The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is a standout fixture in the eventing calendar, and this year it’s set to be even bigger. With the prestigious Agria FEI Eventing European Championship also taking place at the historic venue, all eyes will be on Blenheim come September.
A stage of this scale brings not only world-class sport, but also the expectation of an exceptional visitor experience, and that includes some of the best shopping in the business.
With less than 50 days to go, we caught up with Kate Walsh, Sales Manager at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, to find out how preparations are shaping up behind the scenes.
Would you be able to briefly explain your role at Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials?
Sure, I’m the Sales Manager for the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, which means I oversee booking in and managing all the trade stands and brands within the shopping village. I also look after some of our wonderful sponsors.
2025 is a big year, with the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials also hosting the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship. How has this impacted your work behind the scenes?
It’s such an exciting year, as you say we are hosting the European Championship, alongside our usual 8 & 9 Year Old Class, sponsored by GFS Saddles and Eventer Challenge, sponsored by evoke™ so there’s a lot going on, and we have the pre booked visitor numbers to prove it! There’s been a real excitement & buzz around the event this year, with a lot of new brands wanting to attend, as well as more European brands than usual.
The shopping village is already almost full with only a handful of stands left – I can’t wait for people to see the 2025 Shopping Village!
The age demographic at the Horse Trials is widespread, with horse-fans, sport-fans and families alike attending. How much time goes into ensuring there is something for everyone?
We spend a lot of time thinking about the overall composition of the shopping village, with great thought going into the choice of brands and products on offer, we have been really choosy about who has been offered a stand this year!
So whether you are looking for fashion, equine, footwear, children’s toys & clothing, alcohol, and food to take back to your campsite during the event, or to even start your Christmas shopping with all the lovely home and gift brands we have there’s something for everyone!
Do you know if there are any rumblings of new launches happening at any of the stands for this year?
Oh yes, I have had quite a few ‘launch’ conversations in the last few months with various different exhibitors so it’s going to be the place to see things for the first time!
What would be your top three must-see exhibitors?
Oh, that’s a hard one, and I hate to choose favourites, but I will say this is the best year yet in terms of choice of products and exciting brands attending since we took over the event in 2023!
Fashion is becoming more and more prominent at these Internationals. Which brands are you most excited to see being worn at the trot-up?
I really liked that Ros Canter choose to wear Ella & Cherry at Badminton, it was nice to see something a little different. I am hoping to see something from Frimble, or Maude & Fox at Blenheim, both of whom are exhibiting for the first time.
And finally, if you were to make your own trot-up outfit, what would you wear?
Gosh, that’s a good question, I’d probably do a mix and match from a few of the exhibitors, including Frimble, Laurie & Jules, Dubarry & Hiho for some fab accessories!
With tickets already beginning to sell out, book yours in advance now to have a stellar weekend witnessing some of the greatest sport, shopping and entertainment on offer. Visit the book now button above for more information.
