20 May A new chapter of history about to be written at Rockingham
Here we go! After two years lost during the pandemic, the 2022 Fairfax & Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials are finally underway, and we couldn’t be more excited.
We can’t wait to see some of the world’s best riders competing here in the Great Park. The Horse Trials are particularly special to us this year – not only is the event returning following the challenges of the last few years, but we are also celebrating the Castle’s 950th Anniversary!
Here’s everything you need to know about the next three days…
Key classes to look out for
International Eventing (Friday and Saturday)
The Fairfax & Favor international classes take centre stage for the first two days, with many of the world’s top event riders heading to Rockingham to contest the CCI-S 2* and CCI-S 3*. The dressage will be completed by Friday afternoon, ready for an action-packed day of jumping on Saturday when we will discover our winners.
The Loomes Championship (Sunday)
Unique to Rockingham, this contest sees the highly sought-after prize of a hand-produced watch made locally in Stamford awarded to the rider (in the top 5) closest to the optimum time on the cross country across the Advanced Intermediate and Open Intermediate classes. The incentive of such a beautiful prize certainly makes for some thrilling cross country riding and with there yet to be a female winner, many will be hoping that one of the girls can finally get their hands on this incredible prize.
Intermediate Masters (Sunday)
We are honoured to be hosting the first pilot of British Eventing’s Intermediate Masters Series here on Sunday. The Masters provide unique opportunities for riders competing at national level, such as performing a bespoke dressage test, competing in an international sized 20m x 60m dressage arena and having the option to wear a tailcoat. We hope to get this new concept off to a great start here at Rockingham.
Other highlights
- Qualifiers for the prestigious Burghley Young Event Horse Finals (Friday)
- Pony Club Team Show Jumping (Saturday)
- Riding Club Team Show Jumping (Sunday)
- Arena Eventing classes (Sunday)
Keep up with the scores
Times and live scores are available on the Eventing Scores website here.
Preview the courses
Hear from David Carpenter, one of our fabulous course builders, about his thoughts on some of the more influential combinations on the courses here.
Treat yourself
Everyone who visits us will be able to enjoy browsing a wide range of trade stands on site, selling everything from high quality equestrian products, country wear and gifts to fashion accessories.
We are also hosting a fabulous artisan food fayre at the Horse Trials this year, which is packed full of local delights. Find out more about the fabulous food and drink offerings from local producers here.
A day out for dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome to attend the Horse Trials, as long as they are kept on a lead and under control at all times. The wonderful Empingham Dog Training Club will be running a ‘Have a Go’ Agility course, so be sure to come and have a go. Find out more here.
Fun for the whole family
There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy, with local charity Home-Start Corby providing a brilliant range of Horse Trials themed activities for children to have a go at over the weekend.
Discover more about our history
Watch James Saunders Watson tell us a little bit more about the history of the remarkable venue, that has been in his family for the past 450 years, in a special preview video here.
Come and join us!
Ticket prices start from just £10 for adults and £3 for children, with children aged five and under getting in free. Tickets are available to buy online here (to print at home or download to your phone) and on the gate throughout the event.
