Spring is in the air, lambs are frolicking in the Park and plans are in motion for this year’s ‘fabulous at fifty’ anniversary of the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials who would love to see supporters old and new join in the celebrations. Running 6 – 9 June, Yorkshire’s premier equestrian fixture in the iconic Park promises a packed programme with something for everyone, so grab your tickets, get into celebration mode and head to Bramham!
The jewel in the event’s crown is the world-renown eventing competitions with the Defender CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S taking center stage alongside the Under 25 CCI4* to crown a British champion. With selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just a matter of weeks after Bramham, entries across all three sections should feature some of the world’s best as they vie for a spot to represent their country in Versailles.
Bramham is notorious for producing thrilling cross-country courses and this year won’t disappoint. After 15 years, Ian Stark will deliver his swansong course and there’s little doubt he’ll want his final Bramham foray to be a classic. He and craftsman builder David Evans recently spent time in the Park outlining their vision and plans…you don’t want to miss it.
Bramham will also host the NAF Five Star BE 80 Championship for Britain’s most talented and ambitious amateur combinations. Riders from all over the country have been busily qualifying for a coveted chance to ride on the hallowed Yorkshire turf, tackle a smaller version of Ian Stark’s cross-country test and realise the dream of competing in a three-day event.
However, it’s not all about eventing at Bramham – there’s a host of other equestrian competitions too and entries are now open. There’s youngstock and hunter showing classes, a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier and British Showjumping classes including a Horse of the Year Show qualifier, a six bar, accumulator and the show’s curtain call, the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix. The Saracens Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes at 90 and 100cm are a competitor, and spectator favorite on Sunday while local Pony Club teams will be in action all weekend with show jumping and mounted games – with friendly rivalry, great camaraderie and vocal supporters, these competitions are always a fun watch.
Bramham are delighted to have Kirkbourne Spaniels joining them in 2024 for working dog demos in the Defender arena and the team is also going to be holding dog scurry competitions adjacent to the agility arena throughout the event – something for the canine visitors to enjoy as well as their owners.
Another huge draw at Bramham is the tradestand village. With over 160 outlets selling just about anything, it’s a shoppers’ paradise – equestrian, lifestyle, luxury, bargain, unique or bonkers, you’ll find it! Title sponsors Defender will of course be there, as will our 2024 charity partners, The British Horse Society, who’ve been a part of the event since year one in 1974. Make a point of visiting their stand to learn about their work across welfare, education, lobbying and safety.
A visit to Bramham is always special but why not make this year just that bit more magical by booking into the Bramham Hideaway, their luxury glamping site at the heart of the event. With cosy and stylish accommodation in tents for two or four, there’s dedicated facilities, electricity, WiFi and a daily housekeeping visit so you can expect all your home comforts – and more! Early booking is advised as this really is the ultimate Bramham experience.
For those who prefer to camp over glamp, Bramham also offer a campsite facility for any type of accommodation with shower and toilet facilities – you can book for a season pass or weekend – but hurry, bookings are limited and the weekend is nearly sold out!
The best way to get your Bramham tickets is in advance – you’ll save time and money! Admission tickets start at £16 for over 12s and there’s further savings on weekend and season passes. You’ll also need a car park ticket for your vehicle so don’t forget that too. Upgrade yourself to VIP status with Membership tickets which give you access to the arenaside Members’ pavilion with CCTV, coffee shop, bar and snacks – numbers are limited so it’s worth booking ahead with your entry tickets.
As Bramham’s charitable partner, all British Horse Society members have access to a 25% discount on Thursday, Friday and Sunday tickets so make sure you have your membership number handy when booking.
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “It’s a magical time on the Bramham Estate as the Park comes to life after its winter slumber and we begin our event preparations in earnest and as an Olympic year, there’s added excitement. It was fantastic to have Ian [Stark] and David [Evans] with us, they always bring big ideas and huge enthusiasm, and it’s always a privilege to see their thoughts become reality in the Park. Ian will certainly want to sign off with something special. We’re also working with the teams at Defender and The British Horse Society on their plans for June – across everyone we work with there’s a real feel of celebration as we look to mark our 50th anniversary together, and with our competitors, their connections and our visitors.”
Release supplied by Bramham Horse Trials
