With a new year fully underway I decided why monkey with tradition, so here comes the customary new year look-ahead to what the upcoming year may have in store for all us Eventing fans.
New adventures
The Eventing calendar has launched, so out came the highlighters and a plan has been hatched. This year sees some new names on the fixture list. Firstly, we will all be heading down the not so new name of Cirencester Park, a former stalwart of the seventies Eventing fixture list, Eventing returns to this venue in March. And no soon as one new fixture comes along then another new one lands the week after!
Thoresby Park will host Bede Events Eventing Spring Carnival - the venue being a direct replacement for the sad loss of Belton.
Belton has previously been a key indicator to Spring form for the likes of Badminton and Chatsworth so I’m super excited to be heading here at the end of March!
Cornbury also returns after many years of absence later in September, which again I am looking forward to visiting.
Flying high - Kitty King & Cristal Fontaine, Belton Horse Trials, March 2019
Changes to some old favourites
We can all get a bit ‘stuck in our ways’ and I am indeed guilty of this. This Spring will be no different in that all the best of Eventing will be heading down the M5 to Gloucestershire for the 5* pinnacle that is Badminton Horse Trials. The worlds greatest eventing challenge needs little if any introduction. But this year will see a few changes.
Firstly, there will be no Hugh Thomas at the helm, following his retirement Jane Tuckwell has taken over the reins and we have already seen her first couple of blogs detailing that preparations are well underway.
There will also be no Mitsubishi, the long-standing sponsor has withdrawn, and we are all intrigued to see how the new Event Partners, Mars Equestrian and Science Supplements will compliment this great event. It will certainly give a fresh new look to the site with new branding.
There was also an exciting sneak peek of Eric Winter’s course revealed this week, much earlier than usual, to whet the appetite and keep us all going through the darkness of January. Eric is going retro. The heart-stopping Broken Bridge is making a welcome comeback after many years. And it looks huge!
In an Olympic year, traditionally Badminton is packed with high class international talent so I cant wait to hopefully return to this jewel in the Spring calendar.
Sir Mark Todd & NZB Campino set out on what became Toddy’s last Badminton appearance ahead of his retirement
New partnerships
There have been a few high-profile stable transfers late last season and over the winter, one of the highest profile being Superstition joining the yard of Harry Meade. The horse enjoyed excellent 4* form with previous rider Lucy Jackson last season, with a win at Millstreet ERM before going on to land the 4*L with new rider Harry Meade our in Strezgom.
Harry has hinted that this was to get his 5* qualification so I’ll be rather excited to see what this strong cross-country performer could do around the likes of Badminton in the Spring.
Lucy Jackson & Superstition on their way to a podium finish in the ERM class, Chatsworth, May 2019
Looking to the East
We have just passed the 200-day countdown mark to the opening ceremony in Tokyo, with Olympic fever sure to set in if it hasn’t already. “Who’s on your team?” will surely be asked several hundred times as early season events get underway.
I’ve picked my team, but I don’t envy the selectors job, with only 3 in a team for the 2020 Olympic Eventing, the selectors will have a tough choice whittling down the abundant British talent down to four to board the plane to Tokyo.
Who’s in your team? Does the recent announcement of an 8-minute cross country test change your team?
I must confess I still haven’t fully got my head around the new format, but alas the uber-talented Tilly Berendt has done all the thinking for us: https://eventingnation.com/much-ado-about-boekelo-your-essential-guide-to-the-new-format-and-the-golden-ticket/
New talent
The supremely talented Susie Berry is moving from Piggy French’s yard to set up her own yard and gain some additional horse power. Susie is very talented and I look forward to seeing what this year brings for her.
Susie Berry & Stonedge, Bramham Horse Trails, June 2019
New opportunities
Last season I was very lucky to work with the wonderful ladies at Horsequest and Advantage by Horsequest who offer a wonderful membership programme. This year sees Horsequest celebrate their 20th Anniversary and they have launched a brilliant Bursary opportunity: https://www.horsequesthub.co.uk/post/2020-bursary-scheme Get Applying!
Returning Stars
Nicola Wilson has been missed on the eventing circuit since her neck injury grounded her for a few months. Who can’t be excited to see the talented Bulana and Yacobo BK can deliver this season.
Other returning stars include Mr Bass and Swallow Springs, who both had their seasons cut short by injury.
Nicola Wilson & Yacabo BK, Bramham Horse Trials, June 2019
My ‘Ones to watch’ in 2020:
CILLNABRADDEN EVO – well, you knew he was always going to be top of the list! With an average dressage score of 22.7 in 2019, what delights will 2020 have in store?
BILLY WONDER – Pippa Funnell’s talented gelding posted three wins last season and delivered top 10 finishes in every international run, will be exciting to watch this season
DREAMAWAY II – Tom McEwen’s stunning grey really caught the eye last season, finishing the season with a podium finish in Blenheim’s 8/9YO 4* class – one to watch
SHANNONDALE NADIA – Ros Canter’s feisty mare is one of my favourites and surely to be back on the podium this year
VENDREDI BIATS – Froggy as he is known had a stellar season last year, what can the gorgeous grey deliver this season?
I DIABLO JOE – This exciting novice has joined Piggy French’s yard, probably my ‘dark horse’ of 2020
ALLSTAR B – Not an under the radar selection as such, but here’s hoping this star stays sound and has his passport ready for a trip out East later this year
Clockwise from top left: Cillnabradden Evo, Shannondale Nadia, Dreamaway II, Vendredi Biats, Allstar B, Billy Wonder
And so the camera has been cleaned, new hard drive formatted and the calendar has been studied and highlighted. First stop of the season looks like Oasby 1, weather depending, so hopefully see some of you there…