The Blundell's One Day Event is one of the biggest riding events in a competitor’s schedule as it covers all three of the major events; dressage, show jumping and cross-country over three different height classes (80cm, 90cm & 100cm). The event welcomed over 200 riders over the course of the day. For some this was their first ODE while others it was one of the stepping stones to the upcoming Championships later in the year.
While the One Day Event has been running for many years at Blundell’s, it has recently seen a change of venue to the well-known Pontispool Equestrian Centre, nr Taunton with kind permission from Richard Mitford-Slade. The change of venue to a more professional setting at Pontispool reflects the high calibre of riding we see throughout our Blundellian riders, giving them a challenge that will truly test their riding talents.
The sun shone for us on the day, Blundell’s Teams were well represented and indeed won both the 80cm and 90 cm classes, with Matilda winning the individual in the 1m class. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful day, albeit with highs and lows for some riders, as is the nature of eventing! We had several prizes donated by our generous sponsors, including tickets for the winners to the prestigious London International Horse Show (formerly known simply as Olympia).
Despite not running the event for a few years due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we were delighted that once again, the event was as popular as ever with entries from as far as Cornwall and Dorest. With such a large event (~200 entries) came the challenge of hosting such a multifaceted event but we were delighted to receive the support of over 100 volunteers to help make the event possible.
In addition to the support from our volunteers, we were so grateful to partner with some fantastic national and local businesses to receive sponsorship for the event. A full list of sponsors from the event are listed below. It is thanks to these businesses that the day was able to go ahead in such a flawless manner and we hope our community will consider using their services as a first port of call in the future.
Plans for next year have already begun. The date is to be confirmed, but likely to be at the end of September 2022 at Pontispool Equestrian Centre. It will be known as the Blundell’s South West Schools ODE and if you would like any further information or register your interest, please email equestrian@blundells.org.
Main Sponsors
Knight Frank
New British Design
Major Sponsors
Ark Mat
Greenslade Taylor Hunt
naturalmat
Western Counties Equine Hospital
Ring Sponsors
HEL Performance Products
Fusion Fostering Ltd
Fence Sponsors
Darts Farm
The Cattell Family
D&E Extraction & Ducting Ltd
Thorne Farm Racing Ltd
Moorhayes Meat
Hole & Pugsley Solicitors
NJT Plumbing & Heating
London International Horse Show
Jay Photos