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Bolesworth International Horse Show

UAE Olympic Team
Al Shira’aa Olympic Team Joins Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Al Shira’aa Olympic Team Joins Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival

The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) Olympic Team have confirmed their attendance at this year’s show as they gear up ahead of the Olympic Games set to take place in Paris this July!

The confirmed Olympic team, consisting of five riders, trained by Chef d’equipe William Funnell, has phenomenal horse power with BBS Mcgregor now ranked number fifty five in the World, Enjoy De La Mure recently winning the CSI4* Grand Prix at Montefalco, as well as the team posting two major results in Nations Cup events this year!

The Al Shira’aa team will also attend this year’s Festival with a stellar line up of young horses, alongside four UK based riders, who hope to dominate the young horse classes the show offers over the two week period, as well as offering spectators the chance to see the fantastic breeding programme of Al Shira’aa stud coming into fruition with their exciting five year olds starting their international careers.

John Whitaker riding at Bolesworth
Star-Studded Rider Line Up Announced 1024 665 Fred Findlater

Star-Studded Rider Line Up Announced

Top Riders

The anticipation is mounting as the prestigious Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, prepares to welcome a dazzling array of equestrian talent. With early entries confirming the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport, including John Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall Macateer, Guy Williams, William Whitaker, Richard Howley, Ellen Whitaker, and William Funnell, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of horsemanship and competition.

The Festival has long been renowned as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts and riders alike. Held against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, the event showcases the very best in top level showjumping, alongside an Eventing Grand Prix, Puissance, Ride and Drive and a Mini Major, attracting competitors from across the globe.

Leading the charge of early entries is none other than the legendary John Whitaker. A titan of the equestrian world, Whitaker’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by countless victories and accolades. Joining him is his talented nephew, Jack Whitaker, the rising star making waves on the competitive circuit.

A Returning Champion

Billy Twomey is a rider who needs little introduction – having competed at the highest levels of the Sport, including representing Ireland at international competitions such as the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, and European Championships. He has accumulated numerous Grand Prix wins and has consistently been ranked among the top riders in the world. Twomey’s skill, dedication, and passion for the sport have solidified his reputation as one of the leading riders in showjumping.

Twomey is no stranger to Bolesworth Events having won the Liverpool International Grand Prix for a remarkable three times, as well as being crowned the Bolesworth International Grand Prix winner in 2023 aboard the spectacular stallion, Chat Botte ED, the horse that was bought for Billy by the late Sue Davies, who sadly passed away during the same year, making it an emotional win for the combination.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival this June. Bolesworth has historically been lucky for me and I’ll certainly be looking to give riders in the Grand Prix a run for their money this year! The course designer always sets a challenging 1.55m track with a tight time to really make this the highlight of the Festival!” – Billy Twomey

“We are thrilled to announce such an impressive lineup of riders for this year’s Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa. Each year, we strive to deliver a world-class experience for both competitors and spectators alike, and with names like those we have announced as attending today, we are confident that this year will be our best yet.” – Nina Barbour, Show Director

JCL Insurance Brokers And Leading Eventers Announced For Bolesworth Eventing Grand Prix 1024 683 Graham Austin

JCL Insurance Brokers And Leading Eventers Announced For Bolesworth Eventing Grand Prix

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

Atkinson Action Announced By Bolesworth 1024 683 Graham Austin

Atkinson Action Announced By Bolesworth
Taking place between 6-16 June 2024, Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, is set to be the Festival of the summer! With early bird tickets affording you up to 50% off the gate admission price, starting from as little as £5.60 per person, this fantastic offer comes to an end on 31st March 2024, so now is the time to bag the best deal ahead of this year’s event!
 
The prestigious CSI3* showjumping annually attracts a top-class field of competitors, alongside amateur international showjumping, an evening of Puissance, an Eventing Grand Prix spectacular, as well as young horse and pony classes – something for every equestrian enthusiast!
 
Alongside the top sporting action, you can expect an expansive shopping experience, with the showground showcasing everything from quality equestrian outlets, as well as unique lifestyle, fashion and gift ideas.
 
Bolesworth has become renowned for it’s sporting action, live music as well as stunning performances within it’s unique arena, and this year the Festival is excited to announce that the legendary stunt rider, Ben Atkinson, will be performing on the 15th and 16th June 2024, with his mesmerising display of horsemanship.
 
As well as his performances in the International arena, Atkinson fans can also meet their idol, as well as his team of horses, in a unique meet and greet opportunity taking place on Saturday 15th June 2024. General ticket holders can purchase an upgrade to take advantage of this experience which is limited and expected to sell out fast!
 
A key partner to Ben Atkinson, as well as Bolesworth, is an Official Team Supplier to Team GB, Dodson & Horrell, who is also announced as an event partner to this year’s Festival.
 
A leading manufacturer of high-quality equestrian feed for over 80 years, Dodson & Horrell provides a range of horse feed with complete nutritional solutions for all horses, backed and led by science, being a perfect alignment to both Bolesworth and Ben’s values.
 
Speaking on the re-signing of their partnership, Sales and Marketing Director Sam Liptrott said:
 
The team at Dodson & Horrell are delighted to partner with Bolesworth for another year:

It is a great event, in a fantastic location and is set to be an amazing line up of demonstrations and quality jumping. We would like to wish Nina, her team and all competitors the best of luck at what is set to be a brilliant 10 days of sport.
Welcoming the news of the partnership, Event Director Nina Barbour said:
 
We are delighted to be welcoming long-standing partners Dodson & Horrell back to Bolesworth for our extended two week festival this year. My horses thrive on the feed, and their customer service and nutritional knowledge are second to none.  
Alongside the Equestrian action which will also include the well-established Bolesworth Elite Auction, the chance to meet equestrian stars This Esme and Meg Elphick, interactive experiences, pony rides and much more, the festival vibe will continue throughout the event with action and entertainment for the whole family.  
Over the second festival weekend, guests can enjoy an action sports zone, Funfair, interactive zones for kids and dogs, and EV & Hybrid driving experiences. The Live Music will be featuring crowd favourite Rick Parfitt Jr & the RPJ Band on Friday 14th June, with further headlines to be announced for Friday and Saturday nights.
 
Visitors are welcome to camp onsite, and pitches are available for Tents, Horseboxes, Campervans, or Motorhomes from Thursday, June 13th, to Sunday, June 16th.
 
2024 promises to build upon the exceptional VIP hospitality offering, providing a unique experience for guests to watch the action from our exclusive ringside decking, as well as immerse themselves in the varied daily schedule of live entertainment, guest speakers and networking opportunities planned.
 
Fancy a glass of bubbles to watch all of the action in the international arena? The new Bolesworth Champagne enclosure will provide the perfect spot to relax with friends with the best view of the Main ring and a variety of on-site food and drink experiences.
 
More information on this year’s schedule, general admission tickets at up to 50% off gate prices, hospitality packages, and how to meet Ben Atkinson, can be found by visiting www.bolesworth.com/international
Bolesworth to Welcome YouTube Sensation 1024 683 Graham Austin

Bolesworth to Welcome YouTube Sensation
The world-renowned Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, is back this year between 6-16 June 2024 and is set to be an event that the equestrian enthusiast will not want to miss! With early bird tickets now on sale, starting from as little as £5.60 per person and up to 50% off gate prices now is the time to plan your visit!
 
The festival, held in front of the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, will feature top-class Showjumping, an elite foal auction. Eventing Grand Prix, Celebrity Ride and Drive, Puissance and much more.
 
The prestigious CSI3* showjumping annually attracts a top-class field of competitors, alongside amateur international showjumping, young horse age classes and pony classes, offering a world class atmosphere for competitors and visitors alike.
 
Alongside the top sporting action, you can expect an expansive shopping experience, with the showground showcasing everything from quality equestrian outlets, as well as unique lifestyle, fashion and gift ideas.
 
The opening weekend (8/9 June) will feature one of the first in a long line of anticipated announcements to this year’s schedule, revealed by Show Director Nina Barbour, as an exclusive meet up with renowned influencer, creator and YouTube star, This Esme. The popularity of Esme’s work has quickly made her one of the world’s largest equestrian social media stars, with monthly views of her content in excess of 15 million.
 
Bolesworth will be one of the first opportunities for fans to meet Esme in the UK this year, with the opportunity for general admission ticket purchasers to upgrade their ticket for this limited meet up experience, as well as an additional VIP hospitality upgrade being available to listen to Esme’s inspiring story.
 
Speaking in anticipation of her first UK appearance of 2024, Esme said:
 
I’m really excited to be at the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa this Summer. I worked closely with Nina and the Bolesworth team in 2018 and 2019 and know they always produce a spectacular show. I’ll be doing select meet and greets on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June as well as a live Question +Answer session for VIP hospitality ticket holders on the Saturday too – I hope to see you there!”.
Welcoming Esme to this year’s equestrian lineup, Nina Barbour said:
 
‘We are delighted to be welcoming Esme to Bolesworth for the first time this year. Not only will she be available for meet ups with her fans, but we can look forward to watching her perform behind the wheel in the Celebrity Ride & Drive on Saturday night, as well as adding to our opening Ladies Day VIP session on Saturday 8th June where she will be talking about her experiences after lunch, and doing an exclusive Q&A.’
‘We are also proud to be partnering again with the team from Al Shira’aa – it is a priviledge once again to be supported by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nehyan, and would like to congratulate them on their recent successful Al Shira’aa Horse Show.’
 
Alongside the Equestrian action, which will also include displays, pony rides and much more, the festival vibe will continue throughout the event with action and entertainment for the whole family, including Funfair, interactive zones for kids and dogs, and EV & Hybrid driving experiences. The Live Music will be featuring crowd favourite Rick Parfitt Jr & the RPJ Band on Friday 14th June, with further headlines to be announced for Friday and Saturday nights.
 
Visitors are welcome to camp onsite with pitches available for Tents, Horseboxes, Campervans, or Motorhomes from Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th June.
 
2024 promises to build upon the exceptional VIP hospitality offering, providing a unique experience for guests to watch the action from our exclusive ringside decking, as well as immerse themselves in the varied daily schedule of live entertainment, guest speakers and networking opportunities planned.
 
Fancy a glass of bubbles to watch all of the action in the international arena? The new Bolesworth Champagne enclosure will provide the perfect spot to relax with friends with the best view of the Main ring in addition to a variety of on-site food and drink experiences.
 
More information on this year’s schedule, general admission tickets at up to 50% off gate prices, hospitality packages, and how to meet This Esme can be found by visiting www.bolesworth.com/international
Bolesworth International 2024 Tickets on Sale
Up to 75% Off 2024 Bolesworth International Tickets 1024 536 Daniel Shires

Up to 75% Off 2024 Bolesworth International Tickets

Early bird general admission tickets for the 2024 Bolesworth International presented by Al Shira’aa are available now for a limited time from just £5.00 per person – up to 75% off!

Bolesworth have released just 500 tickets for next year’s event at this special price as an early Christmas present to equestrian fans, with the message jump on them quickly to make sure you get the very best price!

The 2024 Bolesworth International takes place from 6-16 June and combines world-class international showjumping, premium lifestyle and equestrian shopping and exclusive hospitality with a vibrant summer festival in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, featuring 10 magnificent days of unforgettable action, entertainment, live music and much more from dawn to dusk!

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth said: “Following the success of the relaunched Bolesworth International earlier this year, we wanted to do something special to thank equestrian fans and give them an early festive gift.

“The 2024 show promises to be even bigger and better than 2023, so whether you want a great value Christmas gift for the equestrian-lover in your life, or to get a treat in the diary for the whole family to look forward to in summer 2024, this is your chance to be part of the summer festival of the year at the absolute best price.

“At this price tickets are sure to sell quickly, so make sure to get yours now! The 2024 Bolesworth International is set to live long in the memory… don’t miss your chance to be part of an incredible festival next summer!”

Find out more and get tickets from www.bolesworth.com/international. Make sure to use the code SUPEREARLY75 to get your discounted tickets.

Al Shira’aa Confirmed as Presenting Partner of the 2024 Bolesworth International 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Al Shira’aa Confirmed as Presenting Partner of the 2024 Bolesworth International

The world-renowned Al Shira’aa stables have been confirmed as new presenting partners of the 2024 Bolesworth International taking place from 6 – 16 June 2024.

The respected organisation based in the United Arab Emirates have been long-standing partners of Bolesworth’s equestrian events.

The show at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire will build on 2023’s expansion and action-packed summer festival vibe, featuring two weekends of international sport (with five Longines Ranking classes between them), premium equestrian and lifestyle shopping, live music, huge funfair and entertainment for the whole family from dawn till dusk.

Bolesworth’s exclusive VIP hospitality marquee will open from Thursday 6 June, featuring a new land and rural business day on Friday 7 June, Women in Business on Thursday 13 June, and Ladies Day on Saturday 15 June.

The Bolesworth Elite Auction will also return on Friday 7 June and applications will soon open for foals (due early in 2024), yearlings and exclusive embryos.

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan said: “As we head into our fourth year of partnership with Bolesworth, I am immensely excited for a two-week tour to take place in June at the best facility in the United Kingdom for the sport, our young horses, owners, trainers and riders.

“Bolesworth and Al Shira’aa share synonymous values in horse welfare, putting on a fantastic show and providing a standard where everything is possible. I very much look forward to our collaboration as presenting partner in 2024. We hope to open more avenues and recognition for the fantastic country that is the UAE, where the Al Shira’aa Horse Show takes place annually and we welcome all of our friends from the UK to the UAE with open arms.”

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with our friends from Al Shira’aa in 2024. We’re connected in our passion for the sport and the development of young horses for the world stage and are excited to be presenting two weeks of international sport at this year’s Bolesworth International.

“We also look forward to the Al Shira’aa Horse Show to be held this year at the Al Ain Equestrian Club from 10th – 14th January 2024, and would encourage our international riders to contact Sami Kettle to find out more about competing at the UAE tour, and fans of the sport who fancy a trip to the sunshine to book their flights as Dubai Airport is just 90 minutes taxi drive from the show!”

To find out more about the UAE tour and the Al Shira’aa Horse Show, contact Sami Kettle

To sign up for news and offers for the Bolesworth International visit www.bolesworth.com/international

For more information about partnerships, tradestands, and hospitality, contact melanie@bolesworth.com

Bolesworth International 2024 summer festival tour dates
Bolesworth Announces Dates for New Summer Tour in 2024 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth Announces Dates for New Summer Tour in 2024

The Bolesworth International will return in June 2024 as a two-week back-to-back summer festival tour.

Taking place over the 6 – 9 June and the 12 – 16 June 2024, the first weekend of the event will have more of an industry focus, whilst the second will focus on attracting the public with lifestyle and entertainment elements like 2023, as well as an Eventing Grand Prix, Mini Major and Puissance class.

Both weekends will incorporate similar schedules with CSI 3*/CSI 1*/CSI Am/CSI YH (5, 6 & 7yo)/CSICh/CSIP classes, with riders able to take advantage of a total of six Longines Ranking classes over the course of the event, including two 1.55m Grand Prix.

The Bolesworth Elite Auction will take place on Friday 7 June, with applications taken soon for foals due early in 2024, yearlings and exclusive implanted embryos.

The full schedule will be announced in due course.

The new format for the Bolesworth International means that the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, incorporating the FEI World Breeding Championship qualifiers will unfortunately not take place in 2024.

Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Managing Director said: “We’re hugely excited by this new format and our plans for 2024, as our priority at Bolesworth remains developing equestrian events to a world-class standard now and into the future.

“The decision to not move forward with the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships was extremely difficult, and we are hugely grateful for the support we have had from the team at Al Shira’aa and all our other partners to date. All options were investigated to retain the event, but unfortunately the need to consolidate and use infrastructure for two weeks meant finding a suitable date to run it back-to-back with the International was not possible.

“We feel strongly that it’s so important for our up-and-coming riders and horses to have opportunities to jump at an international level over more than one week at the same venue; before this, riders have had to travel abroad to find, and look forward to hosting six ranking classes over the 11-day period, including two CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix’s.”

Iain Graham, CEO of British Showjumping said: “We are very grateful for the backing of Al Shira’aa and the team at Bolesworth in the support and profile they have given to the Young Horse Championships. Next year will see Nina and the team at Bolesworth host two CSI 3* competitions in June, and we as a sport are very fortunate to continue to have the opportunity to compete at this level at this fabulous venue in Cheshire!”

For partnership and trade enquiries for the 2024 event, please contact melanie@bolesworth.com.

Bolesworth International 2023 Round-Up 1024 683 Graham Austin

Bolesworth International 2023 Round-Up

After months of preparation, the sun shone, and the clock chimed 8 am for the opening of the all-new Bolesworth International.

From June 14 to 18, we served up five days of amazing world-class sport, entertainment, family fun, live music and more to over 17,000 people! 

The opening day started spectacularly

Alex Bragg set off at an unbeatable pace with experienced campaigner Quindiva expertly navigating the tricky JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix course, set by Andrew Heffernan, taking place in the Main International Arena.

Gemma Stevens riding Santiago Bay secured the second place prize, with New Zealand’s Caroling Powell on Greenacres Special Cavalier rounding out the podium. Click here for the full results.

Emma Stoker and Q Seven took the win in the opening Hird & Partners 1.35m CSI3* class of the show, putting in a very fast time to narrowly take the lead by 0.12 seconds from runner-up Carmen Edwards riding Garou Pommex Z. Third place went to Annabel Shields riding Elgrando PS. For full results of all the opening showjumping classes, click here.

Day Two

Day two of the 2023 Bolesworth International was an action-packed festival of equestrian sport.

Jonathan Smyth riding Mulvin Lui couldn’t be beaten as he tackled the first of two Grand Prix qualifiers, sponsored by HM3 Legal and expertly designed by Javier (Chape) Trenor. 88 combinations came forward for the class, setting the scene for a weekend of world-class showjumping. Jonathan was closely followed by Emma Stoker riding Daisy and George Whitaker riding Peanut. Click here to read the full Thursday results. 

Nearly 200 horses and riders dressed up for the Trooping the Colour-themed park ride, which took place through the morning around the Bolesworth Estate. The ride was in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association and raised over £2,500. Prizes were presented by RDA Representatives, Ambassadors Joe Stockdale and Evie Toombes and included the best-dressed rider and highest fundraiser.

In the VIP marquee, the hall was packed with eager ears for the panel of inspiring women attending the Women in Business Day lunch. Louise Minchin (freelance BBC presenter), Victoria Price (HM3 Legal) and Fleur Robinson (CEO of Wrexham FC) took to the stage to talk about their lives, their careers and the challenges they’ve faced.

Bolesworth International Women in Business panel

Day Three

Day three of the 2023 Bolesworth International on 16 June 2023 saw an amazing mix of sport and entertainment under the Cheshire summer sun.

The Dodson & Horrell 1.50m jump-off took place as the second qualifier for Sunday’s Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix, and it was a win for Graham Gillespie riding Veneno. An exciting jump-off saw ten combinations come forward, with Christopher Burton in the runner-up spot riding Chedington Hazy Toulana and Tim Gredley in third riding Imperial Hbf.

The Bolesworth Business lunch supported by Connectus took place in the VIP Hospitality, with the highlight being an audience with sporting greats Sir AP McCoy and Michael Owen. The pair and other special guests took part in the notorious Ride and Drive sponsored by Lexus Chester. The resulting teams were: Jay Halim and Neil Crowden in 1st place, Lila Bremner and Daniel Mc Alinden in the silver medal position and Madison Heath and Graham Heath rounding out the top 3.

Bolesworth International Ride and Drive

The RPJ Band kicked off the weekend!

Friday, Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band took the stage, with DJ Phoebe D’Abo following on the decks to bring the summer festival vibe to Bolesworth.

Friday Music Night

Day Four

Day four of the 2023 Bolesworth International was a sun-soaked summer Saturday to remember.

It was a winning day for George Whitaker, taking both the FMBs Therapy Systems CSI1* 1.30m with Zirocca Zoom and the LeMieux CSI3* 1.40m with Peanut. Setting off at speed from the start, only a second separated George Whitaker and second-placed Emma Stoker with Daisy. Following in third was Sophie Evans with Csio Bel. Full results. 

The amateur classes at Bolesworth International were also highly competitive. It was an Irish 1,2,3 in the Roewer & Rueb CSIAm-A 1.15m, with Robyn Mcowan taking the top spot with Zuidam. The on-form Rachel Gredley took 2nd and 3rd with Jalanna and Hobalo, respectively. Full results.

As anticipation built for Sunday’s Cavago CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, all eyes were on Graham Gillespie, Emma Stoker, and Tim Gredley, all of whom had already won a Grand Prix Qualifier this week. Another strong contender was that of George Whitaker with the talented stallion Peanut, a combination who hadn’t rolled a pole this week and continued to improve with every round.

Master of The Puissance Continues Winning Streak

Against the beautiful backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, a nine-strong field of horses and riders each came forward to take on the challenge of the big red wall in the eVet Drug Puissance.

Firm favourites from the beginning, Puissance Specialists Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky UK, delighted the crowd in every round, soaring over the wall with ease and finishing victorious over 2m15cm. Second place was secured by Puissance newcomer Ireland’s Brendan Murphy, with Erne Riverrun and Daniel McAlinden with Keatingstown Z Wellie Two in third place.

Bolesworth International Puissance Winner

It was a real privilege to see one of the greatest Puissance horses of all time, Mr Blue Sky UK, in action at Bolesworth, and the crowd certainly showed their gratitude too! Full Results.

The Live Stage was a-buzz!

Saturday night was music night, with sets from The Brand New Heavies and DJ Trevor Nelson; the dance floor was packed with party-goers all night long.

Saturday Music Night

Final Day of The Bolesworth International

Following their win on Thursday, Tony Pearson and Wyoming 19 took the top spot in the Peel Ports Logistics CSIAm 1.25m. The on-form stallion just pipped Isabella Sharifi and Iowenna to the post by half a second. Consistently-placed Aisling Byrne was third, with the talented mare Celeste Spb Z, rolling her first pole of the week.

It was tight at the top in the final of the Helite UK CSIAm 1.05m; coming out triumphant was Grace Wallace with Eau Claire V. The Calvaro Z mare has been on fantastic form, posting two wins and a second over the course of the show. Hot on Grace’s heels was Aljoud Alsabah, with Caballina riding under the Kuwait flag. Securing third place was Aisling Byrne with Bronson de Reve.

Aladdin, Nemo, Mrs Incredible, and other characters took to the main arena to contest the Northcote Stud Mini Major. This crowd-favourite class always promises fast and furious fun, where professional riders are paired with children as young as just seven years old. First, the child jumps a course of fences as fast as possible before the professional rider sets off around their set of fences.

Novelty class extraordinaire Jay Halim was still in a speedy mood following on from his win on Friday in the Lexus Chester Ride and Drive. Paired with Amelie Bradshaw, the duo were unbeatable, first in and leading all the way to the end. Finishing in second was Ben Hobday with Lorena Hanson-Lamb, and Sven Hadley with Freddie Hodges in third. With the crowd supporting every rider all the way, it was smiles all around and a great afternoon of equestrian fun!

Aladdin

Ireland saves the best ’till last!

The climax of the show and the moment we have all been waiting for. The Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix winner has been determined with the title going to the Irish superstar, Billy Twomey, with his own and the late Sue Davis’ Chat Botte E.D.

The last to take on the testing jump-off course, the Casall stallion cruised around the jump-off, never missing a beat, showcasing a true showjumping masterclass. Billy described the win at Bolesworth as “special for him” due to his connections with the show and those locally too. On the horse, Billy commented: “He’s an extremely talented horse, part-owned by the late Sue Davis. As a young horse, he proved challenging and headstrong but is a real winner who is super consistent in the ring.”

Bolesworth International grand prix winner

Following just over a second behind Billy was another Irish gem in the up-and-coming star, Jonathan Smyth, who won the HM3 Legal CSI3* 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier on Thursday with Mulvin Lui. Third place and best of the Brits was Guy Williams with the Emerald stallion Ernie of Greenhill Z.

With only five double clears, the Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix provided the perfect final challenge to end a fantastic week of showjumping. Full Results.

A BIG thank you

To all our partners, riders, guests and exhibitors, thank you so much for spending the week with us! We couldn’t have done it without you, and the success of the International is all thanks to you guys!

Bring on 2024!

Day 4: Saturday Round Up 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Day 4: Saturday Round Up

Day four of the 2023 Bolesworth International was a sun-soaked summer Saturday to remember.

It was a winning day for George Whitaker, taking both the FMBs Therapy Systems CSI1* 1.30m with Zirocca Zoom, and the LeMieux CSI3* 1.40m with Peanut. Setting off at speed from the start, only a second separated George Whitaker and second placed Emma Stoker with Daisy. Following in third was Sophie Evans with Csio Bel. The on-form stallion Peanut, owned by Samantha Jayne Lambert, is certainly one to watch going into tomorrow’s Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix, posting a hattrick of clear rounds over the course of the show so far.

Full results. 

The amateur classes at Bolesworth International have been highly competitive. It was an Irish 1,2,3 in the Roewer & Rueb CSIAm-A 1.15m, with Robyn Mcowan taking the top spot with Zuidam. The on-form Rachel Gredley took 2nd and 3rd with Jalanna and Hobalo, respectively.

Full results.

As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s Cavago CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, all eyes are on Graham Gillespie, Emma Stoker, and Tim Gredley, all of whom have already won a Grand Prix Qualifier this week. Another strong contender is that of George Whitaker with the talented stallion Peanut, a combination who haven’t rolled a pole this week and continue to improve with every round.

It’s all to play for and promises a thrilling end to what has been an exciting week of sport at the Bolesworth International. Tickets are available to purchase on the gate, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

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