Blenheim Horse Trials is running a new Tri Zone BE100 eventer challenge on the Sunday of the main event (9-12 September) this year.
The eventing grand prix-style competition is aimed at amateur riders who compete at BE100 (formerly pre-novice) level.
To enter, competitors need three double clears (jumping and time showjumping, jumping cross-country) at BE100 at selected British Eventing horse trials — all within 65 miles of Blenheim — between 31 July 2009 and 1 August 2010. Riders cannot have competed at CIC** or higher in the past 12 months.
The Tri Zone BE100 eventer challenge will take place in the 70x90m Bladon Arena, which is sited by the bridge into the tradestand area.
Competitors will tackle 8 to 10 showjumps, then 6 to 8 cross-country fences. At the end of course, riders can either take on a 1.10m “joker” showjump, or a smaller fence, which will be on a longer line making the optimum time more difficult to achieve. Penalties will be awarded for jumping faults and exceeding the optimum time.
Blenheim director Mandy Herview said: “We created this class based on the popularity of our Dodson and Horrell Pony Club and Riding Club team eventer challenges and felt if we could do an individual eventer challenge it would allow other competitive amateur riders the opportunity to ride at Blenheim.
“We specifically chose the qualification of three double clear jumping results and not overall placings at the BE100 qualifying venues to enable those who may struggle with the dressage to have a chance to ride in a final at this fantastic venue.”
Entries open on 1 May and close on 4 August and there will be a ballot if it is oversubscribed. Entry costs £35. Interested competitors can pick up a leaflet at the qualifying venues, send an SAE to the Blenheim office (The Horse Trials Office, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1PS) or find more online.
