Under 18s eventing at new venue

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

24 February 2009 16:09

The Subaru Houghton International Horse Trials will be the new venue for the 2009 British Eventing Under 18 Championships (21 – 24 May).

The Subaru Houghton International is one of the country's newest International Horse Trials, set in the surroundings of Houghton Hall in North West Norfolk.

The Under 18 Championships will run alongside the CCI* and CCI** classes, where top riders such as William Fox-Pitt and Lucy Wiegersma regularly compete.

Riders can enter the Under 18 Championships provided they have qualified as per the normal qualifying rules for a CCI*.

Event organiser and course designer Alec Lochore will make a few subtle changes to the CCI* cross country course, and is looking forward to the event: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to host the Under 18 Championships. It is a welcome boost, and I’d like to thank Subaru for their continued support.  I’m looking forward to meeting all the riders and owners.”

Current Under 18 Champion, Evie Paterson, is hoping to defend her title:
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of contesting the Championships again this year. Houghton is a fantastic venue and I’m eager to ride around the CCI* course.”

The Under 18 Championships has always been a coveted title. In 2007, it was won by Emily Llewellyn, who last year went on to take double gold in the Young Riders European Championships, riding Pardon Me at Kreuth, Germany.
 
British Eventing Sport Manager (Development), Paul Graham, says: “British Eventing is thankful to Alec Lochore and his organising team at Houghton for hosting the Championships at such a late stage. I’m sure they will do an amazing job and produce a fantastic Championship competition."

www.houghtoninternational.co.uk