Hundreds of talented young riders and spectators will be welcomed to Bishop Burton College next week when the British Eventing International Youth Championships will be held at the college.
From Thursday 4th August to Sunday 7th August, the riders, all of whom are under the age of 18, will compete in a range of events.
Those include dressage, showjumping, and cross country classes in which they will compete against some of the best riders from their region.
Catherine Sykes, the Equine Event Coordinator at Bishop Burton College, said:
“We’re delighted to be hosting the International Youth Championships for the second year, especially as this year we can welcome spectators without COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our course designer, Joe Weller, has done a spectacular job at transforming our parkland ready for the event. The cross country competition on Saturday 6th August is sure to be a highlight.
“We’re especially excited that one of our own students – Lucy Proctor-Copeland – has been chosen to represent the north!”
Wednesday, 3rd August, will kick off the competition with an exclusive opening ceremony for riders and their families.
Katharine Pickering will perform at the ceremony, who has appeared in productions such as Victoria and Wonder Woman 1984.
Katharine’s performance will include liberty, where the horse has no tack, classical dressage with Grand Prix rider Edward Creamer, daredevil trick riding and even some fire.
Katharine said:
“I am so excited to be back at Bishop Burton! I’ve experienced so many firsts here and been involved with the displays and demonstrations; it just feels like coming back to where it all started for me.
“It’s great to be performing inside Bishop Burton College’s incredible indoor arena, which makes a huge difference to us and our horses. The facilities at are top class, and this allows us to perform at our best.”
Bishop Burton College, which offers college and university-level courses in a wide range of subjects, will also be tapping into its facilities to offer competitors and their families a range of unique experiences.
Events include a demonstration of Bishop Burton’s equine water treadmill, an equine science experience in the specialist laboratories and a tour of the animal unit, featuring the college’s new porcupine and mongoose.
Admission to the championships is free and spectators will be able to treat themselves as there will be a number of trade stands.
Sponsors of the event include Baileys Horse Feeds, NFU Mutual, Visit East Yorkshire, Bedmax Shavings and Lindum.
To find out more about International Youth Championships click here.
