What's on in Gloucestershire

Gatcombe Horse Trials

Aug 2009 (annual)

Cost: Various

Hours: 9am

The annual Gatcombe Horse Trials are held in the spectacular setting of Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, home of the Princess Royal and her family. Leading riders from around the world take part, ensuring an exciting and extremely competitive event.

The three stages of the competition include the dressage, which consists of a sequence of movements to test the suppleness and obedience of the horse. The show jumping tests the agility, precision and control of horse and rider over a course of jumps, and in the middle of these two segments is the exciting cross-country competition, which is a series of about 30 timber-built solid (and often terrifyingly large) obstacles, to be negotiated within a time limit.

To ensure that all the family enjoy their day, an array of additional arena attractions and activities takes place over the weekend, encompassing 100 shops, a craft marquee, full catering facilities and licensed bars.

Gatcombe Park

• Health & Leisure
• Bodysensual
• Leisurebreaks