Poplar Park Horse Trials: Rolex Grand Slam winner and three time Olympic medalist Pippa Funnell MBE and Badminton and Burghley winner Oliver Townend are amongst the many riders making the journey to Suffolk this year. Both are returning competitors.
Bo Hardwick, part of the team who manages the event said, “It’s great to see so many competitors coming back this year. The going is particularly good at the moment and riders and spectators alike are sure to have a thoroughly enjoyable two days. We are delighted that some of the world’s top riders continue to return to Suffolk to compete. It gives our spectators the opportunity to watch top class riding in action”.
Taking place the weekend of 12th and 13th March, this is the 33rd year for this family run event. The event, led by father and daughter team Jim and Bo Hardwick, is over a course which was developed and improved in 2015.
“We went through a complete overhaul in 2015,” said Bo Hardwick. “This is part of a three year plan by course builder and designer Joe Weller. Further alterations to the cross country course this year mean that spectators will have some fantastic vantage points to see all the highlights of the new look courses including a formidable new drop fence. We are extremely grateful to all of our loyal sponsors whose support is invaluable to making the event a success”.
The event not only offers the chance to watch top riders but also the opportunity to bring along your dog and take part in dog agility provided by Happi Days Dog Day Care. Trade stands provide last minute equipment for riders as well as country wear, craft and agricultural stalls and a range of food outlets.
As well as proving a great weekend for spectators and competitors alike this long-standing Suffolk event also provides much needed funding for local charities the Woodbridge Injured Soldiers Fund, Riding for the Disabled and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
