Press Releases

Belsay Horse Trials (15-17 May) is proud to announce that a unique display, The Healing Power of the Horse, will take centre stage at lunchtime on each of the three days of the Northumbrian event.

Three local organisations – the Morpeth branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Stepney Bank Stables and KL Pony Therapy – will take part in the demonstration, which will be hosted by former event rider Saffron Cresswell and will also include 14-times CCI5*-winning athlete William Fox-Pitt and former European champion Nicola Wilson. All three riders have suffered serious injury during their time in the sport and understand completely the healing power that time spent with horses can have.

The Healing Power of the Horse is sponsored by Brookfield Equestrian and Chaser Communications, and will take place in the Womble Bond Dickinson International Arena at approximately 12.45pm each day.

Belsay organiser Laura de Wesselow said: “Here at Belsay we totally believe in the healing power of horses. Everyone of us here is united by our passion for horses and have been healed by them in some way over the years. We are so excited to have teamed up with the Morpeth branch of Riding for the Disabled, along with Stepney Bank Stables and KL Pony Therapy, to help us illustrate how horses and ponies contribute so much to people’s overall health and wellbeing.

“Equestrian activity is not just about sport, and it is much more than a recreational hobby enjoyed by millions of people in the UK – it is a major contributor to national wellbeing and a strategic asset for social development.

“In October 2025, British Equestrian unveiled ground-breaking research that showed that equestrianism generates £1.2 billion in social value every year. Working with Sheffield Hallam University and the Sport & Recreation Alliance, the project revealed compelling evidence of equestrianism’s positive contribution across the five social outcome areas of physical health, mental health, subjective wellbeing, individual development and social and community development. It also showed that horses and equestrianism reach audiences often underrepresented in other sports: women, older adults, people from lower socio-economic groups and disabled people.”

Chaser Communications already sponsors Stepney Bank Stables, and Brookfield Equestrian is known for its support for equestrianism as a whole. Both companies are delighted to be backing this important initiative, which showcases horses and their contribution to mental and physical wellbeing.

Alongside international classes at CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI1* level, Belsay is running British Eventing national classes from Advanced to BE105. The event also features Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, and a multitude of competition opportunities for local grassroots riders, including showjumping and arena eventing classes, BSPS showing and the ever-popular inter-hunt relay. There are outstanding shopping opportunities, delicious food and drink – including the new Northumbrian Larder – and lots of family-friendly activities on offer.

Advanced booking prices mean that entry costs from £12.50 for an adult and £8 for a child aged six-16 – children aged five and under are free – and season admission (Thursday, 14 May-Sunday, 17 May) costs £36 per adult and £22.50 per child aged six-16.

New for 2026 is Membership, which includes event entry, forward parking, programme and entrance to the Members’ Marquee, and also Picnic Parking, offering excellent views of the international cross-country courses with the stunning backdrop of Belsay Castle. Camping and glamping are available in the grounds of the Belsay estate.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.belsayhorsetrials.co.uk.

The attached picture of Nicola Wilson: Trevor Meeks/Horse & Hound.

For PR enquiries, please contact Catherine Austen: cfausten123@gmail.com or 07711362832. For all other enquiries related to Belsay Horse Trials, please contact Laura de Wesselow: laura@belsayestate.com or 07889 437237.