30th September 2011

LONGLEAT HORSE TRIALS ENDS AFTER 25 YEARS

Nunney International Horse Trials to replace Longleat

After 25 years Longleat International Horse Trials will be lost to the eventing calendar next year but Nunney International Horse Trials will replace the one held at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. A huge thank you must go to Lord Bath for his generous support and hospitality over that period.

The sudden cessation of Longleat Horse Trials came about through a change in business strategy at the park by the new management which meant the dressage and showjumping arenas and parking had to be moved to Park Hill, with just the cross country course remaining in place.

Organiser Lt Col John Colson explained: “The alternative venue offered was at the top of a hill above the cross country course which was unfeasible, so we were left in an impossible position and had to take the decision to end the horse trials. It’s been very tough after 25 years of positive relationships, which were terminated very suddenly, but we are absolutely delighted with our new venue.”

The new event will be located just six miles away at the home of long term equestrian supporter Angela Yeoman at Southfield House near Frome.

The new event site has been approved by British Eventing who acted swiftly to enable the transfer of the complete fixture to the new venue.

Chris Farr, BE Sports Operations Manager commented: “ British Eventing was pleased to help and support the organising committee of Longleat International at this difficult time. Whilst it is sad to lose Longleat as a venue the new site is just 6 miles away, can accommodate all of Longleat International’s classes and will run on the same weekend. The change provides an ideal opportunity to build on the success of Longleat and ensure we maintain this level of competition in the West Country, at this time of year. We are confident that Nunney International will prove to be a great asset to the sport. A huge thank you must go to Angela Yeoman for allowing this change to occur”.

Lt Col Colson said: “It’s a magnificent site and we are thrilled to be going there. We have kept the same dates (15 – 17 June), the same classes and the same committee. Adrian Ditcham will design the new course and the Willis Brothers will build. It’s an exciting time and we are very much looking forward to a new era in eventing.”

Nunney International will be running over three days and include classes from BE100 to Intermediate levels, including an International CIC**