The Duke of Wellington’s Estate was thrilled to host the 13th Wellington International Horse Trials and Country Fair over four days from the 23rd to the 26th of August, with 1096 affiliated competitors.
This year, the event saw 12 nations represented at FEI level, including Tommy Greengard from the USA, who was competing in the UK for the first time, aiming for Le Lion d’Angers with That’s Me Z. They also welcomed several Olympians fresh from Paris and numerous high-profile riders from around the country.
The events location is reserved all year round only for the sole purpose of the Horse Trials to ensure competitors the best ground possible for top-quality sport. Even with the wet weather on Saturday, the ground was measured and praised to be “perfect going” by respected grounds expert Mark Lucey.
After introducing a reinstated fishing lake and water complex for competitors to experience in 2023, they were excited to announce an improved viewpoint for 2024, allowing visitors to get up close to all the cross-country action.
Adrian Ditcham, Course Designer said: “The Wellington Estates lake was further developed for this year’s event, with the 1* and 2* classes and equivalent national classes being able to experience the new feature. The lake is becoming a prominent feature of the landscape and will play a crucial role in future events. A total of 12 new fences were built for this year’s tracks across all classes, which included open corners on MIM’s safety systems, arrowhead brushes for Intermediate and 3* classes, and corners for the 100 and 105/1* classes. The cross-country tracks continue to present a significant challenge at all levels, helping in the development of horses and riders as they progress to their next stages. It is also establishing itself as a destination event for many.”
The Country Fair has been very successful in recent years due to the variety of activities, arena displays and trade stands, bringing families across the South of England together. Families welcomed new entertainment and attractions, such as the Knights of Middle England and the Shetland Pony Grand National.
David Sheerin FBHS, Event Director said: “I’m so proud of what the team achieved this year at Wellington International Horse Trials with over 1000 horses competing over nine courses throughout the weekend. The ground held up incredibly well. It was wonderful to receive such great feedback from Mark Lucey that the ground going was foot-perfect across the fields of play. The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of His Grace, The Duke of Wellington. I am immensely grateful to the volunteers and officials for their contributions and for helping us bring the sport to the public in such a positive way.”
- Paris Olympians that competed over the weekend: Tim & Jonelle Price, Toshiyuki Tanaka (with Jefferson JRA), Austin O’Connor, Clarke Johnstone, Michael Winter, Marcio Carvalho Jorge
- National Pony Club PC110 Champion was Darcy Rook & Biarritz II
- FEI 3* S Winner Emily Young-Jamieson & Klaas-Jan B
- FEI 2* S Winner Kirsty Chabert & Global Empress
- FEI 1* S Winner Aaron Otway & Jack Sparrow
Competitor Quotes
“I had another fantastic event at the Wellington International Horse Trials. I have been attending this event since it started. Over the years, my horses have always enjoyed the courses, and the ground has consistently been good. This year was no exception! The advanced track was lovely, with some good questions and good lines. It has helped build Cristal Fontaine’s confidence, perfect preparation for our three-day autumn campaign and his 4* long at Boekelo. The team at Wellington is wonderful and there is always a great atmosphere at the event. The main arena has so many spectators and trade stands, making it a great experience for all levels of horses, from the young ones doing the 100 classes to the advanced ones, which gain lots of mileage from the event. This is why I always mark this event on my calendar every year as part of my autumn campaign for all of my horses. It would be wonderful to see a 4* event there because the venue has the capacity.” Kitty King, BE Advanced Section Y Winner
“I just wanted to say a big thank you to the whole team for a fantastic weekend. The effort from everyone at Wellington International Horse Trials was amazing and it is always a venue I highly recommend. Wellington always put a lot of effort into the ground, which I feel is always rewarded by a big entry turnout, and the rain made the going perfect on Sunday.” Emily Young-Jamieson, FEI 3* Winner
“We all had the most fantastic time at Wellington International Horse Trails & Country Fair. There is so much for the kids and families to do. There is so much entertainment for the children included for free, all while the competition took place – it was great. I’ve not been for a while and I was delighted with the course and the ground improvements, providing both challenging and educational courses to enjoy.” Kirsty Chabert, FEI 2* Winner
“It’s been great to come back to Wellington and win the 1*, this time last year Wellington was Jack Sparrow’s first 100. We managed to pull out our best score yet for a 28.7 and he jumped well considering it’s his first time with this much atmosphere. The ground for the cross country was great considering the rain we had the day before and it allowed me to push for the time. It was our first big win together and it was great to have our moment on the podium. We will back again next year!” Aaron Otway, FEI 1* S Winner
For more information, please visit our websites: www.wellingtonhorsetrials.co.uk and www.wellingtonriding.co.uk
Press release supplied by event
