In April 2020, and in the interest of legacy, I penned a Wikipedia entry recording the thoughts and notable achievements of myself as Harveywetdog. I admit I was ignorant of the rules concerning self promotion on Wikipedia at the time; consequently my entry was unfortunately, although arguably correctly, deleted and my account expunged from the system. As a result my original words and links were sadly lost but nevertheless here is an attempt at a rewrite. Perhaps when I'm gone someone will be able to enter it onto Wikipedia on my behalf, to serve as a fitting epitaph for the exciting times I spent on the Harveywetdog Project.
OVER 2,000 HORSES AND RIDERS COMPETE AT BLENHEIM PALACE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
Blenheim Press Release:
Under sunny skies at Blenheim Palace, over 35,500 visitors watched history in the making as Team GB stalwart Tom McEwen claimed victory in both major classes at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, 17 to 20 September.
Across four action-packed days, more than 2,000 riders and horses took to Blenheim’s celebrated turf, competing in 10 events that spanned grassroots competitions to elite four-star eventing. Pre-event EquiRatings* firm favourite Tom McEwen far exceeded expectations as he not only captured the GFS Saddles 8 & 9-Year-Old CCI4*-S title, but also dominated the Agria CCI4*-L, claiming both first and second place.
Following on from Blenheim hosting the biennial Agria FEI Eventing European Championship in 2025, Tom’s double victory unfolded before an animated crowd. The event's return to its traditional Horse Trials format in 2026 showcased the legacy and growing audience for international equestrian sport.
The 2026 instalment of the event also saw the inaugural Blenheim Challenge – a competition between a British team and international team of young riders who battled it out during the CCI4*-L to gain points for their team, in a Ryder Cup style head-to-head contest. Following three phases of hotly contested action, it was the international team who took home the inaugural honours, with Australian rider Oliver Barrett flying the international flag, winning 3.5 of the team’s 12.5 points to Britain’s total of five.
Also new for 2026 was the Attelage de Tradition, a carriage showing and driving competition celebrating the beauty of antique carriages (pre-1945) and the relationship between the driver and the horses. When the carriages paraded in the main arena on Sunday, they created a stunning scene with the divine Blenheim Palace in the background – the audience was completely enthralled.
At grassroots level, there was plenty to see, as the evoke™ Eventer Challenge saw upwards of 300 riders making up over 100 Pony Club and Riding Club teams from all over the UK take part in a hybrid competition of show jumping and cross country. Young riders also showcased their jumping prowess in the Pony Club Jumping Championships on the final day.
“What a terrific weekend of competition across all ages,” said commentator, former Olympian and World Champion Lucinda GreenMBE. “Blenheim is the most fantastic event, which is so much fun to be part of, with elements this year that really separated the wheat from the chaff. There were riders who showed the ultimate resilience and grit, which made for one of the most entertaining and exhilarating Blenheim’s to date. We really couldn’t have asked for more.”
But it wasn’t just the equestrian action that kept visitors on the edge of their seats. The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has fast become the ultimate family day out, with a plethora of activities on offer for all, including falconry displays, have-a go-sessions, Mini Landers, Dog Agility and the Shetland Pony Grand National. In fact, almost 2,000 dogs were welcomed across the event over the course of the weekend, many sporting fashionable Agria bandanas, which were gifted along the brand-new Dog Sniff trail.
Official Charity Partner, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), who returned for their second year, saw queues of people jump on Anton and Charlie, the mechanical horses, with each ride gaining a charitable donation – even actor Joe Ashman gave it a go.
The RDA were amongst 200 exhibitors who welcomed visitors over the course of the four days. From fashion to foodie treats, luxurious cashmere gifts and even extra special culinary equipment, there was everything a Horse Trials visitor would every need or want.
Other bodies from across the equestrian industry were also in attendance, including Retraining of Racehorses, showcasing the changing careers of horses, with a series of dressage and showing classes taking place across the weekend.
“For this year’s event, we wanted to offer something for the whole family, whether they were horsey or not,” said Katrina Midgley, Event Director. “Yes, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is a showcase of world-class eventing and horsemanship, but it is also a place for families to congregate and enjoy quality time together.
“We also make it our mission to highlight every level of our sport, and all the incredible charities and organisations that help showcase rider and equine careers beyond elite sport. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 edition – the planning starts now!”
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