A packed timetable of entertainment awaits visitors to this year's Osberton International Horse Trials and KBIS Young Horse Championships (27th September - 1st October). Whilst some of the best riders in the world will be competitively fighting for the spoils with their equine stars of the future, Osberton is not just about event horses.
New for this year is the Shire Horse Festival which will bring together some of the best working shire horses from across the UK. Not only will they parade in the main arena, there is also the opportunity to watch them at work in a ploughing competition.
Osberton's Gate Jumping competition always draws the crowds – perhaps in part because riders, should they knock the gate down, can 'buy' up to three lives by removing an item of clothing. Let's hope it's not too chilly on the day. There is also a side saddle demonstration, and the always competitive Pony Club showjumping.
Keeping the four-legged theme, the dog show provides the perfect opportunity for one of the most important members of the family to take centre stage, and there will also be 'have-a-go' dog agility on offer. Well behaved dogs, kept on leads, are very welcome at Osberton.
For those that prefer to set the pace themselves, there is a new 10k fun run, which encourages canicross entrants – for those unaware of canicross, it is the sport of cross country running with dogs. Pre-entry for this is recommended.
Finally, Osberton has a diverse and eclectic range of trade stands to tempt all tastes and budgets, selling everything from home-made jam to homeware. Where better to start your Christmas shopping?
Event Director Stuart Buntine commented: “Entries for our international eventing classes are top notch, guaranteeing some excellent sport, plus there is so much more to see and do for visitors to Osberton. We are really looking forward to welcoming spectators, both old and new, for a great few days of fun and entertainment.”
With the event set in the beautiful Osberton estate parkland and an opportunity to enjoy the Picnic Parking area at the water jump (tickets for this allowing entry for up to four people and the car), a trip to Osberton International really is a great day for the whole family. Advance ticket purchasers benefit from free parking, with a £5 charge set for cash on the gate parking tickets.
