An Eventful Life is filming all riders on cross country at The Festival of British Eventing - find out more here
The Festival of British Eventing, presented by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is held annually at the Gatcombe Park Estate of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal near Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. This is the 34th year of the event held at Gatcombe Park; it started as the Croft Original in 1983 then the British Open Championship was introduced to the Trials in 1986 and the Festival of British Eventing was introduced in 2002
The first winner was the Australian rider David Green on Mairangi Bay followed in 1984 by Lucinda Green on Village Gossip – maybe their daughter Lissa will follow in their footsteps one year and join the roll of honour to complete the trio?
The event has developed from just an eventing competition into an action packed weekend of top class sport and fabulous family entertainment. With a multitude of attractions on offer in several areas, as well as the captivating cross country course to walk around and maybe stop off for a picnic, Gatcombe Park is definitely the place to be the 4th – 6th August.
The main arena not only hosts the show jumping phase of the competition but a variety of other interesting performances as well. This year the spectacular Atkinson Action Horses with their high energy, breath takingly explosive show will be a display. They are the holders of two Guinness World Records and known for providing horses for films and TV shows including Victoria, Peaky Blinders and Poldark, they are certain to draw the crowds.
The thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National sees junior jockeys fighting it out for a ticket to the prestigious final which takes place at Olympia, The London International Horse Show in December. The majestic Dressage to Music display enchants the crowds and the Hound Parade is always very popular and, of course, the Pony Club Mounted Games.
This year The Festival supports a very important charity – The Riding for the Disabled Association and we look forward to watching the riders and helpers involved with this charity demonstrating their skills in the main arena for everyone to support.
On Sunday there will be a very special display with the ‘Parade of Valegro’ - the world’s greatest ever dressage horse making a star appearance and what an honour this is. Not only will the audience be able to savour this amazing horse parading in the main arena but there will also be the opportunity to meet and greet – and even ‘pat’ – Valegro as he will be stabled close to the collecting ring for a few hours after his display. So everyone can say a personal ‘Hello to Valegro’.
Members of the Hamptons International Garden Club can take a ringside seat where they will enjoy all the main arena has to offer within the comfortable surroundings of the fully catered hospitality marquee.
The Festival’s Harringtons Arena hosts the popular Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse series as well as The Pony Club Inter-Branch Team Showjumping. On Sunday, Arena Eventing will take place for the first time at both 90cm and 100cm. This competition allows the grassroots riders to compete in the electric atmosphere that The Festival has to offer.
Canine enthusiasts can also get involved with a fun dog show and ‘Have a go’ dog agility taking place in the Fun Zone; this will test even the most obedient companion and perhaps unearth hidden talents. Open to different breeds, no matter what shape or size - it promises to be a lot of fun.
Over 120 selected trade stands will make up three avenues of quality shopping offering fashionable country attire, everything for the horse enthusiast as well as new Land Rovers and garden furniture. Unique and bespoke gifts plus an amazing array of sweet and savoury treats can be found in the rural crafts marquee. The Festival provides a gourmet experience over the weekend with the finest produce that the area has to offer alongside cuisine from around the world and The Festival really does cater for the children in the family with a variety of entertainment and their very own Bouncy Castle to enjoy!
The combination of the glorious location of Gatcombe Park, top class international sport, family entertainment, first class catering and shopping facilities means that The Festival is an event not to be missed and a great opportunity for a weekend away.
We’ll be bringing you all the eventing action, rider interviews and filming all riders on the cross country course (except the ERM class) so get ready for some great coverage coming up. In the meantime, for more information on The Festival of British Eventing and to take advantage of advance and family ticket prices go to www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk
