15 May 2014
With a week to go before the first trot up at the EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials, which run from 22nd-25th May, the finishing touches are being put to the cross country courses, stables are being erected and arenas strung in preparation for the 700 horses that will be heading to Norfolk.
Eventing entries are strong, amongst them the new FEI Mitsubishi Motors Badminton winner Sam Griffiths (AUS) who is bringing two of his younger horses to Houghton. Joining Sam are past Olympians including top British riders Zara Phillips, Pippa Funnell, plus household New Zealand names Andrew Nicholson and Sir Mark Todd, as well as a host of other popular faces.
The action kicks off on Thursday 22nd May with International dressage, the first phase of a Three Day Event. The Burghley Young Event Horse classes will be showcasing the stars of the future as they strive to qualify for the Championship final at Burghley in September, and the Sema Lease Open Eventers Grand Prix will spice up the excitement in the main arena.
On Friday the International dressage continues, alongside the first of the International cross country rounds. Friday is also the start of the two day Norfolk Festival of Showing, which is back for a second year at the EQ Life Houghton International.
Saturday is the big cross country day as both the CCI** and CIC*** horses gallop around the stunning parkland. This is when the Askham Bryan National Under 21 competitors get to challenge for the title. There is also International show jumping, the Sema Lease Novice Eventers Grand Prix, Inter-Schools show jumping and day two of the Norfolk Festival of Showing.
The 2014 EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials draws to a close on the Sunday, with more show jumping, unaffiliated dressage and the Pony Club Team show jumping.
Full details on how to book tickets and the provisional timetable are available on www.houghtoninternational.co.uk
« back to the news overview INTERNATIONAL NEWS
« back to the news overview PORTUGUESE NEWS