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“Eventing is very thrilling. It has to be the hardest way there is to win
an Olympic medal”
Sally Gunnell, Olympic gold medal hurdler visiting
Burghley (1997).
Equestrian events are held throughout the country from March
to October with International competitors also competing at events abroad.
Eventing is one of the few sports in the world where men and women compete
on an equal basis both nationally and at the Olympics and where the amateur
can compete against a World or Olympic Champion.
Each
competition comprises of three different tests:
Dressage – tests obedience, accuracy and quality of
movement
Cross Country – tests courage, agility and stamina
Show Jumping – tests agility, stamina and precision
Eventing is a sport at which Britain excels and recent medal success has
brought it to the forefront once again. Over 2.4 million people ride horses
in Great Britain and Badminton International Horse Trials, the country’s
premiere event, is Europe’s biggest annual sporting event with over 200,000
spectators attending the Cross-Country Day.
The
sport has a good, clean image and events takes place at some of the most
beautiful parts of the country including some of the most famous stately
homes. Eventing provides ideal opportunities for both corporate and family
days out in the countryside, often at private properties not usually open to
the public. There is exciting competition viewed from close quarters (while
walking up to 2-3 miles!) plus the opportunity to shop at trade stands and
gift stalls along with excellent catering facilities. |
