Big Entries but no Spectators at Burgham
A competitive clutch of New Zealand eventers are heading to the Burgham International Horse Trials this week to take on some of the best in the world at the first major UK event of the season.
Unprecedented numbers of entries has seen organisers add a CCI2*-L class. Each of the short format CCI classes has attracted huge numbers of very high-quality entries including
world champ Ros Canter (GBR) and at least seven CCI5* winners. It has meant the classes will be divided into two separate sections. Competition gets underway on Wednesday (August 19).
Included in that list of 5* victors is Kiwi Caroline Powell along with 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games representative Dan Jocelyn.
There are 13 Kiwis in the CCI4*-S class which has attracted 183 entries. Two-time Olympian Caroline Powell has her grey gelding Up Up and Away on the card, the time he has been out at an international in two years, and is also in aboard On the Brash who has competed at Burghley, Badminton and Pau.
Dan Jocelyn is amped to get back out into the international arena. “I am lucky enough after a number of years to have the chance of four horses at 4*-L or above,” he says. “This has been a lot of rebuilding and a very exciting time for me as I approach 50. Sadly Corona has made it tough for all but having just nominated all four horses for internationals it is suddenly happening very fast and has made the training and hard work more rewarding.”
Dan has both Blackthorn Cruise and Florencina R in the CCI4*-S class.
James Avery is in on his Pau 5* top 17 finisher Mr Sneezy as well as One of a Kind who last year won the CCI4*-S at Ballindenisk.
Jesse Campbell and Diachello are in, nearly a year since their last international start, alongside Tayla Mason on Centennial and Holly Swain on Solo.
James, Tayla, Caroline and Hollie are joined by Ginny Thompson with entries in the CCI3*-S which has attracted 143 entries, while Samantha Lissington and Ginny are on the card in the 128-strong CCI2*-S.
Missing from the event this weekend are Tim and Jonelle Price who are just back from a successful outing at Haras du Pin in France. Organisers of Burgham International Horse Trials, British Eventing and the small group of riders who competed at Le Grand Complet have agreed that none will ride at the event.
Event director Martyn Johnson said it was a very difficult situation and he apologised to the riders affected. “Although the riders could apply for an exemption under the DCMS guidelines, we are all in agreement with the proposed way forward,” said Martyn. “We were all very uncomfortable with the idea of any potential risk, however small, to our amazing volunteers and helpers and the local community – and of course other riders, owners and officials. “Burgham is the first international event of the British 2020 eventing season. We do not wish to jeopardise the rest of the equestrian competition season or to bring ill-feeling towards the equine community from other parts of society.”
New Zealand riders who competed in France had, on their own initiative, been tested and cleared for COVID.
Burgham International is considered the north east’s premier international horse trials and while usually hugely popular, will be run this year without spectators due to COVID.
THE HORSE DETAILS:
Up Up and Away – owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford and Caroline Powell
On the Brash – owned by Sarah and Andrew Tobey, Sue Smiley and Caroline Powell
Diachello – owned by Kent Gardner and Jesse Campbell
Blackthorn Cruise – owned by Panda Christie and Dan Jocelyn
Florencina R – owned by Jo Preston-Hunt, Philip Hunt and Dan Jocelyn
Centennial – owned by Sue Rutter and Tayla and Sonya Mason
Solo – owned by owned by John Bodenham
Mr Sneezy – Tiny Clapham, Heidi Woodhead and James Avery
One of a Kind II – owned by Hazel and Chloe Livesey and James Avery
Sportsfield Lord Livesey – owned by Hazel Livesey
Cooley Lord Lux – owned by Hazel Livesey
Gino Gingerino – owned by A Jeremy Young
Greenacres Special Cavalier – owned by Chris Mann
Rock Midnight – owned by Chris Mann
Star Anise – owned by Elaine Butterworth, Anthony Quirk and Virginia Thompson
Drumnaconnell Nico – owned by Hollie Swain
Faruq Aldrup – owned by Floris Ltd
Khaleesi – owned by David and Katherine Thomson
Ricker Ridge Valentina – owned by Samantha Lissington
WHAT: Burgham International Horse Trials
WHEN: August 19-23, 2020
WHERE: Northumberland, United Kingdom
MORE INFO: www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison