International riders compete in Millfield’s BE Horse Trials – Third annual event
12 Jun 2017
Equestrians from all over the country gathered at Millfield Prep for the annual Millfield BE Horse Trials, the school’s third British Eventing competition. Six hundred competitors took part over the two days of competition, including a remarkable 20 Millfield pupils, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, four staff members and two Old Millfieldians. In all, almost 2,000 people enjoyed the weekend.
The event is aimed at grassroots competitors with BE80 (T), BE90 and BE100 sections, with multiple events held throughout the weekend, including dressage, show jumping and cross-country which all competitors participate in.
Press Release Millfield Prep School, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8LD Registered in England and Wales No. 522385 | Registered Charity No. 310283 Notable riders included last year’s winner of the CIC2* at Belton International, Tim Cheffings, and International event riders Tamsyn Hutchins and Alex Bragg, who competed in his first Badminton Horse Trials the previous week.
From Millfield, Year 11 pupil Becky Manton came third in the BE90 category and Year 10 pupil Sophie Blackwell came third in the BE 100 OPEN. Five other riders from the school placed in the top 10 for their respective events, with Millfield staff member Flora Rigby placing third in her event.
The cross-country course, designed for the third year by London 2012 designer, Adrian Ditcham, ran in the opposite direction to previous years and included a number of new, innovative jumps. Feature fences included a ‘Glastonbury Tor’ jump, overlooked by the iconic Tor and the ‘Millfield Outward Bound’ water complex.
Danny Anholt, Millfield’s Director of Equestrian Sport added: “The Millfield BE Horse Trials has been a great success once again, and continues to grow each year. The course was superb throughout the weekend and we would like to thank our sponsors and the army of volunteers who helped make this event a fantastic occasion for riders and spectators alike.”
Millfield and Millfield Prep riders now look forward to a busy summer of competitions including the defence of their double Junior and Senior titles at Hickstead in August. Millfield is the first school to win both sections of the competition in the same year since 2005.