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.
Weston 2021 is coming
Momentum is growing as we move closer to the October event.
Running from BE80 to Novice Masters across the 2 days there is a great deal on offer at Weston Park this October.
The October event has a different layout than April bringing all phases closer together. The team understands that competition practice may have been short this season so the cross country course will reflect this. Both the Kidney pool and the Water splash have had a revamp which will give us more options for the future.
Rowen Barbary Team Challenge at both BE80 and BE90
We are delighted to be hosting these very popular sections on Saturday 9th October. Some may well remember the fantastic team spirit proving the Team Challenge sections to be such a success over the last 2 years.
In the BE90 Team Challenge for 2021 we ran 2 full sections with a total of 22 teams the atmosphere was electric. Across both grades 80/90 there was a magic that only comes when you are a member of a team.
BE have relaxed the qualifications for theses sections following the lack of events running qualifiers throughout the season:-
Do I have to be a BE member to take part?
No, for 2021 you can use a day pass, but you will need to purchase a day pass membership before entering.
BE Member and keen Team Challenger Olivia McCullough commented
"Last year’s Team Challenge was a really exciting addition to BE’s competition opportunities. To get together with friends and our horses in a fun and supportive atmosphere was brilliant. Hopefully with restrictions easing we will be able to support each other even more and make a real day of it”.
Part of the fun of the Team Challenge is putting your own team together, either with existing friends or with new ones! If you would like to find additional members of a team you can use our dedicated Team Challenge Facebook Group.
There will be individual prize money per section and Team prizes, now that restrictions are lifted you can bring your supporters. Making a special day of it as the season comes to a close.
Entries are open and ballot date 14th September will soon be here.
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