Belsay Horse Trials offers a warm welcome to visitors.  Our volunteers are never far away to offer assistance and to help you.  The event hosts over 500 amateur and professional horse riders competing against one another.  There is a shopping village, a huge range of caterers, dog displays and family amusements.  We offer a great family day out where you are welcome to bring your dog and a picnic should you wish.  Tickets can be purchased on the gate or in advance via the tickets page and parking is free of charge.

New for 2020

Here at Belsay we are already gearing up for our International Event in 2020 and are so excited to be hosting the British Pony Championships alongside a CCI**S competition for seniors.

The British Pony Championships is the pinnacle of the Pony Trials Series, currently sponsored by Charles Owen, for riders aged 16 years and under riding ponies (14.0hh – 14.2hh).  It represents the toughest test for pony riders and is run as a long format international competition over three days to give potential GB Pony Team members vital experience for the European Pony Championships, which take place in August every year.

We have lots of exciting plans for 2020 and will be doing everything we can to give our competitors, sponsors, volunteers and visitors the most fabulous experience, generous prize money and some great entertainment.  In addition to the International and National Eventing, we will also be hosting the Belsay Country Show on Sunday 31st May 2020, which will feature our already popular annual Hunt Relay competition, alongside an Arena Eventing competition and Pony Club Show Jumping.

What is Eventing?

It’s one of very few sports that genuinely allow people to compete equally, whatever their experience.

Men and women, amateurs and champions, young and experienced horses all compete fairly against each other, making it truly exciting for riders and spectators. Visitors can watch the dressage, show jumping and cross country phases which take place simultaneously throughout each day of competition.

EVENTING IS AN ALL-ROUND TEST OF HORSEMANSHIP.

Dressage Phase

Dressage is the first phase of the competition for the riders and takes place at the east end of the main show field. This phase is designed to test the training and discipline of the horse and rider and consists of a pre-set test which is judged subjectively by an experienced dressage judge. The leading rider will be the one with the lowest penalty score after this phase.

Cross Country Phase

Cross-country is for many, the most thrilling phase of eventing. Essentially it is all about trust between horse and rider. The rider needs to judge pace and speed in order to complete the challenging 22-25 fence course run over approximately 3000 metres. Competitors are given penalties for any refusals or falls during this phase and they are also required to complete the course within an ‘optimum time’. Failure to do so results in further penalty marks being given. The rider needs to be confident and quick thinking to complete this phase successfully, and also needs to have that ‘special partnership’ with their horse. (With thanks to A7EHF Photography for the attached image).

The Womble Bond Dickinson Arena - Show Jumping Phase

Competitors are required to jump a clear round over a course of coloured poles and fillers within a set time limit. Faults are accumulated for knock-downs and refusals and will be added to the competitors dressage score. The Show jumping phase may seem simple but it demands accuracy, athleticism and, especially when under pressure, a calm head on the part of both rider and horse.

Arena 2 - Working Hunter Pony & Pony Club Showjumping

Arena 2 hosts competitions specially designed for the younger competitors. Please see the timetable to find out what is on each day in Arena 2.

Inter Hunt Relay sponsored by Jobling Purser

On Sunday The Main Arena will host an Inter Hunt Relay competition. This is a team event where local hunts compete against one another on horseback, foot and on quad bikes. It will be fast, exciting and will be full of thrills and spills. Come and cheer on your favourite team.

Family Amusements

A large selection of family rides, inflatables, go karts, games and amusements will be on site around the Main Arena for your family to enjoy throughout the weekend. Open from 0900-1700 hours there is plenty of fun for everyone.

The Dog Arena sponsored by Borthwick's Boarding Kennels

Throughout the event the Dog Arena sponsored by Borthwick's Boarding will host displays from The Northumberland Canine Centre and from Lammermuir Gun Dogs. There will be a "have a go" dog agility course and a scurry with prizes. You are very welcome to bring your dog to Belsay (on a lead please).

The Shopping Village, Catering Stands & The Public Bar

Open all days the shopping village surrounds the Main Arena. There are over 40 trade stands selling farm machinery to clothing, and also a huge range of catering stands to suit all tastes and appetites. The Hospitality Tent opens to the public at 2pm each day serving local beers, wine and spirits. Here you can meet competitors and catch up on the live score boards.