Tops International Arena starts the 2016 Season in style with opening show
The inaugural event for the Tops International Arena kicks off today, with the first show of the 2016 strong season-long focus on young riders and young horses taking place at the stunning state-of-the-art Valkenswaard equestrian destination.
With over 500 horses already settled into the stunning stable facilities, and riders descending from around the globe, the first show starts today, Monday 9th May, and last three days in total, offering a feast of show jumping in the numerous arenas, including the spectacular and highly acclaimed main grass arena. For the first of the five show jumping events this season, the venue will see CSI1*, CSI2* and CSIYH* (young horse) classes with multiple entries in all divisions possible for riders looking to give experience to the next generation of show jumping superstars. All events will be live streamed free of charge via the new Tops International Website.
Speaking about the opening show at the arena, creator and founder of the Tops International Arena, Jan Tops, said: “I’m delighted to open this show this week. We will welcome riders and horses from near and far, and very much looking forward to offering this opportunity for horses and riders to compete here in Valkenswaard. Our facilities here are designed with horses in mind, and I’m glad to be able to offer this opportunity to the next generation of world class show jumpers, and allow riders to compete on a platform that is used as a global stage. I believe it is incredibly important in our sport to give as many opportunities as we can to help further and develop the future of show jumping and I’m very pleased to be able to host these shows at the Tops International Arena.”
Heralded as the ‘epicentre of equestrianism in Europe’ the unique, spectacular Tops International Arena show ground is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, and is the spiritual home of the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour and revolutionary new Global Champions League team competition. Designed with the phrase ‘horses first’ in mind, the stunning venue mixes cutting edge design and technology with traditional values, ensuring the perfect environment for competitors, spectators and VIP guests alike.
2016 will see the world class venue host five major show jumping events this summer, welcoming all levels of riders and horses from around the world to its spectacular facilities. With yet further innovation the season will see the introduction of the ‘Global Future Champions’ events, two shows in July which will provide a springboard for the riders and horses of the future and allow unique opportunities for the next generation of world class show jumping combinations. Created specifically for both young horses (11th – 13th July), and young riders (15th – 17th July), the events will allow up and coming talent to perform on a world class stage, helping to progress and protect the future of the sport and creating a launchpad for the show jumping stars of the next generation.
Furthermore, May events have been carefully planned around the full show jumping season schedule and will be held during the early part of the week, allowing top class riders often competing at CSI5* shows during the weekend, the opportunity to ride their young up and coming Grand Prix horses.
This week will see competitions for five, six and seven year old horses as well as the ‘small-medium-big tour’ in the 1* classes (1.10-1.35m) and ‘small-medium-big tour’ in the 2* classes (1.35 – 1.45m). The CSI2* Big Tour Final on Wednesday night will be a competition held under the lights in the grass arena with entertainment before the class. The second show on the Tops International Arena calendar will take place from May 16-18th, with a similar class schedule. The public are welcome to attend, with entry to the show ground just 5 euro and covered tribune seats freely accessible, plus free parking available.
The full 2016 Tops International Arena schedule is as follows:
09-11 May 2016 – CSI2* + CSI1* + CSIYH1*
16-18 May 2016 – CSI2* + CSI1* + CSIYH1*
11-13 July 2016 – Global Future Champions CSIYH (5 / 6 / 7 / 8 years old)
15-17 July 2016 – Global Future Champions CSIU25 + CSIYR + CSIJ + CSICh + CSIP
04-07 August 2016 – CSI5* LGCT + CSI5* GCL + CSI2* + CSI1* + CSIYH1*
For more information on the Tops International Arena and upcoming shows, results and live streaming, please visit www.topsinternationalarena.com
Press Release by : GCT
Photo Credit : Stefano Grasso/ GCT