Our History

Built in 1698, and famous for its 66 acres of formal French gardens, Bramham Park is a family home that is much sought after for a range of occasions. The horse trials first ran in 1974 under the direction of George Lane Fox, then 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.

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 epidemics
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 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 George Lane Fox who died in 2012
2014
William Fox-Pitt proves his title as ‘King of Bramham’ with his eighth win, this time riding Chilli Morning
2017
Yoshiaki Oiwa becomes the first Japanese rider to win at CCI*** level outside Japan, riding Calle 44
2020/21
The event was cancelled due to Covid-19
2022
Bramham hosted the first BE80 National Championships, Philippa Skelton is the first winner riding Brian Boru III9
2024
Princess Anne presents the prizes at CCI 4* Prize Giving to celebrate 50 years of Bramham
2025
Andrew Hefferman takes up the reins of being the Course Designer.