News

Day 3: Dodson & Horell Bolesworth International Horse Show 1024 545 Daniel Shires

Day 3: Dodson & Horell Bolesworth International Horse Show

Day 3 (Friday) Sports Results – Top Three 

Paul Sims, riding Dream Roller, won this evening’s Dorrell & Hodson 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier in a tense jump-off when he pipped Carmen Edwards to the post by a nano second. “That was a really incredible round,” said Sims who, along with Edwards are local to Bolesworth and even play football together. 

The top 50 showjumpers from both qualifiers held yesterday and today will now go through to the Grand Finale of the week, namely, the Dodson & Horrell 1.50m Grand Prix on Sunday.  

Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.50m GP Qualifier: 1. Paul Sims, Dream Roller, 2. Carmen Edwards, Happy Valerie, 3. Yazmin Davis, Zanbowa Z. 

Bloomfields Horseboxes CSI3* – FT – 1.40m: 1. Guy Williams, Crispina Z 

1. Guy Williams, Crispina Z, 2. Jessica Burke, Inpulss, 3. Jude Burgess, Dreams of Don 

Hunter Woodshaving CSI Amateur 1.15m: 1. Arianna Kuligowski , Ivascalle. Bolesworth CSI* 1.30m: 1. Red Morgan, GTrue. Röwer & Rüb – UK CSI Amateur 1.25m: 1. Tony Pearson, Berlin. Beaverbrooks CSI YH 5yo: Christopher Burton, Chacoon’s Nevo PS. Recycling Lives CSI Amateur 1.05m: 1. Louise McDonald. Al Shira’aa CSI YH 7yo: 1. James Smith. Horseware Ireland CSI 1* 1.35m: 1. Joanne McGlory. JCL Insurance CSI P 1.25m: 1. Phoebe Farman. Blossom Home Care CSI P 1.10m: 1. Alice Crowley, Access Bill. 

A-List Auction

Excitement has been building towards the Bolesworth Science Supplements A-List Auction with a superb line-up of Ridden lots and elite Yearlings on site.

We’ll confirm the winning bids tomorrow – keep an eye out for the results! 

Business at Bolesworth

Iceland’s CEO Richard Walker spoke at a well-attended business lunch today at Bolesworth. He talked of his company’s pioneering measures to remove artificial colouring in the 1980s, and the introduction of its own-label GM-free foods in the 1990s. He also covered topical issues important to the firm such as its plastic-free pledge, tackling global climate change and reducing in-store food waste.

Events at Bolesworth

Aladdin Maze & Sunflower Picking Patch: 20 August – 4 September 

Flower power is the theme for mid-August through to early September when Bolesworth will stage its very first Aladdin Maize Maze, providing a day out to remember. In partnership with Maize Maze experts Picking Patch, daytime activities will delight all ages as the glorious sunflowers provide a happy picking-place and a lovely backdrop to Bolesworth’s bee-friendly wildflower collection.

Tickets will go on sale soon, keep an eye on our website for more information.

It’s the Weekend, See You Tomorrow

The competition hots up in the International Arena with four Showjumping classes followed by the exciting eVetDrug CSI3* Puissance; get ringside to see just how high can the wall go before it defeats all competitors! 
 
It’s Ladies Day in hospitality with Best Dressed Awards and prizes for the top three – the lucky winner will be presented with a luxurious and high-value VIP package courtesy of Liverpool One. Into the evening and Disco Classical Presents Classic Decks takes to the stage.  
 
Hospitality packages are still available, click here

Ride & Drive Thrills Bolesworth Crowd 1024 545 Daniel Shires

Ride & Drive Thrills Bolesworth Crowd

The Ride & Drive relay held at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show last night, kept the crowd on their feel hollering and cheering as the riders and drivers charged around the Bolesworth International arena.

The Showjumpers completed a 1.25m course, quickly dismounted and then hurdled over to their driving partners to go for a superfast spin.

https://youtu.be/ijWgyc4R4vs

Ride & Drive Relay 1.25m sponsored by Lexus Chester
1. William Fletcher (rider)/John Walton (driver)
2. Guy Williams (rider)/Matt Bates (Bolesworth driver)
3. Carlos Eduardo Mota Ribas (rider)/Laurens Meynaerts (driver) – Brazil
4. Jake Ward (rider)/Jack Whitaker (driver)
5. Jay Halim (rider)/Alistair Scott (driver)
6. Mark Edwards (rider)/Danny Jackson (driver)
7. Nina Barbour (Bolesworth rider)/Michael Owen (driver)
8. Gemma Tattersall (rider)/Sam Horrell (driver)
9. Robert Murphy (rider)/Alex Li (driver)
10. Izac Ketteridge (rider)/Roy Shelton (driver)

Discover future events at Bolesworth

Day Two: Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show Results 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Day Two: Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show Results

The 2022 Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show enjoyed an action-packed Speed & Style Day with more showjumping from highly-skilled riders across nine classes. The event also welcomed former England football legend Michael Owen to the arena …

Day 2 Sports Results – Top Three:

Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.45m (GP Qualifier): 1. Anthony Condon, Creevyquinn Pearl 2. Jay Halim, Aragon Z 3. Adrian Speight, Millfield Baloney.

Recycling Lives CSIAm-A 1.05m: 1. Grace Wallace, Eau Claire V, 2. Grace Wallace, IIena Vd Bisschop, 3. Holly Gair, Top Line Bellini.

Bolesworth CSI1* 1.30m: 1. Corinne Collins, Dolores P, 2. Red Morgan, True Blue III, 3. Marnie Darcy Green, Ice Cold Z.

Hunter Woodshavings CSIAm-A 1.15m: 1. Arianna Kuligowski, Ivascalle, 2. Rachel Gredley, Alicante Z, 3. Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi, Emirats De Vie.

Röwer & Rüb – UK Ltd CSIAm-A 1.25: 1. Vicky Lovegrove, Babel, 2. Tony Pearson, Berlin, 3. Maisy Williams, Contella.

Cavago CSI3* 1.35m: 1. Kerry Brennan, Wellington M, 2. Louise Saywell, Sharp Image, 3. Jay Halim, Winning Moon.

Bloomfields Horseboxes CSI3* 1.40m: 1. Jay Halim, Gentle, 2. Jude Burgess, Dreams Of Don, 3. Annabel Shields, Creevagh Carisma.

Equitop CSI1* 1.25m: 1. Jennifer Billington, Honfleur, 2. Charley Hamilton, Horatio Van Ter Hulst, 3. Georgia Taylor-Jones, Carlargo Star.

Windmill Farm Estate CSIYH1* 6yo 1.25m: 1. Maisy Williams, Gold Rush 2. Phillip Spivey, Billy Foxtrot 3. Gemma Tattersall, Cinsey Blue PS. 

At Home With Michael Owen

A number of Hospitality guests enjoyed an exclusive trip to Manor House Stables with the afore-mentioned former England football ace.

After a welcome by the man himself, they were treated to a Champagne breakfast and then taken on a privileged tour of the stables located in Malpas, just down the road from Bolesworth. Watch this space for future Owen/Bolesworth initiatives!

Hospitality at Bolesworth

You may have missed getting in on the act with hospitality today, but there are plenty more chances over the next three days to kick back, enjoy the Bolesworth Castle setting, while enjoying Michelin-styled food and sipping a glass or two in the Bolesworth ringside VIP marquee.

Find out more about our hospitality packages by clicking here

Future Events at Bolesworth

There are a host of Events and Experiences still to be enjoyed at Bolesworth. Movies at Bolesworth will be held from 19 to 21 August when BIG movies will be shown on BIG screens within the Bolesworth grounds. The films include Rocketman, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia!, Encanto and Bohemian Rhapsody. Tickets are on sale now with hospitality packages also on offer.

Book Your Tickets

See You Tomorrow

The action gets underway at 8am with 13 packed classes of International Showjumping scheduled for the day.

Hospitality packages will provide guests with the chance to carry out a spot of lunchtime networking and listen to words of advice from acclaimed guest speak Richard Walker, CEO of Iceland.

Find Out More

Royale Tale at the Bolesworth International Horse Show
Day One: Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show Results 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Day One: Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show Results

The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show has completed its first day of top-level showjumping fun and action with four classes successfully contested. The top three in each class were: 
 
Windmill Farm Estate CSIYH 6 year old 1.20m: 1. Declan Irvine, Destine to Be, 2. Gemma Tattersall, Cinsey Blue PS, 3. Phillip Spivey, Billy Foxtrot. 
 
Beaverbrooks the Jewellers CSIYH1* 5 year old 1.15m: 1. Nicole Lockhead Anderson, Quanthargos PS, 2. Jemma Coburn, Magic VN, 3. Drew Walton, Solid Gold Hs Z. 
 
Al Shira’aa Stables CSIYH1* 7 year old 1.30m: 1. Mark Edwards, Royale Tale, 2. Phillip Spivey, Nbe Jenny Don’Y be Hasty, 3. Yazmin Davis, Kate Natasja. 
 
Cavago CSI3*: 1. Jennifer Billington, Flipper Darco Uk Z, 2. Annabel Shields, Wet Wet Wet, 3. Keith Shore, Manzana de Rigo. 
 
All set for Day Two tomorrow! 

Dressage at Bolesworth

The opening day of the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Show welcomed the NexGen Dressage Qualifiers to its International Arena today, Wednesday 29 June.
 
Kirstie Clarke won the 4yo class with Nureno. Matthew Procter won the 5yo class with AB Milton D. Gregg Sims won the 7yo class with Waverley Fellini. Rhiannon Hinton won the NexOne class with Quaiking Horatio.

Traders at Bolesworth

Event partners and sponsors, like title partner Dodson & Horrell, are enjoying great exposure at the show. They, along with a host of other traders are and looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Bolesworth venue as the next four days. The Show opens at 8am!

Future Events at Bolesworth

The next event at Bolesworth is the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships (10 – 14 August). This five-day young-horse showcase will feature additional attractions for the whole family and incorporate the World Breeding Jumping Championship Qualifiers for 2022. International Showjumping will run alongside the classes.

We’re Back Tomorrow

Day 2 of the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show opens tomorrow, Thursday 30 June at 8am. It will be a fast-paced Speed & Style Day with a host of top-quality showjumping and a fun Drive & Ride relay event.
 
For further information and to book tickets, click here.

International Horse Show Returns Featuring VIP Guests & Entertainment for All 1024 536 Daniel Shires

International Horse Show Returns Featuring VIP Guests & Entertainment for All

The world-renowned Dodson & Horrell International Horse Show returns to Bolesworth this month and promises to be the perfect summer’s day out for the all the family. 

Taking place from 29 June to 3 July, the show is a calendar highlight for many, not just for its amazing displays of equestrian sport, but for its shopping village, food and drink offering, entertainment and much more. 

Set in the picturesque Cheshire countryside against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, this is your chance to get up close to world-class horses and riders for five days of international-level showjumping. 

 
This year, guests will also get to brush shoulders with the stars, including former champion jockey Sir AP McCoy and retired England footballer Michael Owen, at Thursday’s Speed and Style event. This key attraction will see well-known names and celebrities from the world of sport, horse racing and equestrian teaming up for a competitive race which will involve team tagging from the equestrian arena on horse-back to a four-wheeled racecourse that winds between the show jumps – with the fastest combined time winning the class.  

Tickets are being snapped up as the event draws closer. Day tickets and hospitality packages are available online, offering a full schedule of evening entertainment including DJs and bands and dining options. 

Shopaholics will be wowed by the trade stand area, which boasts a variety of shops and showcases a fantastic range of products from high-end equestrian outlets, unusual giftware and beautiful items for the home and garden. 

 
Visitors will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, with everything from VIP Hospitality and ringside Champagne PIAFF bar, to a hog roast and doughnuts available. 
 

Each day features an action-packed line up, showcasing Longines World Ranking international Showjumping, featuring top riders including Olympic athletes Robert Smith, Will & Pippa Funnell, Holly Smith, and rising stars Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale. 

The International Horse Show kicks off on Wednesday (29 June) with dressage, the first of the International Showjumping and the preview for Friday night’s auction, followed by a Celebrity Ride & Drive with Michael Owen and Sir AP McCoy on Thursday. DJs and live entertainment then begin on Friday, with live entertainment from Disco Classical being the party highlight on Saturday night taking place after the puissance high jumping competition – always a highlight of the jumping. The show then concludes with the spectacular Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth Grand Prix, Mini Major Pairs Relay and International Amateur Final on Sunday. 

There is also a whole host of family entertainment and attractions across the weekend including Shire horses, donkey rides, Meet and Greets with top riders, and a horse simulator. 

 
This year, a Family Dog Show & Dog Agility take place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring qualifiers for the Agility Challenge Final sponsored by Country Shows Agility. For those less competitive, there is also the Have a Go Agility and Fun Dog Show taking place on both days. 

Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth, said: “This is the first equestrian event of the year at Bolesworth and what better way to start the Season of Events than with the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Show.  

“We are thrilled to welcome both experienced riders and those who will be making their debut at Bolesworth. The team are also incredibly excited to partner with Michael Owen and Sir AP McCoy to make this one of our most memorable events to date. 
 

“We pride ourselves on the fact that there is something for everyone here, from horse and dog enthusiasts to families and couples looking for a fun day out, soaking up the competitive atmosphere whilst enjoying the food, drink and shopping opportunities.” 

 
The show provides the perfect opportunity to find out what else is going on at this year’s Season of Events, including CarFest North, summer outdoor movies, sunflower picking, maze, Halloween Circus, Fireworks and Christmas. To find out more information and purchase tickets, visit www.bolesworth.com/events.

Bolesworth to Make 2022 a Year to Remember 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth to Make 2022 a Year to Remember

A series of exciting, thrilling and inclusive events await audiences at Cheshire’s Bolesworth Estate this summer – and beyond!

Bolesworth has unveiled a diverse and carefully curated Season of Events for 2022, which promises to be its largest to date, with affordable entertainment for all.

The grand estate, set against the backdrop of Bolesworth Castle and rolling countryside of Cheshire, plays host to a long weekend of outdoor cinema, a summer maze, a music festival, spooktaculaor Halloween activities and a magical Christmas lights trail for the family – with a champagne island for grown-ups!

In July, CarFest North returns to the Festival Field, featuring Richard Ashcroft, Ronan Keating and Sister Sledge, all in aid of multiple Children’s Charities including Bolesworth’s charity partner, Hope House. To date, Bolesworth has raised £1.3m for charity through events held at the estate.

It’s not too early to think about the festive season either, as Christmas at Bolesworth promises a spectacular lights trail, where the stunning lake-side parkland will be transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland from November 25 until January 1.

This year’s new route features a stunning light projection on Bolesworth Castle itself and a unique water display on its beautiful lake. You can also look forward to a fairground, Christmas markets with food, shopping and winter warmers, Santa’s magical grotto, reindeer encounters and exclusive champagne experiences. Tickets are on sale now.

Bolesworth is traditionally world-renowned for its equestrian events, with this year’s Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show (30th June – 3rd July) kicking things off.

As well as world-class showjumping, events include a celebrity ride and drive, incorporating showjumping and car racing, a shopping village, shire horses, covered seating, champagne bars, dog agility, family dog shows and fair rides.

Equestrian events at Bolesworth combine the glamour and excitement of a day at the races with Olympic standard facilities and exceptional sport and has gained an enviable reputation as a prestigious catalyst for luxury VIP hospitality and opportunities to make invaluable connections.

And the spotlight isn’t just on the horses. At the Al Shira’aa Young Horse Show in August, Bolesworth will also host both professional and ‘Have a Go’ dog agility courses over the weekend, as well as a Family Dog Show.

The 6,500-acre Bolesworth estate neighbours major towns and cities in Merseyside, Manchester and North Wales and attracts visitors far and wide for its stunning views and accessibility.

With more than 150,000 visitors to events each year, its popularity helps to employ more than one thousand people in the Cheshire region and there will be employment opportunities throughout the year.

Nina Barbour, managing director of Bolesworth, said: “We are thrilled to reveal our plans for this year and are excited to welcome visitors, both new and familiar.

“We have put a lot of time into creating a Season of Events which is both great value for money and highly entertaining, helping others create lasting memories as we expand our incredible season of events.

“This year will see a re-designed Christmas lights trail and the introduction of a summer outdoor cinema which we expect to be very popular due to our beautiful surroundings.

“My father, Anthony Barbour, loved the diversity of life at Bolesworth and the opportunities it created, and it continues to be a truly inspiring place through the events we hold.”

Matt Bates, managing director of events at Bolesworth, said: “As with many businesses, the pandemic provided us with many challenges but also gave us time to think about our future plans for a sustainable events calendar that aligns with our visitors’ needs.

“Our entertainment and events calendar for 2022 pays testament to our commitment to offer exciting and diverse events all-year round and we are really excited to welcome you all to events at Bolesworth.”

To find out more about Bolesworth and its events, click here.

Michael Owen Signs Exclusive Deal With Cheshire’s Bolesworth Estate 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Michael Owen Signs Exclusive Deal With Cheshire’s Bolesworth Estate

31 May 2022

Michael Owen has today signed an exclusive deal with Cheshire’s Bolesworth Estate.

The partnership will see Michael attending a host of events on the Bolesworth calendar in Tattenhall throughout the forthcoming season.

Michael, owner of Manor House Stables, which is situated just a short distance away from Bolesworth in the village of Malpas, will be the headline name at Bolesworth’s famous International Horse Show which opens on June 29th.

He will even be taking part himself during Speed and Style Day on June 30th.

The key event on this day will see well-known names and celebrities from the world of sport, horse racing and equestrian teaming up for a competitive race which will involve team tagging from the equestrian arena on horse-back to a 4-wheeled racecourse that winds between the show jumps – with the fastest combined time winning the class.

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of the Bolesworth Estate will be competing with Michael on the day.

Other confirmed names include jockey AP McCoy and an ever-expanding line-up of sports and entertainment celebrities.

Nina said: “We are delighted to be launching this new partnership with Michael.

“Michael’s daughter has previously taken part in our dressage events at Bolesworth and Michael is a familiar face here. It is wonderful that we have now taken this a step further and I am really looking forward to welcoming Michael to a host of events throughout the year ahead – and to be competing with him too in our big season launch event.”

Michael added: “Bolesworth is a fabulous location with a superb event calendar running across the year – where there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

“I am looking forward to the partnership and to be taking part in the first big event at Bolesworth this summer.

“There is real synergy between both Bolesworth and Manor House Stables and I hope through this partnership there will be the opportunity to showcase horse racing and racehorse ownership to a new and interested audience.”

The Dodson and Horrell International Horse Show takes place across five days from June 29th until July 3rd.

Tickets are now on sale and for those wanting to make this an extra special occasion, there are a variety of exclusive packages available featuring Michael Owen’s Speed & Style hospitality event as well as Ladies Day on July 1st.

Anyone buying a ticket for hospitality on the Speed & Style Day featuring Michael Owen (Thursday, 30th June) will be entered into a prize draw to win an exclusive chance to team up with an international show jumper and drive alongside Michael in the team competition.

As well as world-class show jumping, events across the five days will include a shopping village, shire horses, covered seating, champagne bars, dog agility, family dog shows and fair rides.

Further details on the Dodson and Horrell International Horse Show and all of the events taking place at Bolesworth during the 2022 season can be found here.

Bolesworth Castle, a magnificent country house, is set on a 6,500-acre estate. With more than 150,000 visitors to events each year, its popularity helps to employ more than 1,000 people in the Cheshire region with additional employment opportunities throughout the year.

For hospitality enquiries, contact Melanie@bolesworth.com

Update: Bloomfields Horseboxes CDI 3* International Dressage 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Update: Bloomfields Horseboxes CDI 3* International Dressage

24th May 2022

Unfortunately, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the Bloomfields Horseboxes CDI 3* International Dressage event, which was due to take place at Bolesworth from the 24th to the 26th of June 2022.

Our plan for this year was to replicate our successful show jumping shows for dressage, but sadly, with the rising costs of staging world class events, current circumstances have resulted in reduced numbers that affect the commercial viability of the show and, consequently, we have little choice but to cancel. While we did have plenty of interest and support from dressage riders who were keen to compete at Bolesworth, at both national and international level, our model for equestrian events is heavily reliant on public ticket sales and hospitality, not just entries, and the challenges of the current economic climate have inevitably affected both of these areas.

However, we are working closely with British Dressage and British Equestrian to see if there is a way of incorporating a condensed version of the CDI 3* Big Tour classes at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show in order to retain this valuable opportunity for international riders.  We are in consultation with the FEI and will be contacting those riders affected directly in due course.

We thank BD, the Federation, our many supporters and sponsors for working with us, and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to deliver the event this year as planned. A member of the Bolesworth team will contact all the people who have entered the event or booked tickets, hospitality, or trade stands to arrange full refunds.

Unfortunately, the cancellation of the dressage has also forced the cancellation of the Elite Dressage Auction due to take place on Saturday 25th June.

Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth said: “We apologise for those of you who have the Bolesworth Dressage event in your calendar and were looking forward to attending, especially those riders entered, who we know make plans well in advance, and really do understand the disappointment that this decision will cause.  The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show (29 June – 3 July), and the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships (10 – 14 August), are firmly fixed on the calendar. We look forward to welcoming riders, visitors, our sponsors, trade stands and supporters to both events.”

Jason Brautigam, British Dressage CEO, comments: “We are of course incredibly disappointed that Bolesworth has had to take the unenviable decision to cancel this year’s International Dressage event, but completely understand that we are all operating in a difficult economic environment.  These commercial challenges are currently being faced by event organisers across the sport, leisure and entertainment sector, so it’s certainly not specific to dressage, but unfortunately, we are not immune to those wider market forces beyond our control.

“In partnership with Bolesworth, we will work with the BEF and FEI to determine whether we can reschedule the Big Tour classes, as we know these CDI opportunities are vitally important for our international riders competing for selection and thank Nina and her team for their support.”

Diana Barbour talks to Lindsay Spooner
Diana Barbour Discusses Beloved Garden with BBC North West Tonight 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Diana Barbour Discusses Beloved Garden with BBC North West Tonight

Bolesworth’s Diana Barbour appeared on BBC North West Tonight on May 12 2022 to talk about incredible garden and lasting legacy she created on the estate in memory of her late husband Anthony.

She spoke to the BBC’s Lindsay Prosser in an interview televised as part of the nightly regional news broadcast.

Discover Bolesworth for yourself at one of our exciting events this summer by clicking here!

Bolesworth Managing Director Nina Barbour with Horse
Bolesworth MD Speaks to Horse & Hound 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth MD Speaks to Horse & Hound

“Safety shouldn’t be about ego, it’s about minimising risk.”

That’s the view of Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth in a recent opinion piece for Horse & Hound. Nina’s article for the renowned equestrian publication and website was published on 6 April 2022; you can read it in-full below.

“I’ve just returned from the (actually quite wet!) Sunshine Tour in Spain where I bumped into Angelie von Essen – a great friend and top rider/business woman – who was wearing an air jacket. The next thing I did was to invest in one myself.

“Safety was brought into sharp focus for me in the aftermath of tragic accidents last year involving close friends and other than the unforgivable thought – ‘Will my air jacket make me look fat?’ – I urged myself to remember that safety shouldn’t be about ego, it’s about minimising risk.

“I overheard one official saying that wearing hats for hind-boot checks should be made compulsory by the FEI – nothing stopped her from putting that hat on, but she continued her job without. It’s our duty to remind people that horses on the ground are at their most dangerous and need respect.

“Grooms are often at most risk, so it is equally our duty as employers to make sure they’re provided with safety gear and we listen to their concerns. I feel strongly that there’s more to do as show organisers, employers and federations to limit risk and increase awareness.”

The Importance of Facilities

“MY dreams very nearly came true in Spain – jumping two ranking classes with unlucky mistakes. My ambition is a top-10 place, although
that’s a tough goal! Could I have achieved these results back home this winter? Unlikely. The incredible facilities on the Sunshine Tour allowed me to build up confidence over several weeks, meaning I punched above my normal weight in terms of performance.

“There has been discussion recently about certain UK venues hosting international shows that have not been well supported and it’s hugely important we understand why. I strongly believe that there is a straightforward formula to make an international venue work.

“Both arena and warm-up arenas need to be big enough, the surfaces need to be good – with not too much wax and the course-builder needs to test – and be horse- and rider-friendly. Good infrastructure is needed for parking, stabling and owners’ facilities.

“This comes with huge expense, but results in venues that support production of horses for the top sport. If we can achieve enough international dates at UK venues fitting these criteria, then maybe we can start reversing the extent of the outward migration of UK riders to Europe.”

The Opportunity is Now

“I am in awe of the Global Champions Tour, which John Whitaker rightly likened to the ‘equivalent of Formula 1’ in showjumping. It leaves a huge opportunity for our industry to feed that machine.

“Given that UK living costs and international travel costs have risen exponentially in the past 12 months, both due to Brexit and global unrest, I believe that the opportunity is now for showjumping here in the UK.

“Our team is working hard to find a formula to deliver more international sport – could we look at a three-week tour in 2023? We are crunching the numbers and would appreciate feedback. We understand our shows are expensive for participants, not helped by rising costs of infrastructure, and are working hard to make the experience the best it can be.

“It’s important to understand that many shows – including those often referred to by Nick Skelton in his H&H columns – seen as the most aspirational to attend in Europe often run at six- or seven-figure losses, and don’t need to be commercial to be sustainable.

“We remain committed to showjumping at Bolesworth and optimistic that we can play a part in shaping the next chapter for British Showjumping. But I would urge all involved to support venue owners willing to invest to really understand what good looks like.”