The huge disruption following the cancellation of the horse trials in May this year due to torrential rain and the truncating of the programme in 2023, also as a result of the weather, has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing and has had an enormous impact on all concerned. The organisers have therefore been working with British Eventing to see if running later in the season, to mitigate at least some of the risk, might be possible.

Moving dates, however, is not straightforward and would have a huge impact on the overall logistics including, crucially, the availability of the loyal officials, volunteers, contractors and trade stand regulars. As the 2025 schedule planning is already well underway, the decision has been made for Chatsworth to opt out of the 2025 calendar, in order to give time for everyone to regroup and to work towards producing a stronger than ever event in 2026.

Event Director Patricia Clifton explains “The last two years have been extremely difficult for all involved with the horse trials, but we are committed to finding the best course of action to secure its future. A break in 2025 will give us a chance to have a fresh look at the event and to make sure we can again produce top class competition in 2026”.

Rosie Williams OBE, CEO of British Eventing, said “We have tried very hard to get the right date for Chatsworth but unfortunately it has just proven too complex for them to enable  things to align.”