Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park

Eventing, sometimes referred to as Horse Trials, originally evolved from the training and selection of cavalry horses. Today it is three equestrian disciplines (dressage, show jumping and cross country) combined and competed by horse and rider as a combination. Each of the three disciplines is designed to test the horses ability. Dressage shows how trainable the horse is and its basic paces in walk, trot and canter. Show jumping shows athleticism, control and accuracy whist the cross country tests stamina, speed, jumping and bravery. The competitor with the least penalties at the end is the winner.

The Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, is the perfect place to enjoy such a spectacle. There really is something for everyone here, and it is makes for the perfect family day out. Every year, The Festival brings together an eclectic mix of exhibitors to create a fantastic Shopping Village for visitors. With more than 100 stands offering everything from art to jewellery to country clothing to homeware.

This year the event ran for three days from 5th to 7th August and every day, Gatcombe Park, home to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, was blessed with clear blue skies and golden sunshine. Competitions included the Magic Millions British Open, Evelyn Partners British Immediate Championship, the Dodson & Horell British Novice Championship, the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Event Horse Championship and the TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup.

And whilst catching one’s breath between competitions, there was plenty of time to hop on a fairground ride, sample goodies from an array of delicious eateries or browse the amazing selection of shops.

There was even a Shetland Pony Grand National which was very exciting for both the children and adults!

Princess Anne’s home, Gatcombe Park, was built in the late 18th century to the designs of George Basevi and is Grade II listed. The Princess Royal, along with her son, Mark Phillips, and daughter, Zara Phillips, are all heavily involved with the organisation of the Festival of British Eventing every year which has now become a highlight in the eventing calendar, attracting the world’s top equestrian Olympians. Magic Millions, the Australian bloodstock auction house has signed a further three-year deal, taking its generous commitment and support of the event up t0 2025.

For further information please visit: www.festivalofbritisheventing.com

CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of Gatcombe Park

All images by CELLOPHANELAND*