last updated on August 27, 2010 12:44

The NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships are to remain at Hartpury College following the signing of a new long term agreement between the College and Show Direct Ltd.

British Dressage and Show Organisers, Show Direct made the decision to retain Hartpury Arena as the venue at which the Championships are to be held as the facilities available allow the event to continue to grow year on year and accommodate both the numbers of competitors wishing to take part and the spectators coming to watch.

The International Equine Arena Complex at Hartpury, which was officially opened in 2007 by Lord Sebastian Coe, provides an impressive main arena with additional warm-up facilities, seating for spectators and onsite panoramic restaurant which are complemented by the large outdoor arena, supporting warm up arenas and impressive permanent stabling.

The NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships run from 13 – 17 April 2011 and are the culmination of all the British Dressage Winter Championship qualifiers, British Dressage Music Championships and the Petplan Area Festival Championship Finals. The Winter Championships have grown dramatically since its move to Hartpury Arena and includes competition at all levels and will include Para competition for the first time in 2011.

Janet Plant, Equine Events Director at Hartpury College commented: “We’re delighted that Hartpury will remain the venue of choice for the Winter Dressage Championships. We’re very proud that the championship wishes to make such good use of the outstanding facilities we have, allowing competitors of all abilities the opportunity to compete in the very best surroundings”.

Kelvin Bywater, Show Organiser of both events and Director of Show Direct Ltd commented “I am extremely pleased that the Championships are to remain at Hartpury Arena and look forward to the long term development of both events at this wonderful facility which lends itself to creating warm and welcoming atmosphere for competitors and spectators. The aim is to try and provide top quality competition at all levels with the feel of being at an international show.”

Jenny Loriston-Clarke, Chairman of British Dressage commented “The Winter Dressage Championships have gone from strength to strength, which is possible thanks to the fantastic facilities at Hartpury and the team at Show Direct. This year we will be able to offer more riders than ever the opportunity to take part in the Championships, giving a prestigious goal for hundreds of BD members at all levels from grass roots to advanced.”

The Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships will also remain at Hartpury from 6th – 10th April 2011 and will host finals at all levels from over 240 qualifiers held all over the country during the Winter Season. 
 

Picture shows Charlie Hutton and Abira at the 2010 Winter Championships.