New top-class eventing training facilities unveiled at Hickstead

Hickstead may be known as the home of British showjumping, but now it is set to diversify into the sport of eventing with the launch of extensive new all-weather cross-country facilities.

Top event riders Gemma Tattersall, Francis Whittington and Emily King were on hand to mark the launch of the facilities, which will be used on Sunday 1 September for the Arena Eventing classes at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships. 

The £500,000 project comprises two vast arenas connected with an all-weather track. Equine America Ring Three has been transformed from a grass ring to a state-of-the-art Andrews Bowen surfaced arena, while the adjoining Airowear Ring Four has been extended and now features a vast water complex.

The facilities boast around 60 cross-country type obstacles, ranging from 80cm in height to 1.10m, making it ideal for grassroots riders, young and novice horses, and those competing up to British Eventing Novice level.

“This is just the start – we’ll be creating a large stock of additional fences that can be rotated in and out of the arena, allowing us to refresh the design and build new combinations according to the riders’ demands, as well as increasing the height of some fences when event riders begin preparations for their spring events,” explains showground manager William Bunn.

The course will include a wide range of single fences and combinations, with plenty of skinnies, corners and arrowheads. The water complex is expected to be a huge draw, with several jumping options into the water and within the lake. 

“We’re delighted to be opening this new winter training facility, which will be open each year from October to May,” added William. “We believe it’s going to be the biggest and best facility of its kind in the South East, and it is going to be of huge benefit for local riders. Not only will it draw event riders, it will also be a boost for riders from all disciplines and levels, who want to vary their horses’ routines, try something new or just come and have some fun.”

A number of leading eventing experts have assisted with the creation of these exciting new facilities, including Badminton course designer Eric Winter, who oversaw the plans for the initial project, and Olympic course designer David Evans, who was consulted on the design of the course.

Pre-booking for these new facilities is essential via the online booking system which is now live. One-hour sessions will cost £36 per horse - book 3 sessions and get the 4th one free! The facilities are also available for hire for trainers, Riding Clubs and Branches of the Pony Club who may wish to hold clinics and competitions.  

Olympic and World Equestrian Games gold medal-winning event rider Gemma Tattersall, who is based near the showground, said: “I am extremely excited about the new cross-country schooling facility at Hickstead. It’s so close to us so to have the option of coming here in the winter to train on an all-weather surface is beyond brilliant – what a great opportunity for all of us that live in the South.”

For more information, visit www.hicksteadschooling.co.uk or email schooling@hickstead.co.uk