Chatsworth International Horse trials attracts top class entries

MORE than 500 entries have been received for the annual Chatsworth International Horse Trials next weekend.

Amongst the entries received from leading  British and International riders are Zara Phillips, Oliver Townend, Andrew Nicholson, William Fox-Pitt, Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks, Mark Todd, Paul Tapner and Ruth Edge.

This year the event has chosen to support the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance which provides life saving treatment and medication on site and en route to hospital. 

The DLRAA is a registered charity which relies totally on public donations, fundraising activities and sponsorship.

The average cost per mission is around £1,000 and the annual basic running cost of the service is over £1.5 million. 

In the last year, the charity has secured university places for a number of DLRAA paramedics who are studying critical care medicine to Masters level, further enhancing the clinical capabilities of the emergency service.

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is one of the country’s most spectacular settings for a horse trial with the cross country course, designed by former Olympic silver and European gold medalist Ian Stark, running through the beautiful parkland on the banks of the river Derwent which provides great spectator viewing. 

The new event director Tissie Reason is looking forward to the challenges the role will bring.

Chatsworth is now firmly established as one of the leading events in the calendar with the prestigious HSBC FEI World CupTM class on Sunday being the focal point. 

The finale of the HSBC FEI World Cup TM class will be the Show Jumping phase in the main arena on Sunday afternoon, run in reverse order of merit.

Provisional Timetable: Saturday, May 15:  8am gates open; 9am dressage; 9.30am show jumping; 10.30am cross country.

Sunday, May 16:  8am gates open; 9am dressage; 9.30am show jumping; 10.30am cross country.

In addition to the two days of great equestrian sport, the event hosts a huge range of special attractions that will appeal to all the family—Pony Club mounted games; Sue Carson dressage display; Katy Cropper sheep dogs, birds of prey displays; Pilsley School maypole dancing, Bakewell Silver Band and the Burbage Band and especially for the children, Punch and Judy, face painting and a climbing wall.

There will also be a huge selection of quality trade stands, including country clothing, rural crafts, fashion and equestrian products.

T

he farmyard and equine area has a variety of animals including a pony and a donkey.  Full catering, fast food outlets and bar facilities will be available throughout the event. 

To book discounted tickets in advance visit  www.chatsworth.org    

Admission prices on the day Saturday: £12.50; Sunday £14.  Under 14s are free when accompanied by an adult. There is a charge for car parking.

 

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