Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watch-world-class-athletes">WATCH WORLD CLASS ATHLETES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/14.jpg" alt="Blenheim Palace Horse Trials Cross country" class="wp-image-168987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/14.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/14-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/14-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/14-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If the Paris Olympics has left a gargantuan hole in your life, head to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Team GB’s first gold was courtesy of our talented eventing trio Tom McEwen, Laura Collett and last year’s BPIHT winner Ros Canter. Not only will you get to enjoy the thrill of cross country, dressage and show jumping, but rumour has it, you might catch a glimpse of an Olympian or two!</p>



<p>This event attracts the biggest UK and international names in the sport. The combination of horse and rider has to qualify over the country’s most challenging courses for this 4* event and get a near perfect score across the three disciplines, if they’re to get into the top 10. So, you really are seeing the elite of the sport. Will Britain’s Izilot DHI return to defend his title? Will we see Olympian Yasmin Ingham? With so many former medallists and champs expected to be on the roster, you’re sure to be in for a thrilling day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/HCP-BPIHT23_social-02949.jpg" alt="Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Dressage" class="wp-image-169002" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/HCP-BPIHT23_social-02949.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/HCP-BPIHT23_social-02949-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/HCP-BPIHT23_social-02949-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/HCP-BPIHT23_social-02949-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The first two days – 19 and 20 Sep – are the dressage, where riders and horses perform an elegant routine in a marked arena that includes ballet-esque movements by the horses to manoeuvre sideways, backwards and practically pirouette. Tickets for the grandstand mean you can see this right up close (choose seats close to the centre line for the best view). Grandstand tickets are also the best for watching the showjumping on day four (or go big and book a spot in the ringside member’s bar or VIP dining to quaff while you gawp).</p>



<p>Showjumping is when competitors tackle a course of coloured fences in an arena and you’ll be sucking through your teeth as they brush the top of the fence hoping not to roll a pole and pick up penalty points. For the cross country on day three, horses and riders undertake a series of natural-built fences and water obstacles around 6km of&nbsp;Blenheim’s gorgeous parkland and you can stroll around the entire length of the course watching competitors at each fence or go for a lakeside ticket and park up with your picnic for a headline view of the most thrilling challenge on the course.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">YOU DON&#8217;T HAVE TO BE HORSEY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/16.jpg" alt="Ferris Wheel at Blenheim palace Horse trials" class="wp-image-168989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/16.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/16-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/16-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/16-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Believe me, we’ve taken along positively horse-averse buddies and they’ve returned the following year. Why? Because the whole Blenheim fandango has a wholesome day out vibe with two arenas offering entertainment like dog agility, and falconry, alongside a giant wheel, shops (see below), Fortnum &amp; Mason picnics and a gazillion food trucks and bars. Of course, there’s horses by the horse box load, too – and not just the eventers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/4-2.jpg" alt="shetland pony kids race" class="wp-image-168977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/4-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/4-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/4-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Look out for side saddle riding, Mini Rovers, Shetland Pony Grand National and equine influencer Harlow White and Esme Higgs. Kids in particular will love what&#8217;s on offer and with those aged 12 and under getting in for free (they just need a valid entrance ticket with a paying adult), it&#8217;s a winning day out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play-spot-the-celeb">PLAY SPOT THE CELEB</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/18.jpg" alt="RADIO 2 DJ, AUTHOR SARA COX" class="wp-image-168991" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/18.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/18-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/18-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a who&#8217;s who of the equine world, but with a venue this show-stopping (and just 10 miles from Soho Farmhouse) it&#8217;s a cat nip for horse-loving celebs who enjoy sporting drama and heritage in one neat bundle. One guaranteed star trotting into the Blenheim Palace ring is Sara Cox – radio DJ, TV presenter and horse nut. She&#8217;ll be rocking up on Sat 21 Sep (without her Irish Draught Thoroughbred cross, Nellie *sob*) when she&#8217;ll be interviewing riders as they finish the cross country phase. Other famous faces spotted over the years include, Zara Tindall regularly competes, <em>Bridgerton</em> actress Sabrina Bartlett and racing presenter Francesca Cumani. But who knows who will turn up this year? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE SETTING&#8217;S GORGEOUS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="719" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery.jpeg" alt="Blenheim Palace Italian Garden" class="wp-image-147471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-800x575.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-400x288.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/BlenheimPalace-Italian-Garden-2.jpg.gallery-730x525.jpeg 730w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The woodland, lakes, ornate stone bridges and rolling hills of Blenheim’s parkland are a bit special and make a very pretty back drop to your day (and your Insta posts). You can also visit the Palace and gardens while you’re there – you need to <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchase a separate ticket</a>, but you can snaffle 20% off during the Horse Trials with the code HTBP20. Alternatively, make a weekend of it and go for the full camping ticket? Under canvas in September? We’re betting on an Indian summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shopping-and-not-just-for-saddles">SHOPPING – AND NOT JUST FOR SADDLES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Troy-London-founders-e1723802946932-1000x995.jpg" alt="Troy London Founders" class="wp-image-169029" /></figure>



<p>The shopping is a BIG draw at Blenheim and you could come home with anything from dog leads and head collars (for those in the know) to perfume, jewellery, a new outfit, candles, pantry goodies or a ton of unusual gifts. Some of the 170 trade stands we&#8217;re hyped about are Troy London (a fashion twist of country classics, above), Arkell &amp; Willis Cashmere, Happy Scent Co (their candles make great gifts) and Estribos Argentinian style belts, which are &#8211; literally &#8211; everywhere at Blenheim. Don&#8217;t want to drag pooch around the stalls? There&#8217;s an on-site dog creche, where you can leave your dog for up to three hours. No need to book, just turn up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SQUAFF &amp; QUAFF LIKE A KING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/10.jpg" alt="Fortnam and Mason picnic" class="wp-image-168983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/10-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The event’s food court is always a feast of pizza, hog roast, burgers, nachos, churros, ice creams, sweet shops – everyone’s catered for. But we’re a bit giddy at the prospect of a Fortnum &amp; Mason luxury picnic – available for the first time at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Seems pretty apt for a very British picnic to be available from this iconic brand at a heritage location that oozes history.</p>



<p>What’s in the basket? Well, there are four options to choose from – The Fortnum’s Picnic, The Fortnum’s Garden Picnic, The Fortnum’s Feast and The Fortnum’s Garden Feast – featuring grilled chicken escalope with lemon caper sauce, rocket &amp; shaved parmesan, celeriac remoulade and pink fir potato salad whilst the Fortnum’s Feast includes rare roast beef with tarragon dressing &amp; pea shoots alongside chilli &amp; dill prawns. Yum. Found a designated driver? There’s wine in there too, a bottle of Fortnum’s Pays D’Oc Blanc, Perricone or Champagne if you’re blowing the budget.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You’ll find food vans dotted around the family fun zone and close to the shopping and arena, so you can graze all day. Wine, fizz, Pimm’s, G&amp;Ts are on tap at the many branded and general bars – so pull up a chair/bale/camping chair, grab a drink and watch the action in style. Speaking of which, if you want to go the silver service route, how about bagging some Member or VIP tickets, which include an all-day dining option to take you right from a cooked breakfast through to a three-course lunch! Good job there’s plenty of acreage to walk off it all off.</p>



<p><em><strong>Have I spurred you on? Jump on over to the&nbsp;</strong></em><a href="https://www.bpiht.co.uk/ticket-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials</em></strong></a><em><strong>&nbsp;site to bag your tickets&nbsp;for 19-22 Sept.</strong></em></p>


7 reasons to gallop to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

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