Bicton Arena is awarded international status

Bicton Arena has announced it has been awarded international status for its August 2015 horse trials.

The venue will run CIC and CIC2 classes. Both are regarded as a necessary stepping stones for riders wishing to compete at international level in the UK and Europe.

Arena manager Helen West said: “We canvassed competitors and the support we have received in our quest to gain a CIC for the area has been overwhelming. We then took our case to British Eventing, the sport’s governing body, who agreed with us that there is a lack of opportunity in the South West.

“It will be welcomed by West Country riders who will be able to achieve FEI qualifications without having to travel hundreds of miles.”

The additional classes will pose many benefits for the arena. They will attract more famous names from the sport. This in turn will increase spectator numbers and  attract more sponsors.

Helen said: “Bicton Arena has so much potential. It is a stunning venue and everything is here to create a leading competition centre in the south-west. Sponsorship is an essential part of that and we hope that more businesses will seize the opportunities.

“I am now very excited about moving plans forward, designing cross country tracks and getting local firms on board, to help make it the success I want it to be.”