AllWays Traveller Features
The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show
The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show is one of the UK's premier equestrian occasions.
It is held annually in the glorious Cheshire countryside with the Barbour family's historic castle as the backdrop.
The five-day event features a mix of stunning showjumping including the Bolesworth International Grand Prix, a thrilling puissance high jump competition.
The amphitheatre style main arena is one of the most attractive anywhere and there is a second arena offering equally exciting show jumping competitions.
As well as the equestrian enthusiast, the Bolesworth International attracts family and friends for a fine day out.
There is a country fair atmosphere, with excellent food and drink stands, a range of equestrian related retail outlets and a VIP marquee for those who want to splash out a little more.
Brilliant Bolesworth back where it belongs
The 2022 Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show is one of the highlights of the professional show jumping calendar.
Set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside on the grounds of the Bolesworth Estate, there can't be a more picturesque place in the UK to watch top class riders excel at their sport.
The main International Arena surrounded by a moat, with Bolesworth Castle as its backdrop always looks fantastic and gives all spectators an excellent view of the action.
The Castle Arena also has a programme of events throughout the show with visitors enjoying a ringside view of the action.
The warm-up arenas are also very interesting.
A lot can be learned from seeing how the competitors prepare their horses for a big class.
Walking commentaries
While walking the course, top showjumpers Jay Halim and Geoff Billington, gave us a commentary, explaining how they would approach each jump and what made certain fences very tricky or difficult.
Sponsored by animal nutritionists, Dodson & Horrell, over 800 horses took part in this year's five-day show.
Top riders display their skills
Some of the big names included Joe Stockdale, Will Funnell, leading three-day eventer, Pippa Funnell and top ten British rider, Guy Williams.
The name 'Whitaker,' that of the famous show jumping family, expectedly popped up a few times too.
As well as the thrilling big money classes such as the Dodson & Horrell 1.50m Grand Prix and the eVetDrug Puissance (the one with the huge red wall) there are also the fun classes.
These include the celebrity Ride & Drive where a rider and car driver team up together and the Mini Major where an adult and young rider pair up and jump a course each against the clock- in fancy dress!
Challenging the horse and rider
The expert course builders at Bolesworth really challenge both horse and rider, demanding precision, speed, agility and trust.
This makes for an exciting competition.
Family fun
On the Saturday and Sunday, there are family orientated events on the programme too, such as
dog agility, fair rides and donkey rides.
Ladies Day
Saturday is also Ladies Day, when the women in the hospitality marquee get the chance to win some great prizes for being one of the top three best dressed.
It's the day when glamour and fashion come to the fore.
Food and retail outlets
You will never go hungry at Bolesworth - there are plenty of bar and food outlets – pizza, sandwiches, burgers, pastries, prosecco – and I can particularly recommend the coffee.
However, I enjoy taking my own picnic.
There are lots of places around the showground with great views of the arenas where you can sit, relax and tuck into your own smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches.
There are lots of stalls to browse around between classes, particularly for the horse enthusiast, but there are other more general ones too.
A great day out
Whatever the weather, Bolesworth is a great show, but if the sun shines, being outdoors in these glorious surroundings makes it absolutely amazing.
This year's show has built on the success of the post-lockdown 2021 event, and I am sure it will keep going from strength to strength.
The Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships
As second event worth catching is the Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, which sees five days of show jumping for the best young horses.
It includes international show jumping at 2* level together with those looking to qualify the UK's best young horses for the World Breeding Championships each September.
Spectators to able to attend this event for free.
Register online at www.bolesworth.com/equestrian
Dodson and Horrell
Dodson and Horrell have been offering nutritional solutions for high performance and competition horses, racing, showing, breeding and leisure riding for over 80 years.
It also supports horses with additional needs, such as veterans, and those in need of everyday support such as higher fibre or weight management.
More information
For more information and 2023 equestrian events at Bolesworth :
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ISSN 2634-7032
London, United Kingdom
+44 0 7764 198 286