Nicola Wilson won Bicton’s inaugural CCI4*-L in June 2021. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
The UK’s only five-star eventing competition in 2021, the first to take place in two years, will be the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials at Budleigh Salterton, Devon — and it’s fast approaching on Sept. 2-5. The much anticipated one-off fixture is open to spectators (you can book tickets at the website here) but for those following from a distance, we’re glad to hear that there will be a live stream.
All the action will be available to watch live via a dedicated Elite Eventing channel on Horse & Country’s streaming service, H&C+. The trot up and first two days of dressage are free to view. The cross country, Sunday trot up and show jumping phases can be watched with a Weekend Pass, available for £25, or £20 for H&C+ members. All Weekend Pass holders will be able to watch all of the content on-demand for 90 days following the event. For more information visit www.horseandcountry.tv.
Elite Eventing TV is a new concept designed by the team behind the Event Rider Masters series that serves fans while producing financial investment in the sport. Using a Pay Per View (PPV) live streaming model, revenues from the sale of Live Stream PPV passes will be reinvested back into the sport via the ‘Elite Eventing Premium,’ a brand-new additional prize money fund to be distributed between the Top 10 placed Bicton 5* competitors. For more information visit www.eliteeventing.tv.
Chris Stone, who owns Elite Eventing and has teamed up with H&C to enable the live-streaming of the event, added, “Elite Eventing has been created to make a direct link between the top riders and horses in this amazing sport, and the fans who appreciate the skill, bravery and passion they demonstrate. We try to give the fans great value for money with top quality presentation of our sport, and in turn we invest the money they spend back into the sport. We are thrilled to trial this model at Bicton and hope to expand it in the future.”
H&C CEO Heather Killen commented, “We’re delighted to be working alongside the teams at Bicton and Elite Eventing to bring this special event to the widest possible audience. With H&C+ we’ve been able to show more live eventing than has ever previously been possible and this, combined with our eventing focused masterclasses, rider profiles, documentaries and other programming, speaks to our commitment to this vibrant and passionate community.”
Bicton Arena Manager, Andrew Fell said, “We are extremely grateful to both Chedington and Elite Eventing for enabling us to put on a competition at five-star level for those riders, owners, and supporters who have endured the disappointment of not having an event of this level in the UK since 2019.”
