Build up begins from Bramham International Horse Trials 2022

The clocks have changed giving rise to longer day which means summer is just around the corner and the event which heralds its arrival is Yorkshire’s largest equestrian event, the Bramham International Horse Trials. Running 9– 12 June, the event is back after missing for two years due to Covid with a four-day celebration of topflight equine action, family fun, retail therapy, amazing food and adventure for all.

Bramham press release:

This year’s Bramham promises to be bigger than ever with the inaugural NAF BE80 Championship for grassroots riders running alongside the three show case eventing competitions which attract the world’s best horses and riders. Eventing is the triathlon of the equine world - the skill of dressage, excitement of cross country and ability of show jumping combined for the ultimate test of courage, skill and ability of horse and rider.  

The feature section is the CCI4*-L where the leading combinations will be hoping to secure their share of the £18,500 prize pot while the British Horse Feeds CCI4*u25 - L is a discovery ground for future Olympians. The Land Rover CCI4*-S is a favourite with riders and the crowd too.  Former Olympian Ian Stark is in charge of designing the cross-country courses whilst David Evans is the genius behind building the fences, back to Bramham after being on duty at the Tokyo Olympics. There are some exciting changes in the planning with the route taking in a new area of woodland and new fences.

With the new amateur championship added to the busy schedule, Thursday 9 June, promises to be a bumper day to kick off the event in style. As well as the start of the dressage for our 4* competitions, the 100 strong NAF BE80 Championship competitors will show jump and tackle the cross country out in Bramham’s iconic parkland – it really will be a day to savour for spectators. There’s a new course instore from Ian and David and competitors and visitors can expect a replica of what the four-star riders will tackle. The new fences are available for sponsorship – what better way to be involved for your business than to join our family of sponsors? Contact the Horse Trials Office for details. 

Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “Spring has certainly sprung at Bramham and the park is looking resplendent. The estate staff have been mowing the main arena already, we’ve had Ian and David in the park talking about new fences, many of our amazing loyal sponsors are supporting us again and the contractors have been secured so the prospect of Bramham 2022 feels very real. We’ve missed having everyone and the thought of welcoming the horse trials crowd back in just over nine weeks is exciting, we really can’t wait!”

Bramham really has something for everyone and on top of the eventing action, there’s top-flight British Showjumping classes where you can watch some great names in action, para showjumping, show hunters, Dubarry Young Event Horse qualifiers, young stock showing and Pony Club mounted games and showjumping – the two rings in the trade stand area are never empty! As well as the exciting climax to the two CCI4*L competitions on Sunday, the Saracen Horse Feeds Arena Eventing gives amateur riders the chance to compete on Bramham’s hallowed turf.

The 140-strong trade stand village is a shopper’s delight – from the equestrian diva to country charm or city chic – there’s something for everyone.  Applications for any sellers, outlets or shops to join in are still open – but hurry, you’ll need to be quick to secure a place. Our 2022 charity New Beginnings will be on hand to raise vital funds for their work in turning horses from racers to all-rounders as well as educate visitors about their rewarding work.

Get your weekend started early with late night shopping on Friday 10 June when entry is free after 4pm. So knock of early, head to Bramham, take in some retail therapy, catch the last action of the day and check out some of the course.

If food’s your thing, you’ll be in your element at Bramham!  A food hall with plenty of local and farm products where sampling is positively encouraged plus there’s every type of food outlet for all tastes. There are also licensed establishments on site where you can get a proper pint, flute of prosecco or jug of Pimms and everything in between.  You could of course pack your own, choose an idyllic spot in one of the best parks in the country and enjoy a picnic!

If you like to be at the heart of the action and completely immerse yourself in the competition, then a camping ticket could be just the thing.  Enjoy a four-day pass and we welcome caravans, tents, horse boxes – if you can sleep in it, you’re welcome to bring it! You’ll be on site so won’t miss a minute of the action and there’s toilet and shower facilities so you’re well equipped.  Camping is once again proving popular, and pitches are selling FAST!

Upgrading your ticket to include the prestigious members’ enclosure is a great way to give your Bramham trip extra VIP. Exclusive members’ bar, ring side seating, and members’ only smart toilets are all at your disposal.  Prices start at just £25, plus you’ll need a car pass.

General admission tickets start at £14 if you book ahead – 12 and under go free with a paying adult. Advanced booking is recommended as there’s some great discounts to be had on tickets and parking but hurry, advance ticket prices end at midnight on 5 June, after this the ticket prices increase to event week prices.  You can book online at any time  on www.bramham-horse.co.uk where it’s quick, easy and secure.  

At Bramham, we’re always mindful of the environmental impact of our activity and as part of lessening our carbon footprint, we’ll be having a digital programme online this year so make sure you arrive with plenty of phone battery – and we’ll have digital scoreboards at the heart of the tradestand village where you can study the scores. 

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