Between the 23 – 27 October 2024, over 250 competitors headed to Devon for Bicton Arena’s prestigious International Horse Trials. One of the final British Eventing competitions of the season, the event hosted an array of classes from the popular BE90 and BE100 3-Day events, through to the hotly contested CCI3*-S.
For the second consecutive year, Redpost Equestrian have been proud to be the primary sponsors of the BE90 and BE100 3-Day events. This competition gives riders the chance to compete as they would at an international event, taking part in dressage, show jumping and cross country phases, alongside a Steeplechase and Roads & Tracks section, plus a trot up. This long-format is a true test of performance and endurance, and offers a unique and exciting opportunity for amateur riders to finish their season on.
It was great to see riders from all over the country and beyond take on the three phases, with many faces from last year’s event returning to take on the challenge again. The spectators were also out in force across all the days, giving the atmosphere a real buzz of excitement.
All competitors in the Redpost Equestrian sponsored classes each received an exciting goodie bucket with a selection of useful equestrian essentials from brands including Nettex, Horslyx, Hilton Herbs and Dublin, plus a £20 Redpost voucher.
It was all to play for across all the phases, with prizes and awards aplenty for the top placings in all classes.
Redpost Equestrian BE90
Finishing on her dressage score of 30.3 and with a huge cheer from all the spectators as she cleared the final fence in the show jumping, Cheryl Beer took the win in the Redpost Equestrian BE90 Section D. With her own 10-year old gelding Langaller Alpha Bravo, the pair rose above the rest of the field even after a being faced with a some unexpected challenges.
“It is an absolute dream, he was a star! It’s been a challenging few days having several things go wrong including forgetting my numnah and girth and a few mistakes on the long format phases – but I set off on the cross-country course and we had a brilliant ride. It was a lovely course and the going couldn’t have been any better.”
In the Redpost Equestrian BE90 Section E it was Keira Parsons, with her own 17-year old gelding Saratoga Candyman, who took the top spot on the podium. Keira also finished the event on her dressage score of 30.5.
“It’s been amazing but quite nerve-wracking throughout. I’ve never competed in the long format class before; it was an amazing experience and I’m so excited to have qualified for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton next May.”
Keira and Saratogo Candyman, alongside Charlotte Cutler riding Holy Street and Ella Matravers with Ballymitty Mac, made up The Random Strangers team, who won the BE90 team event finishing on a total score of 98.3.
Redpost Equestrian BE100
Devon-based rider Jane Rogers with her own 17-year old Corrieview Merlin Magic, stayed in top position throughout all the Redpost Equestrian BE100 phases to take the win on her dressage score of 29.1.
“I’m chuffed to bits with Magic, he was a superstar from start to finish. The last 3 Day Event I won was at Aldon and I’ve been trying to win another one ever since!”
In the Redpost Equestrian BE100 Open, Josie Dix with Mrs Gillian Bulmer’s Rusticoats also led their section from day one to finish in the top spot, ending the weekend on their dressage score of 30.3. Having been in the top 10 at all their 2024 events, Josie described the gelding as “a legend.”
The BE100 Team event saw the Army +1 team, consisting of Captain Holly Day, L/Bdr Ellie Mitchell, Lieutenant Brian Leung and Alison Stewart rise to podium position with a final total score of 114.7. Their team spirit shone through in their lap of honour and proved their elation at their achievement.
CCI3* & CCI2*
It was Chloe Livesey with Hazel Livesey’s 16-year-old gelding Sportsfield Lord Livesey who won the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-S, finishing on a score of 38.5 clear rounds in both the showjumping and cross country phases.
The Mitchell & Webber CCI2*-L saw Ellie Fredericks take the top spot. Riding the 6-year-old mare Upper Class Brit, owned by Olympic medalist Lucinda Fredericks, Ellie completed the event on their dressage score of 33. Redpost Rider Cameron Beer guided his own Newports Definitely Untouchable to third place, finishing on his dressage score of 34.7 after riding clear in the cross country and showjumping.
A strong dressage score of 29.2 and clear showjumping and cross country phases meant Susie Berry riding Mrs Amanda Varley’s Wild Atlantic Way took the top spot in the Succeed Equine CCI2*-S. They were one of only three combinations to make the cross country time.
Saturday was cross country day for the BE90 and BE100 classes. Redpost invited equestrian vloggers Tiger (@tigereos), Phoebe (@hattie_thewildcarepony), and Sophie Rose (@adventures_with_pixie) to spend the day with them at Bicton to cheer on the competitors and help share the Devon-based event with the equestrian community. See if you can spot them on our Redpost TikTok!
Alongside supporting the BE90 and BE100 classes, Redpost Equestrian had a stand in the ring-side shopping area with a wide selection of riding hats, clothing, footwear and other eventing essentials available. During the event they also held an exclusive Click & Collect service, allowing riders to order any last minute equipment they may have forgotten through Redpost’s website, for collection from Bicton Arena.
Did you compete at Bicton’s International Horse Trials? Tag us in your photos from the event on Facebook and Instagram as we’d love to hear how you got on!
