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2003
European Dressage Championships
Hickstead, Sussex, England
13th - 17th August
The 2003 European Dressage Championships at Hickstead,
England
 For
Britain to host the European Dressage Championships
is indeed an honour. For the first time in 16 years,
the elite dressage riders of the world are welcomed
to Britain to contest this coveted title and The All
England Jumping Course at Hickstead will provide the
ideal venue. Situated in the south of England, close
to Gatwick Airport and within reasonable distance of
the Channel ports, the showground is easily accessible
to visitors from Europe. Hickstead is Britain's premier
dressage venue and offers friendly hospitality, shopping
and entertainment as well as an exciting week of world-class
competition.
The Event
The event is considered an "open" Championship, allowing
entries from around the globe and also providing the
last opportunity for nations to qualify for the 2004
Olympic Games in Athens. This major sporting event will
attract a large number of spectators from Europe as
well as a strong home crowd.
The Riders
 In
the region of 20 nations are expected to send team and
individual competitors to contest the coveted European
title. Reigning champion, Ulla Salzegeber (GER), plans
to defend her title with Rusty, who she described as
being on top form following his recent World Cup win.
Current Olympic Champion, Anky van Grunsven (NED) is
also expected to challenge for the title and Nadine
Capellmann and Farbenfroh (GER) will be a strong contenders
following their World Championship win in Jerez. The
British team of 4 will be chosen from a pool of top
riders including those currently on the World Class
Performance Plan. Riders in with a chance of making
the team include Richard Davison, Emile Faurie, Nicky
Barrett, Laura Richardson, Nicola McGivern, Sandy Phillips,
Carl Hester and Fiona Bigwood.
The Competition
The team Championship is decided during the Grand Prix,
held in two parts on Thursday and Friday, with every
international rider taking part. The tension begins
to mount as twenty-five top riders go forward to contest
the highly coveted individual Championship, riding the
Grand Prix Special on Saturday. The finale is the ever-popular
Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday to decide the overall
winner. Throughout the five days of world-class competition,
the victors and the vanquished will have taken part
in a truly top class event and it is hoped that more
competitors will be encouraged to compete in Britain
in the future.
Rhinegold British Young Horse Championships
Over the 5 days of competition there are two more coveted
titles to be won with Britain assured of victory. The
Rhineghold British Young Horse Championships will see
potential dressage stars of the future from all parts
of Britain challenging for the title. The finals will
be judged in the International Arena on Sunday.
British Pas de Deux Championship
Following the huge success of the Pas de Deux at Hickstead
last year, this championship is now becoming a popular
feature of the event. British pairs will contend the
championship and the winners will compete against an
invited international pair in a special event on Sunday.
Displays
 As
well as world-class dressage, a number of exciting arena
displays will entertain spectators. The Household Cavalry
display and a specially choreographed Quadrille will
take place each day and there will also be a fascinating
demonstration of Portugese Working Equitation with a
team of Lusitano horses. Tanya Larrigan's amazing Mini
Marvels®, a team of minature horses working on long
reigns, will perform their interpretation of Riverdance.
Evening Extravaganza
A not-to-be-missed Gala Evening to be held on Friday
is described as an extravaganza of equestrian entertainment,
incorporating a host of exciting displays in the International
Arena.
Other Attractions
Outside of the arena there will be much of interest
including a lively shopping village where the visitors
can indulge in some essential retail therapy. The International
Sport Horse and Sport Medicine Symposium will provide
a public forum for world famous physicians and veterinarians
to discuss topical subjects. Do not forget to take a
look at the warm-up arenas that often provide a fascinating,
behind-the-scenes glimpse of the dressage world.
Throughout the event there will be musical entertainment,
and lots of wonderful food and drink to suit all appetites,
helping to prove that dressage really is a sport to
be enjoyed by all.
Tickets and Travel
If you have not already booked your ticket, now is the
time to do it. Viewing of the international arena will
be by grandstand seat only and these should be booked
in advance. Entrance to the showground includes the
All England Jumping Course and the British Jumping Derby
meeting is being held in conjunction with these Championships.
More information is available on the website www.edc2003.com.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster on 0870 0602328
(24 hours), at all Ticketmaster ticket centres including
selected Virgin Megastores and Tower Records Stores
nationwide. Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
For Group bookings call 08705 94 94 94 94. For travel
and accommodation packages, contact the official event
tour operator, Carrick travel on +44 (0)1926 511555
or email sales@carricktravel.com
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2003
European Dressage Championships
2003 European Dressage Championships:
Preliminary Timetable
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