From world class eventing, a day at the races, or even a country show, horse lovers will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy themselves in the local area.
17th March
Betfred Midlands Grand National
The second longest steeplechase in the country and one of the most spectacular sporting days out in the region’s calendar.
Uttoxeter Racecourse, www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk
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5th May
Jump Season Opener Featuring The Staffordshire Plate
The new Jockey and Trainer Championships for 2018/19 gets under way with the first fixture at Uttoxeter Racecourse that comprises of seven races.
Uttoxeter Racecourse, www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk
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7th-8th April
Weston Park Horse Trials
2018 marks the 40th anniversary of this popular event, set against the backdrop of the former home to the Earls of Bradford. The varied course runs over 1,000 acres of parkland with Novice, Intermediate and Advanced classes for dressage, show jumping and cross country resulting in an exciting competition. The Horse Trials also hosts the Charles Owen FEI Pony Trial, an Open Intermediate Under 21 competition and a British Intermediate Championship Qualifier.
Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal TF11 8LE, www.westonht.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14th-15th April
Childeric Saddles Eland Lodge Horse Trials
Watch entrants compete in dressage, show jumping and cross country phases of this British Eventing competition around the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. It’s a great day out for all the family and there are also shopping opportunities, hot food stalls and ice cream to keep everyone entertained.
Eland Lodge, Newborough Road, Draycott-in-the-Clay DE6 5HD, www.elandlodge.com
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11th-13th May
Chatsworth International Horse Trials
World-class equestrian sport, from elegant dressage and exciting show jumping to gripping cross country, combined with family entertainment and a shopping village with over 100 quality trade stands.
Chatsworth, near Bakewell, www.chatsworth.org
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18th-20th May
Fairfax and Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials
The event includes BE100, Novice, Intermediate and CIC1* and CIC2* cross country, dressage and show jumping classes alongside arena events such as the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse 4 and 5 year-old qualifying classes, and Pony Club and Riding Club Team Show Jumping. There’s a Dog Agility ring for canine companions and trade stands selling quality goods, offering the perfect excuse for some retail therapy.
Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire LE16 8TH, www.rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com
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16th-17th June
Catton Park Horse Trials
Top riders compete in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country.
Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, www.catton-hall.com
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24th June
Derbyshire County Show
Competitive classes for cattle, sheep and horses plus beautiful floral and craft displays.
Locko Park, near Spondon, Derby, derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk
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27th July
Ladies’ Day at Uttoxeter racecourse
Get your friends together for an afternoon of glamour and racing at one of the region’s biggest social occasions. After seven races, Britain’s favourite fashionista Gok Wan will take to the DJ booth for an evening of music and entertainment.
Wood Lane, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8BD, www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8th August
Ashover Show
A traditional agricultural show with classes for livestock, light horses and horticulture plus a dog show, vintage cars and tractors.
The Rectory Fields, Ashover, www.ashovershow.co.uk
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11th August
Manifold Show
A showcase for the best local produce and livestock, with classes for heavy horses, rare breeds, cattle and pets.
The Arbour, Casterne Hall, Ilam, www.manifoldshow.co.uk
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1st September
Turnditch and Windley Show
Horse and pony show, pet show, vintage tractors and classes for flowers and produce.
Wirksworth Road (B5023), Windley, turnditchandwindley.co.uk
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3rd October
Brailsford Ploughing Match
This traditional event, organised by the Brailsford and District Ploughing and Hedgecutting Society, is now in its 113th year and attracts thousands of visitors. The ploughing competition offers the chance to admire heavy horses at work. There are also ploughing classes for tractors, both old and new, while hedgecutting and stick-making competitions, ladies’ and children’s sections showcase all local talent.
White Meadow Farm, Osmaston, Ashbourne DE6 1NA, www.brailsfordploughingmatch.org.uk
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Have we missed anything?
Tell us about a food event in Derbyshire that should be on this list here
