A new pony jumping competition, believed to be the richest in Europe, is to be launched at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, during the British Jumping Derby Meeting (August 14-17).

The Hickstead Pony Masters, which is being supported by a number of private individuals within the sport, will carry total prize money of £7,500, with £2,500 going to the winner and then further cash rewards down to 10th place. Competition will start with two qualifying rounds on Wednesday and Thursday, from which 20 competitors will go forward to the third leg in Hickstead's world famous International Arena on Saturday.

The final round of the leading 10 riders will be decided on faults and time in the International Arena on Sunday, same day as the acclaimed British Jumping Derby.

"This will be a tremendous competition for junior riders, and entirely in keeping with the great traditions of Hickstead and the International Arena," said Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn. "These young people will get a real taste of the atmosphere and occasion on Derby day."

It is open to registered JA ponies ridden by Junior or Junior Associate members of the British Show Jumping Association. Riders in this competition will be limited to two ponies. Winners in each of the first two legs on Wednesday and Thursday will earn 20 points for first place down to one point for 20th. The third leg will be over two rounds with a timed jump off.

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