International eventing fixtures at Rockingham and Withington have been cancelled in May owing to continued uncertainty over the Covid-19 situation.
Withington Manor International, Glos, was scheduled for 1-2 May, with classes up to advanced plus a CCI2*-S, including a pony section.
Organisers Bruno and Fiona Brenninkmeijer-McKenzie said it is “deeply disappointing” for their three-man team that prepares the estate for the horse trials, as the fixture marks the transition into another agriculture year.
“We also recognise that our decision will have an effect upon our loyal contractors, competitors, sponsors and volunteers without whom we are not in a position to present Withington in the best possible light year after year,” they said.
“All have been flexible in their offers of help this year for which we are most grateful. Hopefully by making this decision now this will allow sufficient time for some to make alternative arrangements.
“We are looking forward to 2022 where we can once again deliver the competition to our usual standard.”
Article continues below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The Fairfax & Favor Rockingham Castle International Horse Trials in Northamptonshire was due to run 21-23 May, with a CCI2&3*-S alongside national classes.
A statement from organisers said that while the Government roadmap is cause for optimism, that timetable is “still very fragile and subject to change” and that “it is simply not possible to deliver the event safely and in a way the team would want within these parameters”.
Organiser Lizzie Saunders Watson added the team is “deeply disappointed”.
“The horse trials are part of the lifeblood of the Rockingham estate and our whole team has felt the loss of this much-loved event,” she said.
“We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our volunteers, supporters and sponsors, including our title sponsor, Fairfax & Favor, who have been unwavering in their support during these challenging times.
“Horses have played a huge part in our family life, so we can fully appreciate the disappointment felt across the equestrian community at the loss of our event and many others like it over the last year.
“Whether you are a child taking part in Pony Club activities, a rider dedicated to achieving their goals or an enthusiast bringing a picnic to share with friends, it has been so difficult not to be able to enjoy the things that we love most about our wonderful sport.
“It is so important to safeguard the future of these events and we cannot wait to be able to welcome everyone back to the Great Park next year. We are extremely excited to be celebrating 950 years of the castle’s rich and captivating history in 2022 and we look forward to the horse trials being right at the heart of these celebrations.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
