In April 2020, and in the interest of legacy, I penned a Wikipedia entry recording the thoughts and notable achievements of myself as Harveywetdog. I admit I was ignorant of the rules concerning self promotion on Wikipedia at the time; consequently my entry was unfortunately, although arguably correctly, deleted and my account expunged from the system. As a result my original words and links were sadly lost but nevertheless here is an attempt at a rewrite. Perhaps when I'm gone someone will be able to enter it onto Wikipedia on my behalf, to serve as a fitting epitaph for the exciting times I spent on the Harveywetdog Project.
Bicton's loss is Bramham's gain as 2027 FEI Nations Cup UK venue heads North
Despite a seemingly successful competition in 2026, it appears that the FEI have taken a decision to move the UK leg of the (FEI) Eventing Nations Cup qualifier from Bicton to Bramham in 2027. No explanation or reason for the move is provided in the Bramham brief but Harveywetdog believes it is likely to revolve around the difficult access to Bicton for European teams. Looking back, and ignoring Ireland, it is worth noting that there were no representatives from Europe at the 2026 Bicton Nations Cup.
Laura Collett and London 52 at Bicton Credit ESP Photographic
The Bramham press release is provided below.
Following a hugely successful 2026 edition, the organising team at the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials can announce the iconic Yorkshire venue has been awarded a 2027 Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) Eventing Nations Cup qualifier. The series takes on added prestige next year as a team qualification route for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
One of five legs across Europe, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup competition will run alongside the established Defender CCI4*-S competition, 10 – 13 June and should attract teams from around the globe to secure valuable points towards a place at prestigious final at Boekelo (NED) October 2027. There, and subject to FEI confirmation, the highest ranked nation not already qualified will secure a final coveted place at Los Angeles in 2028.
Introduced in 2012, the series is the ideal chance to introduce up-and-coming talented combinations to a team environment alongside more established horses and riders. Teams of three of four riders go head-to-head over the three phases of dressage, jumping and cross country with the best three scores to count. Each of the team riders also competes as an individual to contest for top honours in the Defender CCI4*-S section, won this year by Paris 2024 Olympic team gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin.
Defender Bramham Horse Trials Event Director Nicholas Pritchard said; “We were delighted to receive the news from the FEI that we’d been selected to host a qualifier. Bramham is renowned for being a discovery ground for horse and rider combinations with star potential and the Nations Cup will add further impact to those credentials. Add to that being part of a route to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games makes it incredibly exciting. France, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Sweden and Italy are all regular visitors, and the Bramham team hopes to see more flags making the trip to Bramham in 2027.
“To be chosen by the FEI is testament to the incredible group we have at Bramham who deliver a world-class event – from the home team who do the organisation, infrastructure and our showpiece cross country courses to our army of volunteers and loyal sponsors and partners, everyone plays a huge part,” he continued.
The Defender Bramham International Horse Trials will take place from 10–13 June 2027 and early bird tickets go on sale 1 December 2027. Visit the website www.bramham-horse.co.uk for all the news, lowdown and ticket information.
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