The anticipation is mounting as the prestigious Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, prepares to welcome a dazzling array of equestrian talent between 6th – and 16th June 2024. With early entries confirming the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport, including John Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall Macateer, Guy Williams, William Whitaker, Richard Howley, Ellen Whitaker, and William Funnell, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of horsemanship and competition.
The Festival has long been renowned as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts and riders alike. Held against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, the event showcases the very best in top-level showjumping, alongside an Eventing Grand Prix, Puissance, Ride and Drive and a Mini Major, attracting competitors from across the globe.
Leading the charge of early entries is none other than the legendary John Whitaker. A titan of the equestrian world, Whitaker’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by countless victories and accolades. Joining him is his talented nephew, Jack Whitaker, the rising star making waves on the competitive circuit.
Billy Twomey is a rider who needs little introduction. He has competed at the highest levels of the Sport, including representing Ireland at international competitions such as the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, and European Championships. Having accumulated numerous Grand Prix wins, he is consistently ranked among the top riders in the world. Twomey’s skill, dedication, and passion for the sport have solidified his reputation as one of the leading riders in showjumping.
Twomey is no stranger to Bolesworth Events, having won the Liverpool International Grand Prix a remarkable three times, as well as being crowned the Bolesworth International Grand Prix winner in 2023 aboard the spectacular stallion, Chat Botte ED, the horse that was bought for Billy by the late Sue Davies, who sadly passed away during the same year, making it an emotional win for the combination.
Speaking on his return to defend his Bolesworth Grand Prix title, Twomey said:
I’m really looking forward to returning to the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival this June. Bolesworth has historically been lucky for me and I’ll certainly be looking to give riders in the Grand Prix a run for their money this year! The course designer always sets a challenging 1.55m track with a tight time to really make this the highlight of the Festival!”
Show Director, Nina Barbour said:
We are thrilled to announce such an impressive lineup of riders for this year’s Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa”
“Each year, we strive to deliver a world-class experience for both competitors and spectators alike, and with names like those we have announced as attending today, we are confident that this year will be our best yet.”
Thrilling Addition
The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) Olympic Team has confirmed its attendance at this year’s show. The team is gearing up ahead of the Olympic Games, which will take place in Paris this July!
The confirmed Olympic team, consisting of five riders, trained by Chef d’equipe William Funnell, has phenomenal horsepower with BBS Mcgregor now ranked number fifty five in the World, Enjoy De La Mure recently winning the CSI4* Grand Prix at Montefalco, as well as the team posting two major results in Nations Cup events this year!
The Al Shira’aa team will also attend this year’s Festival with a stellar lineup of young horses, alongside four UK-based riders, who hope to dominate the young horse classes the show offers over the two-week period, as well as offering spectators the chance to see the fantastic breeding programme of Al Shira’aa stud coming into fruition with their exciting five-year-olds starting their international careers.
New Partnerships
Equine America will join this year’s Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival as the Official Supplement supplier. The partnership signifies a shared dedication to supporting the equestrian community and promoting the highest horse welfare and care standards.
Speaking on the partnership, Managing Director of Equine America, Lee Middleton said:
We are so excited to be sponsoring one of the most prestigious showjumping venues in the UK. As a close knit, family run business, a partnership with a long standing family estate creates a remarkable relationship within the equestrian industry”.
Time Is Ticking – Secure Your Tickets Now
With less than 4 weeks to go until we open the Bolesworth gates and kick start what is set to be the Equestrian Festival of the Summer, now is the time to secure your entry tickets! With tickets starting from as little as £5.60 including fees, as well as a jam packed schedule of live music, sport, shopping, and exclusive celebrity meet and greet opportunities, what are you waiting for?!
For further information, please visit the Bolesworth website.
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.