Source:  News Release

Test Events for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

The d’Ornano stadium opens its doors to host the preliminary events

From 23 to 26 June, the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee will be arranging a series of international Dressage and Showjumping events, which will serve as preliminary events in the Ornano stadium enclosure, the transformation of which will soon be complete.

d'Ornano Stadium, ready for the Games!

Just like the preliminary events of 2013 (which included Eventing, Endurance and Driving), these events are not a rehearsal for the main event, but rather a simulation enabling the Organising Committee to modify its choices. These events will also enable the national federations to discover the Ornano stadium site in its equestrian configuration for the first time and enter into discussion with the teams that make up the Organising Committee, so as to hone preparations for the final weeks.

The 4 days* of competition: 23 and 24 June: Dressage CDI3*, 25 and 26 June: Showjumping CSI2*

• Monday 23 June: 1pm – CDI3* Grand Prix
• Tuesday 24 June: 8am – CDI3*Special Grand Prix // 12.30am CDI3* Freestyle
• Wednesday 25 June: 10am - Competition 1 (1m35) // 2pm Competition 2 (1m40)
• Thursday 26 June: 9am – Competition 3 (1m40) // 1pm Grand Prix (1m45)

 A preparation but also a fine sporting occasion!

Several nations have assigned a rider involved in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, so these few days are sure to be showstopping! Laurent Cellier, Sports Director within the Organising Committee, explains how his strategy was coloured by the steady rhythm of the international competitions, hence the decision to stage these preliminary events on weekdays: “to enable the champions to get in some riding between two major competitions in Europe. Most importantly, we were keen not to stage our events on dates overlapping an historic competition like Rotterdam. We respect tradition in Normandy!” Numerous countries will be represented during these 4 days, including: Australia, Canada, South Africa, Israel, Colombia, Chile, Palestine, Japan, Korea, the United States as well as Venezuela. The French and European riders will also be present of course!
Definite entries : CSI and CDI.

25 June, a day open to the general public

The general public will be invited to attend a day of Showjumping on 25 June for free. The audience will be able to choose between 2 sessions: one in the morning (10 am to 1pm) and one in the afternoon (2pm to 5pm).

The invitation can be downloaded on the event website www.normandy2014.com (tickets/my account/preparatory events – and enter the special promotional code: EP2014) or it can be collected from the venue directly at the entrance on 25 June.

Barnmice News story brought to you by:

Bucas:  We pride ourselves in creating a collection of technical horse rugs and blankets to ensure that your horse is suitably dressed no matter what the weather.