Hickstead: The Longines Royal International Horse Show
With five-star international showjumping alongside top level championship showing, the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead is a must-visit for any discerning equestrian fan. Highlights include the Longines King George V Gold Cup on Sunday afternoon, Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and Friday’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain. Expect to see some of the sport’s biggest names in actions, with the USA, Brazil, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium and of course Great Britain all fielding teams for this year’s event. The Royal International is undoubtedly the highlight of the summer showing season, with show riders competing up and down the country just to pick up a qualifying ticket to be able to compete at this show. The best of these go through to their respective class championships, with the winners of these going through to Sunday’s British Horse Society Supreme Horse and the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Finals. To be chosen as the overall winner of these supremes is to secure your place among the greats of British showing.As well as that, there’s the hugely exciting Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge, which takes place within the Longines International Arena on Thursday afternoon and attracts many of the country’s top event riders. With scurry driving, side-saddle and plenty of national showjumping classes, including the British Showjumping Winter Finals, there is plenty to enthral and entertain across six days of action.The popular Ladies’ Day competition takes place on the Saturday, with the show’s best-dressed guests in with a chance of winning some luxury prizes. There are plenty of tempting tradestands in the shopping village, a fabulous range of bars, restaurants and hospitality options, plus the Village Green area with something to offer every member of the family. Tickets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; including free admission to all under-15s when booked in advance – visit www.hickstead.co.uk for more information.Hickstead Press releasePhoto Florence Bish-Jones
