Showjumping fans can watch a top-class international field worthy of Olympia or Horse of the Year Show doing battle in Cheshire next month for a fraction of the price.
South View Equestrian Centre in Wettenhall has a starting list to die for at its British Masters (1-3 July) and top-price tickets are just £10.
Britain’s number one Guy Williams, plus Nick Skelton, John Whitaker, William Funnell, Robert Whitaker, Tim Stockdale, Tina Fletcher and Scott Brash are all attending, as well as entries from Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa and the US.
Luring them is the £100,000 prize-fund, the biggest ever pot for this show and venue, plus one of only three chances to secure Olympic qualification in Britain.
“It is highly unlikely that income will match costs, but we are delighted to offer this opportunity to riders and spectators,” said Linda Wright from South View.
Riders must incur four faults or less in the first round of the grand prix at the event to gain Olympic qualification.
The only other British opportunities are at the Longines King George V Gold Cup and the FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain, both held at Hickstead.
Tim Stockdale told H&H this show is a “massive boost” for showjumping in Britain. “It’s great to be able to have access to that sort of prize-money without having to get on an airplane,” he said.
Rob Hoekstra, World Class showjumping performance manager, added: “We need more shows of this calibre in this country as our riders would rather compete closer to home.”
Tickets must be booked in advance. Visit www.southviewarena.com
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (27 June, 2011)
