Equestrian events set for summer

May 9 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

A SUMMER of equestrian events is under way this week with the launch of the May Festival at Chester Racecourse.

Preparations are in also full swing for next weekend’s Arley Horse Trials and Country.

Thousands are expected at the celebration of the countryside at the stately home near Northwich on May 17 and 18.

Attractions will include Shire horses, falconry, archery, shooting and angling plus a food marquee stocked with a huge range of the region’s finest produce.

Show goers will be treated to a series of medieval jousting displays by The Knights of Middle England, who will be holding a full-scale tournament.

Running alongside the fair will be Arley Horse Trials, which attract up to 400 riders each year and has become a popular competition on the eventing calendar. The Trials consist of three eventing disciplines – dressage, showjumping and cross country.

Coutts International Polo is held at Chester Racecourse on May 30 and 31 with £10,000 prize money on offer to winners of the weekend finals.

The Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and Country Fair, June 6-8, will be hosted at the estate near Tattenhall.

The showjumping has drawn in more than £40,000 in prize funding which will attract elite and novice showjumpers.

More than 9,000 visitors are expected to attend the event which also has a Country Fair.

Diana Barbour, managing director, Bolesworth Estate, says: “We are very excited about the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic and have been delighted with the interest from competitors and sponsors.

She added: “We already have great ambitions for the event’s future and we aim to make this a real family occasion which offers something for everyone, spectators , showjumping fans and anyone else who would like to enjoy a fun and exciting weekend in a truly unique location.”

There is a weekend farm ride at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre on Saturday and Sunday June 7-8

The 2008 Chester Racecourse Horse Show will also take place on Thursday July 31 and Friday August 1