by bramhamadmin | Jun 10, 2026 | Uncategorized
The spirit of Leeds Festival arrived early to Wetherby to get the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials 2026 underway with the first horse inspection for the Defender CCI4*-L, sponsored by British Horse Feeds. Some 51 competitors from six countries came forward under the Ground Jury of Christina Klingspor (SWE – President), Les Smith (GBR) and Andrew Bennie (NZL), all briefed to add ‘a touch of festival’ in their attire – many took it to heart, with some spectacular outfits on show.
Leading British jewellery outlet Hiho Silver once again put each competitor under the spotlight to decide the male and female riders who best answered the brief. Hiho’s Andrew Ransford and Bramham’s Rachel Lane Fox judged Tom Rowland and Selina Miles the winners. Tom went for the casual partygoer look, while Selina dazzled in silver sequins. Well done to both – and all who supported!
Andrew Ransford of HiHo said; “We’ve had a great judging panel Bramham every year with myself, Rachel Lane Fox and her incredible friend Helen. It was Rachel’s idea to combine everything that goes on at Bramham and because of that, the theme was ‘a touch of festival’.
“There were two clear winners for us today. The unbelievable Tom Rowland in the absolutely hilarious get up he’d chosen. Rachel said that at Leeds last year, every single person looked just like that! It was superb.
“Selina won a hot competition from the girls with a sequinned long dress and did a brilliant job. I’m told Rachel Lane has her eye on it!
From my perspective, it was wonderful to see more people ‘got the memo’ this year and we had such a strong showing.”
Preparing the horses to go before the judges is in the hands of the hard-working grooms behind the scenes and today they all excelled themselves, with horses gleaming, neatly on-point plaits and artistic quartermarks all-round. However, it was Stephen Heal’s ride, Hisco, under the ownership of The Knight Syndicate and groomed by Tash Bailey, who was deemed top of the pops by the British Horse Feeds team of judges. Congratulations to Tash – a stunning effort.
Three horses were asked to represent, but subsequently passed, so it’s the full complement of 51 who go through to the next two days of dressage. One of the favourites to take the 2026 title – reigning World Champion Yaz Ingham and Goliath du Loir, owned by The Sue Davies Fund and Janette Chinn – is drawn second to go, so could lay the gauntlet early. Others to watch on Thursday include Selina Miles (Cooley Snapchat, owned by William Rucker), Tom McEwen (Diedre Johnston and Jane Knight’s Quintus) and Piggy March, riding MCS Maverick, owned by the Maidwell Mavericks, who won the event in 2023 with former rider Pippa Funnell. Dressage gets underway at 10:30 in the new-look Defender Arena.
The other eventing showcase is of course the Defender CCI4*-S and, here, the roster boasts a bumper 116 combinations from 11 countries. This section also incorporates the British Under-25 Championships. Selecting a potential winner is no easy task, but Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, owned by Diedre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert, have to be the bookie’s favourites. They do dressage under the Ground Jury of Christian Steiner (AUT) and Annabel Scrimgeor (GBR) on Friday. Others to watch on day one include first-to-go Kirsty Chabert and plucky mare Classic VI, who led the British team to victory in the FEI Nations Cup at Bicton two weeks ago with an individual win, Bramham regular and former winner Zara Tindall and Showtime, Gemma Stevens with her two Chilli Morning relations – son Chilli’s Jester and clone Chilli Morning IV, and Kitty King, who took the Bramham win in 2019, this time riding Cristal Fontaine.
The short section starts bright and early at 08:30. Both sections are being livestreamed by Horse & Country with a subscription, so you can catch every test.
In the Top Spec Arena, there’s a full programme of showing for youngstock, hunters and breeding to add to day one’s action.
You can follow all the action with times, scores and all the info via the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials app – just download from your preferred app store. You can catch up with on socials too – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
If you’re planning on joining us, but haven’t purchased your tickets yet, save time at the gate and buy online before you arrive.
by bramhamadmin | May 22, 2026 | Uncategorized
While ‘football fever’ is set to grip the nation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a small corner of Yorkshire will be bringing ‘equestrian euphoria’ to the masses at the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials, 11 – 14 June. April showers and sunshine have the iconic park looking beautiful and ready to provide the perfect backdrop for four days of world class eventing, top equestrian action and the ultimate spectator experience. So…footy or horses, which will you choose?
The jewels in Bramham’s crown are the Defender CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S competitions and entries from some of the world’s best are coming in. There are currently over 150 entries from ten nations on the stellar roster with many of the combinations hoping to catch the eye ahead of this summer’s FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen, Germany.
Britain’s Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, world number one Harry Meade and current European champion Laura Collett fly the home side flag alongside names like Zara Phillips, Piggy March, Kitty King and Gemma Stevens.
All our 2025 champions make a return – two are hoping to defend their titles including current Defender CCI4*-L champions Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time and British U25 title holders Tom Woodward with Low Moor Lucky. It’ll be a new name on the Defender CCI4*-S trophy as last year’s victors Yasmin Ingham – who’ll be hoping to defend her World Champion crown in August – and Gypsie du Loir step up to the long section.
The Bramham Organising Team has declared 2026 a year of reform with a number of positive changes in the offing. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the park where course designer Andrew Heffernan started with a clean sheet of paper with the routes looking very different with several new fences introduced. Andrew, working with master builder David Evans and team, has worked hard over the winter to produce a track with equine welfare at the fore but also delivers a test which Bramham is synonymous with. The countdown until the final tracks are revealed is underway but expect something truly special.
The heartbeat of the event – the Defender and Top Spec arenas and tradestand village – have also undergone some changes. The Pol Roger Members’ Enclosure has moved around the main arena and to ensure a judge’s eye view on the dressage days, the arena itself has rotated too. The facilities for members have also been part of the change and this year’s offering promises to be the best ever. New premium catering options from the Harrogate Food and Drink Company, luxury amenities and a welcoming feel will take visitor’s Bramham experience to the next level – so why not treat yourself?
While horses take center stage at Bramham, the shopping and culinary treats come a close second. The 150 outlets in the tradestand village have something for everyone. The Country Living Pavillion, a firm favourite with visitors, has moved location and is now arena side and will be bigger and better than ever. Title sponsors Defender will of course be there to showcase their impressive fleet and remember anyone with a Land Rover key fob will be able to visit the Land Rover Owners Lawn for a welcome coffee break.
Make sure you pay a visit to our 2026 charity, Cystic Fibrosis Care who’ll be onsite to showcase their tremendous work to support children and adults living with this debilitating, life shortening disease. They’ll also be offering a bag drop where you can park your purchases while you walk the course, take refreshments or head off to buy more!
Time spent outdoors is never wasted and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in a garden. So, it’s with huge excitement that we welcome the Askham Byran Floral and Plant Marquee for this year. The college’s horticulture department will be there with a vast selection of flowers, seasonal, perennial and house plants for sale. Plus, the staff and students will be hosting a range of talks, expert advice sessons and ‘Have a go’ activities.
A further new addition this year will be the Chatham Chat Zone. Over the weekend the equestrian ‘hostess with the mostest’ Nicole Browne will be hosting insightful sessions with an array of great guests. If you’re visiting, make sure to check out the Bramham App to find out who’s on and when on Saturday and Sunday.
Eventing may be the sporting spotlight at Bramham but there’s a host of other equestrian competitions too. 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 100cm, 90cm and 80cm are a huge favorite on Sunday while local Pony Club teams will be in action all weekend with show jumping and mounted games – always a crowd favourite with plenty of spectator encouragement!
Have you bought your passes yet? Save time and money by booking your Bramham tickets in advance – but hurry, advance prices end on 07 June. Admission tickets start at £18 for over 17s 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 – there’s a day, weekend and season option. Upgrade yourself to VIP status with Pol Roger Members’ Enclosure tickets – you can do it on the day but these are likely to sell out so we advise buying ahead.
For those who like to be at the heart of the action, we also offer a glamping courtesy of The Glamping Group or 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 package is nearly sold out!
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “We’re approaching the busiest time in the build up to the event and the site is really coming to life, to see our vision and changes for this year in action is truly exciting. Everything is coming together nicely thanks to our incredible team on the ground and the wider support of our sponsors, contractors and volunteers.
A quick glance down the entry lists really lifted the excitement levels with some of the world’s best heading to Yorkshire – and we’re delighted to be playing a part in their eventing journey – whether that’s a place on their national team or simply moving to the next level. Andrew’s course looks a cracker, and we can’t wait to open the gates to everyone to share all the Bramham traditions alongside our new look.”
Visit the website www.bramham-horse.co.uk for all the news, lowdown and ticket information. Follow us on, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok as we count the days until the 2026 Defender Bramham International Horse Trials.
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Bramham Media Contact:
Winnie Murphy, Press Officer – winsome22@live.co.uk or 07967 186556.
Media accreditation closes on 29 May so get any last-minute applications in – Media – Defender Bramham International Horse Trials.
Passes will be mailed on or around Tuesday 2 June.
by bramhamadmin | Apr 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Spring is in the air and the countdown to this year’s Defender Bramham International Horse Trials has officially begun! One vital component in the build up is announcing the charitable partner and this year Cystic Fibrosis Care, a Yorkshire charity covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be in the spotlight. The team will be there fundraising alongside the showpiece Defender CCI4* eventing competitions, a host of top-flight British Showjumping classes plus showing, young stock, arena eventing and Pony Club action.
Established in 2015, Cystic Fibrosis Care supports children and adults living with Cystic Fibrosis through financial help, wellbeing services, patient grants and essential medical equipment. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common, life-shortening genetic conditions, affecting the lungs and digestive system in around 11,200 children and young adults. It’s a debilitating disease which impacts day to day life in many ways – medically, physically and mentally.
Pat Kilpatrick, Director of Cystic Fibrosis Care, said; “Cystic Fibrosis Care is enormously grateful to be the official charity for the 2026 Defender Bramham International Horse Trials. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds to support those living with Cystic Fibrosis. As a dedicated Yorkshire charity, we provide the help required to make everyday life a little easier for those who need it most while navigating this complex, lifelong illness that reshapes daily life from the moment of diagnosis. The average life expectancy remains in the late 40s — a stark reminder of the challenges people with CF continue to face. We look forward the opportunity to talk to everyone about CF as well as raising funds which will enable us to provide a better quality of life for those with CF.”
The charity also fund raise locally though York Races (15 May), Tour de Dales bike ride (5 July) and the Great North Run Half Marathon (7 September). Find out more via www.cysticfibrosiscare.org.uk.
Visitors to this year’s event will be able meet the Cystic Fibrosis Care fundraising team and volunteers in the 120 strong tradestand village which nestles around the two main competition rings. Shopping, sport, entertainment, food, drink, socialising – it’s the heartbeat of Bramham. And this year, there’s the chance to take your experience to the next level.
The Pol Roger Members’ Enclosure has undergone a huge transformation with added elegance and indulgence. There’s a new location down the long side of the main Defender arena for the best view of all the action. The catering for members has been transformed and comes courtesy of the Harrogate Food and Drink Company, who pride themselves on bringing you food ‘from field to plate’.
The 2026 menu covers everything from breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea and full meals with vegetarian and vegan options as well as a wide variety of locally sourced meat and seafood. Start your day with a full Yorkshire breakfast, perhaps The Dales Field & Deli board or Garden Platter will cover your lunchtime needs while the Kirby Malzeard Sirloin, Bramham Burger or Whitby Mussels will satisfy those with the larger appetite. There’s a fully licensed bar and a good selection of hot drinks, including Yorkshire Tea, of course!
You could also treat yourself to a Bramham Afternoon Tea – served from 3pm each day a selection of savoury and sweet treats and there’s the chance to upgrade to cover a scrumptious glass of Pol Roger champagne or delicious rosé.
Tables can be booked for breakfast and afternoon tea for those with Pol Roger Members’ Tickets – information is included when you book. To secure your membership, book today along with your general entry tickets!
To add to your Bramham upgrade, there’s the option of glamping for 2026. Join our new partners, The Glamping Group and their luxury bell tent accommodation just moments away from all the action. Each pre-pitched bell tent accommodates up to four guests, and you can build your own package – single, double or twin bed with optional extras including memory foam mattresses, flowers, cushions and vanity mirrors to elevate your stay. You can even book your bedding, so all you need to do is turn up! This is sure to be a popular option and bookings are first-come, first-served, so make sure you book your tent, camping tickets and general admission passes soon!
The Bramham Box Office is now open to secure tickets, memberships, camping passes and car parking – book up to 7 June to take advantage of discounted advanced prices via the ticketing website – or link on www.bramham-horse.co.uk.
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented, “It’s an honour to be working with Cystic Fibrosis Care this year – it’s great to have a locally based charity who are having a nationwide impact on those impacted by this terrible illness. We look forward to working with Pat, the Trustees and their volunteers in June.
This is always my favourite time in the park at Bramham as it comes to life after the long, and wet, winter and the work to bring all our plans and changes to fruition begins in earnest. We’ve listened to feedback and worked with our valued family of partners and suppliers to really raise an already high Bramham bar to give our supporters a year to remember. We look forward to sharing a revitalised Bramham experience with everyone in just 65 days!”
Follow us on, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – a visit to the website www.bramham-horse.co.uk will provide all the detail need to plan, book and enjoy your visit to Bramham over 11 – 14 June 2026.
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Media contacts
Bramham International Horse Trials
Winnie Murphy, Press Officer
E | winsome22@live.co.uk
M | 07967 186556
Cystic Fibrosis Care
Pat Kilpatrick
E | pat.kilpatrick@cysticfibrosiscare.org.uk
T | 01677 470469 or 07857 508900
W: www.cysticfibrosiscare.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 116445
by bramhamadmin | Nov 28, 2025 | Uncategorized
Defender Bramham International Horse Trials is delighted to announce a new three-year partnership with Pol Roger, who will become the Official Sponsor of the Members’ Enclosure from 2026 onwards.
This exciting collaboration brings together one of Britain’s most prestigious equestrian events with one of the world’s most esteemed Champagne houses, enhancing the experience for Members and visitors across all four days of the Horse Trials.
As part of the partnership, visitors who purchase a Members’ ticket during the Early Bird period (1 December – 28 February) will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne Pol Roger’s Brut Réserve, redeemable within the Members’ Enclosure during the event.
The Members’ Enclosure, situated at the heart of the event, is undergoing a major revamp for 2026, and this partnership will play a key role in elevating the offering. Already providing premium facilities, ringside viewing, and a relaxed hospitality environment, the Enclosure will be further enhanced through Pol Roger’s involvement, ensuring Members can enjoy world-class sport paired with world-class Champagne.
It’s not only Members who will benefit: a Pol Roger bar will also be introduced within the main event site, allowing all visitors to enjoy this exceptional Champagne during their day at Bramham.
Event Director, Nicholas Pritchard, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Pol Roger into the Bramham family. Their reputation for excellence aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering a first-class experience for our visitors, and especially our Members. This partnership will undoubtedly elevate the 2026 event and the years that follow. Pol Roger is becoming synonymous with Eventing, and we are genuinely delighted to be working with them. They sit seamlessly alongside other premium brands at Bramham, including Defender, Country Living, Joules, and many more.”
Managing Director of Pol Roger Portfolio, James Simpson MW, added:
“We are delighted to extend our support of British Eventing by joining the Bramham family as Official Sponsor of the Members’ Enclosure. Bramham has long been recognised for delivering exceptional sport and entertainment in a truly beautiful setting and we are proud to contribute to the experience enjoyed by its loyal Members and visitors. Our involvement across the eventing and equestrian calendar, at Burghley, Badminton, Cornbury and Royal Windsor, and now Bramham, reflects Pol Roger’s deepening connection with this remarkable community.”
The Defender Bramham International Horse Trials will take place from 11–14 June 2026, welcoming elite eventing athletes, spectators, and supporters from across the country. Early Bird tickets go on sale 1 December 2025.
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Bramham Media Contact:
Winnie Murphy, Press Officer – winsome22@live.co.uk or 07967 186556.
by bramhamadmin | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
Bramham’s newest shopping destination – the Country Living Pavilion – returns with a new location in 2026
Winter may be on the horizon but the team behind the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials have their eyes firmly fixed on 11 – 14 June 2026 when they deliver Yorkshire’s largest equestrian fixture. One of 2025’s new additions was the sumptuous Country Living Pavilion and the news is in…it’ll be back in 2026, bigger and better than before, and with a new arena side location!
The main event hub area is undergoing a huge shake up for 2026 and this means that the Country Living Pavillion will now enjoy an arena side location with prime viewing and a new café where shoppers can enjoy a well-deserved pit stop.
A regular feature at both the MARS Badminton Horse Trials and Defender Burghley Horse Trials, the Country Living Pavillion is a shopper’s delight featuring around 30 artisan, independent small businesses selling everything from stylish homeware, garden ornaments, handmade gifts, self-indulgent wellbeing treats and food for every palate.
James Dawson from Country Living said “We’ve loved our first year working with the Bramham team. Events like this give us the chance to bring the Country Living brand – and our hand-picked artisans – out into the field, quite literally. We’re thrilled to be returning in 2026 with an exciting new location.”
Stay tuned for further updates on the team’s exciting layout plans to develop the heart of the event.
While work in the office has been going on around the infrastructure, cross country course designer Anderew Heffernan, who made a triumphant debut this year, and course builders David Evans and Mike Pope have been out in the park making the most of the dry autumn. There’s been plenty of earth moved, sketches done and new sites earmarked for the fences that will make up the two 2026 Defender CCI4* long and short cross-country courses. We can hardly wait to see what these three inventive minds deliver for everyone’s entertainment.
The box office opens on 01 December and in an early Christmas present to everyone, the 2026 prices will be held at the 2025 rates – no increase! Those who are early birds can make huge savings by buying tickets from 01 December to 28 February, with adult tickets starting from £16. From 01 March, prices will be at advanced rates when you can still take advantage of discounted costs before they rise on the week of the event.
Defender Bramham International Horse Trials Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “It was a vintage year in 2025, and it left us feeling inspired to refresh the layout in several key areas for 2026. We hope it will make a hugely positive difference to our loyal spectators. Working with Country Living has been a key part of our remodeling and their beautiful Pavilion will certainly be a hive of activity in the main arena area.
“We’ve already renewed several sponsors with a few new names to be announced – we’re so grateful for their support which has helped to enable us to freeze our ticket prices for next year. We know times are difficult for many and we wanted help our fans – old and new – to enjoy Bramham and all it has to offer next year. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2026 for the 52nd Defender Bramham International Horse Trials!”
So, markup your calendar with 01 December and get your 2026 tickets secured – remember, camping and members tickets always sell quickly! Visit www.bramham-horse.co.uk to plan your trip and book your tickets. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for news and updates.
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Bramham Media Contact:
Winnie Murphy, Press Officer – winsome22@live.co.uk or 07967 186556.
by bramhamadmin | Nov 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
Defender Bramham Horse Trials and Horse & Country extend live streaming partnership through to 2028
[London, UK – 12.11.2025] — Defender Bramham International Horse Trials and leading equestrian broadcaster Horse & Country (H&C) are delighted to announce a renewed three-year partnership, extending H&C’s exclusive worldwide streaming rights through to 2028.
The new agreement builds on a successful collaboration that began in 2021, and will mark eight consecutive years of live coverage from Bramham Park. The partnership reflects both organisations’ commitment to making world-class eventing accessible to fans everywhere and to supporting the sport’s leading fixtures over the long term.
Viewers around the globe can continue to enjoy live and extensive coverage of all phases of the 2026 Bramham International Horse Trials on H&C+, Horse & Country’s streaming service; available to subscribers worldwide. From live streams of the cross country in the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S, to behind-the-scenes content, and expert commentary, the 2025 edition once again brought the excitement and atmosphere of Bramham directly to fans’ screens.
Nicholas Pritchard, Event Director of Bramham International Horse Trials, said:
“It’s fantastic to continue our relationship with Horse & Country, who’ve been with us since 2021 helping to showcase Bramham to a truly global audience. This renewed partnership ensures our competitors, sponsors, and fans continue to benefit from exceptional coverage and storytelling across the next three years.”
Jonathan Rippon, Director of Content for Horse & Country, added:
“We’re proud to have been part of Bramham’s journey for the past five seasons – from Izzy Taylor’s memorable 2022 victory with Monkeying Around, to Bubby Upton’s brilliant 2025 CCI4*-L win on Its Cooley Time. These are the kinds of defining moments that make Bramham so special, and extending our partnership through to 2028 reflects H&C’s ongoing commitment to celebrating them, while building long-term relationships with key events across the eventing calendar.”
The next Defender Bramham International Horse Trials will take place from 10th–14th June 2026, with full live and on-demand coverage of all phases of the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, and Under-25 classes being available exclusively to H&C+ subscribers worldwide via horseandcountry.tv. Eventing enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the Box Office will open to the public on 1st December 2025; with tickets available to purchase at www.bramham-horse.co.uk.
About Defender Bramham International Horse Trials
Founded in 1974, the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials is one of the UK’s premier equestrian events, attracting many of the world’s top riders to the stunning Bramham Park estate in West Yorkshire. Combining elite competition with a family-friendly atmosphere, Bramham is a must-attend date on the international eventing calendar. Learn more at www.bramham-horse.co.uk.
About Horse & Country
Horse & Country (H&C) is the leading international equestrian sports network, offering live coverage, highlights, and exclusive original programming from the world of equestrian sport. Its streaming service, H&C+, is available to subscribers worldwide via web, mobile, and connected TV platforms. Annual membership of H&C+ costs just £84.99, with the option of a monthly recurring subscription at £14.99. For more information, visit www.horseandcountry.tv.
Media Enquiries:
press@horseandcountry.tv
horsetrials@bramhampark.co.uk
