British Eventing returns to Barbury
Andrew Nicholson on Homero competing at Barbury this weekend - pic: Top Shots Photography
The Barbury Castle estate saw a welcome return to British Eventing at the weekend with three days of competition, showcasing some of our top riders, including Laura Collett, David Doel, Tim and Jonelle Price, Tom McEwen to name just a few.
Barbury was a jewel in the summer eventing calendar for many years, hosting some thrilling international clashes between the world’s best horses and riders – not least Marlborough based Andrew Nicholson, who took no less than six 4* titles at the venue during his career. Whilst Andrew has retired from international competition, he finished third in an intermediate section with his own Homero.
“It’s great to have the event back on the circuit again,” said Andrew. “I think Alec Lochore’s done an unbelievable job with the course – great to ride, educational, and very much worth coming to. It’s a lovely place to ride cross country. With beautiful grassland and the undulations, it’s an exciting place to go round.”
Laura Collett demonstrated her dressage credentials winning the novice section on a score of 18.3 with Cooley Iceage.
One of the big draws of Barbury, this year sponsored by Keyflow Feeds, is its fantastic location; the bowl setting providing can see almost the entire course from the centre of the event site. Organisers Musketeer Event Management hope the event can become a regular fixture on the calendar once more.