British Eventing Press Release -
14 July, 2009
Powderham Castle Horse Trials sadly lost from Eventing Calendar
Following forty years of Eventing heritage created by the Courtenay family, plus two years of successful events run more recently by Joint Organisers Arthur Stevens and Simon Bere, time has sadly been called on the Horse Trials at the beautiful Powderham Castle Estate in Devon.
“Not one element alone has led us to this decision, but it is the culmination of many factors that are outside our control that means we have to cancel Powderham from next year,” says Arthur Stevens.
“We are grateful for the support of our title sponsors, Clydesdale Bank and Stephens Scown Solicitors, plus all the help we have received over the years from the Courtenay family and British Eventing. It was always our objective to keep an Advanced event in the West Country, especially after the loss of Bicton, but sadly this has not proved a viable proposition.”
Robert Mackenzie
, BE Regional Director for the South West region says: “It is a real disappointment that Powderham will now be lost from the event calendar. It has always been a really well supported Spring event by both riders and spectators. Set in the picturesque ExeValley it is a real draw with excellent courses making use of the undulating terrain. Over sixty competitors rode in the Advanced section this Spring.
“We would like to thank all those involved over the years with hosting and running the event, including Powderham’s vast army of volunteers.”