The Chatsworth International Horse Trials cross-country course has been modified to challenge the riders, perhaps more than the horses, in the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) to be held at Chatsworth, GA, April 8-10. The course for the FEI World Cup Qualifying event (CIC***W) will be run over 3600 meters with 30 numbered fences and 40 jumping efforts. “Most of the fences that seemed to cause too much trouble last year will be changed a bit to make it a bit more rider friendly.” said Executive Director Jack Pollard. “The course was almost completely rebuilt last year so there will not be a huge amount of changes but everything will be shuffled around."

The Advanced course will feature 30 numbered fences and 39 efforts. The feature sponsored fences will be the Nutrena water complex (# 12 A&B) at which the first and last element will be new. Merial is sponsoring the bunker fence and the new bending line of 4x4 boxes at numbers 7A,B & C.

The other divisions to be contested will be Open Intermediate and Preliminary, which typically feature riders from the international CIC competition riding different horses. All the courses have been designed by the U.S. Team Coach, Captain Mark Phillips.

Chatsworth is one of just four FEI World Cup Qualifiers to take place in the U.S. Riders will be vying for a place in the final, which is being held in Malmo, Sweden, August 11-14. Belgium international event rider, Carl Bouckaert, established the Horse Trials in 1988. Bouckaert Farm is one of the premier equestrian facilities in the world, offering a wide range of opportunities for the eventing enthusiast. For more information and directions to the event, visit the event website at www.bouckaertfarm.com.~~~