Bramham Horse Trials
Bramham International Horse Trials is one of the Europe's leading three-day events, taking place every June at Bramham Park, near Wetherby in Yorkshire. The event attracts around 60,000 spectators over four days of competition.[1]
Contents
The Event
History
The event first ran in 1974 under the direction of Mr George Lane Fox, owner of Bramham Park and was won by American rider Bruce Davidson from a field of only 25. The horse trials has grown considerably over the years, gaining international status in 1981. There has only been one cancellation in the event's history, which was in 2000 due to the foot and mouth disease epidemic.
The main horse trials regularly attracts in excess of 140 competitors internationally.[2] In 2012 Bramham attracted its largest ever field, and was used by many as a final run for the London 2012 Olympics. An even larger field could be seen in 2016 due Bramham's proximity to the Rio De Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
Classes
The horse trials is a 3-star level international event and hosts four classes: CCI*** senior; CCI*** British Under 25 Championship; CIC***; and Event Rider Masters CIC***.
A host of other arena classes are held alongside the main event. These include British Show Jumping classes; hunter and young stock classes; Burghley Young Event Horse competition; and a stallion parade.
Other Attractions
Bramham International Horse Trials is known not only as a world-class equestrian competition, but as a countryside day out for all. The event regularly attracts in the region of 60,000 visitors over four days of competition.[1]
Shopping
Each year over 150 exhibitors[3] can be found in the shopping village and food hall, from well-known names to boutique labels.
Drinking and Dining
A great variety of catering options can be found at the horse trials. A Member's Bar and Bistro is situated alongside the main arena guaranteeing superior views of the competition as you dine. Hospitality chalets are available for private group bookings. Catering, pimms and champagne units are located around the rest of the event site; or spectators are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it in the splendid surroundings of Bramham Park.
Family Activities
In line with its aim to be a friendly, all-encompassing event, there is plenty of children's entertainment available including quad biking, Segways, bungee trampolining, and more.
Event Timetable
| Day | Events |
|---|---|
| Thursday | CCI***, CCI*** U25 and CIC*** dressage, hunter and young stock classes |
| Friday | CCI***, CCI*** U25 and CIC*** dressage, Burghley Young Event Horse competition |
| Saturday | CCI***, CCI*** U25 and CIC*** cross country, British Show Jumping classes, Pony Club mounted games and Pony Club show jumping |
| Sunday | CCI***, CCI*** U25 and CIC*** show jumping, British Show Jumping classes, Pony Club mounted games |
Notable Dates
| Year | Notable Event |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Bramham three day event was born; the inaugural Stirling section winner was Bruce Davidson with Paddy from a field of 25 |
| 1981 | The event gains international status and Mike Etherington-Smith joins as cross country course designer |
| 1985 | After a couple of years of hosting the a Young Rider section, Bramham is awarded the official British Young Rider Championships |
| 1986 | Mary King becomes the first rider to finish first and second with King Cuthbert and Silverstone, respectively |
| 1988 | Jane Wallace (then Thelwall) becomes the first rider to score back-to-back wins with King's Jester; Mike Tucker becomes the new cross country course designer |
| 1989 | Bill Henson begins his 11 year involvement with the horse trials as Event Director |
| 1997 | Captain Mark Phillips takes over as cross country course designer |
| 2000 | Sue Benson adds her name to the esteemed list of cross country course designers |
| 2001 | The event is cancelled for the first time in its history due to the foot and mouth disease epidemic |
| 2002 | The British Young Rider Championship is extended to the British Under 25 Championship, the first of which is won by Zara Phillips on Toytown |
| 2003 | Gail Dale, the event's long-standing secretary retires after a 21 year involvement with the event |
| 2005 | The first year that Bramham runs in the 'short format' without roads, tracks and steeplechase |
| 2010 | Ian Stark becomes takes over as cross country course designer and makes a big change using previously unused features in the Park |
| 2011 | Course builder of the London 2012 Olympics, David Evans joins the team as cross country course builder |
| 2012 | Bramham attracts its largest ever field and is used by many as a final run for the London 2012 Olympics |
| 2013 | The event sees its 40th anniversary, and the first without founder Mr George Lane Fox who passed away in 2012 |
| 2014 | William Fox-Pitt proves his title as 'King of Bramham' with his eighth win, this time riding Chilli Morning |
References
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