A long-standing institution on the equestrian calendar, the Cornbury House Horse Trials, takes place each year in September at this picturesque venue near Charlbury. The event marks an anniversary milestone with its sixth outing, boasting a plethora of talented riders from around the world. This year’s edition promises to be just as exciting, with its array of thrilling competitions and stunning surroundings serving as a perfect setting to witness thrilling action.
A defining feature of the event, beyond equestrian sports, will be the local produce and entertainment on offer. Visitors may find the aroma of a barbecue wafting, or explore stalls selling artisanal items. Foodies and the young at heart will appreciate the unique taste experience that this event brings.
- Ancient roots: The Cornbury House Horse Trials have a rich history, which began nearly five decades ago. This historical background instills an atmosphere of depth and tradition at the event.
- Unbeatable setting: A picturesque backdrop of the Oxfordshire countryside ensures a breathtaking view for competitors and spectators alike. Rolling hills, lush pastures, and serene lakes create an idyllic ambiance conducive to the equestrian disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
- A fusion of world-class talent and local charm: The range of international riders competing will be matched by the number of top-class local eventers. Together, they make for a vibrant and diverse equestrian community, showcasing both global excellence and regional appeal.
The Equestrian Events
| Equestrian Event | |
|---|---|
| Dressage | High-level dressage performances taking place on an international-standard arena. The dressage is being run in its second year and is highly anticipated for its impressive and precise execution by world-class riders. |
| cross-country | Featuring the greatest endurance and skill in both horse and rider combination. This event is also the setting for the world-famous Three-Star event. The thrill of watching these horses and their experienced riders tackle the challenging courses is an exhilarating experience. |
| Show Jumping | The pinnacle of show-jumping, boasting world-class riders competing at the highest level. Spectators will have the unique chance to witness these top-class athletes perform a series of complex jumps in a high-speed, adrenaline-packed spectacle. |
This year, there’s a brand-new class added to the traditional lineup – a special class dedicated to former racing thoroughbreds. The £45,000 Leading Rider award is a great incentive, proving that these horses have meaningful careers beyond their racing days.
“…We’re going to show how these incredible athletes can have meaningful careers far beyond racing. That’s the message we want to share and convey through this class. There’s so much more to these horses than just racing – they can excel in other events and even become ambassadors for these breeds, promoting a positive image of horses that benefits the sport and helps to grow the equestrian world as a whole.” – David Howden, founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials.
The From the Farm Initiative
This is a highlight of the event, which brings together local produce and producers from around the region. Here you can sample the region’s top producers, including:
• Cornbury Farm
• Bruern Farm
• Honeydale Farm
• and others (note: full list of participating farms and producers may not be available at the time of writing due to the dynamic nature of the event)
With the diverse and unique range of produce on offer, this is the perfect event for foodies and local artisans alike. At Cornbury House Horse Trials, the aim is to promote the finest and highest-quality food produced in the region, thus fostering a strong sense of community and further supporting the local farming industry.
Promoting the Thoroughbred
This year’s festivities will also highlight the impressive career paths that can be pursued by these magnificent creatures, beyond their racing careers. A special new class in the dressage arena will showcase these horses in a different light, allowing spectators to appreciate their skills in a new and exciting way. With a prize fund of £45,000 for Leading Rider, this new class sets the stage for outstanding performances and a new era in the equestrian world.
The idea is to raise awareness of the various roles that these horses can play, be it in racing, as showjumpers, or eventers and, most particularly, in other disciplines and beyond. We hope to inspire the next generation of equestrian enthusiasts to look beyond the racing world and explore the many ways that thoroughbreds can make valuable contributions to our sport.
The Future of Equestrian Sports and Rural Abundance
This year’s event will indeed “raise the bar” in many ways, not just due to the world-class athletes competing, but also due to the numerous local businesses and producers taking part. With its beautiful Oxfordshire countryside setting, the Cornbury House Horse Trials offers a truly unique blend of equestrian excellence and rural abundance, promising an unforgettable experience for both visitors and competitors alike.
