To mark the Horse & Hound show guide special issue, on sale Thursday 27 February, here are seven exciting new competitions in 2020 you won’t want to miss...
Cornbury Park Horse Trials
Cornbury Park, Oxon, 11-13 September
What’s on: this new event set in Lord Rotherwick’s Oxfordshire family estate hosts CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S classes over three days.
What we’re most excited about: the stunning setting of this 5,000-acre estate, formerly a horse trials venue, should prove a suitable replacement for Gatcombe’s autumn event.
Cirencester Park International Horse Trials
Cirencester Park, Glos, 21-22 March
What’s on: making a comeback after a 47-year break, this event will host classes from novice to open intermediate.
What we’re most excited about: returning to this beautiful parkland setting after nearly half a century to watch top-class eventing action.
Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park International
Thoresby Park, Notts, 27-29 March
What’s on: replacing Belton Horse Trials, this new event boasts a packed schedule with international classes at three- and four-star as well as an OIU21 trial, ONU18 and U25 trial.
What we’re most excited about: world-class equestrian sport alongside a fun-filled day of family entertainment.
Wellington International Showjumping CSI2*
Wellington Riding, Hants, 19-21 May
What’s on: Wellington’s inaugural CSI2* with FEI ranking classes and a prize fund potentially up to a total of €50,000 (£42,500).
What we’re most excited about: a thrilling three-day showjumping extravaganza at a super facility.
Bicton International Showjumping
Bicton Arena, Devon, 10-13 September CSI2*
What’s on: for the first time ever, Bicton will host CSI2* classes in its pretty TopSpec Arena alongside one-star and young horse classes.
What we’re most excited about: a team of top-class grooms will be on hand to help competitors unload on arrival, and there’s live music and a hog roast on Saturday night.
Petplan Equine Summer Area Festival Championships
Arena UK, Lincs, 10-13 September
What’s on: aimed at grassroots dressage riders, the addition of the Summer Championship will be the perfect finale to the first new summer season of Area Festivals.
What we’re most excited about: a fantastic array of classes from prelim to inter II and freestyle to music classes in a championship setting.
British Dressage Middle Tour Festival
Keysoe, Beds, 3-6 December
What’s on: held during Keysoe’s High Profile show and replacing the small tour championships, this will incorporate inter II, inter B and inter A/B freestyle classes.
What we’re most looking forward to: a brand new middle tour festival to provide more opportunities for riders competing at the FEI levels of inter II, inter A and inter B.
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