SADDLING up – a school near Rugby is to host a national equestrian event this weekend.
Princethorpe College will host the National Schools and Riding Clubs Two-Day Event from Saturday (May 24) to Sunday (May 25).
Organised by Stoneleigh Riding Club, the event brings together hundreds of school and riding club competitors from across the UK.
College Headmaster Grove du Toit welcomed Stoneleigh Riding Club’s Chair of Organisers Bud Jackson to finalise arrangements for this year’s event and to confirm the college would take on the role of principal sponsor.
Bud Jackson said: “We are looking forward to working with the Princethorpe team. This is a key date in the equine calendar for so many school and riding clubs across the country and this year’s event is already shaping up to be the best one yet.”
The ‘long format’ event comprises dressage and show-jumping on day one, with roads and tracks, steeplechase and cross-country disciplines running on day two. It offers classes at 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm, providing opportunities for a wide range of competitors.
The 70cm event has a shortened roads and tracks course which excludes the steeplechase, before moving onto the unique cross-country course designed and built by Lloyd Hunt from LandS Eventing.
Grove du Toit added: “We have been involved with this event for 21 years and are delighted to confirm our commitment to it.
“This will be the tenth year that we have hosted this event on the Princethorpe estate and we are always delighted to welcome Stoneleigh Riding Club and all the competitors, many of whom have Princethorpe connections through past pupils.
“We are especially pleased to be building again on the success of last year’s 70cm class which broadened the entry, especially to schools’ competitors.”
Admission to the event for spectators is free, with the event running from 8.30am to 6.30pm on both days.
Visit https://www.stoneleighridingclub.com/schedules for more information.
