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2003
European Dressage Championships
Hickstead, England
13 - 17 August 2003
2003
European Dressage Championships Preview
The
Event
 Hosting
the European Dressage Championships in Britain is a great achievement
for the Hickstead Team. It is also a unique opportunity for British
dressage enthusiasts to witness the cream of world-class dressage on
home soil. The event is considered an “open” Championship,
allowing entries from around the globe and also providing the last opportunity
for nations to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This major
sporting event will attract a large number of spectators from Europe
as well as a strong home crowd.
The
Riders
In the region of 20 nations are expected to send team and individual
competitors to contest the coveted European title. Reigning champion,
Ulla Salzegeber (GER), plans to defend her title with Rusty, who she
described as being on top form following his recent World Cup win. Current
Olympic Champion, Anky van Grunsven (NED) is also expected to challenge
for the title and Nadine Capellmann and Farbenfroh (GER) will be a strong
contenders following their World Championship win in Jerez. The British
team of 4 will be chosen from a pool of top riders including those currently
on the World Class Performance Plan. Riders in with a chance of making
the team include Richard Davison, Emile Faurie, Nicky Barrett, Laura
Richardson, Nicola McGivern, Sandy Phillips, Carl Hester and Fiona Bigwood.
The
Competition
The team Championship is decided during the Grand Prix, held in two
parts on Thursday and Friday, with every international rider taking
part. The tension begins to mount as twenty-five top riders go forward
to contest the highly coveted individual Championship, riding the Grand
Prix Special on Saturday. The finale is the ever-popular Grand Prix
Freestyle on Sunday to decide the overall winner. Throughout the five
days of world-class competition, the victors and the vanquished will
have taken part in a truly top class event, the likes of which, it is
hoped, will be seen more often in Britain in the future.
Rhinegold
British Young Horse Championships
Over the 5 days of competition there are two more coveted titles to
be won with Britain assured of victory. The Rhineghold British Young
Horse Championships will see potential dressage stars of the future
from all parts of Britain challenging for the title. The finals will
be judged in the International Arena on Sunday.
British
Pas de Deux Championship
Following the huge success of the Pas de Deux at Hickstead last year,
this championship is now becoming a popular feature of the event. British
pairs will contend the championship and the winners will compete against
an invited international pair in a special event on Sunday.
Displays
As well as world-class dressage, a number of exciting arena displays
will entertain spectators. The Household Cavalry display and a specially
choreographed Quadrille will take place each day and there will also
be a fascinating demonstration of Portugese Working Equitation with
a team of Lusitano horses. Tanya Larrigan’s amazing Mini Marvels®,
a team of minature horses working on long reigns, will perform their
interpretation of Riverdance.
Evening
Extravaganza
A not-to-be-missed Gala Evening to be held on Friday is described as
an extravaganza of equestrian entertainment, incorporating a host of
exciting displays in the International Arena.
Other
Attractions
Outside of the arena there will be much of interest including a lively
shopping village where the visitors can indulge in some essential retail
therapy. The International Sport Horse and Sport Medicine Symposium
will provide a public forum for world famous physicians and veterinarians
to discuss topical subjects. Do not forget to take a look at the warm-up
arenas that often provide a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of
the dressage world.
Throughout
the event there will be musical entertainment, and lots of wonderful
food and drink to suit all appetites, helping to prove that dressage
really is a sport to be enjoyed by all.
Tickets
and Travel
If you have not already booked your ticket, now is the time to do it.
Viewing of the international arena will be by grandstand seat only and
these should be booked in advance. Entrance to the showground includes
the All England Jumping Course and the British Jumping Derby meeting
is being held in conjunction with these Championships.
More information
is available on the website www.edc2003.com.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster on 0870 0602328 (24 hours),
at all Ticketmaster ticket centres including selected Virgin Megastores
and Tower Records Stores nationwide. Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
For Group bookings call 08705 94 94 94 94. For travel and accommodation
packages, contact the official event tour operator, Carrick travel on
+44 (0)1926 511555 or email sales@carricktravel.com
For more
press information, call Rachael Holdsworth on 01903 893312
Related
Links
Back to the 2003 European Dressage Championships
Index
2003 European Dressage Championships: Preliminary
Timetable
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