Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 September 2015
Director: Mandy Hervieu
Contact: 01993 813335; info@blenheimhorse.co.uk; www.blenheimhorse.co.uk
Location: Oxfordshire
Entries open: 13 August
Ballot date: 31 August at 12 noon
Link to Blenheim Palace entries: www.britisheventing.com/blenheim
How to get there
Blenheim has excellent road access from the A44 Oxford to Evesham road and is just 10 miles from junction 9 of the M40 (via A34).
What the organisers say
2015 marks the 25th year of the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. This is one of the most popular events in the calendar due to its iconic location, challenging and beautifully presented cross-country courses designed by Eric Winter, plus superb going carefully prepared by foremost course team DERT.
In addition to the CCI3*, which runs Thursday to Sunday, there is a CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-old horses, giving two days of cross-country and showjumping action, and a range of amateur eventer classes including some new classes for 2015, plus for the less competitive riders a fun ride on Sunday.
For the public, as well as the eventing, there is a wide range of displays, demonstrations, lectures and attractions to enjoy, extensive shopping, bars and food halls, a cookery theatre/school, children’s attractions and entertaining professional high jump challenges.
For further information, entries and admission tickets visit www.blenheimhorse.co.uk
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The main arena and final warm-up areas are good with a fair hack from the stables, but there are two further warm-up arenas available close to stables.” “Very smart three-star arena. The CIC has a more low-key arena in the middle of the car parks.” “The showjumping is all held in the main arena and the tracks are big and cause plenty of trouble.” “Lots of atmosphere.”
Cross-country — “Well built, bold undulating track with many technical questions and difficult lines.” “Ground is always well prepared and with good grass cover.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
CCI3*: 47%
8/9YO CIC3*: 70%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two