BRAMHAM CELEBRATES 2012 WITH PACKED PROGRAMME
2012 is destined to be an iconic year. Sandwiched neatly between the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the opening ceremony for the London Olympic Games is Yorkshire’s favourite equestrian extravaganza, the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials (7 – 10 June). Top drawer equestrian action in the form of eventing, showjumping, showing and mounted games combine with shopping, a festival of food, adventure area, amazing displays and children’s entertainment zone to bring you ultimate family days out.
If equestrian sport is your thing then you’ll be in heaven. Over 500 horses will take part in a range of competitions over four days in the iconic Yorkshire Park. The feature classes will be the three eventing competitions – and this year they’re more vital than ever as they are the final qualifying opportunity in Britain for the Olympics. The CCI*** takes centre stage while the future stars will contest the Bishop Burton College U25 CCI***. There will also be a CIC*** which always brings top combinations out to play. This will be one of the final chances to see the world’s top riders in action before they head south for the challenge ahead at Greenwich Park – so don’t miss it. Ian Stark has a stunning course planned for this year which is taking shape under the expert craftsmanship of builder David Evans – there are some great new fences to look out for.
There’s also top-class action over the coloured poles over the weekend including the Bramham Classic, the Yorkshire Post Open, the ever popular Mix and Match where event riders and jumpers combined in a fast and furious relay and the finale Wetherby Skips Grand Prix. In the showing ring, the Dodson & Horrell Hunter classes will earn winners a coveted spot at the Horse of the Year Show while there are youngstock and breeding competitions supported by Trot 2 for the future stars. Bramham is proud to host a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier for four and five year olds too.
So, you love the horses but the family or friends aren’t so keen…what can they do? Courtesy of our title sponsors Equi-Trek, there’ll be the chance on Saturday (9 June) to see the acclaimed Red Devils Parachute Display and if action and adrenaline are key ingredients then the Adventure Area is ideal. Have a go on quad bikes, Segways, the bungee trampoline and the chance to truly walk on water with Zorb Balling. For those who enjoy running, why not take part in the ‘Horseless Horse Trials’ and support our charity, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust – details on the website.
Perhaps a sedate stroll round the shopping is more their thing. Over 135 stands come together to make a shopaholic’s paradise. Of course there’s an array of equestrian goodies to choose from but there’s a range of something for all too. And the rural crafts marquee is always the perfect place to find a present for the hard-to-buy-for! For the foodies out there’s a food hall full of gourmet delights to sample and purchase. You could bring your own picnic and find a spot in the park to make your own or try something from our range of eateries including a licensed bar.
Why not make your Bramham visit extra special by becoming a Member to make use of the fabulous facilities – the Bar or the Bistro is the perfect place for lunch. But hurry, the Members Hospitality dining area often sells out. Also proving popular this year are our Camping facilities – what better way to be close to the action than being based in the Park – weekend and season packages are available. We also have full facilities for disabled visitors.
The telephone booking line has just opened so securing your tickets – and early bird discount of free parking – couldn’t be easier. Log on to www.bramham-horse.co.uk and follow the link or contact us by phone on 01937 846017 but remember, the Box Office closes on 28 May. After then, you’ll need to buy your tickets on the gate, and pay £5 per car for parking.
Fancy winning the value of your order back? That’s right, make your trip to Bramham absolutely free! Each advance order either online or by phone will be given a unique booking reference and five will be chosen when the box office closes at the end of May and receive the value of their order back – a great opportunity and you’ve nothing to lose – book now!
Keep up to date with us on our website for all the latest news and ticketing information – plus, did you know we’re on Facebook and Twitter? It’s the perfect way to follow the goings on in the Horse Trials Office, get sneak previews of Ian Stark’s course and see how the Park and staff are preparing for Yorkshire’s largest equestrian event.
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