Highclere Castle Horse Trials
Welcome to our website
We are very happy to welcome you to our website where we aim to fill you in on all that's going on at the Highclere Castle Horse Trials, the Charity Polo at the Tidworth Polo Ground, the Stately Homes Challenge and the Rawlins Master Classes.
Horse Trials are unique in that they incorporate three disciplines in one sport.... dressage, show jumping and cross country ... producing a display of grace, power and courage by horses and riders as they face these supreme tests of skill, precision and endurance. Where better to hold these trials than in the beautiful parkland surrounding Highclere Castle, home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, over the August Bank Holiday on Sunday 24th - Monday 25th.
The Charity Polo Match
Is held on Rundle Cup day (Saturday July 12th) at the Tidworth Polo Club. This is a match between a team of National Hunt jockeys and a team of Eventers from the world of Horse Trials. Devised some years ago by Janet Benney as a means to raise money for Spinal Injuries and the hospital units that treat them, it is now run in aid of 'Inspire' the spinal injuries charity based at Salisbury Hospital where the Spinal Unit is world famous for it's pioneering work and advanced technology.
Information on The Charity Polo Match
The Stately Homes Challenge
sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors
Is a competition for riders in the Intermediate sections of the horse trials at Somerley Park, Powderham Castle, Longleat, Wilton and Highclere Castle. Points are awarded to the first six riders in each section at each event with the final scores and prize giving at Highclere Castle.
Information on The Mitsubishi Motors Stately Homes Challenge
The Rawlins Master Classes
Are given by successful international rider, Mark Corbett and other high ranking riders in the disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country throughout the year.
Information on The Rawlins Master Classes
Mark Corbett also does the commentary for William Fox-Pitt's Demonstrations at the Hoplands Equestrian Centre - and if you'd like to follow William's eventing team of successful older horses and promising newcomers throughout the year log on to - www.foxpitteventing.co.uk - and don't forget his wife Alice is now training point to pointers and had her first winner of the year with King Lok.
What people have to say about our events
A brilliantly organised and thoroughly enjoyable Highclere event and the standards were as high as ever. I also had a great time playing polo for the eventers at Tidworth earlier in the year. A really fun day and definitely a worthwhile charity.
William Fox-Pitt. International Event Rider
We have supported Highclere since it started, sponsoring a fence and entertaining guests. Last year's event was better than ever before. It' s such a beautiful setting and the additional attractions were very successful and made the day into a truly great family affair. It is a popular, well-organized event which we intend to continue supporting in future years.
Sara Batting, Independent property agent
Highclere presented us with some wonderful photo-opportunities and we were very impressed with the course. The facilities laid on for sponsors in the corporate marquee were fantastic.
Phil Middleton. Equine America
The lunch in the marquee was superb and we enjoyed the opportunity to walk the course. The wonderful setting of the occasion really made it.
Vivien Avis. Corporate Manager, Barclays, Reading
I congratulate you on a very successful event. We had never been to Highclere before and we were astounded by the amount of organization that had gone into it. The course was really well built and it was great that the public could view it so well.
Hetta Steere, Spectator