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Held at the Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, the International Horse
Trials will take place over the weekend of the 19th to the 21st
September and will feature a display of 40 Middlebridge Scimitars
from across the UK and Europe. The marque, the first of which was
manufactured in 1988, was rolled out over two years and only 78
cars were ever built, including one for The Princess Royal.
The anniversary event will allow spectators to vote for their
choice of the best presented and most interesting car on display,
along with viewing the Horse Trials and the variety of dressage,
show jumping and cross-country phases run throughout each day.
Now in its 19th year of running, The International Horse Trials are
an incredibly popular event. The course, which is designed by
Her Royal Highness and her event organiser Pattie Biden, often
attracts in excess of 500 entries including a selection of riders
from across the world on each day. These usually include the famous
New Zealand trio of Sir Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Blyth Tait.
Princess Anne will present prizes and awards at various times
through both Saturday and Sunday.
Gatcombe Park is situated between Minchinhampton and Avening in
Hampton Fields, approximately six miles north of Highgrove House;
the country residence of The Prince of Wales. The manor house and
estate were purchased in 1976 by the Queen for Princess Anne and
her then-husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
The renovation and redecoration was paid for by The Crown and the
royal couple moved into the premises in November 1977. Further land
was acquired through the purchase of Aston Farm in 1978. When Anne
and Phillips divorced, the two estates were separated and Phillips
lived in the adjoining Aston Farm until his move to the United
States. Peter and Zara Phillips had their own personal cottages
within the estate until their respective engagements and, today,
the Princess Royal lives with her second husband, Sir Timothy
Lawrence, on the estate.
The event will begin at 9.00am each day and admission for
spectators is priced at £6.00 per car and all occupants and an
additional £4 for a programme. For full information on directions,
the selection of trade stalls and shops available and
accommodations, please visit the websites below.
Whatley Manor International Horse Trails at
Gatcombe Park
Middlebridge Scimitars
Image Credits: Mark Fosh, NHC_UHI]]>
