The Festival of British Eventing: what riders need to know [H&H VIP]

Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics

Date: Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August 2015

Director: Tim Henson
Organiser: Equiland BOHT Ltd
Chairmen: Mark Phillips and Peter Phillips
Contact: 01423 339423; info@gatcombe-horse.co.uk; www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk
Location: Gloucestershire

Entries open: 3 July
Ballot date: 17 July at 12 noon
Entries close: 28 July

Link to the Festival of British Eventing entries: www.britisheventing.com/festival-of-british-eventing

How to get there

From the M4 take junction 15, or from the M5 take junction 14. Head for Stroud and follow event signs.

What the organisers say

2015 is the dawning of a new era for the Festival of British Eventing. While the team behind the Festival remains unchanged, nearly everything else in 2015 is new, different and exciting.

There will only be the four championship classes, British Open, British Intermediate, British Novice and the new Corinthian Cup for “amateurs” only.

There are four completely new cross-country courses with no loop up in the “car park” and through the barn, plus we will use previously uncharted territory in the Park Bowl, with the course going much closer to the house. There are also exciting new features on the cross-country course.

There are also changes to the layout in the tradestand area with additional attractions, demonstrations and activities.

What the riders say

Dressage & showjumping — “Good arenas with plenty of working-in space.” “For a big
event the atmosphere for the dressage is less than one might expect as it takes place away from the main venue near the lorries and stabling.” “The showjumping takes place in the main bowl and, be warned, both the warm-up and main arena are surprisingly undulating so you need to be ‘on your game’.”

Cross-country — “The cross-country at Gatcombe is always full of variety and for those that ride bravely and with feel and don’t overthink, the tracks always ride well and provide a good spectacle for spectators and experience for horse and rider.” “Heavily undulating, decent track with plenty of questions, but not for a first-timer.” “The terrain does not suit every horse and the ground can be firm but will be well prepared.”