Current world number one event rider Andrew Nicholson is planning a three pronged attack to defend his 2012 three star crown at the Barbury International Horse Trials next month (July 4-7).
At the entries stage the New Zealander is set to wide last year’s Barbury winner Avebury, Nereo who finished third at Badminton in May, as well as Viscount George – all earmarked to take part in Barbury’s three star class. This class finishes on the Sunday with the spectacular cross-country phase.
Commenting on the Barbury International Eventing and Show, Andrew said: “Barbury is a stunning competition, the cross country course is undulating and offers a proper cross-country challenge and there is always something for the spectators to see. I will certainly be going for it.”
“The event is also testament to providing a solid education for young horses. Nereo won here as a five year old and Quimbo who finished second in the three star last year and went onto win the Rolex Kentucky Three-day event in April, won the two star class as a youngster, so I’m also targeting a few of my less experienced horses at the novice and two star classes”.
Nicholson has lived in England since the 1980s and has represented New Zealand at seven Olympic Games.
Seen by the crowds it attracts as a highlight in the eventing calendar, the Barbury International has attracted a bumper entry of over a thousand horse and rider combinations across the novice, two and three star classes.
Among the leading riders at Barbury this year will be Sir Mark Todd, William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Kristina Cook, Francis Whittington, Pippa Funnell, Laura Collett, Oliver Townend and, of course, Andrew Nicholson.
The Barbury Show with its many features from television chefs to a charity It’s a Knockout, runs in parallel with the horse trials on Saturday and Sunday (July 6 and 7.)
Advance tickets for the event are from just £10 per person, with under 12’s going free. For tickets and information visit the Barbury website or call the box office on 01672 516125.
Schedule of events (Horse Trials, Showjumping and Equestrian only)
Thursday 4 July
CIC three star Dressage
CIC two star Dressage
Novice Dressage
Burghley Young Event Horse
Friday 5 July
CIC three star Dressage
CIC two star Dressage
Novice Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross-country
ROR & Junior Trial Dressage
Saturday 6 July
CIC three star Showjumping
CIC two star Showjumping
CIC two star Cross-country
BSJA Showjumping
Sunday 7 July
BSJA Showjumping
Pony Club Showjumping
Inter Hunt Team Relay
ROR Championship Jump off and Prize Giving
Racing Legends parade
CIC Cross-country
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