With another fabulous year of equestrian sporting action ahead of us, it is difficult to decide on which events to book into our diary. Here, we’ve compiled our Top 5 equestrian events for 2019 to help make the decision a little easier… all of which of course, we think are ‘not to be missed’.
Badminton Horse Trials – Wednesday 1st – Sunday 5th May
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is the World’s Premier 3-Day-Event. An international field of horses and riders compete over three phases of competition that features dressage, cross-country and showjumping. The event is staged in the beautiful grounds of the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire (UK). This annual five-day spectacle offers a fantastic family day out, with children and dogs very welcome to enjoy great hospitality, a substantial shopping experience and top-level equestrian sport in a stunning location.
Grassroot competitors get the competition underway on Wednesday 1st May, with international competition starting later that afternoon for the First Horse Inspection, in front of the spectacular Badminton House.
With preparations well underway, 2019 marks a special year for the Gloucestershire based event. Not only will this year welcome Badminton’s 70th anniversary but we will also say farewell to longstanding headline sponsor, Mitsubishi Motors.
Bolesworth International – Wednesday 12th June – Sunday 16th June
Cheshire based Bolesworth International is an annual event, which is now in its 11th year. Taking place on the Bolesworth Estate Showground, with the iconic Bolesworth Castle as the back drop, the competition draws in some of the world’s finest equestrian sportsmen and women. Held over four days, you can expect to enjoy world-class dressage, show jumping and the more than entertaining feature classes.
Against a backdrop of equestrian highlights, the show hosts the fabulous Elite Sports Horse Auction, a shopping village and a prestigious hospitality experience.
Notably, the 2018 show welcomed over 30,000 visitors to Cheshire, increasing visitors to the region and taking Cheshire out to the global equestrian community.
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby – Wednesday 19th June – Sunday 23rd June
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby in 2010, celebrated its 50th anniversary, having become known as the home of British showjumping. The showground has been the venue for several World and European Showjumping Championships, with the Derby sitting at the heart of competition. Welcoming over 45,000 visitors to the spectacular showground, visitors can enjoy a spot of shopping, champagne and top class equestrian action.
There’s plenty of entertainment to keep visitors entertained alongside a selection of fabulous eateries, bars and restaurants. The family fun zone boasts interactive activities, comedy magic shows, fun fair and a daily hobby horse jump off.
Perhaps one of the most glamorous shopping experiences on the equestrian circuit, The Charles Owen shopping village welcomes over 150 retail stores selling everything from equestrian goods to country fashion.
Olympia Horse Show, London – Monday 16th December – Sunday 22nd December
Olympia, The London International Horse Show plays host to a packed timetable of all things equestrian, welcoming over 90,000 visitors and 400 horses through its doors each year. It is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious equine competitions, the show mixes top class equestrian action, including FEI World Cup™ Jumping, Dressage and Driving with family entertainment, such as the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National and The Kennel Club Dog Agility.
With a shopping experience like no other; featuring equestrian holiday retailers, the latest products and a whole host of equestrian retail outlets, the show also hosts the Olympia Live Zone. Launched in 2017, the fun interactive space boasts rider signings, famous faces and informative talks that are not to be missed.
A must for last minute Christmas shopping!
For more information, visit the Olympia website, where tickets will be on sale in Spring 2019.
Liverpool International Horse Show – Dates TBC
Taking place each year between Christmas and New Year, Liverpool International Horse Show is the only equestrian event you can welcome the new year in at! Visitors can expect world class equestrian competition, the very best family entertainment and great fun all at the same time. International Dressage and Showjumping sit at the heart of this event with displays, racing shetlands and live music, all adding to an already electric atmosphere. Event highlights include the crowd favourite Puissance, Grand Prix – with world ranking points up for grabs and the mini-major which offers an extra sprinkle of fun to an already exhilarating event.
Hospitality offers fine dining, with the very best seats in-house! Visitors can soak up the glamour and enjoy a spot of champagne next to the warm-up arena at the heart of the shopping village or enjoy a little retail therapy before the show or during the interval, as you won’t want to miss a second of competition in the main arena.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.
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