News
Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships 2024 Preview
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:07
Find out what’s in store as we welcome everyone to the Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships 2024 at Arena UK, 2 - 6 October.
Having gained their qualification scores at BD-affiliated competitions, hundreds of riders have been battling it out at one of the 17 Petplan Area Festivals, held from July to August across the UK. Now the qualified combinations are heading to the Championships.
Find the schedule and the latest news
Times and results
The starting times are now available on Equipe and live results will be published on the day of the competition.
What to expect
Aimed at amateur riders the Petplan Area Festival Championships are the perfect goal for riders and horses looking for a taste of a big-time championship event! We will be welcoming many bronze and silver riders from Prelim to Inter I (including Freestyle to Music). “It's a really nice, friendly atmosphere… you get that championship feel, but it's not overwhelming.” Said 2023’s Advanced Medium Freestyle Bronze Summer Champion, Amy Foster-Smith.
A highlight this year once again will undoubtedly be the freestyle classes. Many riders enjoy planning and riding to their music as a way of expressing and sharing their horse’s personality or their own journey. Last year, Emma Woolliscroft, the Prix St. Georges Bronze Freestyle Summer Champion, stood out with her much-loved 'Chicken Run' music: “I did the music myself; it was a music test I did ten years ago for a Medium level horse, but it’s always had a really special place in my heart because I feel it tells my story… and I love it so much”
We wish all riders joining us at Arena UK, 2 - 6 October the best of luck and conclude with the sound advice of last year’s Novice Silver Champion, Isabella von Mesterhazy: “Enjoy every single moment, I loved the qualifiers, I loved trying to get the scores. If you are lucky enough to make it to the championships, come with an open mind and enjoy every single moment.”
Share your stories!
We’d love to hear how you got on and how much fun you’ve had at the championships, so please do share and tag us in your social posts and stories. And remember to use #PetplanFestivals.
Follow us on our Petplan Festivals social media channels
Horse & Country
Horse & Country will be live streaming the competition in the indoor arena. You can support your friends and family and enjoy the freestyle classes live or on demand.
Our sponsor
Petplan are proud sponsor of the Area Festival series, with 2024 being the 25th year of their sponsorship. The series has continued to grow and inspire every year and Petplan would love to hear your stories! Please get in touch to share your area Festival stories and thank Petplan for their incredible support.
Not coming this year but want to aim for next year?
Split into summer and winter, the Petplan Area Festival series offers a year-round competition pathway. Riders can gain qualifying scores at regular local BD shows for the Area Festivals where they can qualify for the championships in April and October each year.
“It’s been brilliant, what I love about it is there are so many BD shows to get out to and get my qualifying scores. I have loved it,” said Medium Silver Summer 2023 Champion, Jemima Upton.
