The Chatsworth International Horse Trials (10-11 May) has been given a boost for 2003 with a new World Cup qualifier carrying a £4,000 first prize.
Chatsworth is the only British event in this year’s FEI World Cup series of CICs (international one-day events), which end in an US$80,000 final in Pau, France, in October.
Great Britain currently has the most riders qualified for the final and Pippa Funnell is the most successful British rider, lying equal fourth on 24 points.
In the CIC format riders show jump in reverse order of merit after cross-country and is the new format for the Olympic event at Athens 2004.
Olympic designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who is once again responsible for designing the cross-country course over the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s historic estate, said: “It’s always a privilege to design the courses for such a prestigious event, but to having a World Cup qualifier will add greatly to the significance of the event.”
David Nash, one of the world’s leading contemporary sculptors, has also been asked to create a special “sculpture fence” for the course.
Additional attractions during the weekend include heavy horse and falconry displays, terrier racing, Pony Club mounted games, children’s entertainment, tradestands and “virtual reality” simulators.
For further information on the event contact the horse trials office (tel: 01295 788492).
