Plan your season: May to June

“Buckminster Park is very easy to access from all directions and is a beautiful park with stunning views from the top of the cross country course. We have two courses that are suitable for first-timers as there are alternatives at all the more challenging fences. We offer free entry for spectators with designated parking, good food is available on site and there’s great viewing for all phases. We’re a well-established, friendly event for both competitors and visitors.” Kate Letchford

 

 

11-12 July  

“Riders should enter Upton House because it’s one of the most popular one day events on the circuit. Top class course designers and builders work for us, creating an educational cross country course on undulating ground, and we go above and beyond to get the best ground. The event’s popularity with competitors speaks for itself. It’s a great location and the ground is old turf – we are competitors organising for competitors. For spectators, Upton House is the backdrop and it’s a National Trust house. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s well organised.” Jessica Thomas

 

 

“We have old-fashioned courses and a lovely atmosphere. Our event is suited to brave cross country riders. However, the courses encourage the more inexperienced partnerships as there are alternatives at the more testing fences. The cross country is a great viewing course - you can sit on the banks of the River Avon to watch. It's a friendly, family-run event, with three generations of the Sturgis family involved and a huge emphasis on producing the best ground possible to ensure our competitors have a really fantastic day.” Beanie Sturgis

 

“Our event is friendly and run by enthusiasts. The dressage arenas are on our neighbour’s [Launceston Rugby Club] pitch, so you won’t find a better flat, perfectly manicured arena with a big space for warming up. Our course is encouraging and inviting, but still asks questions with some great features and lake complex. Our event is great for spectators, too, with a stunning backdrop of Launceston Castle.” Kirsty Kerslake

 

25-26 July  

“This year’s event at Osborne House is a first for the sport with the opportunity to compete in the grounds of Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight house and great prize money on offer. The best riders in the world will be contesting a big prize fund in an easy-to-follow format. It’s groundbreaking, exciting and innovative – absolutely everything about it is unique, from the extraordinary venue to the format, which is designed around the spectator to attract new followers to the sport.” Hilary Manners

 

“The event has been running for 42 years, so I think it’s one of the longest-running horse trials in the UK. Competitors come from 150 miles away to compete. Everything is accessible and reasonably close together, so you don’t need to walk long distances to see everything and spectators can get close to the action.  

“The BE100 course is good for a first go at that level and I hire the fences from the Willis Brothers. We have a varied terrain but the courses are fair. The event is friendly and efficient, and with tradestands and food stall options, it’s overall a great day out for the family. Last year we captured drone footage of the event, which you can watch on our website to give you an overview of what it’s all about. If anyone would like to know more, please feel free to email or telephone me.” Anthony Ffooks

 

“Cholmondeley Castle has a user-friendly layout, good going, a super show jumping arena with spacious warm-up, a good range of classes from BE90 to Open Intermediate and has an international event feel. The cross country is designed for newly upgraded horses to gain confidence and to give more experienced ones a good run. It’s a stunning venue – the arenas have the backdrop of Cholmondeley Castle, there’s good viewing for spectators, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s worth a visit!” Hilary Manners

 

“Riders should enter our event as it is a professional, well-run event in a simply stunning location in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside. Our July event is suited to all levels. Our courses are carefully designed to be encouraging and educational at BE80(T) and BE90 level, and the BE100 course is bold with enough questions for the more experienced combinations. New for us this year is the addition of Dodson & Horrell as sponsors for the BE90 class. For spectators, there are amazing views over the cross country course across the valley.” Jo Verey

 

“Hendersyde Park was voted best Scottish BE event in 2017. We enjoy a wonderful parkland setting overlooking the River Tweed with fantastic spectator viewing, a very friendly atmosphere and superb footing. The competition is fair at all levels, and is renowned for David Evans’ carvings and fantastic ground. We pay attention to detail across all phases, resulting in a fun, fabulous and friendly event!” Livy Agnew