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So far April Coate has created 21 blog entries.

Over 2,000 Horses and Riders Compete at a Record Breaking Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

2026-09-28T14:59:46+00:00

Under sunny skies at Blenheim Palace, over 35,500 visitors watched history in the making as Team GB stalwart Tom McEwen claimed victory in both major classes at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, 17 to 20 September. Across four action-packed days, more than 2,000 riders and horses took to Blenheim’s celebrated turf, competing in 10 events that spanned grassroots competitions to elite four-star eventing. Pre-event EquiRatings* firm favourite Tom McEwen far exceeded expectations as he not only captured the GFS Saddles 8 & 9-Year-Old CCI4*-S title, but also dominated the Agria CCI4*-L, claiming both first and second place. Following on ...

Over 2,000 Horses and Riders Compete at a Record Breaking Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials2026-09-28T14:59:46+00:00

Tom McEwen Smashes All Records by Doing the Double at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

2026-09-20T18:26:05+00:00

Britain's Tom McEwen made history today (Sunday 20 September) at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, as the first ever rider to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old in the same year. He topped off a spectacular weekend by finishing in first and second places in the CCI4*-L, his two horses separated by just 0.1 of a penalty. By the time Tom went into the arena as last to go on Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barker's nine-year-old Irish sport horse The Fieldmaster, he had already secured victory whatever happened. He could ...

Tom McEwen Smashes All Records by Doing the Double at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials2026-09-20T18:26:05+00:00

Team GB Powerhouse Tom McEwen Leads the Field as Day Three Closes

2026-09-19T18:11:10+00:00

British Olympic and world gold medallist Tom McEwen enjoyed a superb day at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and is now dominating the leaderboard in both competitions. He now holds first and second places in the Agria CCI4*-L after cross-country and leads the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year-old CCI4*-S class after the show jumping phase. Packed crowds enjoyed a thrilling day of cross-country action against the splendid backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace. The elusive optimum time of 10 minutes 8 seconds, achieved by only one rider, played an influential part and considerably reshuffled the ...

Team GB Powerhouse Tom McEwen Leads the Field as Day Three Closes2026-09-19T18:11:10+00:00

International Stars Dominate on Day Two of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

2026-09-18T17:42:36+00:00

Thousands of people from across the region gathered to revel in all things great British eventing, in the iconic Capability Brown Blenheim Palace parklands as day two of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials got underway. The action continued with more dressage in the Agria CCI4*-L and GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old CCI4*-S, with last-minute shake-ups and jostling around the middle ranks. Australian Oliver Barratt, who ended day one in the Agria CCI4*-L top spot, held his lead for the entire second day, despite great work from British riders Tom McEwen and Alexander Bragg doing their best to ...

International Stars Dominate on Day Two of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials2026-09-18T17:42:36+00:00

Southern Hemisphere Riders Overtake British Rivals to Lead the Rankings at Lunch on Friday at Blenheim

2026-09-18T13:09:08+00:00

The second day of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials began with bright sunshine and bright talent taking to the Palace Arena at the iconic Oxfordshire venue. The action got underway early with riders competing across the two competitions, the Agria CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old Class. At the end of day one, young Australian rider Oliver Barratt was in prime position in the Agria CCI4*-L dressage, a spot he has held today as of the mid-day break. But, in a shake-up of the leaderboard, Team GB stalwart Tom McEwen has been bumped to third ...

Southern Hemisphere Riders Overtake British Rivals to Lead the Rankings at Lunch on Friday at Blenheim2026-09-18T13:09:08+00:00

Australia Steals the Show on Day One of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

2026-09-18T09:15:01+00:00

Oxfordshire’s premier equestrian event, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, kicked off today at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, as riders began their conquest for the top spot, with Australian and Great Britain riders coming up trumps early on. Dressage was the name of the game on day one, as riders took to the arenas to showcase their talent and skill. As the gates opened, Tom McEwen was the first to take to the CCI4*-S GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old arena, scoring a strong 27.2 on Brookfield Danny de Muze and permanently securing the prime position. At ...

Australia Steals the Show on Day One of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials2026-09-18T09:15:01+00:00

Action Kicks Off at Blenheim with Australia and Great Britain Leading the Lunchtime Charge

2026-09-17T14:11:01+00:00

Following rain showers, bright sunshine blazed through and the action got underway at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, with riders competing across the two competitions, the Agria CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old Class. The dressage phase of the event started with a bang, with British eventing stalwart, and Aachen gold medallist Tom McEwen commencing proceedings in the CCI4*-S competition, with his horse Brookfield Danny de Muze. As the competition breaks for lunch, he is still in the lead, with a 27.2 score, with Swedish rider Therese Viklund and her horse Sella following close behind, with a 29.1 score. In the Agria CCI4*-L competition, it is Australian ...

Action Kicks Off at Blenheim with Australia and Great Britain Leading the Lunchtime Charge2026-09-17T14:11:01+00:00

Silver Boots and Tweed Shine on the Trot-Up Runway at Blenheim

2026-09-17T11:11:38+00:00

The Trot-Up, sponsored by Speedi-Beet, played out in the sunshine at Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials this afternoon (Wednesday 16 September). The Palace made for a magnificent backdrop as 77 horses were accepted in the CCI4*-L. Riders presented the horses to the Ground Jury, consisting of President Niki Herbert, Judy Hancock and James Rooney. The Vet Delegate was Caroline George. The Best Dressed competition sponsored by Hiho Silver was judged by Hiho’s ‘King of the Road’ Andrew Ransford. Winners were Susie Berry (IRE) and Jack Pinkney (GB). “Susie’s silver boots definitely got my attention,” commented Andrew. “Jack also looked impeccable ...

Silver Boots and Tweed Shine on the Trot-Up Runway at Blenheim2026-09-17T11:11:38+00:00

Germany in the cross-country driving seat at Agria FEI Eventing European Championship

2025-09-20T12:04:50+00:00

The cross-country phase is well underway at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship and the scoreboard has already altered considerably, dramatically opening up the competition and promising a gripping afternoon's sport.   The British team has been eliminated for two rider falls, for Yasmin Ingham at fence 22 (the FEI mounds) and Piggy March who landed in the water at fence 20.   Germany has two riders home and clear; first-timer Libussa Lubbeke and Caramia 34 incurred 30 time penalties, but second-to-go Malin Hansen-Hotop (Carlitos Quidditch K) was quicker and came home with 14.   The Swiss were even faster. First ...

Germany in the cross-country driving seat at Agria FEI Eventing European Championship2025-09-20T12:04:50+00:00

Blenheim Palace To Host the 2025 FEI Eventing European Championship

2025-09-11T15:25:07+00:00

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (GBR) has been awarded the FEI Eventing European Championship for 2025. The event will take place from 18 to 21 September 2025. The Oxfordshire venue, home of the Duke of Marlborough, previously ran the FEI Eventing European Championship in 2005. It is the first senior Eventing championship to be held in Great Britain since Blair Castle in 2015. “It is a great honour to be bringing the FEI Eventing European Championship back to Britain,” said Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley of Stable Events, the organisers of Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. “Blenheim is such ...

Blenheim Palace To Host the 2025 FEI Eventing European Championship2025-09-11T15:25:07+00:00

TIM PRICE AND HAPPY BOY ARE SINGING IN THE RAIN

2024-09-22T17:44:03+00:00

New Zealand Olympian Tim Price produced a classic display of horsemanship when he posted his first win at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, in the most dramatic of weather conditions. The black clouds that had been threatening finally burst as the CCI4*-L neared its tense climax in the showjumping arena, but Tim's mount, Susan Lamb and Therese Miller's 12-year-old Happy Boy, was immaculate over the fences, despite the soggy conditions. Happy Boy won the prestigious World Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion d'Angers, France (as a seven-year-old) in similarly damp weather on a grass surface. “I held ...

TIM PRICE AND HAPPY BOY ARE SINGING IN THE RAIN2024-09-22T17:44:03+00:00

ROR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 2024

2024-09-22T15:09:09+00:00

The second day of the RoR dressage competition, sponsored by Allen & Page brought forward more ex-racehorses enjoying new careers in dressage to the Churchill Arena on Friday. The first class of the day the RoR Allen & Page Southern Regional Novice Open Championship was won by Judy Bradwell riding Burrows Light with a score of 71.67% with a margin of 1.34% to her closest rival in second. Judy bought Rupert as he is known was bought by Judy last September after coming out of racing in July.  He is very clever I started competing him in June and he has ...

ROR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 20242024-09-22T15:09:09+00:00

Sunday 22 September 2024

2024-09-22T11:55:24+00:00

BLENHEIM PALACE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS 19 – 22 SEPTEMBER 2024   Sunday 22 September 2024 1.00PM Following a fall at fence 10c in the CCI4*-S 8 and 9 year old class at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, Louise Harwood (GBR) was immediately attended to by the onsite medical team and has been transferred by road to the John Radcliffe hospital in a stable condition for further treatment. Her horse, Blues Cloud was assessed by the on-site vets, walked back to the stable and is uninjured. Our thoughts are with Louise and all of her connections.

Sunday 22 September 20242024-09-22T11:55:24+00:00

Eventer Challenge and ROR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 2024 – Friday

2024-09-22T07:21:44+00:00

BPIHT Pony Club Eventer Challenge - 100cm Team Competition Heythrop Hawks one of the teams form the Heythrop Pony Club were the victors in the 100cm Pony Club Team Eventer Challenge.  Louise Hodges who spoke on behalf of the team was so pleased for the entire team.  “ The team were so excited to compete in this incredible atmosphere at Blenheim and to jump the famous water jump.  Charlie Thomas and Rosie Brookes have horses very new to them so they were very pleased with their performances which bodes well for future teams.  It is such a wonderfully organised  event and ...

Eventer Challenge and ROR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 2024 – Friday2024-09-22T07:21:44+00:00

HAPPY DAYS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY LEADER TIM PRICE

2024-09-21T18:48:38+00:00

The great New Zealand horseman Tim Price has yet to add the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials to his many accolades, but that could be about to change now that he has taken the lead in the CCI4*-L after cross-country with an exemplary round on Susan Lamb and Therese Miller's Happy Boy. "He was foot perfect," said Tim, who is also lying eighth on CHIO 20. "I asked him quite a lot at fence five [the Blake Morgan Flyer] and he really stood off. I decided to take the long route at the top water at 15 [the James Hallam Insurance ...

HAPPY DAYS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY LEADER TIM PRICE2024-09-21T18:48:38+00:00

RoR Showing Series Qualifier

2024-09-21T11:55:08+00:00

On Thursday, the prestigious Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials hosted the RoR Showing Series Qualifier. The series showcases the incredible versatility and elegance of retrained racehorses, as they compete for sought after spots in the National Finals at Aintree in 2025. Spectators were treated to an impressive display demonstrating newfound skills and elegance beyond the racetrack. In the stunning estate of Blenheim Palace, it was a celebration of dedication, hard work, and the next careers for these magnificent horses. Winner of the Open In Hand was 6-year-old bay gelding, Star Caliber shown by Barry Smith.  Barry’s wife used to ride him ...

RoR Showing Series Qualifier2024-09-21T11:55:08+00:00

Tradestand Awards

2024-09-21T11:04:02+00:00

The amazing array of stands at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials was judged on Thursday afternoon by Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill along with Horse Trials Committee Member, Phil Duff.  The September sun really set off the range of stands and the individual characters of the brands exhibiting to the utmost making for a fascinating afternoon. The trade stand award for Best Open Space Stand 2024 was presented to Oxford based Volare Aviation who offer a unique concept in private aviation and investing in or owning a private jet or helicopter. Katie Guilbert, Head of Marketing was delighted the stand won the award, ...

Tradestand Awards2024-09-21T11:04:02+00:00

ICE-COOL GERMAN RIDER LEADS AFTER DRESSAGE

2024-09-20T18:09:21+00:00

Jérôme Robiné, a member of the German Army, has made an assured start to his first visit to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire and leads the CCI4*-L at the end of the dressage phase. Jérôme, 26, scored 22.8 after an excellent performance with his 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Black Ice, a horse he has been riding for four years. They were the only combination from the field of 78 to earn an 80% score from the ground jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL, president), Les Smith and Nikki Herbert. “My horse is really on top of this level at ...

ICE-COOL GERMAN RIDER LEADS AFTER DRESSAGE2024-09-20T18:09:21+00:00

Eventer Challenge and RoR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 2024

2024-09-19T20:44:58+00:00

The Eventer Challenge, presented by Spillers at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, is a hugely popular competition with over 800 riders competing over the two days of competition.  Thursday – day one, is the Riding Clubs’ opportunity to display their talent at both 90cm and 100cm. The competition is a Derby style with a section of eight to ten show-jumps and six to eight cross country fences, plus a joker fence. Each team has four riders who enter the arena following each other, they have to complete the course within an optimum time.   BPIHT Riding Club Eventer Challenge - 100cm ...

Eventer Challenge and RoR Southern Regional Dressage Championships 20242024-09-19T20:44:58+00:00

NEW ZEALAND RIDERS MAKE THEIR MARK ON DAY ONE OF DRESSAGE

2024-09-19T16:55:25+00:00

Day one of competition at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials got underway today and the sun shone brightly over the Palace Arena where the dressage was taking place for the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S for eight-and-nine-year-olds. It was almost a Team Price double going into the lead overnight when at one stage both Tim and Jonelle had the top spots – Jonelle took the lead in the CCI4*-S class heading into the lunch break on Full Monty De Lacense and just after lunch, husband Tim went into the lead on Happy Boy in the CCI4*-L. It didn’t take long though for Louise ...

NEW ZEALAND RIDERS MAKE THEIR MARK ON DAY ONE OF DRESSAGE2024-09-19T16:55:25+00:00
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