The parkland surrounding Houghton Hall will be a hive of activity this weekend as it provides the stunning background for the EQ Life FEI Houghton International Horse Trials and Libby Law will be there to capture it all on camera for our 4* members
Houghton Hall the only British venue in the FEI Nations Cup series, a global team event which is run over nine legs in nine nations. The British CICO Nations Cup team is preparing to defend its title on home soil; they currently lie in second place on this season's leader board, one point behind France, so there is all to play for – and to date they are undefeated at Houghton. They will take on teams from France, Germany and New Zealand. The four British team members are Ros Canter riding Zenshera, David Doel riding Koyuna Sun Magic, Dani Evans riding Smart Time and Emily Llewellyn riding Junior II.
Zara Phillips is back in the saddle and competing here this weekend with Black Tuxedo entered in the CICO*** and she is also bringing her 2012 Olympic partner High Kingdom for the Combined Training competition. She is joined by fellow British 2012 Olympians Nicola Wilson and Tina Cook; Nicola rides Ngong Hills in the CICO***, while Tina has three horses entered, Star Witness in the CICO***, Calvino II in the CCI** and Billy The Red in the CCI*.
New Zealand is fielding an impressive trio. Andrew Nicholson is joined by his fellow Olympic and World Championship team mates Sir Mark Todd and Caroline Powell. Andrew has entered three horses in the CCI**, Urma BK, Ulises and Cillnabradden Evo – a new ride for Andrew this year. Caroline Powell will be challenging him for the Two Star honours with both Spice Sensation and Stellor Seaurchin, two horses that have shown good form already this season.
The eventing legend Sir Mark Todd has thrown his hat into the ring for the CICO***, with entries for Amacuzzi and Oloa. Amacuzzi has to be a serious contender for this class, having recently won the Advanced Intermediate at the Brigstock International Horse Trials at Rockingham Castle and the CIC3*at Chatsworth last weekend
Leading the Australian challenge are Paul Tapner and Sam Griffiths. Paul definitely has the CICO*** in his sights with three horses entered, Pioneer Milly, Vanir Kamira, and Wickstead Didgeridoo while Badminton winner Sam has just one, Real Dancer, on whom he contested the class last year. He also brings Outward Bound for the CCI**.
Houghton International has long been a favourite of Germany's Bettina Hoy and this year is no exception. Designer 10 was in the ribbons in the CICO*** last year and must be in with a shout again this year. Bettina will also ride Seigneur Medicott, 3rd in the CCI* last season and this time contesting the CCI**.
Crowd favourites Pippa Funnell and Piggy French have six horses between them. Pippa Funnell remains the only rider to have ever won the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing (consecutive wins of Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley CCI**** events), and she has a talented string of homebred young horses coming up through the ranks. Visitors to Houghton will be able to watch Billy Cuckoo, Billy The Biz and Sandman 7 in the CCI* and CCI** classes. Pippa then rides Mirage d'Elle, her 2013 European Championships partner, in the CICO***.
Piggy's lovely young Carpe Diem IV is definitely one to watch in the CCI*, while the more experienced Westwood Mariner will be bidding for the CICO***, a class Piggy won back in 2012 on Jakata.
The 'old guard' will be given a run for their money, not least by two of Britain's up and coming stars, Sarah Bullimore and Rosalind Canter. The best Young Riders in the country will be fighting for the title of National Under 21 Eventing Champion and 12 months use of a Suzuki 250cc ATV quad bike which is bound to put a smile on the winner's face….
Don’t miss a thing as we bring you 4* member coverage of the event this weekend and don't forget that our annual subscribers can enter to win a Zuma electric iBike
