Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April 2015
Organiser: Helen West
Contact: 07827 290471; helen.west@clintondevon.com; www.bicton-arena.co.uk
Location: Devon
Entries open: 21 March
Ballot date: 6 April at 12 noon
Entries close: 14 April
Link to Bicton (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/bicton1
How to get there
Half a mile past Yettington. Vehicles cannot gain access to Bicton Arena through Bicton Park. Postcode EX9 7BL.
What the organisers say
Bicton Arena is situated in the majestic setting of Grade I listed Devon parkland, and run by an organiser who is also a rider. It is our aim to make the event enjoyable for all and we have a new title sponsor this year, Empire Coachbuilders. Close proximity to junction 30 of the M5 and the “Daisymount” junction of the A303 means that it is easily accessible.
The dressage arenas are on purpose-levelled ground with excellent grass cover. The CIC2* dressage and showjumping phases will take place in the iconic main grass arena, where there’s a great competition atmosphere. The showjumping for all other classes will be on the Pro-Wax arena.
The cross-country tracks are designed by Eric Winter and Helen West, and make great use of the natural features that the park has to offer. All courses are educational and encourage positive riding, with the emphasis on creating an attractive picture and producing horses for the future.
Bicton is fortunate to possess sandy loam old turf, which helps to ensure great going all year round.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Dressage arenas and showjumping are well laid out — the arenas are on flat terrain and well-prepared ground.” “The warm-up has enough space and although the showjumping takes place on a surface, it is a bit tight and the tracks are big and take some riding — you need a good showjumping horse.”
Cross-country — “The course flows well with some interesting questions — the timed class for the watch was also a good innovation and ‘spiced up’ the advanced intermediate, which was fun for both competitors and supporters.” “Well-designed and built tracks with plenty of galloping and some testing combinations.” “Good tracks for their level but not quite first-timers’ tracks.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
OI: 90%
I: 87%
ONU18: 74%
ON: 79%
N: 80%
BE100U18: 94%
BE100 Open: 88%
BE100: 83%
BE90: 81%
Download part one of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part one
Buy Eventing magazine’s March issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from March to June 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here. The second half of the guide will be in our April issue (on sale 20 March) and online to buy digitally after publication