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BHS
British Riding Clubs
BHS Riding Club European Championship achieves
FEI status |
The
British Horse Society Riding Club European Eventing Championship,
also known as 'Rural Riders', has been accepted by the International
Equestrian Federation (FEI) as an FEI event. The event is set at
CIC** level and riders who complete the event will be able to count
it as a qualification towards CCI** and CIC*** events. British Riding
Clubs (BRC) have been at the forefront pushing for Rural Riders
to become an FEI event.
In
2002, the event was hosted by British Riding Clubs at Hartpury College,
Gloucester, when Great Britain won the Bronze medal. Peter Buist,
Vice-Chairman of BRC and organiser of the 2002 event, said, "This
is great news for the riders and an extra incentive for people to
take part. It will also make life easier for organisers and officials
as for the first time we will be able to operate with a fully defined
set of rules."
Preparations
are now underway for the next championship, scheduled to take place
at Minderhout, Belgium from 15 - 20 July 2003. BRC are currently
accepting CVs from members and anyone who wishes to be considered
should telephone or email Hilary McKenna urgently (Tel: 0191 420
6921 or hilary.mckenn@virgin.net).
The first of a number of training and selection trials will take
place at Brooksby College, Melton Mowbray, on 14 & 15 February.
The 2003 team will retain the same management as in 2002 with Captain
Richard Waygood again taking on the responsibility of Chef d'Equipe
and team trainer.
The
championship is for national teams of six riders, in addition each
nation is allowed to take two reserve riders to the event who will
also be able to compete as individuals. In the team competition
there are four phases, a team dressage test, individual dressage,
cross country and show jumping.
BRC
are also planning to run a 'Home International' event based on the
Rural Riders format at its own Eventing Championship to be held
at Offchurch Bury in August 2003. The competition will run over
the 'Special Open' cross country course closely equivalent to British
Eventing Intermediate level.
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