After the loss of the British Open for 2011 and Towerlands international show, Britain was left with just four FEI fixtures (the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead Derby meeting, Olympia and HOYS).
This year, Chester becoming a three-star gave home riders a chance to gain valuable Rolex rankings points, but compared to the major European show jumping countries, the figures don't look great. In 2010, Germany hosted 43 CSIs, The Netherlands 27, Belgium 38, Spain 17, Potugal 24, while France had a whooping 82.
However, a quick search through the FEI calendar brings up suggestions that things may be looking up. Pencilled in for April 2012 and 2013 are three-star dates for Sheffield Arena, which would fit in with rumours on the circuit concerning the return of an international show to the British Open's original home.
One date that is missing from the calendar was that of the Chester Masters, but from the keeness of the organisers last year to continuing growing, it may be just that their affiliation has yet to be finalised.
No comments:
Post a Comment