British Eventing Training Foundation launches £100,000 fundraising campaign at Burghley Horse Trials to transform training of officials
Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2025 by Heather Dodd
British Eventing Training Foundation launches £100,000 fundraising campaign at Burghley Horse Trials to transform training of officials
The British Eventing Training Foundation (BETF) today officially launched its ambitious £100,000 fundraising campaign at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, aiming to secure the future of British Eventing by transforming the training and development of eventing officials.
The campaign spotlights the critical – and often overlooked – role of trained officials such as Technical Advisors, Ground Jury members, Stewards, and Starters, whose expertise ensures the safety, fairness, and integrity of the sport at every level.
The £100,000 raised over the next 12 months will directly fund:
- A modern, centralised officials training platform with online modules, practical workshops, and clear progression pathways
- Resources to ensure FEI-aligned standards, improving consistency and international recognition
- Investment in succession planning and talent development to build a pipeline of future officials
- A sustainable digital infrastructure to reduce long-term costs and dependence on ad hoc systems
- Recruitment of new officials into the sport
The launch was marked by two exclusive fundraising events: a breakfast Q&A with Pippa Funnell and Lucinda Green, and a guided cross-country course walk led by Olympic Games LA28 course designer Alec Lochore. Both events brought the spotlight onto the essential role of officials and helped galvanise support for the year-long fundraising effort.
Pippa Funnell, BE Board member, was present at the launch and said: “British Eventing is proud to rely on a passionate and experienced community of volunteer officials. Now, there’s a vital opportunity to build on that foundation by modernising training, improving consistency and experience, and creating a clear, supportive pathway for the next generation.”
As the demands of the sport continue to evolve, aligning with international FEI standards is essential – not just to uphold safety and fairness, but also to strengthen recruitment and retention. With the right investment, British Eventing can empower its officials with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive at every level.
Sian Rodway, Chair of BETF, added: “The sport of eventing is entering an exciting new chapter. Officials aren’t just important – they’re indispensable. By acting now to professionalise training and build a sustainable framework, we can protect the future of eventing for years to come.”
To find out more or to support the campaign, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/britisheventingtrainingfdn
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