compete at the Express Eventing Qualifier at The Lincolnshire Show. But if the truth be told, I’d love to compete at all four Qualifiers – at Bolesworth, at CLA Game Fair, the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe as well as The Lincolnshire Show. It’s such an exciting concept and I would, of course, love to make it to the Final at Horse of the Year Show in October.”

Matthew Wright, 28, who learned to ride at 18 months at his parents’ busy dealing yard in Nottinghamshire, was Young Riders Silver medallist 2002. In 2005 he made his British Senior squad debut (individual) at the 2005 European Championships. Since then he has regularly competed and at Burghley, Badminton, Blair Castle and Ballindenisk.

Commenting on Matthew’s application, Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director of Express Eventing, said: “We are delighted that Matthew has applied to the Express Eventing Qualifier in his home turf. The calibre of applications for all four Qualifiers is extremely high and, as such, speaks volumes for the trust and belief the riders have in this thrill- a-minute version of the sport.”

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of The Lincolnshire Show, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Express Eventing to this year’s Lincolnshire Show. It is fantastic for us to be able to host such an exciting high profile equestrian event, which is attracting internationally acclaimed riders.

“The Express Eventing Qualifier will undoubtedly be one of the highlights for our equestrian audience, but I am sure that this fast-paced event will also attract new people to the show.”

LEGEND MARK TODD JOINS HIGH CALIBRE APPLICANTS FOR EXPRESS EVENTING

Sun, 08 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials winner Mark Todd has added his name to the list of highly talented names who will be competing in the Express Eventing Series opening qualifier at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic on Saturday 11th June.

Mark said that he was "really excited to be part of the Express Eventing Series. It's a great way of bringing our fantastic sport to a new audience and I can't wait to take in the atmosphere on the day".

He will compete against the likes of Equestrian celebrity and winner of the inaugural Express Eventing Oliver Townend and former Olympian and three times winner of the Hickstead Eventing Grand Prix Gary Parsonage at the Cheshire based event, hoping to qualify for a place in the final at the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s LG Arena in October.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director of Express Eventing said of the applicants “The field of entrants further endorses the new format which worked so well in 2010, and shows that the riders trust and believe in this great sport. It will certain make for some great competition on the day.”

Nina Babour who runs the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic said “'We’re very excited that some of the best event riders in the world including Eventing legend Mark Todd have chosen Bolesworth as their preferred qualifier for the Express Eventing Series. We are thrilled to be presenting a truly world class spectacle.

TEN MINUTES WITH....FLORA

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing 2010 Champion Flora Harris who this evening lies in 19th place at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has announced her plans to defend the Express Eventing title in 2011 riding Law Choice, her winning horse in 2010 who she is competing at Badminton this weekend.

This year the compact exciting version of the sport of eventing is to be rolled out nationally. The Express Eventing Series 2011 will see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena. The series is to be integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country. Although Flora receives automatic qualification to the Final at the Horse of the Year Show, she has already announced that she hopes to compete at one of the regional qualifiers..

Our reporter Louise Elliott took ten minutes with Flora to discuss how the sport has helped her, and her thoughts on how it could develop in the future.

LOUISE ELLIOTT: Was your Express Eventing win up there with you biggest achievements to date?

FLORA HARRIS: Absolutely, yes. Representing Great Britain on the Young Rider Squad was an obvious highlight, but in terms of furthering my career and really challenging myself I genuinely think that Express Eventing has been a huge achievement for me.

LE: What was it that attracted you to Express Eventing?

FH: The prize money on offer is an obvious draw, but it’s also a great showcase of young eventing talent and I wanted to be part of that. The prize money is greater and more achievable than traditional eventing.

I really think it’s an attractive concept, and I think it could be the way some of the sport goes in the future. We want to see the great three-day events continue, but it’s an expensive sport to put on at places like the Olympics and this offers a more viable, accessible and spectator-friendly alternative. If this is the way the sport goes, I want to be ready for that.

LE: What did Express Eventing 2010 mean to you?

FH: Winning Express Eventing last year was a huge step up for me. It was great fun competing but it also created so many opportunities for me too.

Since Express Eventing I’ve signed new sponsorship deals as a result of the competition so commercially it’s been great, but it’s also boosted my confidence a great deal and I suppose it has raised my profile and made me more well known.

LE: Did you know you were going to win in 2010?

FH: I wasn’t so sure that I was going to win, but I knew I was in with a chance. I really wanted the win, and that’s why I did so much training. I thought I was in with a good chance of having success of some sort.

LE: What is the key to doing well in Express Eventing?

FH: The main factor is training. If you train for it you should do well. You can’t just turn up and expect to do well, a bit of cross country schooling just won’t cut it. I spent hours going up and down the motorway for dressage training, and I even went back to Millfield School where they set up a simulated Express Eventing course complete with pupils as a crowd, so that the horse could get used to the atmosphere.

Training the horse to be able to turn and look at The next cross country fence very quickly is absolutely key. I was 100% focussed on the competition, and it paid off. It’s not as easy as you might think.

LE: What do you think makes a good Express Eventing horse?

FH: The horse needs to be a good mover for the dressage, but it must be a horse that can cope under pressure. It needs to be a quick horse, but it must also be very careful. Being sharp and adjustable are key factors too.

LE: What did you think of your Express Eventing experience?

FH: I thoroughly enjoyed all of it, and it was something I became incredibly focussed on. Doing the dressage to music was great fun, and it was good to watch the other competitors do theirs too. I chose a show tunes theme, and used the music from the Rocky Horror Show, and some Liza Minelli. I’m hooked on the whole sport now and really want to do more of it.

LE: What are your plans for 2011?

FH: I want to have a competitive first run at Badminton. I really want to break into the 4 star scene this year, and have a top ten placing in the CCI at Bramham. Another big aim will be to retain my Express Eventing title too.

EXPRESS EVENTING JOINS WORLD LEADING EVENT

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing is to join forces with the World’s leading country sports event. The Express Eventing Series 2011 which see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena and is to hold a fourth qualifying event at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace.

The Oxfordshire based qualifier will be held on Sunday 24th July 2011 in addition to three other qualifying events; Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair, The Lincolnshire Show, The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park. The final will be held at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham’s LG Arena on 4th October.

The CLA Game Fair qualifier will boast a prize pot of £10,000 and is expected to attract some of Eventing’s top names.

Stephen Renouard, Equestrian Director at Express Eventing explained how this additional qualifier will boost the sport’s profile further. “The announcement this morning of the CLA Game Fair qualifier is another huge step for the sport of Express Eventing. To be integrated within such a huge show takes forward our aim of bringing this sport to a new audience. To be part of the World’s largest country sport show really is quite special for us and puts our sport in front of a potential 140,000 visitors from the UK and abroad, helping to achieve our aim of bringing this sport to a new audience.’

The Express Eventing Series 2011 retains the re-shaped format used last year which appealed to the participating athletes and spectators. In addition the 2011 Series is open to any qualifying combination, rather than being a purely invitational concept as in previous years. There will be sixteen places in each qualifier; eight places will be reserved for young riders and eight for senior riders with the top placed from each group going forward to the final.

Applications to compete in all qualifiers are now invited online at www.expresseventing.co.uk

ENTER BOLESWORTH TODAY

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Entries close today (16th April) for those riders wishing to apply for the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair Qualifier on 11th June. To submit your application go to our Riders Application page.

TEN MINUTES WITH....TOWNEND

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Badminton and Burghley winner, Oliver Townend won Express Eventing in 2008. In 2010, he saw the event from arena side when he commentated on the spectacle.

This year the compact thrill a minute version of eventing is to be rolled out nationally. The Express Eventing Series 2011 will see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena. The series is to be integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country, and Oliver Townend was one of the first to sign up to take part.

Our reporter Louise Elliott took ten minutes with Oliver to discuss his hopes for the 2011 Series, spreading the word of equestrian sport and the new format.

LOUISE ELLIOTT: What does Express Eventing mean to you?

OLIVER TOWNEND: Of course, Express Eventing has been incredibly important for me. The prize money for winning Express Eventing in 2008 was significant and has really helped me, but it is clearly about much more than that.

Express Eventing is a very important concept for all equestrians. We shouldn’t think of ourselves as ‘compartmentalised’ – as eventers and non-eventers, showjumpers etcetera, but instead we should think of ourselves as equestrians. Express Eventing is a great format for equestrians and has the potential to do for my sport what Twenty20 has done for cricket.

LE: How do you think Express Eventing can help to promote your sport?

OT: Express Eventing - by being exciting and action-packed - is bringing our sport to a wider audience. That is important. And, while it may be too much of a stretch to say that it will be responsible for getting children in council houses to ride and compete, if it can reach out to new people in new ways, well then that is great for the sport.

If it does for eventing what Twenty20 has done for cricket, then that can only be good for the sport.

LE: Is becoming the Twenty20 of eventing necessarily a good thing?

OT: Express Eventing is a very serious competition. It requires skill as well as significant hardwork and preparation. It is built upon the core foundations of three-day eventing – and has been developed and fine-tuned over the years on feedback from the riders. It is a very exciting initiative.

LE: What about the Express Eventing Series 2011? What do you think of the concept of being integrated into established and prestigious annual shows?

OT: I really think this is the way to go. This is the way to raise the profile of Express Eventing and to showcase it to traditional audiences, but it is also the way to reach out to new audiences – and to get new people interested in equestrianism.

The competition creates a huge amount of excitement and a highly-charged atmosphere. With dressage to music, cross country and showjumping all taking place in one arena, spectactors really do absorb the excitement.

Rolling out in four Qualifiers across the country and then culminating at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show means that new people are going to get the chance to enjoy the sport.

LE: Are you planning to compete in the Express Eventing Series 2011?

OT: Yes, absolutely. This year is different as you have to apply to compete – it’s not invitational. But that’s now done.

I am really looking forward to competing in the Express Eventing Series 2011. I plan to compete at the Qualifier at Bolesworth, and, of course, I would like to ride at the Final at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in October.

LE: Which horse are you planning to ride in the Express Eventing Qualifier in Bolesworth?

OT: I have a number of young horses I am training for Express Eventing. I will choose the best horse in the best condition I have at the time.

LE: Which other events are you planning to compete in?

OT: A better question is where am I not competing? I have a full schedule this year, with the current emphasis being working towards the two key events this Spring which are Badminton and Kentucky.

THE BATTLE OF BOLESWORTH FOR TOWNEND AND PARSONAGE

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Two of the biggest names in eventing have applied to go head to head at the first Express Eventing Series 2011 qualifier at Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Grand Prix.

Equestrian celebrity and winner of the inaugural Express Eventing in 2008 Oliver Townend has submitted his application for the Cheshire based event as has former Olympian and three times winner of the Hickstead Eventing Grand Prix Gary Parsonage. This means the pair who have both been very successful in the arena previously could go head to head for a place in the Final.

This year for the first time Express Eventing, the spectacular exciting and fast moving version of eventing is to be rolled out nationally at five prestigious and established shows, and the first qualifier will be held at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair set in the stunning grounds of Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire on 11th June 2011.

The Express Eventing Series 2011 will see dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena and would see the pair compete for a share of the £10,000 Bolesworth prize pot, part of the total prize pot of £100,000.

At the event both riders will hope to qualify for the Final which will be held at the world's most famous horse show, Horse of the Year Show, at Birmingham's LG arena in the autumn. The two top placed Senior and Young rider from each qualifier will qualify with further qualifications also available to the national pool of runners-up.

Oliver was part of the commentary team for Express Eventing 2010 as he was unable to compete as the sport was only open to Young riders. This year it is open to both Senior and Young riders.

On submitting his application Townend said 'Being part of the team for the 2010 Express Eventing certainly made me appreciate how exciting it is to watch however I am really looking forward to having the chance to compete at Bolewsworth, every time I visit the place just takes my breath away'.

Parsonage hopes to compete on his 2 star international horse and explained how Express Eventing differs from anything he has done before. 'For me the dressage to music element will be novel. At Hickstead I've only ever done the Showjumping and Cross Country in an arena, so this adds a great twist and I'm really looking forward to the challenge and getting involved in the sport'.

The closing date for rider applications for the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair is Friday 16th April, and these can be made online at www.expresseventing.co.uk

NEW WEBSITE FOR TWENTY20 OF EVENTING

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing, the Twenty20 version of the equestrian sport of eventing has unveiled a new website – designed and developed by LightMedia Communications – to coincide with the launch of its 2011 Series.

This year for the first time the Express Eventing Series which comprises dressage to music, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena –is to be rolled out nationally at prestigious and established shows throughout the country. The 2011 Series will also no longer be invitational but be open to qualifying riders.

LightMedia Communications are a web development house that aims to help organisations get the best from the internet, was asked to reflect the new positioning of Express Eventing as well as to enable riders to apply online in the new website

The Royal Leamington Spa-based organisation, which was established in 2004, has used a range of vibrant and striking colours, designs and logos to ensure that the Express Eventing brand reflects the sport’s modern thrilling and spectator-friendly image.

Jeremy Hammond, Creative Director at LightMedia Communications explains how they sought inspiration for the design. “We were thrilled at the opportunity at working on the new website and developed a fresh design that mirrored the dynamic nature of modern eventing. We have high hopes for the sport and hope that the site supports it as it goes from strength to strength.”

The site at www.expresseventing.co.uk includes a competitor’s entry platform and enables the client to easily keep the site constantly updated from their offices or the showfield thus ensuring that those following from home will have up to the minute information and results.

Jill Gratton-Fisher, of Express Eventing, explains why LightMedia Communications were seen as better than their competitors: “When selecting a partner to build our website, we had a very specific list of requirements. These included fast turnaround times for queries and changes, the ability to work pro actively and challenge our thinking, and most importantly to create a site that would stand out from the rest and encourage visitors to return on a frequent basis.

“Lightmedia not only met our criteria, but exceeded in every aspect. They took the time to understand our business aims and objectives and have helped us achieve a tremendously successful launch of the Express Eventing Series 2011.”

EXPRESS EVENTING ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SERIES

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Express Eventing, the compact thrill a minute version of eventing is to be rolled out nationally. The Express Eventing Series 2011 which sees dressage, cross country and showjumping being completed in one arena is to be integrated within five prestigious and established annual shows throughout the country.

There will be four qualifying events this summer; Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair, The Lincolnshire Show, The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park and one other major national event scheduled to be run in July.

The world’s most famous horse show will be home to the Express Eventing Final 2011 at Birmingham’s LG arena in the autumn. The Horse of the Year Show has accommodated this by adding a sixth day and the prize fund for the series will be £100,000.

Stephen Renouard who was appointed as Equestrian Director for the 2010 event explains “The concept has been developed over a number of years, and the new team has acted upon the comments it received. We re-shaped the 2010 event into an exciting but safe format which appealed to the participating athletes and spectators and on the back of this we have developed a long term strategy for the competition which will initially see the competition rolled out across the UK, with a view to making it more accessible to wider pool of athletes and audiences.

The Series will no longer be invitational, and will instead be open to any qualifying combination of horse and rider. Olympian Alex Hua Tian who competed in 2008 and 2010 welcomed the change “The distinction between invitational and qualification is an important one, maturing Express Eventing from a display to a sport in its own right. The format change last year worked well and I feel that 2011 is when it all begins.”

Eventing celebrity and 2008 winner Oliver Townend has already announced his intention to compete. “Being part of the commentary team for the 2010 Express Eventing certainly made me appreciate how exciting it is to watch however I am really looking forward to having the chance to compete. It is developing into a spectator and TV friendly version of our great sport.’

The development and fine-tuning of the sport in conjunction with leading riders and experts has been welcomed. Team GB Gold Medalist Mary King said “Express Eventing is a very exciting concept. I am delighted the feedback from riders has been listened to and acted upon and hope it succeeds in bringing a new audience to the sport.’’