Show Jumping Gallops Into Birmingham
A horse preparing to gallop through the streets of Birmingham.
Not a sight you expect to see every day! However, for the first time, a life size sculpture is taking pride of place at Centenary Square for the next few weeks to celebrate Birmingham hosting the 8th British Open Show Jumping Championships which this year is being held at the LG Arena over Easter.
Sculptor Rupert Hill designed 'BOB' which stands for 'British Open Beauty' and based it on his wife's horse. It took a month to create and is made from wire produced in Birmingham.
Rupert says "This is the most wonderful opportunity. It's fantastic to work with local materials in the second biggest city - and then to have it on show here is just amazing for any sculptor, especially during these tough economic times."
Rupert added "I created it by weaving and threading and pushing the wire through the frame. I created it layer by later so that i build the muscle tone."
World class riders from Britain and abroad are expected at the event which will run over four days.
The competition is held over four days with four individual competitions. Each one is designed to test the riders' skill and ability.
