British Eventing launch new Future Talent Two Star League
To recognise talented British combinations making their way up the rankings, an exciting new League has been introduced by British Eventing. Aimed at those competing at CIC2* and CCI2* level, and thanks to generous new sponsorship from an anonymous supporter of our sport, the BE Future Talent Two Star League is open to British riders with a horse qualified to compete at this level who fulfills the criteria.
Qualifying horses must be nine years old or younger, and ridden by a British rider. The horse must never have competed at three or four star level, and only points won at two star competitions (both CCI and CIC) will be included.
The new League will run throughout the 2015 season, with the winning combination that which amasses the most BE points at these two star events, either on home soil or overseas. Both the Owner and the rider of the winning horse will receive a shared prize fund of £5,000 at the end of the season, in recognition of their achievements. The leading Owner of the League will also receive a stunning bronze.
Commenting on the launch of the League, the supporter of the League said: "I think it is very important that our British riders are supported, and we wanted to find a way to encourage Owners to do so.
"We want the best combinations available for team selection and in my view, two star competition is the time when talented partnerships between horse and rider are first identified.
"The hope is that they become cemented as a team to go forward onto three and four star level, perhaps even winning a medal for Great Britain one day."
British Eventing's Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith added: "This is yet another innovative new development that British Eventing has been able to introduce, in response to feedback from our members. I feel sure that it will attract considerable support from riders with up and coming horses, as well as giving their Owners the recognition they deserve."