Bericht / Report

 Nebanice busy with preparations... The organizers of the international driving event in Nebanice (CZE) are moving to the final stage of this year’s preparations. The 2016 edition of the traditional competition with more than 20 years of history is organized as the CAIO 4* for the teams and CAI 3* for horse pairs and singles, as well as for the pony teams and pairs.

With about two months to go before the July 27^th – 31^st competition dates, the organizers feel that they are well on track for a good show. While the last year’s competition was considered a success and brought up many positive references from the drivers, the OC wants to make another step ahead and improve the event further. “We are looking at improvements in three general areas.”, says Roman Petr, a member of the OC. “First, we want to make sure the marathon obstacles are at the high level and bring some new challenges to the drivers. Second, we are working on the competition background, such as the drivers’ camp facilities and the evening entertainment. Last, but not least, we are active in the local promotion, so that the general public is aware of the size of our event.”

Petr’s words can be easily confirmed on site. Three out of eight total obstacles will be completely new and are almost finished under the supervision of the level 4 course builder Johan Jacobs (NED) . One of the water obstacles will be improved and completed and the organizers will try to challenge the nature and improve the footing in the part of obstacle 7, where the drivers pass through the natural water connected to the nearby river.

Everything is also lined up for the catering and entertainment facilities and the drivers and their teams can expect a good quality background during the day and in the evenings – all at the local modest price levels. Improvements are also being made in the drivers camp to be able to support the expected number of drivers and other people involved. For those who cannot come to visit, the online streaming from all four competition days will be available on the major websites.

While the team competition is at the highest level event in Nebanice 2016, the organizers are hoping to attract the competitors from other classes as well. Being on the Czech-German border, the site’s location is perfect to suite the drivers from both the Western and Eastern Europe. With not so many high level competitions available for the pairs this year, Nebanice might be a perfect show to visit. The same can be said for the single drivers not competing at the World Single Driving Championships in Piber (AUT) a week later and, obviously, for the pony drivers as well.

As always, Hippoevent will provide a good coverage of this important event and will bring you further info once available.:-)