Horse trials £200,000 for charity

As Isleham Horse Trials, near Ely in Cambridgeshire, prepares to welcome competitors for their first British Eventing fixture since the start of the pandemic, they’re pleased to announce over £200,000 for local charities.  The Cambridgeshire event traditionally runs on the opening weekend of the season but has relocated to the 24-25^th July for the 2021 season onwards.

Thanks to the support and generosity of the event’s loyal sponsors, riders, and owners, the Isleham Committee has been able to present £204,150 to local charities, since their first event in 1990.

“We cannot thank the riders, owners, sponsors, and supporters enough for their continued generosity. This season our particular thanks go to Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons who have continued their support and have enabled us to offer upper limit prize money to the BE100 and Novice competitors, whilst still being able to raise significant and vital funds for the event charity” commented joint organizer Jackie Seddon.

This season sees the event support the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) for a fifth time.  The charity supports the essential first response service that is so highly valued by riders and the rural community.

“So far, we have been able to present the EAAA with £46,750, but they need every penny to keep flying and serving the equestrian and rural communities.  Our aim is to raise further funds for the charity through our event this July.”

Over the past two decades the event, founded by the late Clem Tompsett MBE, has supported a variety of local charities including:

• MacMillian Cancer Relief – £48,000
• Papworth Hospital – £28,000
• Riding for the Disabled – £26,500
• Pos+Ability – £11,700
• Epilepsy Action – £10,000

ACTS (Addenbrookes Hospital), Clic Sargent, The Princess of Wales Hospital, EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), and The Liam Fairhurst Foundation have all received donations.

This year sees the addition of a new BE80 track for the local grassroots competitors, designed by Guy Herbert and built by the Burghley 5* course builder Philip Herbert.  All the tracks, from BE80 – Novice, will benefit from newly re-sited fences, new routes and will all make use of the Isleham Eventing Complex’s key features such as the Fen Mound, Windy Hall, Herbert’s Hollow, and the avenue through Clem’s Wood.

Sadly, Isleham Horse Trials has chosen to run behind closed doors for 2021 with only the direct connections of competitors and registered owners of competing horses able to attend.  All essential information regarding the event, track and trace information can be found via the event’s website – www.islehameventing.co.uk

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