The Hottest Venue in Equestrian Sport

So much is happening at Hickstead – from riders of the future making a name for themselves to one of the best show jumping events in the UK.

Hickstead is one of the UK’s premier sporting destinations, and has a fantastic reputation all over the world too. This year spectators can expect to be wowed by a number of fantastic equestrian events, including the All England Jumping Championships – an event Hickstead introduced five years ago to international acclaim. If you’re planning to pay a visit to Hickstead in 2016, here’s your definitive guide to what’s going on in this very special part of the Sussex countryside.

The Events

Hickstead is home to four major equestrian events. The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting is one of the most famous show jumping classes in the world – the course is extremely challenging and showcases riders who are at the very top of their game.

The Longines Royal International Horse Show is unique in the fact that elite riders and horses from a number of different disciplines compete. So you can watch everything from show jumping to cross country riding.

The Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Championships take place in August, and provide a great opportunity for spectators to familiarise themselves with the stars of the future.

Last but not least are the aforementioned All England Jumping Championships. The event caters to all levels of riders, and allows them to gain valuable experience at one of the most well-known venues in equestrian sports. Paired with plenty of entertainment, these championships are the only place to be in September.

The Society Fixtures

Events at Hickstead are big dates on the Sussex society calendar as well. In June, Ladies Day at the Longines Royal International Horse Show sees some seriously stylish woman descend on Hickstead. There’s even a prize for best dressed lady – so the stakes are high! The Showtime Ball and the Hickstead Riders’ Ball attract plenty of interest too. Everyone wants to get their hands on a ticket so that they can party the night away Hickstead style. Expect champagne, fine dining and lots of horseplay until the early hours!

The Sponsor

Of course, the support of local businesses is key to events at Hickstead being a success. One of the sponsors this year is Templant Rental Power, a family run business based in Essex. They’ve got an impressive pedigree, having supplied the power to some prestigious UK events – including at Hickstead’s sister venue, Dressage at Hickstead. Working closely with the organisers of these big occasions, they’ll make sure that things run without a hitch.

When it comes to sponsoring Hickstead though, it’s all about a passion for equestrian sports. The Allen family, founders of Templant, have had a keen interest in show jumping for many years – and are all too happy to sponsor a sport they love to watch and be involved in. It’s the involvement of passionate sponsors and dedicated volunteers that makes Hickstead such a special place.

It’s The Place To Be In 2016

Visitors can expect to see some world-class events take place at Hickstead this summer. Some of the best riders in equestrian sport compete at this Sussex venue, and spectators will be able to see their horse-riding heroes in the flesh. It doesn’t matter if you’re an equine expert or a relative novice, Hickstead invites everyone to join in the fun this year!

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Chris Allen is the Operations Director at Templant Rental Power, which provides generators to provide power to events all across the UK.