Eventing WHERE WILL YOU BE THIS SUMMER

Fear not, even if the spring eventing calendar was a wash out and the mud of Badminton is still ingrained in your wellingtons, there’s plenty to look forward this summer

THE EVOLUTION OF EQUINE BEDDING- STRAW PELLETS THE NEXT BIG THING

Straw pellets are attracting a growing reputation for combining the best attributes of both straw and wood pellets, with none of their drawbacks. They offer owners an incredibly economical equine bedding option that scores very highly on all the priorities UK horse owners are looking for.

Market leader, Strawmax straw pellets are made in the UK from locally harvested straw. The loose straw is chopped, crushed and dust extracted, and then pelletised at high temperatures that eradicate bacteria and spores to produce a natural high quality, absorbent bedding.

When used properly Strawmax straw pellets give owners everything they want in a bedding and they create a healthy, hygienic bed for their horses with minimal breathable dust and plenty of depth and volume for comfort and support. They are also environmentally friendly, easily compostable they are made from completely natural by-product straw, in a simple, low-energy production process.

Bedmax MD, Tim Smalley whose company has lead the way in the UK bedding market with purpose made shavings for over 20 years, comments: “Our vision at Bedmax has always been to produce bedding that helps owners keep their horses as healthy and happy in their stables as possible, and quality straw pellets do meet the criteria and we believe they will take a substantial and growing share of the market from straw and wood pellets”

24-27TH AUGUST DEFENDER BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS, SCOTLAND

Set in the grounds of Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire the event runs over historic grounds. This 145,000-acre estate offers rolling farmland to wild open hills and a tour of the Castle will guide you through the history of the estate which dates back to the 13th Century. The hospitality packages are worth a punt as one of Scotland’s most acclaimed chefs, David Barnett, and Pastry Chef, Gerard Chouet are bound to delight you with the three-course lunch served up overlooking the main arena. Along with the International event, run at CCI* to CCI-L 4* level the Scottish Grassroots Championships at BE90 and BE100 level take place at the event. There’s also National Pony Society showing classes, Hunter classes, Pony Club Games and British Show Jumping to watch so you’ll get plenty of equine action. You can enjoy some serious shopping for lifestyle and equestrian wares for sale in the tradestand village with a particular focus in the Heart of the Highlands shopping area to showcase local and small Scottish businesses. While hotels are in the area, there’s also an opportunity to pitch at tent or bring a motorhome/horsebox and really make Blair Atholl your home for the four days of action.

23-24TH SEPTEMBER SOUTH OF ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL, SUSSEX RH17 6TL

One of the longest running horse trials in the country, first established in 1973, South of England is a popular event for riders who compete up to CCI-S 3* level but it was only last year, with it’s combined country fair, that it really took spectators by storm. Approximately 17,500 spectators attended – small fry to the big events – and yet many of the same elite riders are competing and with the attractions suited for all ages – and their canine companions – this year looks set to be more popular still. There are displays including from falconry to gundogs to ‘have-a-go’ activities from pony rides to fly-casting, archery to axe-throwing all aimed at celebrating the joys of the countryside and equestrian pursuits – and, of course, a fun fair complete with candy floss alongside. With the event organised by Pippa Funnell’s mother, Jenny Nolan, it’s sure to have the right balance of traditional and modern, embracing a family feel as is at the heart of our sport.

27TH SEPT- 1ST OCTOBER OSBERTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, S81 0UG

Free to the public, Osberton International is fast becoming a last-hurrah before the close od the eventing season. It’s a target for many riders as the event acts as a championship for four, five, six and seven year-old horses and also offers an International competition for ponies. Here’s your chance to witness riders from as young as 12 on small ponies, competing at International level! And to watch the brightest young horses pit themselves against others of the same age. Unsurprisingly the event is something of a shop window and many horses spotted here are sold on soon after for astronomical sums – each buyer hoping they’ve secured the best talent in the country. There’s a tradestand village too so for those aware that Christmas is coming up, it’s a great opportunity to get a bargain. And, for those feeling weary at the end of the long year of spectating, try hiring an Eco-Voltz electric bike to whizz yourself around the cross-country course!