Eventing originally evolved from the training and selection of cavalry horses.
Each of the three disciplines is designed to test the horses ability - dressage shows how trainable the horse is and its basic paces in walk, trot and canter. The cross country tests stamina,
speed, jumping and bravery while the show jumping shows athleticism, control and accuracy. The sport is rather like the pentathlon in that it combines different disciplines in one competition
and is run on a cumulative penalty basis. The competitor with least penalties at the end is the winner.
The Festival of British Eventing takes place at:
Gatcombe Park,
Hampton Fields,
Minchinhampton,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire
GL6 9AT
This renowned event takes place at Gatcombe Park, spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships.
The Festival of British Eventing – the perfect
country weekend.
An idyllic Cotswolds location, top class sporting action, family entertainment and
quality shopping all come together to create and celebrate The Festival of British
Eventing (August 7 to 9 2009 ). The Festival takes place in the beautiful
surroundings of Gatcombe Park, home of HRH
the Princess Royal which is situated a few
miles from the old village of Minchinhampton and close to the Gloucestershire market
towns of Tetbury, Cirencester and Stroud.
Hosting the Novice, Intermediate and Open championship, The Festival, attracts the
country’s
top national and international event riders. British team members, William Fox‐Pitt – who
has won more championship titles here than anyone else – Mary King, Pippa Funnell,
reigning World Champion Zara Phillips and last year’s Olympic bronze medallist
Tina Cook are all regular competitors at the festival, one of the annual highlights
of the eventing calendar.
The spectator‐friendly course follows a two‐mile undulating track round the
park allowing for a unique close‐up of the sporting action while the bowl at the
heart of the park provides the perfect meeting place and ideal picnic spot with a front‐row
view of cross‐country fences including the feature water jump.
A short walk from the cross country course the main arena hosts a full timetable
of family entertainment over the weekend in addition to the competition show jumping
in the morning . This year Jemima Parry‐Jones, of the International Centre for Birds of Prey in
Newent, returns to amaze the crowds with her spectacular falconry displays while Charlotte
Dennis will inspire with her unique demonstrations of natural horsemanship. Long‐standing
Gatcombe favourites – the racing ponies – return to contest the Shetland
Pony Grand National qualifiers. Members and volunteers of Riding for the Disabled Association
will also be giving a display. A very special time for an organisation celebrating
its 40th anniversary this year of which the HRH Princess Royal is President.
High quality trade stands selling rural, local and sometimes unusual products has
always been a feature at Gatcombe. For 2009 over 100 selected trade stands will make
up three‐avenues
of the best shopping available offering everything from the latest model from Land Rover
to a pack of pork sausages produced from Gatcombe’ free‐range Gloucestershire
Old Spot pigs.
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2010
30 April to 3 May
30 April to 3 May 2010 The Badminton Horse Trials
Top International Equestrian event featuring Dressage, Jumping and Cross-Country competitions Badminton, Near Tetbury. Tickets:
(01454) 218375. www.badminton-horse.co.uk
THE GREAT TEW ESTATE HORSE TRIALS
13th & 14th June 2009
Two days of exciting equestrian competition for the family to enjoy
Wide variety of tradestands
Childrens entertainment · Bouncy Castle
· Owl Display
· Quad Bike Rides
Hook Norton Brewery Bar and Dray
A varied selection of refreshments and food for everyone
Signposted from the A361 and A44 Admission: £4 per person
Further enquiries to The Estate Office on: 01608-683636
or 07776-266622
6th August 2008 - 10th August 2008
Mitsubishi Motors Hartpury Horse Trials
The collaboration between Hartpury and Mitsubishi Motors UK has grown from strength to strength. In just five years the Gloucestershire-based horse trials (previously known as the Hartpury
Three Day Event) has developed into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, with sporting action ranging across one, two and three star levels. Last year saw the inaugural three
star competition which was supported by many of the world’s leading competitors. The 10,000 strong crowd witnessed top eventing stars in action, including World and European Champion Zara Phillips, Andrew Hoy, Mary King, Matt Ryan and Andrew Nicholson.
Website: www.hartpury.ac.uk
Blenheim International
Horse Trials - 10th - 13th September
2009
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world's premier three star three day events. Set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim
Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and
with the Palace as the backdrop for the main arena activities, the horse trial offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of the world's finest event riders and horses compete against one another
in a truly spectacular location.
The 2009 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials takes place on 10th - 13th September 2009. Contact: Tel: 01993 813335
