THERE were a record number of entries for the British Eventing Horse Trials at Richmond Equestrian Centre at the weekend.

The packed field included Olympic equestrian riders and national champions, such as Nicola Wilson, Ros Canter and Ian Stark. The trials also included under 21 and under 18 qualifying classes, and an abundance of local riders.

Olympian Nicola Wilson said: “We are so lucky to have such a superb event on our doorstep. I took some experienced and inexperienced horses to compete at Richmond this weekend and was delighted with the Covid protocol that was successfully implemented. A great deal of hard work and preparation has clearly gone into making each phase a high standard and run so smoothly. The lovely flat dressage arenas work well, show jumping in a big all weather arena is always a treat and the going on the cross country was fantastic with educational courses for all levels to both challenge, educate and encourage, which is exactly what we want in a competition. Thanks to Richmond Equestrian Centre."

Ros Canter added: “We have had a fantastic day at Richmond Horse Trials. Every year the courses get better and better, and the team running the event are so friendly and helpful. My horses have enjoyed running on the fantastic ground and have all come away having had positive experiences."

“I’ve had the most wonderful time at Richmond Horse Trials with two horses," said Ian Stark. "The organisers put together a great event that was extremely Covid aware and yet let us get back to enjoying the sport we adore. On behalf of the sport and the competitors, I send a huge thank you."

Andrew and Abigail Turnbull, owners of Richmond Equestrian Centre, said after the success of the trials, they were already looking forward to their next big event.

"After an extraordinary period of time, when we have all lost so much sport due to Covid-19, were were delighted to be able to run two fantastic days of British Eventing at Richmond Equestrian Centre," they said.

"We saw some amazing horses and riders from around the country and it was great to see so many local riders enjoying their time at Richmond and doing so well. It was terribly frustrating to have lost the Sunday, due to ground conditions after the rain, but we have received so many words of thanks for keeping the show on the road on Saturday and huge praise must ago to our wonderful team who worked so hard through the downpours – and kept on smiling. The comments from Ian, Nicola and Ros say it all.

"We would also like to say a big thank you to everyone involved, from contractors and staff to judges and officials and particularly to our amazing sponsors and volunteers. Thanks also to the owners and riders, we had a staggering number of entries, which is testament to the hard work the team at Richmond do.

"We are already looking forward to our next big event of the year, The Richmond Cup, on Saturday, July 17 and planning is well underway for our second British Evening competition on September 3, 4, and 5 – and with Burghley Horse Trials now cancelled, it could be a busy one."

For more information on what’s on at Richmond Equestrian Centre, at Breckenbrough Farm, Brough Park, see their social media pages or website at richmondequestriancentre.co.uk or call 07564 025959.