Rain did not dampen spirits at the last British Eventing competition of the season at Bicton Arena. The October Horse Trials welcomed in excess of 700 horses on site for a jam packed schedule which saw amateurs and professionals from all over the country make the trip to Budleigh Salterton.
The schedule featured the hotly contested Goodbye Flys BE100 3Day competition, a crowd favourite with amateur riders that undertake a long format competition over three days that includes roads and tracks and a steeplechase, a format that no longer exists in modern day eventing. Katy Mousdale won Section F with her own horse Conclusive on her first trip to Bicton, “Everyone is so helpful, the officials and volunteers are all there to help you. It’s a stunning venue and the team have worked so hard on the ground, we’re so lucky to come here, especially in this year like this.” Charlie Piper, a Polden Hills Pony Club member, won the Open section with Zadok D, she commented, “Bicton is a great venue, everything is really well run and I’ve enjoyed being here, there’s not really a better way to finish off the year!”
Winner of the Rathbones CCI3*-L class was New Zealand eventing stalwart Andrew Nicholson, it was the first time Bicton Arena has hosted the International class. Andrew commented, “Bicton has got some of the best terrain in the world for cross country riding. Yesterday, even with the rain, the ground still felt good to ride on. It’s a great place for a CCI3*-L, it’s got it all here.”
Helen West, Bicton Arena Manager, commented, “Whilst riders have missed out on a lot of the season this year, it was great to be able to finish on a high and put on a show for everyone to enjoy. It’s now full steam ahead to 2021, we’re already looking forward to welcoming competitors and hopefully spectators back through the gates.”
Full results can be found here.
[Andrew Nicholson & Monbeg Exclusive, Winner of the Rathbones CCI3*-L – Credit: Jayphotos.co.uk]