10 May What’s On at this year’s Horse Trials

There is just over a week to go until the 2016 FEI Rockingham International Horse Trials. As usual entries are at capacity, with a Wait List being held – since its inaugural running in 2013 riders have voted with their feet, so popular is the stunning parkland venue.

The stables are up, bedding ordered, arenas marked out and marquees under construction. The cross country courses are looking as good as ever, with a new feature fence for Open Novice sponsors Noble Outfitters among the changes.

The action kicks off on Friday 20th, with national eventing classes and international dressage. Away from the Affiliated Eventing there are the Burghley Young Event Horse classes where spectators can watch the stars of the future as their riders seek qualification for the Young Horse Championships at Burghley Horse Trials in September.

Corby based Norbrook Laboratories, a world leader in the development of revolutionary veterinary and animal health medicines, is also hosting an evening of talks – seats for this must be pre-reserved.

On Saturday 21st the international competitors do their jumping phases and the Under 18 riders strutt their stuff. British Showjumping and the Pony Club team class also take place on Saturday; with maximum teams entered competition is going to be really fierce.

Sunday’s action focusses on the Loomes Championship, the winner of which will be presented with a hand made English watch by Rockingham’s Official Timekeeper, Robert Loomes of Stamford. Last year’s winner of the watch, eventing legend Sir Mark Todd, will be back to try to win its pair. Sunday is also the day that the Arena Eventing competitions are held and the Classic Car Rally takes place.

With a large range of tradestands, a delicious array of food and drink outlets, country displays including Icarus Falconry, the Mullenscote Gun Dogs and the Nuneaton Dog Display Team, and a fully licensed bar a trip to Rockingham International Horse Trials makes for a great family day out.