- Cross country
With two days of cross country – both Saturday and Sunday – you’re in for a full weekend of action! On Saturday, three classes will take on the Helen West designed cross country course on the beautiful Bicton Grade I Parkland in Devon. From 9.30am, the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L will be on course, followed by the Western Counties Equine Hospital CCI3*YR-L and then the Mitchell & Webber CCI2*-L.
If you’re looking for a good photo opportunity, head to the Paddox Twig at fence 18 (fence 15 in the 2*) – created from a tree that fell on the estate during a storm last year. The huge log weighs several tonnes, so it was quite the mission for Event Director, Andrew Fell and his team to get it into position, plus partially bury it far enough into the ground to make the height suitable!
On Sunday, the top class will be taking to the course, where competitors in the TopSpec CCI4*-S will tackle what Helen describes as a ‘bold and beautiful track which requires stamina’ which has been built by Adrian Ditcham’s DHA Equestrian Services.
There’s no better place to see riders drop into water than at fence 5ABC, the Symonds & Sampson Splash, with the big drop coming when they re-enter this same water complex for fence 7, the appropriately named Symonds & Sampson Log Launch.
Keep an eye on Bicton socials to hear where Event Director Andrew Fell’s favourite spot is to watch cross country from.
- Showjumping
Again, taking place over two days, the showjumping is tense and exciting!
Catch some of the world’s best horse and rider combinations in the TopSpec CCI4*-S showjump over the course designed by Krissy Spiller on Saturday, getting their jumping eye in ahead of cross country on Sunday.
The competitors from the other three classes who completed the cross country test and who pass the trot up on Sunday morning, will come forward to put their accuracy to the test. Horses will be needing to adapt from jumping solid cross country fences on Saturday to delicate showjumps on Sunday! This provides some edge-of-the-seat, nail biting thrills as all it takes to knock the overnight leader off their top spot could be just one pole down!
- Food & drink
Choose from a variety of vendors with a range of food and drink options to tickle anyone’s tastebuds! From pizzas and crepes to burgers and baps, plus much more in between, you certainly won’t be going hungry. If you fancy a tipple, enjoy some soft drinks, hot drinks or perhaps even a Pimms when the sunshine comes out!
- Demonstrations (Saturday and Sunday)
10am Bicton College ‘Eventing on a shoe string’
Not only will Bicton College be doing this exciting Eventing based demo, they will also be doing dog grooming demos and will have their Devon County Show award-winning floristry team on site too. Treat yourself to something nice from their plant and Willow animal sales, and take a trip back in time with their display of vintage tractors.
11am Elite Dressage demo, led by British Championship team member Anna Ross
Their experienced team of riders, led by former British Championship team member Anna Ross, produce the horses from just backed three year olds all the way though to International Grand Prix.
Watch as they showcase the precision and elegance of dressage, highlighting the harmonious partnership between horse and rider. Intricate movements are executed with grace and fluidity, demonstrating both the horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s skill in guiding the horse with subtle cues.
12pm Recycled Racehorse Falconry
The Recycled Racehorse Falconry team are a team of Retrained Racehorses based with Dartmoor Hawking, a private falconry centre on the edge of Dartmoor national park.
Husband and wife team Martin and Philippa Whitley combine a passion for Falconry and Thoroughbreds into a (sometimes) fantastic combination, in the field, in the display ring and for teaching. Their team consists of 5 ex-racehorses, and the aim is to show how hugely versatile the ex-racehorse can be and to put it to a practical use.
Their displays are fast, fun and informative, explaining how they get the combination of the ultimate predator and the ultimate flight animal to work together as a unified team.
1pm All Steps formation team
“It’s like synchronised swimming only with horses”
A 10 strong demonstration team based in Devon, All Steps travel the country performing in shows in their trademark navy blue tails and white breeches. The aim is to bring formation riding to new audiences with demonstrations and show that it is a discipline for everyone, no matter the size or breed of your horse. The team horses range from a 14.1 Bodmin Pony to a 16.2 Friesian Sports Horse who all ride together to music in harmony, producing a beautiful equine ballet.
2pm Working Equitation
Discover the true art of horsemanship and learn about Working Equitation with members of the Association of British Working Equitation and Mark Jenner.
Working Equitation is a real test of the horse’s temperament and training, the riders skill and ability and of course the relationship between horse and rider.
Horses were originally domesticated and trained for farming and herding purposes, work which required them to respond to their rider whatever terrain and difficulties they may face. The sport is a highly refined and sophisticated demonstration of these activities, but with the added required quality of elegance and speed of execution.
Working Equitation comprises 3 phases – Dressage, Ease of Handling, Speed and at International level, cattle penning.
3pm Hound Parade
Watch as the East Devon Hunt parade their hounds and get up close and personal with them in your opportunity to meet the hounds and the hunt staff. Be warned though, you might be ‘hounded’(!) for food and there’s a high chance of being slobbered on!
- Family Dog Show
Bicton College are hosting a family dog show on both Saturday and Sunday so bring your four-legged friends for some fiercely competitive pooch parades!
Classes include:
- Most handsome dog
- Prettiest bitch
- Most super senior (over 8 years)
- Child handlet (under 12 years)
- Best trick
- Best rescue
- Best pair (opposite or alike)
- Best crossbreed
- Waggiest tail
- Best in show – open to all that have been placed first in class