Posted: 23rd March 2021 | Back to news feed
The organising teams at both, Little Downham and Tweseldown are excited to announce their partnership to run the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S, plus complementary National classes, that were lost following the cancellation of Rockingham International Horse Trials this May.
In a unique partnership, and with a forward-thinking timetable, both venues will host the FEI classes and the corresponding Novice and Intermediate classes, running over consecutive days. Affectionately nicknamed “Little Tweseldownham”, competitors will have the opportunity to compete at Tweseldown on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st, and at Little Downham on the 22nd and 23rd May, subject to FEI approval.
The new timetable will see smaller sections of CCI-S classes and will ensure that horse/rider combinations will complete all three phases on the same day. The brainchild of Little Downham organiser, Tina Ure, aims to offer riders increased opportunities, reduced costs and limits the risk of biosecurity impacts (such as EHV-1 and Covid-19).
“Like so many owners I had been looking forward to watching my horses compete at the stunning Rockingham Castle, but will have to wait for next year. I am grateful to British Eventing for endorsing this joint bid with Tweseldown and our innovative timetable that will enable both professional and amateur riders the opportunity to complete CCI-S in one day, something that has been a long-time ambition of mine.
“I have shared the frustration of many owners and riders about the additional expenses often incurred to compete at this level and welcomed the opportunity to try something different. Working with Rachael at Tweseldown is a new collaborative venture aimed at maximising the competition opportunities for all despite the difficulties caused by the Coronavirus and EHV-1.” Tina Ure, Little Downham Organiser.
Little Downham stepped in at the last minute to host the same fixture in 2012 when Brigstock cancelled, prior to the fixture being reinstated at Rockingham Castle. Tweseldown, as a venue, has a long history of hosting international fixtures dating back to the Olympic equestrian events in 1948. This fixture will, however, mark the first modern era FEI fixture at the Hampshire venue.
“It has taken Covid for this new idea to come to the fore. Tina Ure has been championing "all in one day CCI-S's" for ages. It has finally taken root as Rockingham lends it date to "Little Tweseldownham International Horse Trials"
I am thrilled that the Lucinda Green XC Academy Tweseldown will be sharing the FEI and National classes with the Childeric Little Downham” added Tweseldown organiser Rachael Faulkner.
The revived fixture has attracted much praise from both professional and amateur international level competitors.
Suffolk based New Zealand Olympian Caroline Powell commented:
“This new format is a much needed and long-awaited development and could be just what’s needed to help revive and lift the sport. Keeping the costs low and limiting the need for onsite stabling will make the FEI classes more accessible for new competitors and makes it more financially viable for professional riders and owners.
Two well liked and well-respected venues, working together to support the sport - great stuff!”
Bristol based; professional rider Alexander Whewall commented:
“Rockingham was a key fixture for me with the younger 3* horses so it is really good to see it’s being replaced. As a professional rider running a smaller operation the CCI events can get expensive for me as a business, as it requires longer periods of time away and therefore increased staff costs to cover the horses at home.
Having a choice of very good locations, with good ground and organisation is really good. The real bonus will be getting the CCI done in one day. That is going to be a benefit to a lot of people and we’re really keen to see how it will work.”
Amateur 5* competitor and full-time working vet Katie Preston also supported the initiative:
“Being able to do a CCI3*-S in one day, at the weekend, would be a big advantage to those of us who have to juggle annual leave. By the time you’ve factored in 3 days off for a Spring and Autumn long format and then the time off for 4-5 short formats in a season it doesn’t leave you any days for an actual holiday.
Onsite stabling is so expensive that I will often look for local stabling and drive in each day. This format would really reduce the costs and hassle for a large number of riders.”
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