Jodie Kidd has been named as a Director of Hickstead, making her the third generation in her own family to take the seat. An avid equestrian and polo player, Jodie has followed in her father’s stride with her love for the sport. As a child she frequented the famous showground competing on ponies while her father Johnny Kidd held his role as a Director. Before Johnny, it was his mother Janet Kidd, the first Patron of Hickstead, who played an instrumental part in setting up the showground. Jodie’s godfather was…
Tag: Hickstead
Hobby Horse Derby set to headline Hickstead’s Village Green
The Hobby Horse Derby is gearing up to become one of Hickstead’s most talked about classes in the forthcoming Agria Royal International Horse Show taking place from 23-28 July, 2024. With thousands of horses and ponies taking part across the six days of the show, the grounds will be alive with every kind of equine you can imagine, literally! From global superstars showjumping in the huge five-star Nations Cup down to tiny miniature horses … what more could an equestrian want?! The fun on-foot Hobby Horse Derby, will play out…
Three Derby contenders share honours in Agria Derby Trial at Hickstead
Last year’s joint Agria Derby Trial winners, Robert Whitaker and Carlos Ribas once again shared the honours in today’s class (21st June) – and they were joined by 2022 winner William Funnell in a three-way split for first place. Robert, Carlos and William were the only clear rounds of the 26 starters, but the three riders all decided to split the honours in order to save their horses for Sunday’s Al Shira’aa Derby. The 19 fence round is a World Ranking class, comprising of a mix of complex lines and…
Brits hopeful for a back-to-back victory in the Nations Cup this July
The British team is hopeful of a back-to-back victory in the upcoming Agria Nations Cup, which is held each year at the renowned Hickstead Showground between 23 and 28 July, 2024. Last year’s victory was a monumental moment for the British riders, breaking a 13-year dry spell in the British leg of the series. It was a day to remember competitors Ben Maher (Exit Remo), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), John Whitaker (Equine America Unick de Francport), and Harry Charles (Casquo Blue), who proudly lifted the Edward, Prince of Wales…
Shane Breen and Scarteen Conquer Hickstead Once Again
Shane Breen adds another Hickstead title to his list by claiming the top spot in Sunday’s ClipMyHorse.TV Sussex Cup, riding the 10-year-old grey homebred Scarteen II. The £6,000 1.40m Grand Prix class formed the feature class of week one of the All England September Tour, and plenty of showjumping’s leading national talents came forward for the final. Fourteen of the 35 qualified combinations produced a first round clear, to guarantee an ultra-competitive jump-off. But with the benefit of being drawn last to go, having qualified three horses for the final, Shane…
David Simpson denies William Funnell a record fifth Derby
Ireland’s David Simpson won the Al Shira’aa Derby for the first time on Sunday 25th June, at Hickstead, denying the four-time winner William Funnell the chance to set a new record. William produced the first clear round of the competition, riding the 13-year-old, Equine America Billy Diamo. His chances of claiming that historic fifth win were then given an even bigger boost when he managed to jump a second clear with new ride Dublon. But 34-year-old David Simpson, drawn 25th to go out of the 27 starters, delivered a third clear…
Shane Breen heading for back-to-back win at Hickstead
Reigning Al Shira’aa Derby champion Shane Breen has his sights set on winning Hickstead’s most iconic class for the second year in a row. The 49-year-old Irish rider, who is based at Hickstead Place, finally claimed the Derby title in 2022 after 17 years of trying. It was the 60th running of the class, and Shane won the historic renewal in definitive style – jumping the only clear round of the competition with Can Ya Makan. Not only that, but Shane also finished as one of four runners-up with his second…