Chatsworth horse trials getting back in the saddle
AFTER a Covid-enforced hiatus of two years, the Chatsworth International Horse Trials will be returning this month, with hundreds of competitors lined up to take on the three-day event, including a specially designed cross-country course winding its way through The Art of Burning Man sculpture exhibition in the parkland.
With entries flooding in from around the world, the dressage, the show jumping and the crosscountry classes look set to offer the spectacle of amateur horse riders competing alongside world-class competitors.
Among the star names to look out for are the FEI World number one event rider and Tokyo team gold medallist Oliver Townend riding five horses, and home interest with the much decorated Olympian Ian Stark OBE on Chatsworth Diamond, a horse owned by the Duchess of Devonshire and bred at Chatsworth.
The duchess has owned event horses for many years, including the 1999 Badminton winner Jaybee and the 1999 Chatsworth winner Stanwick Ghost, both also ridden by Ian Stark, so hopes will be high for a good showing from the pair.
Patricia Clifton, Chatsworth International Horse Trials, said: “We’re delighted to be staging these wonderful three days of action once again.
“The event never disappoints, offering something for the enthusiast and the first-time visitor looking for a great day out.
“If you’ve never been before, I would recommend the Ice Pond as a vantage point giving a spectacular view of the whole site, and you can always see the action on the big screen located in the food court.
“Families will have plenty to do in our children’s area and don’t miss the family fun dog show if you want to get involved.”
As well as plenty of competitive action, there will be entertainment for the whole family, including a family fun dog show, birds of prey demonstrations and a dog and duck show.
Face painting, circus skills and pottery painting will also be on offer, while the shopping village will offer more than 100 stands.
Early bird tickets for the event, taking place over the weekend of May 13 to 15, are currently available and gate tickets for adults are £15 for Friday or £30 for Saturday and Sunday.
To find out more about the event, visit www.chatsworth.org/horsetrials