Things are ramping up at Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire as they prepare for the 2023 Fairfax & Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials
The luxury lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor, famous for the boots worn by the great and good of the eventing world (what on earth would people wear at trot ups without them?) are returning once again as title sponsors of the event set in the Rockingham Estate ancient parkland.
Another essential ‘must-have’ of the eventing world is a hand-crafted Loomes watch and Rockingham is the only place that riders can win one. The rider closest to the optimum time on cross country across the Advanced Intermediate and Open Intermediate classes wins the Loomes Championship and a beautiful hand-produced watch made locally in Stamford.
The event, that runs from 19th – 21st May, is the perfect spot for a day out to enjoy the horse trials action and picnic in the Great Park. The cross country courses, designed by Captain Mark Phillips, weave their way around ancient remains such as the ridge and furrow from a vineyard planted by Henry I in 1100 and the foundations of the old hunting lodge where Henry VII stayed in the 16th century and offer fabulous views over Northamptonshire’s Welland Valley
Grab some delicacies from the artisan food fayre, part of the bustling trade stands that surround the central arena, enjoy the Shire Horse display or bring the other four legged family member for a ‘Have-A-Go’ dog agility run by the locally based Empingham Dog Training Club
“It was fabulous to see so many people enjoying a day out at the horse trials last May and we can’t wait to do it all again this year,” said event organiser, Lizzie Saunders Watson
“Our whole team at the estate love hosting the horse trials and everyone will once again be going above and beyond to deliver the very best competition that we can for riders and spectators.”
Ticket prices start from just £12 for adults and £4 for children, with children aged five and under getting in free. For more information and to book tickets visit Rockingham Castle Horse Trials website
Plenty of yummy local produce for eventing foodies at Rockingham International
