Hundreds of school and riding club competitors from across the UK are saddling up for a flagship Warwickshire equestrian event.
The 2022 National Schools and Riding Clubs Two-Day Event – now its 21st year – which is the only event of its kind in the UK – returns for its 7th year to Princethorpe College near Rugby.
Around 240 riders are set to take part across Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 in dressage, show-jumping, roads and tracks, steeplechase and cross-country disciplines.
The event, run by Stoneleigh Riding Club, has the backing of Warwickshire property companies The Wigley Group and development and rural agency Newton LDP who have been announced as joint main sponsors.
Bud Jackson, chair of Stoneleigh Riding Club, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Newton LDP and The Wigley Group, as without them we simply could not stage it due to the costs involved in running such an event.
“Because we missed it in 2020 and we were pretty much behind closed doors last year, this is the first time in three years that we have been open to the public and spectators, so we are really looking forward to being able to welcome everyone to this beautiful setting once again.”
The route includes a water jump built by The Wigley Group in 2018, which will be a main feature of a revamped cross-country course.
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer of The Wigley Group, said: “It is a special and unique day in the calendar, so we’re really pleased to be involved once again.”
Richard Foxon, Managing Director of Newton LDP, which is sponsoring the event for the first time, said: “As a rural land and property agency with strong links to the countryside, we are delighted to be lending our support to this event and look forward to a great weekend of action.”
Princethorpe College will be entering their own teams, with around a dozen riders.
Assistant Head Alex Darkes added: “It is a privilege for us to be hosting this event for the seventh time. It always has a wonderful atmosphere and welcomes riders from the length and breadth of the country which is what makes it so special.”
To find out more about sponsorship and trade stand opportunities, or to enter the Two Day Event, visit www.stoneleighridingclub.com.
Admission for spectators is free, with the event running from 8am to 6pm on both days.