BRILLIANT BRAMHAM TO THE RESCUE
Spring 2012 hasn’t been one to remember for the eventing community; prolonged rain has wreaked havoc with the calendar and several high-profile competitions have been lost to the elements. The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Chatsworth are the most high-profile casualties and as a result, riders from all over the world have been left without a run and even more importantly, the chance to secure selection for this year’s Olympics. However, the organisers of the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials are coming to everyone’s rescue!
The Bramham team has spent the last few days considering how to extend the already-packed programme and ensure all riders who need a run, have a run and selectors get the chance to see their riders in action. The event dates will remain 7 – 10 June but cross-country will now run over two days, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June.
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “It was one of the most difficult decisions to make, but ironically, almost one of the easiest! The calendar has been devastated by the weather – riders and horses need to compete and fans have missed the action so we knew that if we could make it work, we simply had to. We’re looking forward to welcoming riders from all over the world for what potentially could be the most important competition of their lives and hope we can rescue the season for many. We’re anticipating taking nearly 100 additional horses across the CIC*** and CCI*** classes. We have a huge challenge ahead but we have a great ‘home team’ at Bramham and I know if any event can make it work, it’s us!”
Bramham Park rests on limestone-rich soil so the heavy rain has left the ground in good condition and actually helped excellent grass growth leaving a rich green covering. The event build-up is well on schedule and has been unaffected by the weather.
The website is the best place to keep up-to-date with any timetable changes – and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The box office is open so if you’re missing your eventing action fix – join us at Bramham – you have until 28 May to pre-purchase tickets and qualify for FREE car parking. Tickets will of course be available on the gate on any day.
The Bramham Horse Trials Office will be contacting all the volunteers who will be affected by the changes as soon as they can – please bear with them at this rather hectic time!