Star riders invited to NEC event (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Star riders invited to NEC event

VISITORS to the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships at the NEC, Birmingham will have the unique opportunity to see top event riders competing at a prestigious show jumping event.

The four-day show, which takes place between April 3 and 6 promises to provide the most action-packed programme of equestrian competition and entertainment ever seen at an indoor show.

The British Open Indoor Cross Country attracts some of the most famous names in the world of eventing including world number four Clayton Frederick's and World Champion, Zara Phillips MBE.

Vibrant music enhances the competition adding to the energetic atmosphere, showcasing cross country in an unprecedented and totally unique environment.

Of all indoor cross country competitions in Europe, the course at the British Open is considered the most technical of all and is a challenging test for both horse and rider.

Event riders invited to compete include Phillips, Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Hoy, Bettina Hoy, Matt Ryan and Bourton-on-the-Water's Laura Collett.

For the first time, a qualifier will be held at Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire, for the three highest placed riders to secure a wildcard place.

The qualifier is being staged tomorrow and will offer the opportunity for riders to qualify for the Championship at the British Open where they will compete alongside some of the world's best eventers.

The Indoor Cross Country proved so popular at last year's British Open that the organiser, Grandstand Event Management, has announced that the 2008 Championships will host an additional Indoor Cross Country competition.

This modern discipline will now feature a Championship class on the Friday evening (April 4) and a Power and Speed team competition, involving some of the British Open crowd's favourite show jumpers, on the next afternoon.

The exhilarating class was launched to great acclaim at the 2006 British Open Show Jumping Championships and has continued each year to give visitors the only opportunity in the UK to witness top-level indoor cross country alongside world-class show jumping and thrilling equestrian entertainment.

For tickets for the event call the Box Office on 0870 0100 216 or visit the official website at www.britishopenshowjumping.com.