KBIS to sponsor new championship for grassroots U18 riders

KBIS, the British equestrian insurance company, have announced that they will be taking on title sponsorship of the new BE100 National U-18 Championships, to be held at the Festival of Youth at Weston Park International between 10th and 13th October, 2013.

The series was previously celebrated with a BE100 U-18 area final in each of the eight regions but the popularity of the class has called for the decision to instead create a National Championships. It will sit alongside the KBIS U18 CCI* Regional Team Championship as well as the U21 CCI** National Championship and the Charles Owen CCNP* Championship "to provide a true Festival of Youth".

To qualify riders must finish within the top two, having achieved a clear cross country, in one of the qualifying classes in their region. Each region will have four qualifying classes and in the event that the top two combinations have already achieved their qualifying spot, the honours will pass down the line. In total their will be over sixty qualifying places available.

The new championships are being funded by Sport England

"KBIS are delighted to be the title sponsor", said a spokesperson for the company. "The championship is fantastic news for junior riders and a great initiative by British Eventing.

"It will provide riders with valuable experience in competing at an international three day event and we hope that many will then go on to compete in the KBIS ON U18 series and championships".