Weston Park Horse Trials
Saturday – Sunday, 9th – 10th April 2022
Weston Park, one of the premier Spring season events has attracted the world’s leading riders – world number one Oliver Townend rides Ballaghmor Class and dual Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class; European bronze medallist Sarah Bullimore and Corouet and Tokyo Olympic team gold and individual silver medallist Tom McEwen rides Toledo de Kerser. Also competing – the reigning World champion Ros Canter, William Fox-Pitt, Harry Meade and Andrew Nicholson.
Situated on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, the house was built in 1671 and has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. Today the House and Park is a Charitable Foundation, the family collections of porcelain, antiques and portraits are available for all to enjoy. It is through staging events such as the Horse Trials that the ongoing restoration and maintenance of this historic Estate is financed.
The courses designed by Janet Plant and superbly constructed by ‘Plant A Fence’, will run over a thousand acres of rolling wooded parkland and the fences are solid and imposing. Each class runs over a different course designed to be testing but fair. Janet Plant comments “it is a privilege to design on such a fabulous estate, I walked the ground 10 days ago and it was refreshing to remember just how well the old turf feels. Once again, we welcome the Cooke Coachbuilders Pony Trial, which we have run for several years and many of our winners are now showing good form in senior team selections – it has been a great pleasure to watch them mature”
The course for the Novice classes – sponsored by Moores Metals, Landsbrook Stud and Rowan Barbary will run on the central park giving wonderful views from the vantage points which is greatly appreciated by owners and spectators. The Intermediate and Open Intermediate classes are kindly sponsored by Ethos.
The event is delighted long-standing supporters, David and Catherine Witt, owners of Rookery Park Stud, are kindly continuing their sponsorship of the Advanced class and they are joined by Tile Choice Ltd. For many of the top riders this is an ideal ‘warm up’ for the Badminton International Horse Trials in May.
Timetable:
Saturday – Intermediate, Open Intermediate, Open Intermediate Under 21and Advanced classes: Dressage 8.00am; Show Jumping 8.45 am; Cross Country 10.00 am
Sunday – Novice, Open Novice, Open Novice U18, Pony Trial and Intermediate classes: Dressage 8.O0am; Show Jumping 8.45 am; Cross Country 10.30 am
Admission: Cars with a BE membership card – free. Non-members Adults £10 per person; accompanied Children under 12 years are free.
Walk round the beautiful parkland, enjoy looking at the varied and interesting range of trade stands and indulge in some shopping, with everything from country clothing and equestrian products to fashion accessories. Hot and cold fast-food facilities are available or bring a picnic to eat while enjoying events in the main arena. There is something for all the family to enjoy!
