Cantering Up To Houghton International Horse Trials

By Author: Nancy Menzies
Total Articles: 5
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Preparations are now well underway for one of the most enjoyable outdoor events of the summer - the 2013 Houghton International Horse Trials, set to take place over four days starting Thursday 23rd May. This renowned, world-class event is now looked forward to by thousands of people of all ages from all over the UK and many other countries, with attendance growing every year. And the 2013 Houghton International Horse Trials promise to be the best yet.

Houghton International Horse Trials is one of the most important and exciting occasions in the eventing calendar, but also offers enormous appeal for visitors simply keen to enjoy a memorable experience in glorious surroundings. The hundreds of horses and riders make a magnificent spectacle as they demonstrate their dedication, discipline and training - and the beautiful grounds in which the trials are held are alive with plenty of other attractions for all the family.

The trials were the brainchild of Alec Lochore, accomplished rider, international course designer and Eventing Manager for last year's Olympics. Alec runs Musketeer Event Management, the company behind ...
... many of the UK's other most important equestrian events, including The Burnham Market International and The Weatherbys Bank Cholmondeley Castle Horse Trials. Driving past Houghton one day six years ago, he was struck by Houghton's potential as a beautiful location to host a major event. After just one meeting with David Cholmondeley, whose family home Houghton is, the Trials were born and by 2010, had become the largest International Horse Trials in Europe, with a massive 380 competitors from 18 nations running at three levels.

This year, visitors will be treated to the awe-inspiring sight of over 700 horses and their riders performing in a busy programme of events including Houghton favourites such as the popular Sema Lease Eventers Grand Prix, Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, Pony Club and unaffiliated showjumping, plus unaffiliated dressage.

But the innovative management team also has a raft of exciting new ideas planned. On Friday 24th and Saturday 25th May, visitors will be treated to Norfolk's Festival of Showing and British Showjumping classes, with RIHS qualifiers for hunters, riding horses, cobs, hacks and working hunters, as well as retrained racehorse qualifiers for Equifest, BSPA Championships of Colour, Veteran Horse Showing Championships, Royal London and Chiltern Rider Championships.

British Showjumping brings its special brand of excitement to Houghton with a £4,500 prize fund, Point Trophies and Leading Rider Awards. Classes over the weekend range from 80cm up to 1.30m and include British Showjumping Scope Festival Qualifiers.

The entertainment factor is increased even further with attractions such as Dog Agility, Razz & Pearl's Circus Workshop, Water Balls, Bouncy Castle and Climbing Frames for the youngsters. All this plus stylish stands featuring Country and Children's Clothing, Footwear, Equestrian Supplies, Jewellery, Horseboxes and the best of Local Produce.

To help you plan your visit to this legendary event, here's what's happening and when:

Thursday 23rd May
* International Dressage
* Burghley Young Event Horse
* Open Eventers Grand Prix

Friday 24th May
* International Dressage & Cross Country
* British Showjumping
* Unaffiliated Showjumping
* Norfolk Festival of Showing
* CCI*** Combined Training

Saturday 25th May
* International Cross Country & Showjumping
* British Showjumping
* Novice Eventers Grand Prix
* Norfolk Festival of Showing
* Inter-Schools Showjumping

Sunday 26th May
* International Showjumping
* British Showjumping
* Unaffiliated Showjumping
* Unaffiliated Dressage Challenge
* Pony Club Team Showjumping

This really is a perfect venue for a day - or even several days - out. So, drive & park, bring your caravan or pitch a tent in the camping and picnic area - the box office is now open with prices from £7 per adult, £4 per child. For full details and to order your tickets, go to www.houghtoninternational.co.uk, or call us on 01485 210070.

Houghton International Horse Trials is well signposted and easily located half a mile off the A148 King's Lynn to Fakenham road, approximately 13 miles from East of King's Lynn and 10 miles West of Fakenham.

The Houghton International Horse Trials
please contact:
01485 210 070

For any further information please email di@musketeer.co.uk or gemma@musketeer.co.uk.

Alternatively our postal address is - Musketeer Event Management, 2 Gate Cottage, Brancaster, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8AG