ACTIVE
EQUESTRIAN
ALL THINGS EQUESTRIAN
WE AREN’T LONG INTO 2015, BUT IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, YOU’VE PROBABLY STARTED TO THINK ABOUT WHERE AND WHEN YOU’LL BE TAKING THIS YEARS’ HOLIDAY OR SHORT BREAKS. 3. AUDI INTERNATIONAL POLO FEATURING CORONATION CUP
Windsor Great Park – 25th June 2015
WHAT IS IT? Audi International Polo showcases the very best of this fast-paced sport. The highlight is a world-class match between Argentina and England for the impressive Coronation Cup. There is superb hospitality in the International Pavilion, a fabulous retail village plus an epic after party where you can mingle with the rich and famous. TICKETS: No 2015 details as yet. 2014 tickets were only available by calling Guards Polo Club’s Ticket Office on 01784 437797. TRAVEL: The website provides a range of details for visitors regarding local taxis, places to eat and a list of nearby hotels.
WORDS | Hannah Goodby
INSPIRED BY THIS MONTHS ‘ESCAPES’ EDITION. I THOUGHT I’D SHARE MY TOP 10 EQUESTRIAN GET-A-WAYS. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS SELECTION, WHETHER YOU TAKE A KEEN INTEREST OR BEING TAKEN ALONG FOR THE RIDE. 1. THE GRAND NATIONAL
2. BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS
WHAT IS IT? The most famous steeple chase in the world, 40 horses gallop round over 4 miles and 30 fences. Watched by 600 million people live on television, the horses and jockeys will line up to face the famous fences including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, Valentine’s and The Chair.
WHAT IS IT? Made up of 3 testing disciplines (dressage, cross country, show jumping), international eventers such as Zara Phillips compete. Badminton is popular with spectators with something for everyone and great shopping.
TICKETS: Available now but tickets are selling out quickly. TRAVEL: Check out the Steam Packet website for special day fares.
TRAVEL: Badminton is 15 miles from Bristol and Bath and the website covers all available accommodation offerings from hotels to caravans.
IF YOU CAN’T GO: Coverage on the BBC.
IF YOU CAN’T GO: Coverage on the BBC.
www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk
www.badminton-horse.co.uk
Aintree Liverpool - 11th April 2015
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Gloucestershire - 6-10th May 2015
TICKETS: Available now.
IF YOU CAN’T GO: Guards TV via YouTube www.guardspoloclub.com/ticketedevents 4. THE HICKSTEAD DERBY
Hickstead, West Sussex - 25th to 28th June 2015
WHAT IS IT? The Hickstead Derby is one of the most famous show jumping classes in the world. An iconic event, the course is as famous as the horses and riders that compete in it. The main draw being the ‘derby bank’ a huge 10ft, 6 mound that riders and horses have to descend down. TICKETS: Available now. TRAVEL: The website provides a range of different hotel options with preferential rates on some. IF YOU CAN’T GO: Coverage is on Sky Sports. www.hickstead.co.uk/horse-shows
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