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.
Getting Set for Weston Park
We are delighted to say that following the monsoon rain from various storms Weston Park is looking good the Horse Trials drainage work undertaken last June has proved a great success with the Show Jumping area dry and ready for the season.
We have been in the Park this week putting out cross country fences travelling heavy Advanced fences on the tractors and leaving no marks or mess, we are delighted. Most of the 3 courses are out all of which have a new look with the Obelisk back in use for the Advanced and Intermediate.
Once again for many riders Weston Park in the spring will be their last outing before Badminton so we have high hopes for April 2020. As usual the April dates will include;:-
Saturday 4th April
We are fortunate to have long term title sponsor Rookery Park Stud also covering an Advanced and Open Intermediate sections
Once again Tile Choice are sponsors of an Advanced section
The second Open Intermediate is sponsored by Ethos – greener, clearer feed and bedding which is the rebranding of IEC Solutions which you may remember from last year.
Saracen Horse Feeds OIu21 and NAF OIu18 these sponsors of the Junior Trials will have many competitors all hoping for a place on the European Teams.
New sponsors for this year's Intermediate sections W R Davies Toyota and Naylors Equestrian and Country Specialists
Sunday 5th April
Moores Metals, Landsbrook Stud and Rowen Barbary are joined by new sponsor Corroconsult to Sponsor the 4 Novice sponsors
Also on Sunday the European Team Preliminary Pony Trial will again have competitors jostling for a team space.
Both days will be packed with Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country each day starting at 8am.
There is a great deal of satisfaction and pride in seeing just how many of our original volunteers we still have plus an increasing number of new volunteers where would our sport be without them.
As the event enters its 42nd year we look forward to welcoming all the competitors, sponsors and volunteers for another thrill packed weekend of eventing by amazing equine and human athletes crossing the wonderful parkland at Weston Park.
Joint Organisers: - Janet Plant & Vicky Plant
Email: - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: - www.westonht.co.uk
