04 Apr It’s all gathering pace

Things are really hotting up in the Rockingham Horse Trials office now. With just 6 weeks to go before riders, owners, horses, sponsors and – hopefully – thousands of spectators descend on the Park there still seems to be plenty to do.

We have been overwhelmed by requests from tradestand holders, lots coming back for the third or fourth year but also plenty of new exhibitors wanting to tempt visitors – and with anything from a jar of home made jam to a brand new Land Rover there is something to suit all pockets. Our media officer, Hilary Manners, positively squealed with delight when she heard that Mackenzie & George were coming for the first time – it seems she has a growing collection of their leather belts.

One of the most humbling aspects of running the event, as it continues to grow year on year, is the ever increasing support from sponsors. New sponsors are into double figures and I’m pretty sure that I heard Katie, the fount of all knowledge in the office, say that there was nothing left to sponsor. What a wonderful position to be in!

King West remain our principal sponsor, having supported us from the start, but among those joining us for the first year are Ring 1 sponsors, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, and Met Zurich who are putting up a £500 prize for the Pony Club competition. It goes without saying that without the fabulous support from all of our sponsors, we would be unable to run – any more than we could without our huge team of loyal and enthusiastic volunteers.

We have a couple of weeks before entries open, which is one of my favourite – albeit nerve wracking – moments. I’ve realised it can become rather addictive, watching the numbers go up and up… here’s hoping that is again the case this year, and that perhaps we will be seeing some of you who are currently reading this blog.

Until next time,

Andrew Norman
Chief Executive
Rockingham Castle Estate