The Barefoot Retreats Houghton International Horse Trials is set to deliver a weekend of sport not to be missed in Norfolk from 26 to 29 May.
The magnificent grounds of Houghton Hall are a fitting setting for one of the most exciting weekends of eventing in Britain. After gaining international status in 2007, for the last fifteen years the event has welcomed over 700 horses each year, including more than 350 International competitors.
The event hosts the only British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ – a global competition where teams battle it out to be at the top the table come the final event of the Series. After two seasons impacted by Covid the FEI Nations Cup is back with full force this year and looks sure to deliver a fantastic battle between a whole host of teams.
Last year’s competition saw the Brits take a fabulous win on home soil; a feat the crowds will be hoping can be repeated this time. Representing the home team for 2022 will be double Tokyo Olympic medallist, Tom McEwen; multiple Championship medallist, Piggy March; and two talented young riders, Heidi Coy and Phoebe Locke.
In addition to the Nations Cup, there will be plenty of international competition for the crowds to enjoy with CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and CCIO4*-S classes, as well as the British Eventing U21 National Championships.
This year’s event boasts a bumper line-up with all three of Britain’s Olympic Team Gold medallists from Tokyo set to compete – Individual Olympic Silver medallist, Tom McEwen; World Number One, Oliver Townend; and newly-crowned Badminton Champion, Laura Collett. Two other British favourites currently sat inside the World Top 10, Pippa Funnell and Gemma Tattersall, also have entries.
New Zealand’s Tim Price is likely to be at the forefront of the international challengers. The World Number Six has his Tokyo Olympics ride, Vitali amongst his entries.
Alongside the international competitions, there will be a variety of non-eventing classes to be enjoyed by equestrians of all sizes and experience – from Pony Club competitions to British Scurry and Trial Driving.
Visitors will be able to browse a wide range of trade stands, including country clothing, equestrian supplies and local produce, and a licensed bar and a selection of catering stands will be available to tickle the taste buds. There will be something for everyone across the four days, with Circus Workshops and the thrills of the Fun Fair sure to keep younger members of the crowd entertained.
Gates open at 8am each morning. View the provisional timetable for the weekend here.
Tickets are available to purchase now by visiting the MEM website, www.musketeer.co.uk and on the gate.