Bicton 5* event kicks off later this week, the only 5* to take place in the UK this year after both Badminton and Burghley were cancelled again this year. 36 horse and rider combinations step forward to take on this unique challenge. The first horse inspection is on Thursday with the dressage starting on Friday!
5* events are limited and vital
The news earlier this year that British Eventing were looking to host a new, temporary 5* event in Britain was welcome news across the industry. In normal (non Covid) times, there are just 5 competitions are this level in the world. 3 of those take place in Europe and we host 2 here in the UK. 5* horses already have limited options, losing both UK events this year has forced riders to drop their horses down to a 4* campaign or look at events further away, which hosts it’s own problems during Covid. So it is fantastic that we are having a new 5* here this year, even if it is just for the year.
How to watch
Every phase of the action will be available to watch on Horse & Country. The first horse inspection and the Dressage are free for everyone to watch. The Cross Country and Show Jumping are only available via a weekend pass. Unless you are a Gold member (the highest tier) you have to pay for this weekend pass. £25 for non subscribers and £20 for Plus subscribers.
As a Plus subscriber I am quite disappointed about having to pay MORE money to watch sport on Horse & Country. I have been umming and ahhing about cancelling my subscription and this might just be what makes my mind up for me.
Last Updated on 31/08/2021
