It’s the ‘fabulous at fifty’ anniversary of the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials with supporters old urged to join the celebrations. of Yorkshire’s premier equestrian fixture in the iconic Bramham Park.
There’s a packed programme with something for everyone and the jewel in the event’s crown – the world-renown eventing competitions with the Defender CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S taking centre stage alongside the Under 25 CCI4* to crown a British champion.
With selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just a matter of weeks after Bramham, entries across all three sections should feature some of the world’s best as they vie for a spot to represent their country in Versailles.
Bramham is famed for producing thrilling cross-country courses and this year Ian Stark will deliver his swansong course with little doubt he’ll want his final Bramham foray to be a classic. He and craftsman builder David Evans recently spent time in the Park outlining their vision and plans.
Bramham will also host the NAF Five Star BE 80 Championship for Britain’s most talented and ambitious amateur combinations. Riders from all over the country have been busily qualifying for a coveted chance to ride on the hallowed Yorkshire turf, tackle a smaller version of Ian Stark’s cross-country test and realise the dream of competing in a three-day event.
But it’s not all about eventing at Bramham – there’s a host of other equestrian competitions too and entries are now open. There’s youngstock and hunter showing classes, a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier and British Showjumping classes including a Horse of the Year Show qualifier, a six bar, accumulator and the show’s curtain call, the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix.
The Saracens Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes at 90 and 100cm are a competitor, and spectator favourite on Sunday while local Pony Club teams will be in action all weekend with show jumping and mounted games.
This year, Kirkbourne Spaniels will be at the park for working dog demos in the Defender arena and the team is also going to be holding dog scurry competitions throughout the event.
Another huge draw is the tradestand village. With over 160 outlets selling just about anything, it’s a shoppers’ paradise – equestrian, lifestyle and luxury. Title sponsors Defender will be there, as will 2024 charity partners, The British Horse Society. Bramham Hideaway is a luxury glamping site at the heart of the event.
Event director Nicholas Pritchard says, ‘It’s a magical time on the Bramham Estate as the Park comes to life after its winter slumber and we begin our event preparations in earnest and as an Olympic year, there’s added excitement. It was fantastic to have Ian [Stark] and David [Evans] with us, they always bring big ideas and huge enthusiasm, and it’s always a privilege to see their thoughts become reality in the Park. Ian will certainly want to sign off with something special. We’re also working with the teams at Defender and The British Horse Society on their plans for June – across everyone we work with there’s a real feel of celebration as we look to mark our 50th anniversary together, and with our competitors, their connections and our visitors.’
June 6-9 Tickets at /bramham-horse.co.uk
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