British Eventing (BE) has agreed to extend its fixture list into November this year.
Aston-le-Walls, in Northamptonshire, will host an extra affiliated fixture on 4-5 November after a proposal from the venue was accepted by BE’s sport committee.
The season closing date has traditionally been the end of October.
Entries opened on Friday (7 October) and classes will be held from BE80(T) to BE100 level.
“Our ground is nearly always good in November because it is not like we have had the waterlogging over the winter,” organiser Nigel Taylor told H&H.
He added that with approximately 30 competition days across the country being cancelled this year, events are still full and he is feeling “confident” about the new fixture.
“It is half-term as well and I am sure lots of kids would love to have another run,” he said.
“I have always thought we could extend another couple of weeks at the end of the season.
“I do not think it would be realistic to start earlier than we do as there is always the risk of snow. It is more feasible to go another week or two at the end.”
As with the venue’s other events, dressage and showjumping will be held on an all-weather surface. Aston-le-Walls will also be hosting its own unaffiliated event on 6 November.
The standard entry process will apply for this extra date, but an amended ballot policy will be published on the Aston-le-Walls BDWP webpage (www.bdwp.co.uk).
BE’s chief executive David Holmes said it is “very much a pilot event” as the season normally closes the same weekend as the clocks change.
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“This has been the case for many years since the viability of events is significantly affected by the considerably shortened daylight hours,” he added.
“BE will be reviewing the policy about extending the season in the coming months.”
