50 Years of Bramham Horse Trials
Bramham International Horse Trials (6th – 9th June) will celebrate 50 years of eventing at the iconic Yorkshire venue in 2024.
The entry list for the first ever event hosted by the Lane Fox family in 1974 read like a who’s who of eventing; HRH The Princess Anne, Captain Mark Phillips, Stephen Clarke, Jane Holderness-Roddam, Mary Gordon Watson all competed at the inaugural event with the USA’s Bruce Davidson taking the top honours.
As is the case today, topflight show jumping competitions were also held with Harvey Smith, Malcolm Pyrah and Lionel Dunning on the start sheets. Much of the land used originally is still part of the event’s footprint in the iconic park but the shopping village has nearly trebled in size!
Fifty years on, Bramham still attracts eventing’s elite and in an Olympic year, the focus on this idyllic Yorkshire event will be more important than ever as the date makes it one of the final selection and qualification opportunities for teams from around the world aiming for Paris 2024.
Chosen Charity for 2024
Each year Bramham partners with a charity, and for the 50th anniversary, who better than The British Horse Society.
The BHS’s work includes making riding safer through road safety and saving historical bridleways, providing grants to hundreds of young people as they embark on an exciting career in equestrianism. As well as working closely with owners/carers to ensure they are fully equipped with the information needed to give their horse the best life possible.
Amy Clements, The British Horse Society (BHS) Regional Manager for Yorkshire said; “We’re delighted to have been named the official charity partner for Bramham Horse Trials 2024. The British Horse Society has attended the event since it first opened its doors 50 years ago, so it is a real honour to have been chosen to partner with them during such a significant year.
Being the nominated charity is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness and money for all our charitable work during the exciting event. It’s opportunities like this that make a real difference to us, and enable us to continue to support horses, their owners and those that care for them by improving welfare, safety, access, participation and education.”
Swansong year for Ian Stark
The Bramham team are finalising the timetable, and all the showcase competitions make a return. The showcase CCI4*-L, the Under 25 CCI4*-L and the DEFENDER CCI4*-S sections will provide the main viewing with cross country courses designed by Olympian Ian Stark, in his swansong year at Bramham.
The country’s best grass roots combinations tackle the NAF Five Star BE 80 National Championships with elite showjumping classes, Pony Club showjumping and mounted games, showing, youngstock, breeding and hunter showing competitions and the ever-popular Saracen Horse Feeds Arena Eventing with 90cm and 100cm classes also part of the bumper programme.
Away from the equine action in one of the most stunning parks in Yorkshire, there’s a bustling trade stand village of over 130 outlets, a food hall and catering and refreshment options for every taste.
The Bramham Box Office opens on 8 January 2024 to secure tickets, memberships and camping passes
