Showing, showjumping and more at the Longines Royal International Horse Show
The Longines Royal International Horse Show is one of largest shows in the world, with top class showjumping, showing, driving and arena eventing. All held at the All England Jumping course, making it one of only three CHIO shows in the world.
Hickstead plays host to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain, held on the Friday afternoon, which gives spectators their only chance to see the British riders compete as a team on home turf. This year, Team GB will face opposition from reigning champions Belgium, as well as Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the USA, the Netherlands and Ireland.
The international classes get underway from Thursday onwards, with the focus of this day being the Amlin Plus Eventers’ Challenge, a class that was introduced in 2015 and was an immediate success. Saturday’s highlight is the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup, while the show concludes with the Longines King George V Gold Cup, a Grand Prix boasting a €200,000 prize fund.
The majority of showing classes at this show are open to qualified combinations only, which means horses and ponies have been campaigned all over the country in order to claim one of the qualifying tickets just to compete on Hickstead’s hallowed turf. Saturday is Ladies’ Day, where the best-dressed ladies have the chance to win some great prizes.
The Charles Owen shopping village offers one of the largest shopping experiences in the show calendar, with more than 200 stalls selling everything from tack, clothing, footwear and equestrian equipment, to gifts, produce and lots more. The showground also has a children’s funfair to entertain younger visitors, plus lots of different catering outlets offering tempting food and drink. Equally, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic, set up a spot near the International Arena and enjoy watching some of the world’s best horses and riders compete.
There are also a number of hospitality options for those who want to make their visit to Hickstead extra special. With the al fresco Ringside Restaurant, the Members’ Restaurant, private boxes and Ringside Lodges, there are many options to choose from – with each offering superb viewing over the International Arena.
Competitor entries are open now, and will close on Friday 3rd June. To buy tickets, head to www.hickstead.co.uk
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.