VOLUNTEERING... Get involved for this Spring Spectacular... TCN Classes added to schedule... The Husky Trail Challenge

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1 ISSUE TH MARCH 2013 VOLUNTEERING... Get involved for this Spring Spectacular... TCN Classes added to schedule... The Husky Trail Challenge Also; Emma s Diary... Sponsor News... Social Media Returns...

2 Welcome to Hello and welcome to the first publication of 2013, as we gear up for the first of the two horse trials at Kelsall Hill was a great year for the team, with Intermediate classes in the spring being a particular highlight for those who attended. With such great support from amateur and professional riders alike, it helped to create a really superb atmosphere. In 2013, things continue to grow and develop, with further class additions making for an exciting line up! It s not just eventing classes either by the way, so make sure you check out the news in this issue. The weather hasn t particularly helped many of the early events, with abandonments already plentiful, so we expect many competitors wanting to get a run on Kelsalls great going even when compromised by awful British weather. Top riders have once again been heading to Kelsall for training and clinic events. Mary King and Blyth Tait just two of the names spending some time at this great facility. Enjoy the issue, hope preparations are going well and get those entries in asap!! Mark Hayward Press Officer The Editorial and Marketing Team Contact the Press Office: Mark Hayward T: E: mark@paparazzi-pr.com W: Follow us on Contact the In-House Team: Emma Latham Organsdale Farm, Middlewich Road, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0SR T: E: emma@kelsallhill.co.uk Facebook: Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre & Its Kelsall Hill

3 CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS... The organisers have once again appealed for volunteers this week using the British Eventing website as well as facebook and twitter. Whether it s dressage helping or cross country fence judging, all those giving up time to volunteer will be well looked after, and many helpers choose to return year on year. Those wishing to find out more are urged to Jane Whitaker on britisheventing@kelsallhill.co.uk or call AMENDMENTS TO BRITISH EVENTING SCHEDULE Further amendments have been made to the BE schedule of competition, with the addition of a TCN* and a TCN** (Targeted National Competitions). Following the recent changes to the FEI rules and more specifically the Eligibility Requirements (MER s), British Eventing is delighted to announce that the following events will be adding Targeted National competitions (TCN) to help riders transition to the new requirements: Hambleden International (19th-21st April 2013) - TCN** Kelsall Hill (19th-21st April 2013) - TCN* and TCN** Bicton (27th and 28th April 2013) - TCN* Auchinleck (27th and 28th April 2013) - TCN*, TCN**, TCN*** As previously announced, Floors Castle International (18th and 19th May 2013) have already added a TCN**. The TCN competitions are a one-off arrangement for 2013 and are specifically designed to help riders through the changes in the structure to FEI MER s.

4 However, if a combination achieves a MER it is important to remember that the results do not count towards rider categorisation and will not be carried forward beyond Chris Farr, Sport Operations Manager at British Eventing explained: We are incredibly grateful to the Organisers of Hambleden, Kelsall, Bicton, Floors Castle and Auchinleck for agreeing to host these classes, and all other organisers for accepting their inclusion. It will be a huge help to the riders who need to gain MER s as a combination following the FEI rule changes. I would strongly encourage all current FEI riders and any who wish to compete at an FEI event to make sure they are aware of the rule changes, including the MER s and Rider Categorisation. As ever, BE is happy to help and advise if any member has a question. The up to date schedule for BE competition is; Class Days Dressage Test BE90 Fri Sun BE 95 (2012) BE80(T) Fri BE 95 (2012) BE100 Sun BE 106 (2012) N Sat N 111 (2010) ON Sat N 111 (2010) I Sat I 115 (2011) OI Sat I 115 (2011) BE100Open Sun BE 106 (2012) TCN* Sat N 111 (2010) TCN** Sat I 115 (2011)

5 IN REAL-TIME The real-time twitter updates that proved popular at the 2012 April horse trials will return in Continual, up the minute weather and ground, travel and competition updates will run on the Kelsall Hill twitter page Updates will also be made to the facebook pages and the website. Press Officer Mark Hayward says The social media updates enable those travelling to the event to stay up to date. We will be updating on travel and traffic information, weather and ground updates, as well as results and competition information. The website and facebook pages will also stay up to date, so it is worth keeping an eye on these media to stay informed. PRESS ENQUIRIES If you require any quotes, fact sheets, interviews or media statements, please contact Mark Hayward at the press office; Paparazzi PR 10 th Floor 3 Hardman Street Spinningfields Manchester M3 3HF mark@paparazzi-pr.com

6 TOP RIDERS OFFER TRAINING AT KELSALL HILL Early spring has seen Olympian s Mary King and Blyth Tait descend on Kelsall Hill to offer world class training to a luck selection of riders. The training clinics included work both on the flat and over fences, and Emma Latham commented We always enjoy welcoming world class riders to Kelsall Hill, allowing riders the opportunity to train with some of the very best right here in Cheshire. Following on from 2012, bringing two Olympians here seemed extremely appropriate, and despite the chilly winter weather, those who received the training, really seemed to benefit. IT S THE KELSALL LIFE! Renowned county lifestyle magazine Cheshire Life has confirmed its partnership with the horse trials once again in The magazine that celebrates all that is good about life in the county, will enjoy a raised presence at the event, with a feature report being included in the magazine during the months that follow. Speaking of the media partner who will also sponsor a set of cross country fences and the dressage arenas, Emma Latham commented I am delighted that Cheshire Life joins us once again at the horse trials. For us, the magazine really hits our target audience and we feel that our event has become a great date in the diary for Cheshire Life readers, as well as those who are simply visiting this great county.

7 CREWE SADDLERY MEASURES IN... Crewe Saddlery, renowned for their superb equestrian supplies and saddle fitting service, have confirmed their support by sponsoring the April Horse Trials once again The saddlers bring over 40 years of experience helping professional and amateur riders alike. Organiser Jane Whitaker commented We are excited to welcome Crewe Saddlery to the event once again. The support they have offered over the years has really made them a part of the family, and we look forward to seeing them again in April. A BLUE CHIP SPONSOR... Popular horse feed and supplement brand Blue Chip join the sponsorship line up, sponsoring the Intermediate sections at this Aprils event. The manufacturer that provides a host of horse feeds for the leisure and competition horse confirmed the news in February that they would continue to be involved, following a successful Emma Latham says The Blue Chip brand speaks for itself, so its great that they have once again chosen to support our great event. Their range of supplements and horse feeds are used by many of our competitors as well as the leisure riders that visit the centre, so its a great opportunity for further exposure.

8 WELCOME TO OUR MANOR! Berrys Estate Agents join the team this April, sponsoring a set of cross country fences on the course. The renowned name in property works with residential and agricultural properties right across the country. Emma Latham comments Berrys have a great brand. They work with a great mix of clients, both residential and agricultural, which we think gives a great fit for the audience we see coming through our gates.

9 THOMPSON WRIGHT ACCOUNTS FOR A GREAT EVENT Accountancy firm based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Leek, have signed up to a sponsorship deal with the April horse trials, sponsoring a set of cross country fences on the prestigious course. The accountancy business was established over 80 years ago, and offers a comprehensive, integrated accountancy service as well as offering specialist and expert advice to clients. Speaking of the news, Emma Latham commented Thompson Wright are great friends of the event, as well as such a remarkable business. Established for over 80 years shows the key for longevity, and also their experience at dealing with a host of clientele. Their attention to detail and specialist, valuable advice, makes them so much more than just accountants.

10 CHARITY FEATURE:

11 BE a volunteer... As we call for further volunteers, Rachel White, a regular volunteer at Kelsall Hill prepares us for a day out as an official at this April s event and gives those new to eventing an introduction to the sport... Welcome to Kelsall Hill s April One Day Event. You are about to experience an exciting day, watching 3 different equestrian sports in one day and in one place! Safety first: always be on the look-out for horses on the move and stay within areas marked for spectators usually marked by white string and posts. All horses and riders have prepared carefuly for today and you can help them by not distracting or scaring the horses please keep your dog on a lead at all times, do not drop litter and put umbrellas down when close to horses. Thank-you! The first phase is dressage. Each competitor performs a test of various manoeuvres within an arena marked out by white boards. The rider memorises the test which demonstrates the horse s obedience, suppleness and quality of paces. Because of the large number of competitors, there are a number of arenas. Each test takes around 5 minutes. There is a warm-up area for horses to get prepared so, again, be aware of horses on the move going in and out of their arena. The test is scored by the dressage judge who lists penalty marks so the lower the score, the better the result. The next phase is show-jumping. This tests the horse s athleticism and carefulness.the riders will have walked the show-jump course earlier to inspect the jumps and measure the strides in between jumps. Each competitor uses the warm-up or collecting ring and practices a few jumps before entering the show-jumping arena. Each competitor aims to jump the course, in the specified order, without knocking any poles down or stopping at a jump (a refusal). Faults are incurred for each refusal or fence down and the competitor aims for a clear round no penalties. The showjumping arena has plenty of seating. The last sport is cross-country. This is a course of obstacles over countryside, taking the horse about 5 minutes to complete at a fast pace canter and gallop.each horse and rider warms up in the cross-country collecting ring before setting off at their set time. This sport tests the horse s athleticism,fitness and courage. As in the other 2 sports, it also tests the partnership between horse and rider. This is a wonderful sport to watch but your safety is paramount; stay off the course and behind the white string and posts; listen out for the fence judges whistles which warn you of a horse approaching at speed! Competitors are allowed to walk on the course to inspect the obstacles but spectators must not. The fences are rustic and sometimes ditches, steps and water are involved.

12 Unlike the show-jumps, cross-country jumps can t be knocked down. Each competitor aims to get around the course without refusals. Penalties are also incurred for completing the course too fast or too slow. As in the other stages, riders get penalties for falling off and if the horse falls, the competitor is eliminated. The course is mapped out in your programme. It is a good idea to follow the course backwards starting at the last fence so you can see each horse approaching instead of coming up behind you! There are several classes running each day and the winners are those with least penalty points. Your programme gives more detail of each sport (or discipline). Do ask officials and staff if you have questions they will be pleased to answer when not busy working, time-keeping or judging! Written by Rachel White

13 #loveit emma s diary Hi All! It s great to be back in the office preparing for the April horse trials! It s always such an exciting time of year. It has been a long winter, and as I write this we have actually just experienced the heaviest snowfall I think we have witnessed here at Kelsall Hill, perhaps only rivalled by the extreme winter of 2010! The ground team have been making great progress with the cross country course preparations, but of course in light of the adverse weather, work has been impaired with their attentions having to focus on clearing huge amounts of snow! It s worth a mention here, for those poor events that have already fallen foul to the unseasonal weather, one of which our neighbour Somerford Park. The team at Somerford, like all of the events, work so hard so it is so sad when an event has to be abandoned. Aside from Baltic conditions, admin preparations are going well, and the schedule of competition we have for this April is certainly looking impressive! With the addition of TCN classes as well as our Intermediate and OI classes returning, it is looking to be an exciting three days of competition. Entries are currently open, and with further abandonments this weekend, we are expecting a flurry of horse and riders grappling for a space. Go and enter now if you haven t already. Sponsors are coming along well, with Cheshire Life confirming their involvement once again. We have some top brands returning including Blue Chip, Berry s and Thompson Wright, and I really look forward to catching up with them all, and confirming further additions to our sponsor list in the coming weeks.

14 I took a day out last week to have a walk around the cross country course, once again designed by Captain Mark Phillips and built by David Evans and team. It always amazes me how the courses come together, and the plans for this spring look superb! It s going to be a manic Easter (hopefully once the snow has thawed!), with the ground team getting on with the courses and us in the office getting those volunteers, sponsors and contractors arranged and finalised! All with an Easter egg on the go I m sure! Dont forget Jane is still looking for volunteers to help this April so please let us know if you can help. Jane can be contacted on britisheventing@kelsallhill.co.uk or Have a great Easter! Emma x BE A VOLUNTEER this April If you fancy being part of this thrilling sport britisheventing@kelsallhill.co.uk or call Jane on

15 Join the trend... Follow us, like us and discuss... Use the hashtag #KelsallHill to discuss this spring s horse trials and let s get trending... We want to hear your news, views and comments so get involved and have your say Facebook: Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre & It s Kelsall Hill