FOR those who haven’t managed to secure Olympic or Paralympic equestrian tickets, Bishop Burton College is offering a chance to see top competitors in action.

The college, near Beverley, which is being used as a training camp by the Canadian, New Zealand and one member of the Australian Para dressage squads, is hosting a Championship Para Equestrian Dressage International   (CPEDI) 2*/Y/J International dressage event this week. The event is being used by many nations as a warm-up for the Paralympics; which has its first day of equine competition on August 30th.

The three days of top-flight competition will run from Friday, August 17th to Sunday 19th and see more than 30 competitors from five nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Brazil - plus a strong British contingent -descend on the East Yorkshire college’s equine centre.

There are 4 different sections - Young Riders, Juniors, 1* and 2* - with the riders classified into different grades with Grade 1 being the most disabled and Grade 4 the least.  It will be free for spectators to come and watch.

“We were very proud to host this event for the first time last year,” said Kim Knightley, the college's Equine Director.

"Last year it was held in July but this year the date was moved closer to the Paralympics to allow competitors the opportunity to use it as a warm up for Greenwich as well as a high profile competition in its own right.

“Yorkshire people did us proud in coming to cheer on the competitors but we’re expecting many more this year with all the interest surrounding the Olympics and the Paralympics.
“This competition offers a superb opportunity to see some of dressage’s top riders - such as Paralympic gold and silver medalist Lauren Barwick from Canada - in action before they go on to London for the games.”

The trot up for the competition is open to the public and starts at 4pm on Thursday, August 16th. Up to that point there is no public access. For further information and competition times visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk