Blue Chip Central and North West BE80T Challenge

Blue Chip Central and North West BE80T Challenge

After what has been a fantastic season of eventing for hundreds of competitors around the country, the final of The Central and North West BE80T Challenge, sponsored by Blue Chip took place at Weston Park Horse Trials on Saturday 8^th October and saw Georgia Butler and Chloe Fairley crowned the winners of their sections, securing them the top prize of one years’ sponsorship from Blue Chip Feed.

Since March, eight qualifying events have taken place throughout the UK at venues including Stafford, Kelsall Hill, Llanymynech, Somerford Park, Berriewood and Bold Heath with the final taking place in the grounds of the prestigious Weston Park house in glorious Autumn sunshine. As entries were so high after such excellent numbers in the qualifying rounds, the challenge was split into two sections of 37 riders, to which both winners would be awarded the grand prize of a years’ sponsorship, including feed balancers and supplements for one horse, a selection of clothing for both horse and rider and nutritional support from the experts at Blue Chip Feed.

The competition was incredibly stiff, with numerous riders jumping double clears around courses that had been specifically designed by the organisers of Weston Park to be inviting and encourage combinations up the levels of eventing from this grassroots championship next season. Vicky and Janet Plant, who run the Weston Park Horse Trials said ‘We really want riders to come here, enjoy their day and go away feeling like they have the confidence to try another class and progress up the levels, so we have designed the courses at such. Class numbers have been brilliant this year and we hope that we can carry on next season and get even more entries to this popular series.’

But, out of all those entries, there could only be two winners and Georgia Butler rode Albern Moon Buzz to victory on her dressage score of 25.5 in Section F after qualifying for the event at Somerford Park Horse Trials in May this year, and Chloe Fairley partnered Skelton Beth to head her section, finishing on 21.7, both remarkably good scores for the amateur eventing pairs

The two lucky winners are thrilled with their achievements and could not be prouder of their horses after only starting eventing at the beginning of this season. Chloe, who is a member of the Cheshire Hunt North, said ‘It’s amazing. I can’t believe it – it all feels a bit surreal! I hope Blue Chip realise how big my horse is, because I think I’m going to need a lot of feed!’ after realising she had won a year’s supply of the top quality balancers and supplements that Blue Chip will be providing as part of her prize. With regards to the future, both Georgia and Chloe are planning to work hard over the winter so that they can begin eventing again next March and attempt some BE90 events which we are sure will be no problem for them after showing such promise at BE80T level.

Blue Chip are proud to welcome two such worth winners to their large team of sponsored riders who now span from grassroots, right up to Olympic level, showing that their feed balancers really do suit every type of horse and rider and would like to thank all the combinations who entered and supported The Central North West BE80T Challenge Series throughout the season.

To keep up with their progress throughout the year, visit www.bluechipfeed.com for regular blog updates from Georgia and Chloe as well as results and product reviews from both riders

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.