A SAD GOODBYE TO WESTON PARK HORSE TRIALS
It is with a heavy heart that we have concluded that Weston Park Horse Trials will no longer continue. The contribution that our Sponsors, Competitors, Volunteers, Officials and Trade stands have made over the years has set this event as one of the best. For us you have been part of the Weston family, we should all be proud of what we achieved none of which would have been possible without your support and we are devastated to be sharing this news.
Weston Park Horse Trials came into the Horse Trials Calendar in 1978 then run by the Staffordshire BHS Committee. Judith Ratcliff and myself as Chairman of Staffordshire BHS were invited to ride the Park with the then Agent Mr. Weston, it was easy to see the possibilities were endless. My son James was born later that year, so I stepped down until I was summoned by Col. Peter Hodson then Head of Horse Trials to a meeting at the end of 1983.I was asked to talk to Lord Bradford to take up the running of the Spring and Autumn Horse Trials and move the Pony Club Championships from Stoneleigh onto the beautiful Weston Park Estate to be ready for the following year 1984. Col. Hodgson was not a man to say no to, the rest is history. Forty years as Organiser, James grew up in the Park and has worked his way up to be a well-respected Gold Level Course Builder. Along with his wife Vicky we have a beautiful Granddaughter Bea. We have always thought our Team was a dynasty always able to continue at Weston Park.
This year for the first time Abandonment Insurance for adverse weather is either not available from Insurance Brokers we have been quoted a 24% premium to cover the sum being insured for Spring and Autumn Events.
The financial risks of running a green field site event with the added burden of being sandwiched between two FEI events with no chance of a change of date puts us under financial pressure. The lack of Abandonment Insurance at an affordable cost in April weighs heavy, we do have the new BE Abandonment Policy to cover riders entry fees for a 60% entry refund that we have to pay into. Unfortunately for some years Events have been unable to run on entry fees alone. Financial stress to repay Sponsorship, Trade stands, Start Fees, Gate Admission and all our service contracts for a spring event is no longer feasible as they must be covered by insurance, Marquees, Loos, Public Address, Porta Cabins etc.. Our Facility Fee (rent) Paid to Weston Park has risen significantly, as have our other costs, all must be paid if we ran or had to cancel.
Brighter News - Chillington Park -1st & 2nd June and 14th & 15th September are on track to run. We all look forward to seeing you at Chillington.
A Huge Thank You from all of the team
Best wishes
Janet and Vicky.
W R Davies Toyota join the Weston Park Horse Trials Sponsorship Team
We are delighted to welcome W R Davies Toyota as sponsors of Weston Park Horse Trials on the 12th & 13th October 2019 sponsoring the W R Davies BE 100 which will run on Sunday 13th. This new sponsorship will also include all of the Plant a Fence events for 2020; both Stafford March and July, Weston Park in April plus Brand Hall in June.
W R Davies Toyota commented,
"We are excited to be involved in the sponsorship of the Horse Trials throughout 2019/2020. To celebrate Toyota sponsoring the 2020 Olympics, we're looking forward to supporting some amazing sporting opportunities and working with our local communities and businesses whilst doing so."
W R Davies Toyota is part of a family-owned business, set up by William Rees Davies in 1924 and now headed by the grandson of the original W R Davies - Jonathan Davies. Today W R Davies operate 12 dealerships across North Wales, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
Based locally with centres in Stafford and Shropshire, W R Davies Toyota contacted Janet Plant, Joint Organiser asking for opportunities to be involved.
Janet commented,
"This is a great partnership across all of our events. We are delighted that W R Davies Toyota enjoyed their first outing at Stafford Horse Trials back in July and the relationship grew from further discussions. This five event opportunity will give W R Davies Toyota a chance to build confidence in our competitors and hopefully grow their customer base. When life is so uncertain at the moment it was very exciting to hear from a company that wished to put something into the sport. W R Davies Toyota will be a tremendous boost to all of our events.
W R Davies also has Nissan, Citroën and DS Salon franchises in Stafford and Shropshire, as well Ford, Renault and Dacia in North Wales.
The Weston Park team looks forward to welcoming competitors and supporters to the Event this October. For full information please visit http://www.westonht.co.uk
Follow the Event's official Facebook page:- Plant A Fence Events; Weston Park, Brand Hall and Stafford Horse Trials
W R Davies website can be found at https://www.wrdavies.co.uk
Interviews and photo opportunities can be arranged. For further details please contact:
Press Officer: All Press enquiries to Rachael Morley - Tel: 07889 0831943 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
