The field entered is as strong as ever with a strong international contingent including Andrew Nicholson, Kai Ruder, Clark Montgomery and Jonelle Richards to mention just a few.
In total 84 competitors are due to start in the main CCI*** after all passed the initial trot up, including 4-time winner, Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt, who will surely be setting out to try and equal that winning record and will have a busy weekend with two each in the CCI*** and the CIC*** 8&9yo class. 67 combinations are entered for the CIC *** 8&9yo class which showcases the top up and coming young event horses with previous winners including NZB Land Vision and Oslo who both hae gone on to 4* success.
[singlepic id=35 w=320 h=240 float=right]Blenheim really is a spectators paradise with a strong selection of supporting events alongside the main 3* competitions. The ever popular eventer challenges are back in the Bladon arena with the Riding clubs featuring on Thursday, Pony clubs on Friday and then the BE version on Sunday. Run at 1m including a combination of show jumps and cross country fences these are great competitions not just for the competitors but also spectators.There is once again a strong timetable of supporting demonstrations and displays including training sessions, masterclasses, dressage displays, side saddle displays and of course one of the biggest draws of the weekend will be the high jump competition which sees riders jumping fences in excess of 1m80 including on occasion with no saddle! This really is a class not to be missed and is scheduled for 2pm on Sunday after the CIC*** cross country has finished. It has been moved from it’s previous Saturday slot during the CIC*** showjumping most likley because more people could be found watching the high jump than the showjumping. Get there at least 20 minutes early if you want to get close as well because the crowd is often 5+ deep all the way round!
[singlepic id=5 w=320 h=240 float=left]New this year is also the Master’s gate jumping challenge on Saturday afternoon which sees invited hunt masters battling it out to see who can jump over the highest single white gate.For a full timetable click the below link
http://www.blenheim-horse.co.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/docs/FINAL%20TIMETABLE%206.9.pdf
In addition to the attractions there is also a good shopping village which you can enter for free after 4pm on Thursday and Friday.
For more details on the event visit the official website www.blenheim-horse.co.uk
