Blenheim launches first smart phone course walk

The Fidelity Blenheim Horse Trials will be incorporating QR codes onto the name boards of all fences on the new cross country course allowing spectators with smart phones to scan the codes and hear what the course designer and leading riders think about the fence and how to ride it.

A quick turnaround will be required from camera to website once the Ground Jury have signed off Eric Winter’s new course, as this happens just hours before it is officially ‘open’ on Wednesday 5th September.

However the Blenheim team are confident it can be done and that the QR codes will be a popular benefit for the thousands of spectators who walk the course, particularly as this year’s course includes many new and reconditioned fences and changes to the route.

“QR (Quick Response) codes are frequently used on products” explains Event Director Mandy Hervieu “ but we thought there was a great opportunity to use them to give spectators more information on the fences, along with the thoughts of the course designer and the riders opinion of his course.

“Traditionally, course walks with riders have been very popular but these are not always at a time that is convenient; so this will enable anyone with a smart phone to benefit from a ‘course walk’ with both the Course Designer and the riders, “ adds Hervieu.

The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials takes place between 6 – 9th September and the best days to walk the whole course, see all the new fences and use the QR codes will be the Thursday (6th) and Friday (7th) of the event. More information at www.blenheim-horse.co.uk