An Eventful Life is filming all competitors on cross country at
“We’re ready to welcome everyone to Bramham for what we hope to be one of the biggest and best shows ever. The weather has been kind this spring and everything is looking spectacular – we just can’t wait for our ‘Bumper Bramham’” says Bramham International Event Director Nicholas Pritchard
This year, the best riders across the globe will be hoping for a call up to represent their country at the World Championships in September in Italy and Bramham is a key selection fixture.
The three eventing class favourites are back and the current entry list of over 180 world class combinations won’t disappoint the expectant Bramham fans! Across the CCI4*-L and the Land Rover CCI4*-S classes, the history-making Tokyo Olympic gold medal trio of Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Oliver Townend, born and raised in Huddersfield, are all entered.
Two of the European gold medal team also feature in reigning World Champion Ros Canter and Piggy French, who’ll be deputising for local star Nicola Wilson on the Lambert’s Coolparks Serco while the Northallerton rider starts her rehabilitation from her fall at Badminton.
Past Bramham title winners Zara Phillips, Gemma Tattersall and William Fox-Pitt, who’s won a staggering six times, all feature for the home side, as does local rider James Somerville. The entry list as ever has an international flavour with riders from Ireland, China, USA, Canada, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy and a sizeable French contingent.
Past winner and newly-wed, Gemma Tattersall has several entries across the classes
The British Horse Feeds CCI4*U25-L has produced many a champion who has gone on to great things and Bubby Upton and Heidi Coy, who has two rides, rank among the favourites to take this year’s title.
Competing alongside the world’s elite for the first time will be over 50 of Britain’s most ambitious amateurs in the NAF Five Star BE80 championships. New to Bramham, these championships have their own dedicated area of the park and the team have pulled out all the stops to give these riders a taste of the big time.
The champion will be crowned on Thursday, 9 June, when they tackle the show jumping and cross country phases after two days of dressage. This will make it a truly ‘terrific Thursday’ at Bramham with all the other action taking place.
As well as the eventing spectacle of dressage, show jumping and cross country, Bramham is renowned for hosting other top-flight equestrian competition.
There are the ever-popular British Showjumping classes over the coloured poles including the Gain Nutrition Classic and the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix which closes the show on Sunday. Bumper entries have been received and top names include Paul Barker, Robert Murphy, James Smyth, Conor McMahon, Rachel Proudley, Ria Ginley, James Whitaker and Joanne Whitaker – as well as a few eventing names sneaking into the mix! Sunday features the Saracen Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes with over 100 entries over the 90cm and 100cm tracks as well as the Komfi Pony Club Mounted Games.
Alongside the 500 or so horses, there’s plenty to see and do for all the family. There’s a tented village packed with 160 tradestands, including the nominated charity, New Beginnings, featuring everything you could ever need – many loyal outlets are making a return plus a few new names, you can grab a bite from one of the food courts and visit the Food Hall to sample, and purchase, local delicacies.
At Bramham, they like to get the weekend started early so Friday is late night shopping where you can eat, drink, be merry and shop until 8pm! Even better, it’s free entry after 4pm.
Whichever day you choose to visit – one or all four – you’ll never be short of equestrian action and family entertainment. If you haven't pre-booked your ticket, on the gate prices start at £17 per adult where only card payments will be taken.
We’re filming all riders on cross country and you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for video snippets and more during the event
