The Oxfordshire event, which takes place in the beautiful parkland surrounding Cornbury House outside Charlbury, is stepping up a gear – or two – this year.
For the first time, Cornbury is hosting the highly prestigious British Eventing Young Horse Championships for five-, six- and seven-year-old horses. This is in addition to The Howden Way National Youth Championships for under-21 riders, international FEI classes at CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S level along with the national intermediate competitions.
Since its inception in 2020, event founder David Howden has been determined to give horses and riders every possible chance to produce their best performances, and has invested significantly in the conditions and infrastructure at Cornbury to allow this. This year, a second main arena in the heart of the site has been created out of the undulating parkland, and the cross-country courses have been altered to provide an improved start and finish point.
Away from the equestrian action and new for 2023, a celebration of all things food and drink will be a key part of the event with the introduction of “Field Food” offering a showcase of delicious locally-produced artisan options for attendees to enjoy. This will include open Asados (Argentinian barbecue food), a range of offerings from local farms including Cornbury and Bruern, along with delicious homemade ice-cream from the cows down the road at The Dairy, Honeysuckle Farm. There will also be a selection of local ales to enjoy including the popular Hawkstone Lager from the our on site public bar, the aptly named ‘Wychwood Inn.’
On the Saturday and Sunday of the event (9-10 September), families with young children can enjoy immersive ‘Wildwood Crafts’ throughout the afternoon with children 12 and under attending for free. To round the event off, there will be ‘apres’ style evening entertainment once the equestrian action has finished for the day on Friday, 8 September and Saturday, 9 September with live music and much more.
David Howden said: “I am very excited about the way in which we are developing Cornbury House Horse Trials. My passions for horses, promoting youth, Cornbury and the local area are being united to produce a wonderful celebration of all those elements and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
“We have been working hard to re-establish the horse trials and are now looking forward to taking it to the next level. I look forward to welcoming everyone to our fourth year and creating a modern take on this equestrian tradition while giving our athletes, horses, owners and partners a fantastic time.”
With its visually stunning backdrops of Cornbury House and the Wychwood Forest, thrilling sport and high-class family-friendly entertainment, Cornbury House Horse Trials promises a wonderful afternoon for all.
Tickets – Coming Soon
| Date: | Online Price |
| Wednesday 6 September (Dressage only) | £5 |
| Thursday 7 September | £10 |
| Friday 8 – Sunday 10 | £15 |
| Weekend ticket (Sat 9-Sun10) | £25 |
| 5-day ticket | £30 |
| Children 12 and Under | Free |