Next Month’s Coverage – Horse of the Year Show

Next Month’s Coverage – Horse of the Year Show

In next month’s magazine, we shall be reporting on the Horse of the Year Show, “The World’s Most Famous Horse Show” as it returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Wednesday 7th October to Sunday 11th October 2015.

We shall be covering showing, dressage and jumping classes although this is by no means the full extent of the show.  For further information, click here for full daily timetable information.

We shall watch with interest the new Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year class, which replaces the Ladies Hunter of the Year Championship for the first time in 2015, won by our own resident showing writer Jayne Pimbley in 2014.

We would like to wish all of our readers who are competing at the Horse of the Year Show, the very best of luck!

For further information about the Horse of the Year Show, click here and you can purchase your tickets by clicking on this link.

Longines Global Champions Tour

Longines Global Champions Tour

Global Champion Tour

Global Champion Tour

The Longines Global Champions Tour is a premier show jumping event staged in some of the world’s most prestigious locations with 15 events held in 13 countries during the series.  The top 30 ranked riders come together to bring exciting competition for unprecedented prize money.  The overall season Champion title is hotly contested by the biggest stars in the sport for the Bonus Prize fund and the Longines Ranking Title.

High profile equestrian enthusiasts also frequent the tour making the series glamorous as well as providing elite-level show jumping. With destinations as stunning as Miami Beach, Rome and Paris, this puts the series up there at the top of the sporting and social event calendar.

Jan Tops, an Olympic Gold medalist Show Jumper himself, is Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour. He has fulfilled his vision of raising standards across the sport and since he launched the tour in 2006, has provided world class sport and entertainment.

The tour is available to watch live online via GCT TV and on Eurosport and results can be found here.

The Longines Global Champions Tour web side holds a huge amount of information on each rider providing a biography and interesting facts as well as results, rankings and prize money. You can also view a full profile of all the horses as well as view amazing pictures. Take a look here at full rider and horse info.

So, just pick your favourite destination from these amazing choices and click on your favourite to book your ticket.

Calendar of County Shows in the UK

Calendar of County Shows in the UK

Calendar of County Shows in the UK

County Shows

County Shows

Whether you are a competitor or spectator interested in showing or show jumping, our county shows are always a great day out.  Often with lots more to see beyond equestrian related activities, this also makes it great entertainment for the rest of the family.  What’s more interesting is that approximately 6 million people visit agricultural shows a year, approximately 10% of the population!

Click here for a full calendar of events listed across the UK.

Bolesworth CSI**** International Show 18th-21st June 2015

Bolesworth CSI**** International Show 18th-21st June 2015

Bolesworth-arena-4Great reviews from last year make this a ‘must see’ show, with 2015 being the first year to run at four-star level. The show is set in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, 10 miles south of Chester providing visitors with easy access from anywhere in the country.  First class Show Jumping along with Dressage and Express Eventing will make interesting viewing for any equestrian along with a packed schedule of great family entertainment, all in a spectacular setting.

Over the four days, visitors to Bolesworth can expect to witness world-class showjumping at the sport’s elite level , with more than £250,000 in prize money on offer.  There is a Puissance class on Friday night and a Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon , both to be held in the International Arena and a number of two-star classes also feature in the exciting Bolesworth schedule, together with national and amateur competitions. With top names such as Scott Brash and John Whittaker, the show is sure to be an epic four-day production providing top sport entertainment.

Dressage to Music – Inter 1 features on Thursday evening dressage and Express Eventing one-day event will be held throughout the day on Friday eventing as well as an Elite Sport Horse Auction in the evening.  A British Horse Ball demonstration and high jump races hosted by ‘the Horse Man Team’ from France is also on offer so there will be no shortage of equestrian entertainment.

For the rest of the family there is Camel Racing, Jet Ski displays, Parrot Shows, Birds of Prey, Kennel Club Dog Show to name but a few and with headline acts for Saturday evening being a Gladiator Knock-Out competition, followed by outdoor concert Scouting For Girls, you would be mad to miss it!  see here for more info.

A full view of the fun-packed daily event schedule is available at daily schedule of events.

The new Shopping Village with 130 trade stands showcases a fantastic range of products of high-end equestrian outlets, exclusive fashion retailers, unusual giftware and beautiful things for the home. There is also a huge selection of fantastic food and drink exhibitors to ensure that you will you will be able to enjoy a really unique shopping experience.

Also new to this event this year is the offer of Bolesworth’s own camping facilities. Take the opportunity to enjoy all four days of this unique event while camping in the grounds of this beautiful Cheshire estate.  The campsite is ideal for tents (£15 per night), touring caravans (£20 per night) and motorhomes(£20 per night) more camping information here.

To purchase tickets for the show go to ticket info here.

NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2015

NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2015

dressage-naf-2015NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2013 are to be held at Hartpury Arena, Gloucestershire 15-19th April.  There are 33 titles on offer from preliminary through to Intermediaite 1.   Talented riders have worked hard to qualify for this championship, bringing together some of the best horses and riders in the country. Top class dressage entertainment will be shown at the “not to be missed” Gala Evening Performances, Friday and Saturday night, which both include a masterclass presented by Richard Davison.  There are also various trade stands, providing shopping opportunities over the 5 days of the show.  It remains to be seen who will attend, after Carl Hester’s yard have stated that they will not be competing Uthopia and the fact that other competitors have been posting on social network sites that they too will not be attending.   British Dressage has been working closely with the organisers to put the necessary precautionary measures in place to minimise the  risk of EHV-1.  For timetable of the championships go to http://www.bdchampionships.com/winter/timetable.php

Astrid Bolton and Geoff Billington Masterclass

Astrid Bolton and Geoff Billington Masterclass

Astrid Bolton Sport Horses

Astrid Bolton Sport Horses

Day, Son and Hewitt held a masterclass with Astrid Bolton and Geoff Billington at Myerscough College, Friday 2nd November.  It was an informative evening to explain the importance of using quality supplements to promote the well being of your horse (go to www.daysonhewitt.co.uk for the full range available).  The evening started off with Astrid explaining the foundations of starting a young horse and a long-reining demonstration with their fantastic young stallion, Euphoria.  Hayley then came into the arena and rode him, showing his amazing paces, whilst Astrid explained the importance of using Day, Son and Hewitts product SYNOFLEX, to ensure that your horses maintain their natural mobility. Next, Hayley brought in Cassius, a 17.3hh, young dressage talent, showing us various different paces and his extravagant movement and ability.  Go to www.astridbolton.com to look for your next superstar.  The second half consisted of Geoff and his two horses, starting with a youngster, only broken five months ago.  He then rode a more experienced horse, explaining his training methods and exercises, with humour along the way.  The evening was well attended and the audience participated by asking questions as well as one lady having a go at long-reigning Astrid’s young stallion, Euphoria.  Day, Son and Hewitt had a well stocked stand, with Sue advising on all aspects of their beautifully packaged, high quality products.