by bramhamadmin | Jun 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
And just like that, this year’s Bramham International Horse Trials is underway! In the international four-star sections, the dressage phase kicked off under a mix of sunshine and cloud, but competitors certainly gave the expectant Bramham crowds – and judges – a great deal of delight on day one.
Taylor makes a late charge for the lead
In the CCI4*-L, it was Izzy Taylor and Happy Days who stormed into the lead. The pair had rerouted to Bramham after a fall in tricky conditions at Badminton last month, but have arrived here ready to be competitive and today showed they mean business. Izzy is, of course, the reigning title-holder of this class, having been victorious last year with Monkeying Around, and the Alex Colquhoun, Caroline Wilson and Lavinia Taylor’s grey gelding has given her a great start in defence of the title. Last into the arena, the 11-year-old by Cevin Z scored an average percentage of 70.07% from the judging panel of President Sue Baxter (GBR) at C, Christina Klingspore (SWE) at E and Robert Stevenson (UA) at M, which put the duo in pole position.
Afterwards, Izzy said: “I’m very pleased with Happy Days, he pretty much did as good as he can do. It was a different test to Badminton – horses are always improving and learning, as are we as athletes, and they change day-to-day. Part of our job is managing that, so there’s a difference from Badminton.”
Izzy had already had a walk around the cross-country course and was feeling good about what she’d seen. “It’s a great place here, a proper track and Ian [Stark] does a great job,” she commented. “The course looks amazing, it’s tough and there’s a lot to do – normal Bramham terrain, normal Ian Stark course design. It’s a great test and place to come to answer questions about a horse’s future – you really know what you’ve got afterwards.”
Second place is held by Bramham regular Piggy March riding John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s 10-year-old Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, who’s here on his CCI4*-L debut with a score of 30.8, which held the lead for most of the day.
“He’s a really smart horse and it was a clear round – we didn’t make any mistakes,” said Piggy. “There’s still more to come from him – his development, cadence, strength, that sort of thing. I was pretty pleased – he went how I expected, but I was a little disappointed with mark. It was a mark you’d expect with mistakes, but there were none. However, they’ve continued on that theme and if they stay that way, it’s fine. He’s a lovely horse and very exciting for the future – we all know it’s never a dressage competition here!”
The end-of-day one podium is completed by pathfinder Aaron Millar with Heidi Bates’ Chacoa-sired KEC Deacon, who posted 32.4 for their tour through the white boards.
Canter holds the edge in the DEFENDER section
In the DEFENDER CCI4*-S, it was a similar scene when the lead was snatched from a long-time leader late in the day. Zara Tindall took the early advantage with a relative newcomer to her string, Classicals Euro Star, a nine-year-old owned by herself and Judith Luff. With just one Advanced run under their belts, Bramham will be a tough test, but a consistent performance in the white boards left them with a score of 34.4.
Immediately after, in trotted Stephen Heal with The Super Mario Syndicate and his own Quidam de Lux, who edged in front of Zara when the jury of President Angela Tucker (GBR) at C, Sandy Phillips (GBR) on the side at E and Dr Ernst Topp (GER) at M awarded them an average percentage of 66.94%, equating to 33.1 penalties.
The top two remained unchanged until the final session of the day, when Ros Canter – who coincidentally is the reigning champion in this section, having won last year with Izilot DHI (who runs in the CCI-L 4* tomorrow) – brought forward Lady Milnes Coates and Deirdre Johnston’s MHS Seventeen. The handsome 10-year-old shone bright in the evening sunshine and with his rider, brimming with confidence and enjoying a purple patch, delivered a performance to earn 32.6 penalties to take over the lead.
“I’m really pleased with that test – he’s a really inexperienced horse at this level and this is his first four-star, having done just one Advanced. This weekend is about feeling how we go and seeing how he copes with it. He was very green in parts of the test, but others had real highlights so I’m really happy,” Ros explained.
It’s advantage France in the U25s
This year’s under-25 section may be low on numbers, but it’s high on quality and followed the pattern of the day. First down the centre line was Britain’s Richard Coney with the first of his two rides, Mermus R Diamonds, owned by Wendy Coney and himself, and they set the early pace with great score of 31.3 under the same ground jury as the CCI4*-L. Tom Bird slotted neatly into second on 39 penalities with Rebel Rhyme, who he jointly owns with David Kerry, before the final rider of day one, France’s young talent Morgane Euriat stole the show. She and partner Baccarat D Argonne are no strangers to Bramham, having been sixth here last year, and a score of 29.7 – the only one to go under 30.0 – has given them a great start in their mission to better their 2022 performance.
Dressage for the CCI4*-S resumes at 09:45, while the CCI-L 4* is back in action at 10:30. The U25s completethe day from 16:00.
Results and start times via: Eventing Scores
by bramhamadmin | Jun 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
The NAF Five Star BE80 Championships have proved once again to be a competition with it all. Sixty-eight of Britain’s most talented and ambitious amateur eventers arrived at Bramham full of hope – and a dose of healthy nerves – as they aimed to realise a dream of competing at one of eventing’s most iconic venues. It was Cornish lorry driver Emily Tamblyn with her striking 18.1hh grey Knockenpower Rory who lead from the off to take the coveted title.
The action began at lunchtime on Wednesday and at the end of day one, with 26 combinations going before the dressage judging panel, it was Fox Hills Apostrophe ESS and Katie Stewart who held the advantage on a score of 33.1. NAF then held a welcome drinks party, alongside a competitors’ briefing, which gave all the riders chance to collect their goodie buckets kindly gifted by our generous title sponsor.
Katie kept her pole position for a good while, until mum-of-three Amy Bevans stormed into the lead with 31.8 on her own Annas Delight. However, Amy’s time at the top was brief – Emily Tamblyn and the Irish-bred Knockenpower Rory, or ‘Pinks’, produced a stunning display to post the first sub-30 score of the day and take the lead with 29.3. The top three remained unchanged until the very end of the day, when Pony Club rider Carys Waligora gave the judges much to praise with her own Fisherhill Pearl, and they neatly slotted in to third with a score of 32.1.
‘Terrific Thursday’ at Bramham has become a real feature in the timetable because it sees the dressage get underway for the international sections, the tradestands open their doors and the park really comes to life, with the BE80 Championship combinations tackling showjumping followed by a quick turnaround to tackle Ian Stark’s 2,175m cross-country test. As the start time of 10:30 neared, a huge sense of expectation and excitement was palpable up at the championship area of the park. An inviting, flowing showjumping course was laid out and the top-placed competitors all were up to the test, adding nothing to their overnight dressage scores as they prepared for the final phase.
The first of the three to ride was Amy Bevans and, with the scores tight at the top, the pressure was on for a penalty-free round. Amy did just that and her plucky gelding finished just one second under the five-minute optimum time, which guaranteed her second place at best. The delighted jockey punched the air and wiped away happy tears as they crossed the finish line, clearly delighted with her beloved horse’s performance. The pressure was now on Emily and, with just a 2.5 penalty cushion in hand, she couldn’t afford to hang around. She and Pinks, who spend their winters hunting on Bodmin Moor with the East Cornwall, elected to take a long route halfway round the course for safety, which took extra precious seconds, but would it pay off? She stopped the timer at 5.06, six seconds over the optimum time for 2.4 penalties – victory and the title was hers… by 0.1 of a penalty!
It was then down to Carys to see if she could retain her podium place from her late draw. Having had a busy morning taking the written part of her PE GCSE, Carys was more than up to the task – she cruised round nine seconds inside the time to add nothing to her dressage score and finish on a total of 32.1.
A delighted Emily explained: “He’s gone so lovely. I did go for the long route at fence 11, which nearly cost me because I only finished 0.1 ahead, but I’m glad I did it because I played it safe. We didn’t qualify directly – we got through on a wild card – so I’m extra chuffed. This is our first run of the year because I entered two and they both got cancelled on me, so luckily, I went to a little unaffiliated three weeks ago, just to give him a run, and I thought that it would be what it would be.
“It means a lot to be here at Bramham, especially because we went to Chillington to qualify and we didn’t, then I got the email that I’d got in on a wild card and I just went in all guns blazing. I thought that if we’re going, we’re going. It felt amazing to do the lap of honour in the main arena – the atmosphere is just incredible, with all the crowds and the photographers down the long side. That was really cool, really special,” she beamed.
Runner-up Amy was equally delighted with her equine partner, who’s known as Otto at home: “I’ve had him since a three-year-old and produced him myself. He’s just everything to me, I love him to bits. He’s naturally very talented and I think everyone expects him to do well, but sometimes he just can’t keep his head. He did a beautiful dressage test yesterday. Showjumping is my nemesis, but we got round. I was worried about a couple of questions on the cross-country, but he just took the lead and said, ‘thanks Mum, I’m going!’. He flew home!
“I’m a mum of three and we’ve got our own electrical engineering company, too, so it’s very busy. We’ve got all the horses at home, so we’re on a tight schedule, but when days like this come along, it pays off. To have jumped double clear around here is incredible. I did the Chillington qualifier – a similar score, actually, I was in second by 0.1 there, too! We got the direct qualifier so I’m really, really pleased. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’ll definitely be back. It’s been nerve-wracking, but I was so excited, and you feel like a professional – it’s amazing.”
Young rider Carys summed up her Bramham experience and third place: “I’ve had her [Fisherhill Pearl] for almost three years – she’s a nine-year-old Connemara. We just do eventing in the summer and try to do showjumping and dressage in the winter. She’s very brave, but she can get a bit hot-headed in dressage and she likes to go a bit faster than what I want her to!
“I’ve got GCSEs at the moment, so I’m on study leave. I asked to be on the later times – I had a written PE exam this morning and came straight here from Harrogate. It’s been amazing, it’s always been my dream to compete at Bramham, so it’s just been really exciting – a bit nervous, but the rest’s been amazing. It felt really good [to be cantering round in the main arena]. My horse can be a bit excited, but the crowd was amazing.”
Katie Stewart held on to fourth place, while fifth place went to Harriette Howard riding Kellythorpes Kitten Heels on 33.3. Sixth spot was taken by Samantha Cadwallader and The King of Leon, owned by Shirley Cadwallader, on 33.9. Seventh went to Stephanie Hill riding Bazaars Texan on 34.1, just 0.5 ahead of Kirstie Wright’s Mill House Adimo Pectore ridden by Annabelle Aston-Wright in eighth on 34.6. Deborah Burrell and Imperial Tangle were ninth with 34.7, and Jessica Dickson completed the top ten with Opals Fantasy on 35.3.
Congratulations to all the combinations and their support crew for three fantastic days of eventing action – you’ve been great ambassadors for the sport. A special thanks must go to NAF for their continued support of the championships – the team have been with us at Bramham every step of the way as chief cheerleaders, super sponsors and all-round supporters. We’re grateful for all you do.
Full results: Eventing Scores
by bramhamadmin | Jun 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
With the weather forecast set fair, a world class entry and a park looking picture perfect, this year’s Bramham International Horse Trials (6 – 11 June) promises to be a festival of equestrian action, topflight entertainment and a feast on the senses. Everyone is cordially invited to visit one of Yorkshire’s finest locations to experience first-hand the ‘Bramham buzz’…
The eventing entry list over the three sections – the show case CCI-L 4*, the CCI-L 4* U25 and the DEFENDER CCI-S 4* is an impressive roster with nine international flags represented with 141 combinations currently entered. Nine riders in this year’s field are are previous winners at the venue including former world champions Ros Canter and Zara Tindall with three and two horses respectively. Among Ros’s entries is Izilot DHI who topped the CCI4*-S last year – he goes in the CCI4-L 4* this year.
Other British names who’ve won previously at Bramham include Olympic team gold and individual silver medalist with three rides, Pippa Funnell with one runner in the CCI4*-L and Piggy March – fresh from her CCI-L 4*win at Irish fixture Millstreet – with two horses.
International names who may be challenging the home side include Alex Hua Tian (CHN), Josephine Schnaufer-Volkel (GER), Bill Levett (AUS), Susie Berry (IRL), Astier Nicolas (FRA), James Avery (NZL), Michael Winter (CAN), Gaspard Maksud (FRA) and Jesse Campbell (NZL).
Notable other British challengers also include Kirsty Chabert who brings three of her homebred ‘Team Opposition’ horses in Loire, who was third in the CCI4*-L last year, Heraldik Girl and Aphrodite Opposition, Sarah Bullimore and her 2021 European individual bronze medallist Corouet plus Evita AP while Harry Meade will be the busiest rider over the few days with four horses across the two senior sections.
Local riders bidding for success at Bramham include Scarborough’s Phil Brown riding Harry Robinson in the CCI-S 4* while Dewsbury’s Kristina Hall-Jackson has two rides in the CCI-S4*in Igor B and Hawk Eye. Kristina will be doing a vlog throughout her time at Bramham to give a behind the scenes view of what competing at the iconic venue is like.
In the CCI-L 4* U25, Britain’s Bubby Upton will be the bookie’s favourite to take the title with Magic Roundabout IV but French talent Morgane Euriat riding Baccarat D Argonne will put up a strong challenge having been sixth here last year. Richard Coney has two horses, while Max Warburton has been in good form this spring. Who will take the accolade of British Under 25 Champion in 2023?
Multi-Olympic, World and European medalist Ian Stark has designed a stunner of a cross country course as ever which take in the park’s best features while builder extraordinaire David Evans matched his vision with his stunning artistry to produce fences which are a work of art. You’ll be able to get the full lowdown on the courses via the CrossCountry App.
In tandem with the international sections, over 70 of Britain’s best amateurs will be competing to become the NAF Five Star BE80 Champion 2023. This is the second year Bramham has played host to this prestigious grass roots competition, and they have their own dedicated area of the park with a taste of the big time. They get underway on Tuesday 5 June with two days of dressage before ‘terrific Thursday’ when they take on the show jumping and Ian Stark’s cross country to crown the champion alongside a full day of dressage in the CCI sections in the main arena and a host of competition in the Top Spec arena – a feast of equestrian entertainment.
As well as the eventing ‘triathlon’ of dressage, show jumping and cross country, Bramham is renowned for hosting other top-flight equestrian competition. There’s the ever-popular British Showjumping classes over the coloured poles including the Equine Products UK Ltd Six Bar, the Gain Nutrition Classic and the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix which closes the show on Sunday. Sunday features the Saracen Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes with over 100 entries over the 90cm and 100cm tracks as well as the Pony Club Mounted Games and Queen Mary’s School Pony Club show jumping classes. Always with an eye on the future, there’s show classes for youngstock as well as Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers.
Alongside the 500 or so horses, there’s plenty to see and do for all the family. There’s a tented village packed with 140 tradestands, including our nominated charity Here4Horses, who’ll be operating a bag drop facility where you can leave your shopping while you enjoy the Bramham experience – plus you can meet a few of their success stories. You can grab a bite from one of the food courts and visit the Food Hall to sample, and purchase, local delicacies. At Bramham, we like to get the weekend started early so Friday is late night shopping where you can eat, drink, be merry and shop until 8pm! Even better, it’s free entry after 4pm.
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “Our 2023 stage is set. The park couldn’t look any better and the Bramham team have pulled out all the stops and we’re ready to welcome our competitors, owners, officials, volunteers, sponsors, spectators and loyal fans. The entry list is looking fantastic, Ian and David have once again delivered a world class cross country course and the weather looks to be on our side – here’s to a simply brilliant Bramham!”
There’s a huge range of ticketing options and all should be purchased before you arrive at Bramham to speed up the entry process. Prices start at £19 per adult and under 12s go free with a paying adult and car parking is £10 per day. You can by weekend and season tickets in advance for great savings, but these must be purchased in advance. Space permitting, you might consider treating yourself with an upgrade to membership which gives you access to a special arena-side enclosure with bar and TV screens.
If you can’t join us on Saturday for the showcase cross-country where the riders tackle Ian Stark’s signature courses, worry not, you won’t miss any of the action as you can watch with a subscription via Horse & Country TV – it’s just £5.99 per month – there’s a discount for British Eventing members – and no contract is required.
Our website hosts the latest news and ticketing information or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New for 2023 is our ‘Bramham Buzz’ digital newsletter – a daily update from the event with news, views and info – completely free! You can sign up online – it takes seconds and you can opt out at any time. Throughout the year, we’ll be in touch with general news and ticket info so you can get your 2024 tickets secured when the go live.
For more, visit www.bramham-horse.co.uk, www.twitter.com/bramhamhorse , www.facebook.com/bramhamhorsetrials or www.instagram.com/bramhamhorse
by bramhamadmin | Apr 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
The clocks have sprung forward, the grass is growing and there’s warmth in the air…it can only mean Yorkshire’s largest equestrian event is just around the corner! Scheduled for 6 – 11 June, Bramham International Horse Trials returns with a host of world class equestrian action, shopping galore, fun for the family and delicious food and drink, all set in gorgeous parkland with the house providing a stunning backdrop.
For 2023, the Bramham Team is delighted to welcome a new area for those who want to make their Bramham experience intimate and extra special, Boutique Camping! Working with Acre & Shelter, the creators of ‘Pony Glamping’ Bramham will welcome guests to a dedicated glamping paddock offering stylish yurt and bell tent options – all just a one-minute walk from the action! Glampers will have exclusive nearby VIP parking, dedicated showers and toilets, power and WiFi and the package includes member’s tickets to give you the ultimate immersion in all things Bramham.
The four-person yurts are a home away from home with mini kitchen station and BBQ/fire pit while the boutique bell tents sleep up to four on single beds. The campsite will have secure access with 24/7 staff onsite with sour dough pizza and salad served each evening.
Kate Risker of Acre & Shelter hosts a successful pop-up glamping site in the North York Moors every August where visitors bring their horses. She said; “Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials both have well established boutique camping facilities so we thought, ‘why not Bramham!?’ We hope to provide a unique experience for avid Bramham fans along with a good night’s sleep and luxury glamping facilities super close to the main arena and members tent.”
Glamping tickets only are available via www.acreandshelter.co.uk/bramham-horse-trials But hurry – camping tickets at Bramham usually sell out – this unique offer is sure to be snapped up!
If you’re glamping for the duration, or just visiting for a day or two, there’s plenty to keep you busy at Bramham. Eventing – the triathlon of the equestrian world – is the showcase sport at Bramham with the feature CCI4*-L joined by CCI4* u25-L and the Land Rover CCI4*-S. The world’s best horses and riders know these competitions act as a discovery ground for future Olympians and with Paris 2024 now less than 500 days away, they’ll be looking to make a good impression! At the opposite end, riders in the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships will have their taste of the big time at Bramham as they start their eventing journey to the top.
Eventing action may be the main focus but there’s also top-flight British Showjumping which often brings in the top stars – which includes classes for riders with a disability, show hunters, Dubarry Young Event Horse qualifiers, young stock showing and Pony Club mounted games and showjumping – the two rings in the trade stand never standstill! Sunday also features the Saracen Horse Feeds Arena Eventing where amateur riders compete for honours in 90 and 100cm classes. All in all, over 600 horses – of all shapes and sizes – are welcomed to Bramham over six days of competition.
Away from the equestrian entertainment, there’s a shopper’s paradise with something for everyone and plenty of delicious food and drink outlets for every taste.
Tickets are now on sale and there’s good discounts to be had on securing your pass in advance with adult tickets starting at £15 per person – those 12 and under go absolutely free. Weekend and season bundles offer great value but are by pre-purchase only – so get ahead and save! If you want to bring your own tent, camper, caravan or even horsebox, we have a dedicated field just for you with a number of ticketing options, but these are always popular, so early booking is advised.
The ring-side members’ enclosure is the way to make your Bramham trip that extra bit special – exclusive paid bar, delicious food options from the restaurant, luxury toilets and the best arena view are all included. So, why not treat yourselves?
Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “Bramham is slowly blossoming into life and spring is certainly in the air – I love this time of year in the park as we begin the preparations for the event and transforming our blank canvas into one of the country’s best loved events. The main arena has had its first mow, the contractors are booked and the site plan is nearly finalised – there are always tweaks to make!
“We’re very excited to add glamping to our offering this year – Kate and her team at Acre & Shelter have been great to work with and I think they’ll produce something special. The Bramham Team is working hard to ensure 2023 is a fantastic event for all our visitors, we can’t wait to welcome everyone in June.”
There’s a new and improved Bramham International Horse Trials website to help plan your visit, buy tickets and find out what’s on and when so head over to www.bramham-horse.co.uk and explore what’s on offer. You’ll also find details of our 2023 charitable partners, Here4Horses who help horses in the northeast with rescue, refuge and rehabilitation. They’ll be on event with a tradestand and ‘shop and drop’ facility too!
Follow us on, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as the event builds up to get all the news and behind the scenes updates.
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Media contact
Bramham Media Officer
Winnie Murphy
07967 186556
winsome22@live.co.uk
by webadmin | Dec 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
It’s been three years since horses graced the park at Bramham, but today’s CCI4*-L grand finale was worth the wait.
Clear rounds were at a premium in the Top Arena today, which meant some considerable climbs up the leaderboard for a top-10 finish and a share of the prize fund.
