Dakota are set to perform at the British Open in April

Dakota are set to perform at the British Open in April

Horsey rock stars perform at British Open

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

11 January 2010 16:59

A new rock band with strong equestrian links is set to perform at the British Open Show Jumping finals in April.

Called Dakota, the Leamington Spa-based band is made up of show jumper Ben Talbot as vocalist and dressage guru Richard Davison’s son Tom on bass. The horsey duo are joined by Aaron Whelan on guitar and Rob Armitage on the drums.

The band has been heavily tipped as the rock act to watch in 2010, and will be playing during the Championship Final performance on Saturday April 10.

Saturday’s events also include the H Factor final, the Working Hunter Grand Prix, more show jumping in the shape of the BSJ JA Championship and the British Speed Stakes, plus the fast and furious Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing Final.

Lead vocalist Ben said: “We’re really looking forward to playing at the British Open and performing songs from our debut album "Heart and Soul". It's out in March and getting a great reaction from the media.

“As a rock band we love performing live and hope the British Open audience will enjoy our set as much we will!"

The British Open Show Jumping Championships takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 April 2010.