Brand-new eventing series to launch in 2021

Are you looking for a new challenge to try with your fave pony? This awesome unaffiliated eventing league could be your perfect match!

Seven leading horse trials’ organisers will launch a brand-new unaffiliated eventing series, which will lead up to a final at Frickley Park in September. The series, called the Brigante Cup, starts at Epworth Horse Trials on April 25 and includes classes at 80cm, 90cm and 1m.

The top two riders in each section at the qualifying events will earn a place in the final, with those placed third to tenth – and all competitors achieving a double clear – building points towards a qualification. A percentage of riders at the top of their height leagues at the end of August will also receive a place in the final.

Helen Bell, organiser of the Breckenbrough qualifier, said: “As a group of organisers we wanted to come together to lift the level of unaffiliated eventing available for competitors and the plan is coming together really well.

“All the qualifiers are at great venues and to have the final at Frickley Park will be a fantastic location for these hard-working riders who can look forward to a prestigious occasion towards the end of the season.”

The final at Frickley will include a long arena test in front the hall, followed by the cross-country and finally the showjumping phase – it’s sure to feel like a proper championship! The qualifiers and final will be run under BE rules.

The qualifiers will run at:

• Epworth on April 24
• Eland Lodge on May 2
• Breckenborough on May 15
• Shelford on June 1
• Eland Lodge on June 12
• Northerallerton on July 18
• Cholmondley on August 7–8
• Epworth on August 15
• Northallerton on August 29
• Shelford on August 30
• Frickley on September 12–13

John Coupland, organiser of Eland Lodge, said: “This series gives competitors at an unaffiliated level an excellent selection of courses and facilities to experience. It is a fantastic taster of what’s to come as they join British Eventing and progress through the levels.”

For more information, visit brigantecup.co.uk