Event Name: Gatcombe (1)
Location: Gatcombe Park, Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 9AT
Date: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th March 2019
Organisers: Patricia Biden
Entries Open: 5th February 2019
Classes: IN, N, ON, AI, I, OI
Find out more: Gatcombe Park Horse Trials website
An Eventful Life is filming all competitors on cross country at Gatcombe (1) 2019 – find out more here
Gatcombe (1) 2019
Held by kind permission of HRH The Princess Royal at her home in the heart of the Cotswolds, Gatcombe (1) sees international riders from all over the world start to make an impression on the season at this well-known Spring Novice and Intermediate event sponsored by Land Rover
This will be the 25th running of the event and, as always, the cross country course designed by HRH The Princess Royal and Patti Biden will utilise a different area of the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the popular Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing, which takes place in early August.
The Novice course is an inviting one for the more experienced and first time Novice combinations alike, run over well drained land with no hills and a revamped water jump. The Intermediate is an up to height course built with good big timber by Willis Bros and both courses ride usually well whatever the weather.
2018 proved the exception to the rule when Saturday’s competition had to be cancelled due to wet ground and bad weather, but the sun made an appearance for the Intermediate classes on Sunday. Izzy Taylor, who finished second on the British Eventing Rider leader board in 2018, scooped three of the classes last year (watch her on board Impromptu II in the video below) and WEG gold medallist Tom McEwen, who calls Gatcombe Park home, also had a win on Royal Roxey.
Home ground seems to be an advantage as another past resident at Gatcombe Park, Andrew Hoy, won the Advanced Intermediate on the experienced Cheeky Calimbo and finished third on board Vasilly De Lassos, the young star that later in the year took fourth place at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Gatcombe is therefore an event that really starts to show who is on form early in the year
HRH The Princess Royal plays a big part in the event; as well as course designing she can be seen visiting the trade stands (check out the Gatcombe Shop for some unique gifts you will never find anywhere else, including those incorporating HRH’s photography) and presents the prizes
The area around Gatcombe Park is a delight with errant cows wandering the common, great pubs and lovely places to stay. All in all, the perfect early season event for riders and spectators alike with spectator admission just £6 for a car and occupants – take your wellies, wrap up warm and have a great day out
