Following the announcement that this will be the last Stratford Hills Horse Trials, in its current venue, the organising committee are keen to make this an event to remember and raise further funds for charity. Set in the heart of Constable country, Hills Farm, Stratford-St-Mary, boasts incredible views of the Dedham Vale and the perfect setting to watch some of the icons of eventing take part. The event has played host to grassroots competitors and a plethora of international stars over the years, including Olympic, European and World Championship Gold medallists.
The organisers can confirm that the announcement of their final event is in no way connected to British Eventing or concerns as to entry levels across the country. The venue is simply unable to accommodate the event from 2023 onwards. The East of England has one of the most buoyant British Eventing memberships and every effort is being made to find a replacement venue within the Essex/Suffolk area. If members or connections of the sport feel they may have a suitable venue they are urged to contact to the organisers ASAP.
The cross-country course, designed by David Carpenter, makes full use of the terrain and undulations of the stunning Dedham Vale. Ground preparations will start well in advance of the event and every effort will be made to present good going in the event of dry or wet conditions.
Over the past 19 years the event has run solely for charity and in this more challenging of times nothing has changed. The SHHT Committee have chosen to support The Porch Project once again, as their charity of choice for 2022. All proceeds from the event and ticket sales go directly to this very worthy charity.
The Porch Project is a charity based in Hadleigh, Suffolk, helping young people with the many challenges they are facing. It has recently been donated a minibus which is enabling them to get out to the surrounding villages as well. They currently have over 700 young people registered with them and each week they engage with approximately 150 young people through drop ins and detached and school coaching
Spectators are most welcome with advance ticket purchase advised. These can be purchased online via www.shht.co.uk with all ticket sales going to charity.