Ready Steady Go: Top Action and Family Fun at Chatsworth House
Courage and determination from riders around the world will once again be in evidence across three days of thrilling action at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials (12-14 May 2017).
With the course upgraded by the former top event and Olympic rider Ian Stark to deliver a fresh and exciting experience for both equestrians and spectators, there will be the chance to see awe-inspiring action at close quarters.
Alongside the top quality equestrian action drawing in an international field featuring elite British riders, organisers have lined up even more family friendly attractions to ensure a great day out for everyone.
Competition highlights include the first leg of the Event Rider Masters Series, back for the second year, as well elegant dressage, thrilling cross country and the chance to see the stars of the future in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse 4 and 5-year-old classes.
Upping the action on the opening day, the popular ‘Eventing Challenge’ is back. Held in a grass arena at Queen Mary’s Bower, the riders must complete a show jumping course before taking on the cross-country fences against the clock.
Fun attractions around the park include the popular Pony Club Mounted Games and Scurry Driving, where horse and carriage fly around an obstacle course at top speed. Children can even get a ride in a cart pulled along by the Newfoundland Rescue Bear Dogs, the popular gentle giants who are always pleased to meet younger visitors. Mullinscote Gun Dog Display, Paws for Thought and have-a-go dog agility displays, the Hound Parade and The Sheep Show, featuring some real woolly characters, all combine to bring the countryside to life for the visitor.
A new interactive circus skills workshop will give everyone the chance to have a go at juggling, spinning a diabolo, walking on cup stilts, balancing on wobble boards or playing with hula hoops.
Pottery painting for all the family is another new addition this year. With many ceramic items to choose from, there are lots of fun ways to get creative – draw, paint, stamp or sponge to create a personalised piece to take home. A small fee applies. Together with face painting, there is lots of hands-on activity for all the family at the horse trials this year.
Sally Ambrose, Chatsworth’s head of visitor experiences, said:-
“We’ve really built on the previous year’s events, both in terms of increasing the equestrian content across all three days and adding more family friendly attractions too. It’s a great opportunity to be part of an amazing event with some fantastic showmanship and skill on display while enjoying the stunning Peak District countryside.”
Sam Horrell CEO at Dodson & Horrell added:-
“As title sponsors for the fifth year running our team always looks forward to the horse trials which has so much to offer visitors over the weekend and it’s great to be a part of this key event in the equestrian calendar. The setting at Chatsworth provides an idyllic backdrop and allows everyone to not only enjoy the international competition but also to soak up the atmosphere that Chatsworth creates.”
The Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance is the charity for 2017. They will have a stand at the event where visitors will have the chance to learn more about their vital life-saving service. The Dog Agility and the UK Rescue Bears will also be giving all their donations collected at the event to the charity.
There is an advanced booking discount available online until 9 May 2017. Adult prices start at £10 per day; child prices start at £4 per day for under 14s, under 5s are free. All ticket types include admission to the event and car parking. Gates open 8am.
