Here's my tips if your thinking of visitng a show, horse trial or other outdoor event

 The trick is to be prepared...

Order tickets in advance. You sometimes get sent a free show magazine and can save money on ticket prices.

Book your accommodation. At some of the bigger shows, you need to do this at least a year in advance. The same for restaurants. If you going in a group, caravanning or camping on site can be a fun alternative.

British weather. Check the weather report in the morning. Bring waterproofs, wellies, hat, sunblock, sunglasses, umbrella, layers. You can usually leave what you don't need in the car during the day.

Food. There is often a terrific selection of British made produce available. This is part of the experience of visiting a show and it would be a shame to miss out. Sometimes, your only options are between the burger bar and hot dogs. If you are bringing kids, I would recommend a healthy snack picnic as backup. They get something good to eat and you save money. Always bring a bottle of water.

Shopping. Most shops are independent British businesses. You won't find them on the high street and they work extremely hard to bring you a variety of quality goods. Take pleasure in getting to know who these people are and what they do. It's ok to taste/try things on, ask about a website, walk away and think about what you would like to buy over lunch. Some shops offer a "buy now, pick up later" service.

Haggling. All products should be clearly priced. It is down to the shop keeper to offer or negotiate any discount. Asking for "your best price" when purchasing one item is insulting and demoralising to that individual trying to run a small business in a very difficult climate. If you wouldn't do it in Waitrose, why would you do it to them?

British Weather 2. The larger craft marquees are a great place to shelter from bad weather. Please remember to take off your rucksack and shake your umbrella outside. This will prevent accidents happening whilst moving amongst the stands inside.

Young children. There are thousands of people at these shows, so if you think that there is a chance that your child might get "mislaid", put a sticker on them with your mobile number. I've seen it done and it works brilliantly. There are always plenty of security staff on hand, with radios, to help you.

Dogs. Most shows welcome well behaved dogs (check before you go). I've even managed to bring my own to a few. You need water, a bowl, poo bags, dog coat for small dogs in cold weather. Boy dogs can be mischievous, especially near marquees, so keep an eye on them. Damage to someone's goods could cost you a lot of money. For the youngsters, it's a great way to socialise your dog. It can be overwhelming and exhausting for the older ones. Sometimes there is a dog creche available for a couple of hours. If you think your dog won't enjoy it, leave it at home. Never leave your dog in the car.

Last word. Enjoy it. If you think your friends would like it, bring them along too!

2012 Shows and Trials

Here's a brief description of the shows and horse trials that I will be attending this year:

Belton International Horse Trials is run by kind permission of  The National Trust in the beautiful parkland which surrounds Belton House. It will attract many of the world's leading riders, a variety of different trade stands and plenty of entertainment for both the equestrian and non equestrian minded, providing 3 days of world class competition and fun for the family.

Burnham Market International Horse Trials is based in North West Norfolk. One of the country's finest events where visitors can see a multitude of Olympic and Championship athletes competing on home turf. Riders who regularly compete at Burnham Market include Zara Phillips, Team GB Olympians Wiliam Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell and local girl Piggy French. This is a great family day out, with over 40 trade stands to tempt shoppers. Fun for children includes Bungee trampolines, a bouncy castle, face painting and entertainment workshop, and there will be lurcher and falconry displays which are always extremely popular.

The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is hailed as the greatest 3-day-event in the world and the competition most event riders would like to win. Attracting one of the largest crowds of any outdoor sporting event worldwide, it is also an extremely popular family day out, even for the non-equestrian. With numerous side attractions held over 5 days, and a variety of shopping to rival any out-of-town mall, Badminton is the perfect destination for all the family.

Royal Windsor Horse Show is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK, with over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 164 jumping, showing, championship and  carriage driving classes. The event has been running for over 65 years and takes place in Her Majesty The Queen's private grounds at Windsor Castle.

In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, the showground will be staging The Diamond Jubilee Pageant during the evenings of the Horse Show.
Major International equestrian displays from the Pageant will also be taking part in the Horse Show during the day, offering visitors to the Horse Show the unique opportunity to see these displays, some of which have never been seen before in the UK.

Subaru Houghton International is a fantastic fun day out for all the family in the grounds of the magnificent "Houghton Hall". The worlds leading riders and their horses compete in all 3 disciplines of Eventing. Also Dog Agility, Razz & Pearls Circus Workshop, Water Balls, Bouncy Castle, Climbing Frames, Falconry Displays and Terrier Racing.

Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials, in the stunning location of Bramham Park, has hosted this prestigious CCI*** Three Day Event since 1974.  Bramham Park has been the family home of the Lane Fox family for the past 300 years and the family are actively involved in making the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials one of the most popular and successful Events in the Country. The magnificent house provides the backdrop for the main arena activities and the Cross Country Course is set in the glorious and historic parkland.

The Carpetright Hickstead British Jumping Derby is one of the most famous equestrian events in the world. Founded in 1960 by the late Douglas Bunn, it is the only competition that sees riders take on the front descent of the infamous Derby Bank, the biggest of its kind to be found anywhere in the world. It is an iconic event, that makes heroes of its human and equine stars, and in which the course itself is as famous as the horses and riders that embark upon it. No other event in the world asks this much of its entrants, and no other course creates this type of drama.
As well as our famous Carpetright Derby, the British Jumping Derby Meeting also hosts a full range of senior national showjumping classes, with something for nearly every calibre of affiliated rider.
We also play host to many Horse of the Year Show showing qualifiers, a polo exhibition match and carriage driving. Our famous Mini Challenge too must not be overlooked; as the starting point of many of today's leading riders, it is the place to discover the stars of tomorrow.
In short, the British Jumping Derby Meeting showcases equestrian talent from nearly every age and ability, and is a must for any horse-lover!

The Festival of British Eventing takes place at Gatcombe Park, the spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships. As well as a weekend of top class eventing there will be a shopping village, arena attractions and entertainment for all the family.

The CLA Game Fair is a celebration of the countryside and a platform to showcase the importance of country activities for the rural economy. It is also a chance for country to meet town, for people to enjoy themselves and for everyone to learn more about the countryside, sustainable land management, and about those who live and work in the countryside.
The annual CLA Game Fair has become part of Britain's rural calendar and an eagerly awaited part of Britain's Social Season. It is nationally and internationally recognised as the greatest showcase of country sports as well as promoting all aspects of country life. It also shows how landowners take a leading and vital part in the conservation of the countryside and it's environment.
As the UK's largest moving exhibition, an important aspect of the show is that it rotates around a number of the most prestigious Estates in England. The social aspect of the show, and the enormous celebratory atmosphere that it creates, is unique in the countryside diary, drawing visitors from all corners of the world.
The CLA Game Fair 2012, which will take place from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd July at Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire. For the third time in its in 54-year history, the CLA Game Fair returns to this magnificent Estate, which boasts a world class venue with prominent views of the Castle from around the entire show site.
Belvoir Castle provides this prestigious event with all the facilities it needs for a stunning show together with the excellent access from both the A1 and M1 making it a perfect location for exhibitors and visitors throughout the UK.
The castle, which dominates the whole CLA Game Fair site, is the home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Rutland and their young family who are all delighted to host the event. The Manners family have been at Belvoir Castle for over 500 years, however there has been a castle at Belvoir for almost 1000 years. The castle you see today is the 4th on the original site, and was commissioned by the 5th Duke of Rutland. The castle was completed in 1830 by the architect Mathew Wyatt and Sir John Thoroton in a regency gothic style, and it commands magnificent views over the Vale of Belvoir.
The splendid interior houses many beautiful treasures from great works of art, to fine furniture and beautiful tapestries. Belvoir Castle will be open to exhibitors and visitors on Thursday 21st July 2012.

Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair is Scotland's leading equestrian event, running over four days in August each year and attracting in excess of 40,000 visitors. Olympic medallists compete alongside amateurs in the four International event classes, whilst British Showjumping and showing classes provide a platform for riders in other disciplines to compete on Blair's hallowed turf.
The Bruadar Country Fair runs alongside the equestrian activities on the Saturday and Sunday, featuring displays of both traditional and more modern countryside pursuits. A large shopping village harbours all sorts of attractions and bargains in over 200 stands.

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is a sporting event and a social event.The competition is called a Three Day Event with three stages taking place, Dressage on Thursday and Friday, Cross Country on Saturday and Show Jumping on Sunday.The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials incorporating the HSBC FEI Classics tm.
It was in 1961 that the Marquess of Exeter, on hearing that the autumn three-day event at Harewood could no longer be held, invited the British Horse Society to transfer the event to his estate. In its second year, 1962, Burghley ran the F.E.I.'s European Championship and this was the beginning of a remarkable record. No other international horse trials site has staged as many Championships, a record ten in all including the first World Championship in 1966.
In total Burghley has run two World Championships in 1966 and 1974, six European Championships in 1962, 1971,1977, 1985, 1989 and 1997. Also one Young Riders European Championship in 1978.
It is the longest continuous running international event.

Equestrian Associations

If you are a rider, or equestrian enthusiast, you will probably already know about these associations. If not, here is where you can find out more information about great events and competitions that are happening all over this country