Want to get away this weekend? Why not make plans to attend the internationally renowned annual 37 Military equestrian competition? Situated on 138 acres of lush green forest in the nearby village of Boekelo, the Military begins October 11 and ends October 14.
Officially, the Military falls under the title, CCI (international eventing competitions). This `three-day event,' testing the skills of rider and horse, happens worldwide. In the Netherlands the Military is synonymous for the French term `Concours Complet'. Focusing on three main tests for the rider and horse, the CCI is composed of dressage, cross-country and show jumping.
On Friday the first event begins with dressage (a French term meaning `training'). But for horse and rider it is more like a well-rehearsed ballet. Accompanied by music, horses respond effortlessly to the commands of their riders.
The main event on Saturday will be the cross-country competition with over 10,000 expected spectators. Horse and rider will be galloping a six-kilometer course, maneuvering through 23 obstacles (including water) and over 40 jumps. British designer, Sue Benson, created the cross-country course and will also design the Olympic 2012 course in Greenwich Park, London.
The show jumping competition will be on Sunday with the grand prize for the best individual combination score being handed-out along with the `Grolsch Nations Cup' for the best national team. On this final day, spectators will come adorned with diverse hats on their heads. Aptly titled, the `Military Head Gear Day,' a jury will select the most beautiful hat that complements the spectator's outfit.
The Military is more than a horse competition; it's an equestrian `tour de force.' Don't be surprised to see Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of the British queen Elizabeth II, matching her skills against 2004 Olympic silver medal winner William Fox-Pitt.
Tickets are pricey, but worth the experience. For information visit the Military website via www.military-boekelo.nl
