Top names head for Bicton Horse Trials

The World Equestrian Games begin in just two weeks time and British team members William Fox-Pitt, Harry Meade, and Australia’s Kevin McNab and Sam Griffiths will all be in action at this weekend’s Bicton Horse Trials. (16-17 August).

Griffiths will be using this open intermediate run as a final preparation for WEG-bound Paulank Brockagh who won this year’s Mitsubishi Badminton 2014. He has also entered nationwide-favourite Happy Times whom he partnered at London 2012 and will ride at Land Rover Burghley in September.

Local stars from the world of eventing who will be riding over the course of the two days include Lucy Wiegersma, Tamsyn Hutchins and Tim Cheffings with a clutch of the younger generation also in action such as Thomas Hawke.
Event organiser Helen West is delighted with the number of entries which means there will be two full days of competition, but admitted that the arrival of the tail end of Hurricane Bertha had been a huge bonus.

“We had several weeks where we didn’t have any rain and the ground was rock hard. These recent deluges have really helped, although we will still be aggravating where necessary.”

Nearly 500 entries have been received over the two days of competition which also has several notable sponsors on board including Rathbones, a leading provided of investment management services, accountants Francis Clark, the Western Morning News, Mole Valley Farmers, Land Rover and Everys Solicitors.

With Bicton Arena staging its first international competition next year, Helen is hopeful that the high caliber of competitors will encourage more sponsors to get on board.

She said: “We’re a shop window for companies as we have a captive audience of thousands of riders and all their associates throughout the year. These are exciting times for the arena and we very much hope people will come along next weekend and watch some top riders in action.”

Entry is £10 per car.

For more information visit www.bictonarena.co.uk