H&H Festival of Eventing
With classes from 70cm to 100cm — complete with trot-ups, vet checks and goody bags — this is an amateur’s three-day event not to be missed, writes Hannah Lemieux
IF you are an amateur event rider looking for a competition to aim for this spring, look no further than the Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing in association with KBIS.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural show, the unaffiliated three-day event will make a popular return to Keysoe from 26-28 May.
The Bedfordshire venue proved to be the ideal location to host this event, with both the dressage and showjumping taking place on the equestrian centre’s all-weather surface and the open galloping cross-country course offering good ground and immaculately dressed fences.
The format for each class follows that of a FEI CCI event, making it a unique, fun and special experience for the riders and their horses. There really is something for everyone, with classes at 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm, plus amazing prizes up for grabs — and not forgetting the goody bags for every rider, too.
There will be no roads and tracks, but there will be a trot-up and vet check on the final morning ahead of the showjumping.
THE 2017 entries attracted riders from the length and breadth of the country, including Jersey and Cornwall, and the 100cm title made its way eight hours back to Scotland with schoolgirl Daisy Cross.
Age is no barrier for this competition, as demonstrated when 71-year-old grandmother Sally Pidsley took the 70cm honours.
“I will never forget those three days at Keysoe and I have been reliving every wonderful moment ever since,” said Sally. “This has to be among the best moments of my already blessed 71 years and certainly the very best of my riding moments. I had always thought my horse was a champion and now I know I was right.
“The prizes are also truly amazing — I am totally gobsmacked at the generosity of Horse & Hound and the sponsors.”
During the long weekend, riders can enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and, once the horses have been put to bed the fun doesn’t stop, with drinks and music in the evenings.
IF you have never competed in a threeday event this is a great challenge to set yourself, or, if you are considering moving up a level, it will prove an ideal stepping-stone.
Tracey Houston, whose daughter Tayla Brooks finished third in the 90cm class last year, endured a long drive from Lancashire but was delighted with the “well organised, friendly and efficient” show.
“We were quickly parked up upon arrival and allocated our stables — the pre-ordered shavings were waiting for us, which enabled the horses to settle in quickly,” says Tracey.
“We soon had the Pimm’s organised, the table and chairs in-situ and were enjoying the last of the afternoon sun.
“The dressage arenas were so well presented and the viewing area was ideal, while the spectacular cross-country course was beautifully presented and an absolute pleasure just to walk around, let alone ride.
“The prizes were truly remarkable and the welcome goody bag was much appreciated — we can’t wait for next year.”
Horse & Hound will be reporting extensively throughout the three-day event for both the magazine and website, while riders at the top of the leaderboard during each stage will be asked for an interview with one of H&H’s reporters at the on-site media hub.
“A big thank you to Horse & Hound — it was a brilliant experience and great to have the opportunity to compete at a three-day event,” said competitor Samantha Gray.
“We are very excited to be part of the Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing,” said KBIS marketing manager Emma Prest. “We have always enjoyed sponsoring at grassroots level and it is wonderful to have a three-day event organised for amateur riders.”
Keep the date 26-28 May free in your diaries and be ready for when entries open in April — we would love to see you there.