The stage is set for three days of thrilling world-class competition featuring elegant dressage, show jumping and dramatic cross country around the beautiful parkland at Chatsworth
Excitement and a chance to see competitors at the top of their game is guaranteed in an event which in the past has seen winners such as Mary King and Oliver Townend. William Fox-Pitt, last year’s winner Andrew Nicholson, Zara Phillips and Sir Mark Todd are just a few of the leading riders set to battle it out for the top honours this year. Stars of the future will also be competing in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse classes which open proceedings on the Friday.
An exciting programme of arena events has also been planned. Displays familiar to regular visitors include falconry, Pony Club mounted games and the gun dog display team, while for the first time the high-speed excitement of the British Scurry and Driving Trials will be on show. Ponies and their drivers go against the clock on a course full of cones, barriers, arches and ramps on both Saturday and Sunday in what promises to be a fantastic spectacle.
Away from the arena, there will be a children’s entertainment area with mini Land Rovers and a great range of country clothing, equestrian products, fashion accessories, crafts and delicious food on sale in the shopping village.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Horse Trials’ title sponsors Dodson & Horrell. Europe’s leading animal feed specialist, this family-run Northamptonshire company has nourished equine Olympians, fed Grand National winners, fuelled Epson Derby victors and been at the forefront of major advances in performance-linked animal nutrition throughout this time. Special commemorative events and plans – yet to be announced – are in the pipeline.
Tickets are available now at www.chatsworth.org at an advance rate: Friday £10 (adult); Saturday and Sunday £14 (adult); children under 14 £4.50 (under 5s free). Three-day pass: adult £30, child £10. Gates open at 8am. For details tel: 01423 330095.
