SEIB Arena Eventing Championships

Arena eventing is a fast growing sport and there is something for everyone in the series.  With sections for intro, pre-novice, novice and intermediate, the event appeals to riders of all levels. The varied and undulating track built by renowned British Eventing course builder, Angus Smales, for the SEIB championship final included a tricky corner, steps, a brush and ditch combination and a water complex, almost all on an all-weather surface.

The winner of each class secured a valuable £300 first prize as well as collecting an SEIB horse rug and other goodies. Generous prizes went down the line with second placed riders taking home £200 and an SEIB Saddle pad and £100 for third.  There was also substantial prize money to be won at the qualifiers.

Stacie Charlton, from Sandiacre, Nottingham, rode to victory in the SEIB 80cm Pre-Novice class aboard 22-year-old Boultbees Applejack (Jack). Stacie has ridden Jack for 12 years and the pair enjoy eventing and hunter trials. Stacie explains:

“He is a rescue pony from the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP). He was rescued as a yearling, malnourished and barely able to stand. He has been a super pony for me and I feel privileged to have him in my life. He has his own little fan club and several younger jockeys lined up, itching to take over the reins, but I’m not ready to hand him over just yet.”

“This year we have competed at Chatsworth Arena Eventing and qualified for the Pony Club Arena Eventing Final held at Blenheim. He jumped really well, but had an unlucky pole. We still have Osberton Arena Eventing Final next weekend along with Hunter Trial Final at Eland Lodge.”

Jack will have a well-deserved break after that.

“He is 22 years young and enjoys competing so, for as long as he enjoys himself and is capable of doing so, we will keep ticking along.”