The British Open

The British Open began it`s days in Sheffield run by Grand Stand Media and became a cornerstone in the British showjumping calender. The British Open was later relocated to Southview Equestrian Center, although note capable of holding as many spectators it is still a key show in the calendar and attracts many of the leading riders from around the UK. Below you can keep track of the latest news and results from the British Open.

Smoking Sixcess - American Quarter Horse Red Dun Stallion / Shining Grulla Horse, Texas

World Class Line Up At British Open

Visitors to the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships at the NEC, Birmingham will have the unique opportunity to see the world`s leading show jumpers and top event riders competing at the same indoor event. Britain`s top ten international show jumpers, alongside prominent riders from abroad, will be invited to contest the prestigious British Open title, with a Championship round on each of the first three days culminating in the Final on Sunday afternoon. Jessica Kurten, ranked 1st in Ireland, 4th in the World and current Western European League leading rider, won the British Open title in 2007 and is scheduled to return to defend her title. She will join Britain`s show jumping star family, the Whitakers (Michael, John, Robert, Ellen and William) and a host of the UK`s leading riders to compete for the esteemed title of British Open Champion 2008. The event offers the biggest single indoor show jumping prize in Britain and this year the total prize money on offer is in excess of £150,000 with the British Open Champion receiving over £25,000. Two further riders will win a place to compete at the British Open at the Addington Classic from 28th - 30th March, 2008.

Top ten ranked British riders (as per BSJA Rider Ranking List on 31st December 2007):

John Whitaker, W Yorkshire
Michael Whitaker, Nottingham
Nick Skelton, Warwickshire
Robert Whitaker, W Yorkshire
Tim Stockdale, Northamptonshire
Ellen Whitaker, South Yorkshire
William Whitaker, South Yorkshire
Robert Smith, Warwickshire
William Funnell, Surrey
David McPherson, Kent

World Cruise

World Cruise is a grey gelding born in 1995, with some of the best bloodlines from Irish breeding World Cruise is by the great Cruising out of the Clover Hill mare Curragh Queen. Together with Shane Breen World Cruise has been a key member of the Irish showjumping team, in Aachen during the 2006 world equestrian games Shane Breen and World Cruise were part of the Irish team, together they won the speed leg and would be placed in individual 5th place.

Below you can watch Shane Breen and World Cruise in action during 2008 British Open