Important: Opportunity to Express Interest to Host the FEI European Showjumping, Dressage and Para Dressage Championships in August 2019
British Showjumping and British Dressage are pleased to announce our intention to bid to host the FEI European Showjumping, Dressage and Para Dressage Championships in 2019. The European Championships is a high profile event in the Equestrian international calendar that acts as a qualifier for the FEI World Equestrian Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
There will be five competition days for Showjumping, five competitions days for Dressage and five competition days for Para Dressage. There would be a total of ten competition days, with Dressage and Para Dressage running alongside each other. This is an established event which was held in Herning (Denmark) in 2013. Britain has held the Showjumping and Dressage European Championships before in Windsor in 2009, with the European Dressage Championships also held at Hickstead in 2003. There are approximately 100-120 horses expected for Showjumping, 50-70 for Dressage and 70-80 for Para Dressage therefore approximately 220-270 horses all together. In 2009 at Windsor there were 193 horses and 130 riders, over 40 nations were represented, with over 40,000 spectators therefore with Para Dressage also being included even more spectators are expected to attend.
British Showjumping and British Dressage believe that hosting this event in the UK will bring significant benefits to the host venue, the sport and the UK’s profile as a leading host nation for major international sporting events. The key attributes of this event are a cumulative television audience of 48 million, from a broadcast reach of over 25 countries. There is an international spotlight on the city for hosting the pinnacle of European Equestrian events. There are significant direct and indirect economic impacts for the host nation totalling up to 27 million Euro’s across the three disciplines, from areas including international and domestic tourism, trade stands, clinics and retail parks. Following the Olympics there was a significant increase in participation of all sports including within equestrian. Hosting the European Championships would create another boost in participation for the equestrian world.
In order to ensure that the best possible bid can be presented to the International Federation; FÉDÉRATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (FEI), British Showjumping and British Dressage seek to engage all appropriate cities and venues in a formal venue selection process.
Venues wishing to express interest should do so by emailing Anna Garside at Anna.Garside@britishshowjumping.co.uk in order to obtain the relevant information and documentation for completion. Please note that the Expression of Interest Letter and Venue Shortlisting Response Form must be received before 12pm on Friday 21st November.
Please include ‘Expression of Interest’ in the subject line of your email. You will then receive a reply to acknowledge safe receipt of your email and further information on the Venue Requirement Checklist and Venue Shortlisting Response will be provided at that point. Any questions should also be directed to Anna either via the email address above or you can contact her on 02476 698810 or 07721 249160.