Bicton Arena to stage Devon's first international horse trials

Bicton Arena is readying itself for Devon’s first ever international horse trials, which take place on April 24-26.

Sponsored by Worcestershire-based Empire Coachbuilders, a well-known horsebox manufacturer, the trials are expected to attract a plethora of stars from the sport of eventing, including some of the world’s most famous names.

Arena manager Helen West played an instrumental part in persuading the sport’s governing bodies, which include British Eventing and the FEI, that the Westcountry needed an event of this caliber. She said: “It’s fantastic for Devon to have such a prestigious competition and Bicton is the perfect venue. It has fabulous courses set in Grade One Listed Parkland, along with the iconic Rathbones Main Arena where the dressage and showjumping phases will takes place.

“It’s full steam ahead as we get ready to put on a top class event in just a few weeks time and we hope horse lovers from far and wide will head here to enjoy some fantastic action.”

Leigh Rix, head of property and land at Clinton Devon Estates, added: “This is a very exciting year for Clinton Devon Estates and we are thrilled that we are staging the county’s first ever international horse trials.”

CIC status gives riders a valuable opportunity to qualify for the next level of competition if they gain a qualifying score. This is known as CCI, and the next step on the ladder towards international, or four star, competitions, such as Badminton, Burghley, the Olympics and World and European Equestrian Games. Bicton will also stage a second CIC competition in August.

Helen believes the addition of two international horse trials to the Devon sporting calendar will help put the county on the map for its sporting prowess.

“We already have premier rugby club Exeter Chiefs up the road, and Exeter Racecourse which is widely recognised as attracting some of the best novice hurdlers and chasers. Newton Abbot Racecourse stages some exceptional races for summer ground horses. We now hope that some of the country’s, and indeed the world’s, top names from the sport of horses trials will head to Devon to see that we are among the very best.”

To attract riders, Bicton is offering discounted stabling to all its competitors. “It’s an incentive to help reduce the costs of competing and we hope it will encourage riders who live further away to come to Devon,” said Helen.

Sales director James Trevatt of sponsors Empire Coachbuilders added: “Bicton is the perfect shop window to showcase our lorries. It’s a stunning location which really lends itself to sponsorship and we are very excited about being part of Devon’s first ever international horse trials.”

Entry to the event is free on Friday and £10 per car on Saturday and Sunday.