Highclere Castle Horse Trials
Highclere Castle Horse Trials 2008
August Bank Holiday - Sunday 24th - Monday 25th
A two day event that takes place in the beautiful parkland surrounding Highclere Castle, near Newbury, Berks RG20 9RN.
This prestigious Horse Trials attracts top riders and novices alike and over 600 entries for horses from Pre-Novice to Advanced with dressage, show jumping and cross country all day on both days. For detailed information on sections and entries log on to Holly Farr's website
The Mitsubishi Motors Stately Homes Challenge Final will run on Monday 25th August
2008 sees a new emphasis on dogs and pets with a dedicated arena for the fun dog shows and the terrier racing. Nothing can beat the enthusiasm of a bunch of terriers trying hard to be greyhounds. Run they will - but in what direction !? All races open to speedy visiting canines. The Royal Artillery Hunt will be displaying some of their exuberant hounds who not only hunt but they race as well and that's what they'll be doing at Highclere this year. Come and pick your favourite and place your bet! Plus Howard Kirby from the Lains Shooting School will be demonstrating how to train even the naughtiest and most wayward of dogs so bring your problem pooch for some very effective character rebuilding. www.lainsshootingschool.co.uk
In the same arena the Stallions of Substance will be back by popular demand. The tricks and stunts that you will see have taken hours of dedicated training, and show, without any doubt, the almost unbelievable rapport between horses and riders. These partnerships are based on mutual friendship and love. For more information (www.stallionsofsubstance.co.uk)
Cholderton Charlie's Rare Breeds Farm will be bringing along some of their friendly animals from the Pets Corner and this year Genevieve Mather and the Snelsmore Stud will be showing their minature ponies. They're knee high or thereabouts and totally adorable.
The Highclere Castle Horse Trials are known as the mini-Badminton of the southern counties where the trade stands feature unusual gifts, jewellery, decorative homeware, cookware, great clothes for all ages, smart leather goods, equestrian essentials, silk flowers, books and many other shopping opportunities.
Click here for location information
Entry badges £10 per adult. On course car parking free. Children free. Advance booking at www.seetickets.com. Main Castle gate open from 8.30am. Follow brown tourist signs to Highclere Castle, off A34 and A343.