Hickstead organisers have had to close entries early for the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting due to a record number of riders wanting to compete.
Online community
Around 1,800 horses will be heading to Sussex next week (25-29 June 2014), to take part in a range of showjumping and showing classes.
The CSI4* show culminates on Sunday 29 June with the famous Hickstead Derby. Several former winners are due to take part including last year’s victor Phillip Miller, Guy Williams, three-time winner William Funnell and Tina Fletcher – who is the only woman to take the title since 1973.
This year’s Derby sponsor is Equestrian.com,which has launched a new online Hickstead Derby community. For £24.99 showjumping fans will get a polo shirt, plus and a range of benefits and discounts, including a course walk and a free ticket to Thursday’s show. Everyone wearing the shirt will also be invited to take part in a photograph during the show.
Improvements
In addition to this new sponsorship, Hickstead has received a funding grant from the British Equestrian Federation. The money has been used to make a number of improvments to the showground, including an all-weather strip down the full length of one of the showing arenas.
“This means the going will remain consistent and safe whatever the weather, and will encourage younger riders to really gallop,” says Hickstead’s showing director, Roger Stack.
Tickets to the show as well as membership to the Hickstead Derby Community can be bought online.