20 February 2005 

Dear Sir or Madam 

Invitation to the FEI EIER Open European Championships 2005 

On behalf of the British Equestrian Federation and Endurance GB, the Organising Committee is pleased to issue a second formal invitation to your country, to be represented at the FEI Emirates International Endurance Racing Open European Championships 2005, to be held in Great Britain on 5 August, 6 August and 7 August 2005. 

Title Sponsor 

The Organising Committee is extremely grateful to His Highness Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Defence Minister of Dubai, for his generous sponsorship of the Championships, through Emirates International Endurance Racing.  His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has always been a huge supporter of endurance in Great Britain and the Organising Committee thanks him for his generosity once again, without which it would not be possible to stage the Championship here in Great Britain. 

Explanatory Booklet 

Please find attached an Explanatory Booklet for the Championships.  A version in French is available, on request, by emailing organisers@endurancechampionships2005.co.uk 

Website 

Please note that the official website for the Championships is: 

www.endurancechampionships2005.co.uk 

Event Programme 

Monday 1 August:        Competitors arrive

Tuesday 2 August:        Route opens for inspection

Wednesday 3 August:   Opening Ceremony

Thursday 4 August:       Official competitors and sponsors reception

Friday 5 August:           Initial Trot Up

Saturday 6 August:       The Championship

Sunday 7 August:          Best Condition, Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony

Monday 8 August:        Venue closes

Accommodation 

There is an accommodation booking form on the website under the Accommodation “tab” on the left-hand of the home page. 

You may email us with enquiries about accommodation on: 

accommodation@endurancechampionships2005.co.uk 

Please note that local accommodation in the area is scarce and will need to be booked well in advance of the event. 

The venue will be fully operational from Monday 1 August and will offer stabling, camping, caravanning, catering, showers etc.  However should you wish to bring your team earlier to acclimatise and familiarise themselves with the area, there are the following options: 

1)      Stabling at Wincanton Race Course about 15 minutes drive from the venue, which allows living in Lorries.  This may be booked by emailing Jane Hudson on jane.hudson@endurancechampionships2005.co.uk or calling her on +44 (0) 1398 332089. 

2)      There is a camp site at Wincanton Race Course.  Camping may be booked by calling +44 (0)1963 34279. 

3)      In addition, we are offering the option of 10 bed dormitory units at the venue.  They will be available from Tuesday 26 July until Monday 8 August.  Facilities will include showers, toilets and limited catering until the site is formally opened on Monday 1 August.  Because these units are much in demand they must be booked as soon as possible.  The cost will be depend on how many bookings we take, but a 50% deposit will be required when confirming the booking.  Further details from Diana Honnor at diana.honnor@endurancechampionships2005.co.uk or fax +44 (0) 870 135 7235. 

Please contact Event Matters, Jane Hudson or Diana Honnor as soon as you can if you need help with accommodation or stabling. 

Help Desk 

If you need help of a general nature, then we have just opened a Help Desk for the Championships, sponsored by Hilton Herbs Ltd.  Heather Hamper speaks English and French and is available by email on helpdesk@endurancechampionships.co.uk, by fax on +44 (0) 1460 270708, by phone during the day on +44 (0) 1460 270708, or during the evenings on +44 (0) 1308 422537 or on her mobile at any time on +44 7813 813384. 

The Help Desk details will also be available on the website shortly. 

Championship Schedule 

The Championship Schedule will be available by the middle of April. 

Yours faithfully 

Mike Dando, Jane Hudson & John Hudson

Championship Organising Committee