Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Vaulting: Double delight for WEG Gold Medalist Joanne Eccles

Leading equestrian vaulter Joanne Eccles proved worthy of her European and World Champion rankings this weekend (30 April – 1 May) – as she picked up the title in the CVI** Ermelo in Holland, making it two international titles in a fortnight!

Joanne (22) from Tillicoultry, Scotland took the senior female class with her sister Hannah just missing out on second place by just 0.16 of a point. Lunged by their father John Eccles on WH Bentley, the girls also won the pairs class.

Brogan Moffat and Georgia Cox travelled out to compete in the junior individual class; they both vaulted on WVC Anton, lunged by John Eccles, and finished 23rd and 30th respectively.

“This was a great competition,” said Lucy Bell, chef d’equipe of British Equestrian Vaulting, “I’m so pleased for all the girls – and to see Joanne win again is a fantastic achievement and is great for British Vaulting.”

Eventing: Chatsworth: The World’s leading riders to compete at Chatsworth


Over 500 entries have been received from 11 countries for the annual Chatsworth International Horse Trials which are to be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 13th – 15th May.  Amongst the entries received are team gold and individual silver medallist William Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips, Ruth Edge, Pippa Funnell, Lucy Wiegersma,  Paul Tapner, Oliver Townend, Polly Stockton, Jeanette Brakewell, Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks  and Andrew and Bettina Hoy –  to mention a few!

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is one of the country’s most spectacular settings for a horse trial with the cross country course, designed by former Olympic silver and European gold medalist Ian Stark, running through the beautiful parkland on the banks of the river Derwent which provides great spectator viewing.

Chatsworth is now firmly established as one of the leading events in the calendar with the prestigious FEI World CupTM Eventing on Sunday being the focal point.  The finale of the FEI World Cup TM Eventing will be the Show Jumping phase in the main arena on Sunday afternoon, run in reverse order of merit.

This year the Event has chosen to support the Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS) which is an independent charity and confidential counselling service based in Bakewell.

Over ten fully qualified, experienced and professionally supervised counsellors provide help for anyone experiencing personal problems such as bereavement, depression, stress and anxiety, marital, relationship and family problems.

Provisional Timetable:
Friday, 13th     8 am Gates open

9am Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse 5 year old qualifier  2 p.m. Brocklehursts Inter-hunt Relay and a  display of Dressage to Music by Claire Llewelyn and Olympic Gold medalist Shear H20.

Saturday,  14th    8 am Gates open  8.30 am Dressage; 8.30 am Show Jumping; 9.30 am Cross Country and the special attractions
Sunday, 15th   8 am Gates open; 9.00 am Dressage; 8.30 am Show Jumping;  9.30 am Cross Country.

In addition to the three days of great equestrian sport the event hosts a huge range of special attractions that will appeal to all the family.  Be captivated by the magical performances each day by the world renowned horse whisperer Jean Francois Pignon with his famous grey horses from Calvission or enjoy the favourites including the Pony Club mounted games; Sue Carson Dressage display; Katy Cropper Sheep Dogs, Birds of prey displays; Pilsley School Maypole dancing, The Bakewell Silver Band and the Burbage Band and especially for the children Punch and Judy, face painting and a climbing wall.

Also a huge selection of quality trade stands - including country clothing, Rural crafts, fashion and equestrian products. The Farmyard and equine area has a variety of animals including a pony and a donkey.  Full catering, fast food outlets and bar facilities will be available throughout the event.

During the two weeks prior to the Horse Trials shops and businesses in Bakewell and Baslow have been invited to take part in a Shop Window Display competition  to celebrate the Horse Trials and as a way of ensuring the local community know what is going on at Chatsworth. The 2010 winner was Stewarts of Bakewell and Mr & Mrs Stewart were presented with a Hamper from the Chatsworth Farm Shop and tickets to the Event.  The competition will again be  judged by the Duchess of Devonshire.