Riders aim for British Riding Clubs festival

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

25 May 2010 09:42

British Riding Club members are gearing up for the Festival of the Horse next month.

One of the most popular  classes is the new Challenge Class, a replacement for the cross-country competition, which continues for a second year under the sponsorship of NAF.

The new format is a test of the horse and rider’s ability to negotiate a course of seven to ten show jumps, together with 15-28 cross-country fences. The class is open to Junior and Senior Riding Club members at Novice and Open level, with a Pairs class for those who don’t want to go it alone. All Challenge classes require qualification at area level.

The Festival of the Horse Combined Competition also requires qualification at area level. This competition consists of two phases, Riding Test (RT7-2007 for Juniors and RT8-2005 for Seniors) and Style Jumping for both Juniors and Seniors.

Showing has been revamped for 2010 with the introduction of many new classes including an ex-racehorse class. There is a selection of 14 showing classes in total plus a Supreme Championship Class. Showing classes are direct entry, with no need to qualify, and all entries must be sent to BRC headquarters.

The event takes place on June 5 and 6 at Washbrook Farm, Aston le Walls, Daventry, Northants. Admission free.