BPIHT

Next week, over 150 horse and rider combinations will compete in the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship (CCI4*-L) and coveted GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class(CCI4*-S). This 2025 Championship sees 33 Olympians, 17 first-time competitors and two debut nations gracing the Blenheim Palace grounds.

The biggest names in European Eventing are set to go head-to-head, with a golden showdown promised between Paris 2024 team gold medallists, Tom McEwen (GB) and Laura Collett (GB), and the Paris 2024 individual champion – and Eventing’s most decorated European rider – Michael Jung (GER). All three riders return on the same horses from the Olympics; JL Dublin, London 52 and fischerChipmunk FRH, respectively. Although the spotlight will be on Great Britain and Germany, as the two most successful nations to date at this level, their European competitors should not be ignored. Sweden is coming off the back of their first-ever Nations Cup victory in Strzegom, Switzerland has their solid Paris 2024 quartet, and Belgium brings experience with their selection of world number 20 Lara de Liederkerke-Meier and 14-time European Championship competitor Karin Donckers.

With a thrilling course conceived by legend Captain Mark Phillips, horses and riders will be challenged on a world-class track designed to test the best without over facing newcomers.

It is not just the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship drawing the crowds this year, with entries for the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class ensuring a competition just as nail-biting. Gemma Stevens has a strong line-up, bringing the current 7-year-old World Champion Chilli Morning IV, Millstreet CCI3*-L winner Cooley Park Muze and Chilli’s Jester. Izzy Taylor is also eyeing-up a win, entering the 2023 6-year-old World Champion Barrington Alice, and the 2024 Retraining of Racehorses Elite Eventing Award winner Bayaanaat.

Tom Bird and his horse Lenny are another pair to watch, with the duo securing 10 double clears from 12 starts this season, including a win in the Intermediate at Little Downham in May. Austin O’Connor brings forward his National Novice Champion Diamond Mistress, and French rider Amaury Choplain brings Gin Tonic D’Aury off the back of an individual win in the CCI4*L at Strzegom.

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is also profiling riders of the future, hosting this year’s evoke™ Eventer Challenge, a guaranteed crowd pleaser, highlighting grassroots riders from across the UK as they take part in a fast-paced cross country and show jumping round.

The event will also welcome Meg Elphick on the Thursday and Esme Higgs, better known as ThisEsme, who will meet and greet fans on Saturday. Official Charity Partner, Riding for the Disabled Association, will have a number of exciting events over the weekend, including a Chat Stage talk with Free Rein’s Joe Ashman on Sunday, course walks with international Event riders Bill Levett and Kirsty Chabert on Thursday and Friday, and an opportunity to ride mechanical horses, Charley and Anton.

There really is something for everyone. In addition to four days of thrilling eventing, visitors will be treated to a plethora of exciting experiences, such as Mutts & Butts Dog Agility, falconry displays, a visit from the Heythrop Hunt Hounds and the incredible Shetland Pony Grand National.

For those looking for a spot of relaxing retail therapy, there will be over 200 exhibitors in the shopping village ready to be perused, as well as exclusive hospitality options and delicious local food and drink.

If an appetising treat is on the cards, Fortnum & Mason will be on hand with its scrumptiously iconic picnic hampers. Available to pre-order and collect on site, the hampers will be ready to enjoy at leisure, full to the brim with tasty treats, perfect for a jump-side banquet. 

Event Director Katrina Midgley comments, “We are thrilled to welcome such an incredible line-up to Blenheim Palace this September. With a world-class course ready to test the very best, and the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class showcasing the exciting next generation, this year promises to be a true celebration of eventing at every level. It’s an honour to see the sport’s brightest stars and future talent compete against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace.”

General admission tickets are available with under 12s going free. VIP ticket options are also on offer from £165, and include in-show parking, breakfast, lunch, access to the VIP Pavilion, garden and lounge, a live stream of all the action, and unlimited tea and coffee.

For tickets, hospitality, and the latest updates, visit www.bpiht.co.uk

If you are unable to attend in person, you can keep an eye on all the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship action on FEI TV (Worldwide).

The Agria FEI Eventing European Championship will also be broadcast live on BBC Sport across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the app. Coverage will also be available on demand for 30 days after the event.

Broadcast schedule (all times BST, subject to change):

Saturday 20th September – 10:45 to 15:30

Sunday 21st September – 10:50 to 12:10 (Jumping – Group 1)

Sunday 21st September – 13:50 to 15:00 (Jumping – Group 2)

Horse & Country will be live streaming the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class throughout the week.

IMAGE © LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY