Subaru Houghton International gallops into record books

It’s official!  The Subaru Houghton International is Europe’s biggest international horse trials, with some 358 riders competing in this year’sfour-day extravaganza in Norfolk, held between 27 and 30 May.

Event Director, Alec Lochore, said: "Welcoming so many competitors from 19 nations to this year’s Subaru Houghton International was very exciting and Subaru and our events team rose to the challenge.  The field was diverse, comprising numerous Olympic and World champion riders and over 200 young amateur riders.  Our visitor numbers held up very well, despite the rain, and we were thrilled to hear Subaru announce that it is to continue with the title sponsorship of this very popular event.”

Now in its fourth year, the challenging Houghton course featured a daunting 112 jumps positioned along its 5,500 metres.  It required a voluntary workforce of 320 people, 10 Subaru support vehicles and 10 miles of cordon to keep everything in shape and running smoothly.  A total purse of over £30,000 was up for grabs by the top riders.

It was a very successful event for Australia’s Stephen Way, who took top spot in the CIC three-star class, and Subaru brand ambassador and London 2012 Olympic hopeful, Emily Llewellyn, finished in second place in the CCI two-star behind another Australian, Lucinda Fredericks.

Kenyon Neads, Subaru UK’s Marketing Director, added: “We choose to support eventing because those who get involved at all levels of this sport are exactly the same people we think would, and indeed do, benefit from Subaru ownership.  Our vehicles offer the go-anywhere versatility and practicality demanded by those who lead active outdoor lifestyles.  I am delighted that we will be back at Houghton in 2011.”