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Published :
21/05/2024 12:24:33
Categories :
Latest News
The final week in May heralds the arrival of Bicton International Horse Trials, a firm favourite of us all at Hiho. Bicton is a new endeavour for the Hiho Stand but not for the Hiho family as for us it is our most local event venue. We are so happy to see its future secured with the recent acquisition of a long-term lease for husband and wife team, Andrew Fell and Helen West from the owners: the Clinton family and Clinton Devon Estates.
Bicton is a venue that holds many personal memories for our King of the Road with his sons, the young Masters Hiho, growing up competing on Bicton soil during numerous Pony Club events and hunter trials, not to mention his fond memory of helping his dad run an event here as a child and always remembering a lady who tackled the cross country in pink socks as her colours - maybe one day he’ll remember the name!
Bicton is a hidden gem of an event venue, set in the rolling hills of the beautiful Clinton Devon Estate - although we believe it may not stay hidden for long…
With Andrew and Helen now taking the reins full-time for the prestigious venue, a new calendar of ambitious and high quality events is guaranteed to fill our diaries - leaving the venue less hidden and more of a magnet for the evening community. The high class facilities and red sand allows Bicton to run events for the entire eventing season whilst still boasting excellent ground for horse and rider combinations. We are sure the fun will not stop there - with two immaculate all weather arenas and 116 permanent stables, Bicton is home to a host of competitions in dressage, showjumping and eventing from grassroots to elite levels so we are sure some fun will still be had over the winter months too.
This year Bicton International Horse Trials will kick off on Wednesday with The Hiho Silver Sponsored Trot up where we will be crowning our Best Dressed male and female rider just as we do at Badminton!
From here the competitionwill commence on Thursday and conclude on the Sunday. Click here to see the full event schedule.
For an extensive run down of the 2024 Bicton International Horse Trails cross country course head over to long term Hiho fan and supporter - Becky Wren’s, blog and instagram. Through her blog you will not only get a first hand insight into Helen’s expertly built course for the 2024 event but also some key information on the event schedule and some must see riders and horses including the likes of World Number One Oliver Townend, World Number Two Ros Canter and top local riders such as Alex Bragg, Tim Price and Mary King.
For an insight into the thinking behind the course design, head over to our own Emma’s blog over at Countrywoman’s Guide here.
With the event being held in May and the British weather being well, British we recommend being prepared for all eventualities if you are planning on visiting Bicton International Horse Trials.
The sun will hopefully grace us with its warming presence, so sun cream, a sunhat and some sunglasses are a must but maybe pop a rain coat in the back just to be on the safe side. Comfortable clothes and footwear are also essential - as with any horse trial walking will be a large part of the day, especially if you are planning on getting up close and personal with some of the 4* cross country action on the Sunday. Just an FYI we have it on very good recommendation that the water jump (fence 20AB The Western Counties Duckblind Pond) is one of the best spots on the course to see the xc action!
If you are hoping to bring the family too but are worried they may get a little bored of constant horses (apparently that’s possible…) never fear Bicton has you covered!
The horse trials will not only host the CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and CCI4*-S but also include a wide array of activities including face-painting, falconry demonstrations and a dog show coupled with a wide variety of trade stands and catering options aimed at showcasing the best of the South West’s local cuisine.
It is an event that is sure to please all the family and be an excellent addition to the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend!
If you are unable to attend but still want to watch all the action we recommend checking out Clip My Horse TV here who will be live filming on Saturday and Sunday with commentator Ben King. (Clip My Horse TV do offer a free trial over on the website).
Of course, keep up to date with the unfolding action on instagram at @bicton_arena, and of course @hihosilveruk!
We hope to see you there!