One of the many great things about owning a horse is that you get the chance to attend a wealth of equestrian events taking place across the UK, throughout the year.
Such events provide a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow horse owners and watch or even enter your horse into events such as jumping, showing, dressage or endurance races.
Aside from this, there’s usually top-class entertainment and hospitality on offer, not to mention numerous trade stands where you can pick up some goodies for both you and your animal.
Before we take a look at some of the best horse events taking place in 2020, have you checked that you have adequate horsebox insurance?
As with all other types of vehicle, you need to insure your horsebox and make sure that cover protects the extremely valuable cargo inside when you’re venturing off around the country.
Horsebox insurance arranged through Equesure can cover all types of horseboxes, from 3.5 tonnes up to larger HGVs with luxurious living accommodation for staying away, some costing over the value of £75,000.
The Shire is a truly terrific breed, with this event having the honourable title of being the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses.
Its history and heritage are celebrated across the three days, granting visitors a unique insight into this fantastic, distinguished breed.
The gentle giants will take part in numerous competitions, meaning you’ll be able to see them in style – in-hand, ridden and turned-out – all in support of the wonderful work carried out by the Shire Horse Society.
Don’t miss the stable tours, agricultural classes and the awarding of the King George V cup, given to the most impressive stallion on the Saturday. This show takes place at the New Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Country Showground.
Situated in the stunning private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) is the UK’s largest outdoor equine show and plays host to international horse competitions.
Take your seat in the stand to watch 3-star and 4-star international show jumping, 4-star international dressage and 4-star international carriage driving, along with national showjumping classes.
Away from the field, you’ll have the chance to listen to informative talks, meet famous faces from the equine world and get items signed at RWHS Live, on the South Lawn Bandstand.
Make sure you stick around for the ticketed 2020 Pageant, which celebrates the Edwardian era and specifically the reign of King Edward VII – aka Bertie.
Expect a dazzling display of horses, performers, musicians (including a small orchestra) and motorcars. This will be a spectacular finale to your day out at RWHS.
This event, held at the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, is one of the oldest equestrian events in the world, as well as being one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country.
The timetable is packed with showjumping highlights, including the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain, Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup, Science Supplements BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the MS Amlin Eventers’ Challenge. Some of the best riders in the world come to compete in these historic events – if you’re lucky enough, you may get the chance to meet them!
This is a great event for kids, whether they’re horse-lovers or not. They can enjoy the Fun Fair at the Family Fun Zone, be entertained by local talent Tomfoolery, or get involved in activities such as crazy mini golf or laser clay shooting.
Taking place at Gatcombe Park, between Minchinhampton and Avening in Gloucestershire, the Festival of British Eventing is a celebration of eventing and its three equestrian disciplines: dressage, showjumping and cross country.
This event promises to be a fun day out for all of the family, with a jam-packed schedule of activities on top of non-stop eventing. These include a Shetland Pony Grand National, ‘Ye Olde Redtail’ falconry display, dressage to music, Royal Agricultural Beagles, Pony Club mounted games and much more.
The Festival is the perfect place to treat yourself or someone you love, thanks to the 100+ shopping stands selling everything from art and jewellery, to homewares and country clothing.
Held at Peterborough’s East of England Showground, the wonderful Equifest attracts more than 10,000 riders and visitors every year, who visit to watch a wealth of competitions while enjoying the shops, attractions and other entertainment on offer.
This is one of the more affordable events to attend – this year there was a flat charge of £10 for cars and it could be the same for 2020.
The Birmingham NEC is the location for the well-respected Horse of the Year show. Hailed the ‘ultimate celebration of the horse,’ this family-friendly event is jam-packed with competitions, displays and spectacular horsemanship.
Two performances not to miss for 2020 include ‘Lorenzo, The Flying Frenchman,’ an equestrian acrobat who carries out daredevil stunts on the back of his noble steeds; and Mélie Philippot’s ‘My Little Sister,’ who will debut at the show next year along with her delightful dancing duo – Quizas and Diego.
There’s fine dining and shopping on offer, and you’ll get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful beasts themselves. Keep an eye out for the full timetable, which is being released soon!
With more than 60 years of combined experience in the insurance market, you can trust Equesure to find you a horsebox insurance policy that matches your requirements.
This insurance can also come with breakdown cover, which could prevent lengthy delays on potentially dangerous roads – and help prevent any distress for your four-legged companion.
Certain policies can also provide cover for other drivers aged over 25 so, if anything were to happen to you, a friend could drive the horsebox in your place.
What’s important is that you consider what cover you need and be clear as to what category of driver and the activities you intend on using the horsebox for. If you have any questions or need a quote, please call 0161 425 7015.
After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.
This show almost passed me by as I was unaware of the show organisation. Luckily, the schedule was posted on one of the Shetland pony Facebook groups that I am a member of. The show was being held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, which is where I should have gone to a show a month or so earlier, but was ill and unable to take Diva (Melland Queen of Scots).
Since the show, Bob’s been enjoying a bit of a rest with a few lunge sessions and being lightly ridden, but I’m gearing him up hopefully for a show either this weekend or next. Wish us luck, and the poor arena pole pickers too, as he does like to send some sailing!