Riders head west to Bicton International Horse Trials

Chilli Morning, the 2015 Mitsbubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials winner, heads a stellar cast for Bicton Arena International Horse Trials which takes place this weekend (April 22-24).

William Fox-Pitt, who has returned to top flight competition after serious injury last autumn, will be on board Christopher Stone’s 16-year-old stallion among several other rides.

Staged in East Devon on the rolling parkland that forms part of Clinton Estates, the event has attracted a wealth of other top international riders including Harry Meade, Kristina Cook, Mary King MBE and Kitty King. Also riding are Australia’s Sam Griffiths who was the victor at the 2014 Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials; and the veterans Blyth Tait and his fellow countryman Sir Mark Todd, among the most celebrated New Zealand sportsmen who has won two Olympic medals and was rewarded with a Knighthood in 2013.

Hundreds of entries have been received for the competition that will see UK based International riders tackle cross country courses designed Bicton Arena manager Helen West.

Other younger riders in action include David Doel, Tom McEwan, Dani Evans, Janou Bleekman and Emily King who will ride Brookleigh, fourth at Pau CIC4* in October, in the advanced intermediate class.

The event’s organiser Helen West said: “We are absolutely delighted with the number and quality of entries and it’s a fantastic opportunity for spectators to come along and watch the best in action. The CIC, or international class, has given riders a valuable opportunity to move up to the next level of competition if they gain a qualifying result.”

The event has gained the support of several notable sponsors including TopSpec, Everys, Rathbones and  Graham Heath Equestrian Structures and is supported this year by Volvo who will provide the courtesy cars.

Helen said: “We’re a shop window for companies as we have a captive audience of riders and all their associates and we are thrilled with the level of support. These are exciting times for the arena and we very much hope people will come along and watch some top riders in action.”
Entry is free on Friday and £10 per Car on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit www.bictonarena.co.uk.