The Bolesworth International Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, is an extravaganza of equestrian sport, featuring 9 days of top multi-discipline competition along with demonstrations and live entertainment. There’s world-class Grand Prix showjumping as well as Grand Prix Eventing, a speed event over show jumps and cross-country fences in a single round.
As visitors have come to expect from Bolesworth, this will not be your average arena eventing class; with a leading FEI International course designer, eventing greats confirmed, and a renewed leading insurance partner signed, 2024 is set to be a class not to be missed!
Taking place on Thursday, 13th June 2024, with a massive £5,000 awarded to the winning rider, the chance to meet a leading content creator, as well as shopping and fantastic food and drink options, Bolesworth presents the ultimate Eventing experience for its visitors.
Ready to Ride: JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix Entries Revealed
Early entries into the class include two Olympians and World Equestrian Games medallists, Gemma Stevens (née Tattersall) and Jeanette Brakewell, as well as 5* and world-class podium pathway squad members Hector Payne and Sarah Bullimore.
Adding to the confirmed line up so far are riders also from the top of the sport, Michael Owen, Sam Ecroyd, Fred Scala and 5* Badminton bound Nicky Hill.
With Gemma Stevens, Fred Scala and Nicky Hill all having been previous winners of the Eventers Challenge at Hickstead, as well as Gemma Stevens having won the Eventing Grand Prix at Bolesworth in 2019, and finishing in second place last year, both times aboard the feisty speed demon Santiago Bay, the pressure will be on in this high-speed class to chase the win for 2024!
Speaking ahead of her attendance at this year’s Festival, Gemma Stevens said:
The JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix is one of my favourite classes at Bolesworth, it brings so many people in to witness the sport, a great atmosphere, top names competing with a brilliant course snaking around the most incredible arena! I can’t wait to get back out there and hopefully give the other entries a run for their money!
World Leading Course Designer
A stellar line up of confirmed athletes need to be put through their paces on course and we are delighted to announce that this year’s course designer will be the renowned Eric Winter, who is the current Badminton Horse Trials course builder.
As an experienced Eventer himself, Winter has ridden at the top level of the sport globally before hanging up his riding boots and taking on course design full time where he is an FEI international level designer, being one of only 17 “A” listed British Eventing Accredited course designers in the UK. He has designed both the infamous tracks of both Blenheim and Badminton and his aim when designing any course is to divide the best from the rest, all whilst managing the risk to both horse and rider, showcasing the sport in the best way possible.
JCL Insurance Brokers To Return As Title Partners of Eventing Grand Prix
JCL specialises in elite equestrian insurance, protecting the future of the sport. From competition yards and horsebox fleets to professional rider insurance, JCL are experts in the equestrian field.
Speaking on the announcement, JCL Managing Director, Jane Chewins said:
We are delighted to be partnering with Bolesworth for the third consecutive year for the Eventing Grand Prix again in what proved to be such an exciting class last year and are looking forward to two weeks of top-class showjumping on the impressive Bolesworth estate.
Alongside JCL, we are also delighted to welcome on board our friends who will be supporting the Teams as part of the class. Teams of four riders will be drawn for a friendly competition and associated with the following partners – Charles Owen, Helite UK, HorseHage, LeMieux, RE:VOLVE, Veredus, Voltaire Design UK and WR Partners.
Meet And Greet Eventing Star Meg Elphick
Grassroots eventing and social media sensation Meg Elphick has announced her attendance for the eventing session at this year’s Festival with the meet and greet being included in your general admission ticket price, offered on a first come, first served basis!
The meet and greet session will take place at the LeMieux stand on the showground, between 16:00-18:00 on Thursday 13th June, ahead of the Eventing Grand Prix taking place.
Time Is Ticking – Secure Your Tickets Now!
With less than 6 weeks to go until we open the Bolesworth gates and kick start what is set to be the Equestrian Festival of the Summer, now is the time to secure your entry tickets! With tickets starting from as little as £5.60 including fees, as well as a jam-packed schedule of live music, sport, shopping, and exclusive celebrity meet and greet opportunities, what are you waiting for?!
More information on this year’s schedule, admission tickets at up to 50% off gate prices until the end of May, hospitality packages, how to meet your favourite equestrian stars, as well as the hot air balloon attraction times, can be found by visiting www.bolesworth.com/international