APRIL 2024 THE RIDER /47 2024 Hickstead Events


making it one of the oldest events of its kind. This year marks an ex- citing new era for this five-star show, under the new title sponsorship of Agria. There is so much to enthral and entertain at the Agria Royal


International Horse Show, whichever day you choose to attend. Wednesday is all about the prestigious British Showjumping Winter Finals, while the international showjumping action gets underway on Thursday with the Royal International Vase and the Royal Inter- national Trophy, before the country’s leading event riders do battle in the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge. On Friday specta- tors have their only chance to see the Brits compete as a team on home turf, in the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain. This team com- petition will see the British riders face tough competition from some of the world’s leading showjumping nations, including Germany, France and Sweden. Saturday is the historic Queen Elizabeth II Cup, a coveted national championship, while Sunday’s grand finale is the King George V Gold Cup, a trophy that has been won by so many of the best riders in history. Showing is a huge part of this fixture, with riders competing


The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, 20-23 June 2024


Centring around one of the most iconic showjumping classes


in the world, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting is undoubt- edly one of the most loved events in the equestrian calendar. Four days of international jumping culminate in the Al Shira’aa Derby, which takes place on the final Sunday of the show. The stands are always packed for this famous competition, which sees brave horses and riders tackle a lengthy course filled with challenging fences such as the Derby Bank, the Devil’s Dyke, the double of water ditches and one of the widest water jumps in the world. Other highlights in the International Arena include the fast and


furious British Speed Derby, and the Agria Derby Trial – a World Ranking class in its own right. But while Hickstead is synonymous with showjumping, there is so much more on offer at this fixture. Hundreds of showing horses and ponies will be in action, with riders hoping to pick up a qualifying ticket for July’s Agria Royal Interna- tional Horse Show; while speedy Scurry Driving ponies will race round the main ring much to the delight of the crowds. Around 40,000 spectators attend this show, not just to see thou-


sands of equine stars but also to browse the shopping village or enjoy a visit to the fun fair. There’s a huge choice of bars and restaurants, or visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic and simply enjoy some top-class sport in the beautiful West Sussex countryside. Tick- ets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; Thursday 20 June is free general admission for all while Friday and Saturday offers free admission to all under-15s when booked in ad- vance – visit www.hickstead.co.uk for more information.


up and down the country to pick up a qualifying ticket to compete at this show. It is widely regarded as the highlight of the summer showing season, with hundreds of the very best horses and ponies heading to Hickstead each year. The show is one of the highlights of the Sussex social calendar,


especially Ladies’ Day on the Saturday – where the best dressed guests have a chance of winning luxury spa breaks at some of the county’s leading hotels. The extensive shopping village is a big draw, plus the Village Green area with its street food stalls, a funfair and a live entertainment stage. There’s also a vast range of bars, restaurants and hospitality options to make your visit truly memorable. Tickets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; including free admission to all under-15s when booked in advance – visit www.hickstead.co.uk for more information.


The British Young Horse Championships, 9-12 August Hickstead has been selected as the new host of this prestigious


championships for young horses. The show boasts a total prize fund of nearly £80,000, with qualifiers and finals for four-, five, six- and seven-year-old horses, with additional prizes for British-bred horses. The Finals will also act as qualifiers for the World Breeding Cham- pionship for Young Horses in Lanaken in Belgium. Admission and parking are free of charge


The All England September Tour, 28 August – 1 September, 4 – 8 September The All England September Tour comprises two back-to-back


weeks of showjumping action, with classes ranging from 90cm up to a £9,000 1.40m Grand Prix. It’s the perfect opportunity to see some of the best horses and up-and-coming stars in the country, in a more relaxed setting. Admission is free for spectators.


The I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival, 7-12 May First taking place in 2021, our annual dressage festival has al-


ready become a firm favourite in the Hickstead calendar. Since its inception it has been expanded to six days, with international CDI and Para-dressage classes taking place alongside a Premier League and national tests. Spectators get free entry and parking, giving dres- sage fans the chance to see some of the best horses and riders com- pete at one of the best known showgrounds in the world.


The Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championships, Friday 28 June


Junior and senior schools from Great Britain and beyond head


The Agria Royal International Horse Show, 23-28 July 2023


The Royal International Horse Show first took place in 1907,


to Sussex each year for this popular event, which first took place at Hickstead back in 1964. Robert Whitaker, Jodie Kidd and the Duchess of York are among those who competed at these champi- onships in their youth - admission is free to spectators so come along to see if you can spot a few stars among this year’s competitors.


Visit www.therider.com


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