Anky Van Grunsven - What a coup for Equus!

Equus 2003 will amaze visitors with the programme for the Main Arena; never before have so many top names from such a range of disciplines been seen at the same event. Equus is making giant steps forward in becoming a showcase for the sport, providing the opportunity to see the leading riders with fantastic clinics, displays and entertainment across all areas of equestrianism.

The latest rider to confirm their appearance at Equus is Olympic Gold Medallist 2000 and Rider of the Century 2000; Anky van Grunsven. Anky, winner of an Olympic Gold Medal and 3 Olympic Silver medals as well as being 5 times World Cup Winner, will be bringing a selection of stars from her stable and showing the training involved in producing a youngster to advanced level.

"We are delighted that Anky will be joining us - we consider it a great honour that she has chosen Equus as her South of England venue this year, particularly as she has only ever hosted one other clinic in the UK to date." claims Event Director Sarah Cartwright.

An Evening with Anky takes place on Saturday 5th April and completes the trio of evening clinics at Equus. Pippa Funnell, Badminton Winner, and Eventing Olympic Team Silver Medallist will host Thursday evening's clinic and the entertaining Olympic showjumper, Geoff Billington with his infamous work partner It's Otto who, recently retired, will no doubt hope to steal the limelight on Friday.

The daytime performances consist of a full programme of a variety of clinics and displays of the highest quality. From Claire Lewis, 5 times side-saddle rider of the year, Victoria Grace from the famous polo-playing Grace sisters, leading lady UK showjumper, Di Lampard and Olympic Event Rider Jeanette Brakewell to Tony Smart, stunt rider extraordinaire and Kelly Marks, specialist horse trainer and TV celebrity, to name but a few.

Also at the event are seminars and forums including the BETA Business Forum, which will be following the theme 'Developing Your Business'. The Healthy Horse Demonstration Area, sponsored by Horse&Rider and PONY magazine will host talks and demonstrations about topics such as saddle-fitting, veterinary issues and stable management as well as giving the audience the chance to ask questions bringing to life their 'Ask the expert' section of the magazine. In addition to this there will be lots of shopping and even the opportunity for people to have a go at Western Riding or Polo during the event.

Equus will be held at ExCeL, the state-of-the-art exhibition centre with parking for 5,000 cars, bars, restaurants and other facilities all at this indoor venue. It takes place from 3rd-6th April 2003 and is open 10am-9pm from Thursday-Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday.

For full details of the programme visit www.equusevent.co.uk Tickets can be booked for morning, afternoon or evening performances from £10 adults and £7.50 children by calling 01959 542776 or booking online.

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