Novice and Intermediate competitors will reap the rewards of the new Arena Saddles Novice League and Investec Intermediate League across an increased number of venues. Following the loss of Oasby and the national classes at Thoresby Park, BEDE Events have joined forces with other local venues to offer competitors increased access to the leagues.
The Arena Saddles Novice and Investec Intermediate leagues are open to registered members of British Eventing who haven’t competed at Intermediate or Advanced, respectively, and above in the previous five years. Points can be collected by a horse and rider combination in any of the specified sections across the qualification events and the Osberton International finale. The Arena Saddles Novice league with now run across:
- BCA – 10 – 11th June
- Catton Park – 17 – 18th June
- Brightling Park – 1 – 2nd July
- Buckminster Park – 8 – 9th July
- Richmond – 14 – 15th July
- Shelford Manor (2) – 26 – 28th August
The eventual winner will be crowned at the conclusion of the Osberton CCI2*L and will ride away with a brand-new Arena Saddle of their choice.
Three new venues join the Investec Intermediate league that offers riders an enhanced end of season cash prize. Joining BEDE Events own Catton Park are:
- Rockingham International (Intermediate & CCI3*S)
- Richmond – 14 – 15th July
- Frickley Park (Intermediate & CCI3*S) – 17 – 20th August
Points will be collected through the qualifying events: three points will be awarded upon completion; two points for jumping clear in the showjumping phase; and two points for jumping clear (sans jumping penalties) in the cross-country phase. Those who meet the MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirements) will gain priority entry to the CCI2*L or CCI3*L at Osberton International, at which points will be awarded for placings: 15 points to the winner, 14 points to the runner up, and so on, with 15th place receiving one point, while all double clears (no jumping penalties in either jumping phase) will receive a two-point bonus. The league prize-givings will be held alongside the CCI2*L and CCI3*L prize-giving in the main arena.
For those Novice and Intermediate riders not looking to pursue the FEI competition route, the new National Three-Day Event offer competitors not able to, or wishing to, commit to FEI the opportunity to compete at an international event. The National Novice and Intermediate Trophy classes will run alongside the CCI2*L and CCI3*L and are open to those who have not been registered with the FEI in either 2022 or 2023.
Further information can be found via www.bede-events.co.uk